Reconnecting with Nature: The Power of Children Planting Trees for Endangered Species

Bruny Island
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to forget the simple joys and profound lessons that come from spending time in nature. There is something truly magical about children connecting with the natural world—a connection that nurtures not only their hearts but also the planet.

Imagine a group of eager young hands planting trees, each sapling a hopeful promise for endangered species struggling to survive. Recently, as part of National Tree Day,  the young children of Bruny Island District School joined forces with the Threatened Woodland Bird Projects Andrew Hingston to plant Eucalyptus viminalis to create much needed habitat for the endangered 40 Spotted Pardalote. This isn’t just gardening; it’s a powerful act of love and responsibility. 

Through the simple act of getting hands dirty and planting a tree we are:

 - teaching kids about the importance of biodiversity,

- encouraging hands-on care for our environment,

- fostering empathy for creatures big and small.

 

Planiting with the kids on Bruny
Tree planting day at Bruny Island - Photo by Claire Gorman
Lottie (grade 3) “I loved planting trees with Andrew Hingston. I love my garden because I’m surrounded in nature.”
Bruny kids trees
Connecting with nature through planting trees at Bruny- Photo by Claire Gorman
Alba (grade 2) “I feel connected to nature because I like to sit under the big tree.”
Tree planting on Bruny with the kids
Bruny kids getting their hands dirty on tree planting day- Photo by Claire Gorman

We are planting more than trees—we are planting seeds for a healthier future. When children learn to care for nature, they become lifelong guardians of our planet.

Working hard planting
Bruny kids planting trees on Bruny Island- Photo by Claire Gorman
Rosie (grade 3) “ When I climb my tree, I feel amazed of how big our world is. I love nature because it helps me calm my body and makes me feel safe, comfortable and loved. Thank you Andrew for coming to school and planting trees with me”.

Tree planting with school children is nothing new at Bruny School.  Down in Pardalote Patch the students have been planting Eucalyptus viminalis for the past three years, expanding on an area of revegetation that was started generations ago.  How beautiful to think that a child might be planting a tree in the same area that their mother or father planted trees when they were a student at the school.

Join us as we explore how these tiny tree planters reflect on their experience of tree planting and connecting with nature.

Bruny Kids & Nature
Bruny Kids & Nature

Claire Boost
Claire Boost
Claire is a Bruny Island teacher who has been educating in, about and for the environment...


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