Celebrating and supporting National Tree Day
National Tree Day’s 30th anniversary will be celebrated on 26 July. An initiative of Planet Ark, this is Australia’s largest tree planting and nature care event and the aim this year, with the help of the community, is to plant one million native trees.
One of 30 stories selected by Planet Ark to mark the anniversary is that of the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Urban Landcare Group.
The towering trees in Boranup Forest, Margaret River, are up to 400 years old. Imaged supplied by Tourism Western Australia.
Emma Lucey, Senior Partnership Communications Specialist for Planet Ark 2 writes:
Operating out of Australia’s largest outback city in Western Australia’s Goldfield region, the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Urban Landcare Group (KBULG) has been hosting Tree Day plantings since it all began back in 1996.
In the lead-up to National Tree Day 2026, we’re shining a light on this incredible group to inspire others to host their own site and make a positive environmental impact for local communities.
In addition to their annual National Tree Day events, this dedicated community group has been regenerating the local environment for over five decades. KBULG originates from an environmental movement in 1972 when the Goldfields Dust Abatement Committee (GDAC) was formed to mitigate severe dust storms by fencing off areas, planting trees and monitoring air quality.
Over time, the GDAC extended its focus from advocating for dust suppression to sustainable land management and environmental education, eventually evolving into the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Urban Landcare Group which today operates out of Karlkurla Bushland Park, one of the original six regeneration zones and now a Class A nature reserve.
Led by CEO Kim Eckert, KBULG places a big focus on environmental education and aims to inspire their local community to be environmentally aware and active.
Kim Eckert makes a valuable contribution to the WA Parks Foundation as a committee member and Park Ambassador.
