People who hold the health of the environment close to their hearts will be out in force this weekend, lending their support to their natural surrounds as part of National Tree Day celebrations.

Event hosts Planet Ark are hoping one million new native trees and shrubs will be planted by more than 300,000 volunteers across the country.

Among the local activities of Australia’s largest community tree planting event are plantings at Mahacca Park, Albany Creek on 31 July and near Bunya Crossing Park, Eatons Hill on 1 August.

The events are by the Men of the Trees group and the Pine Rivers Catchment Association.

Marion Goward from Men of the Trees said the group planned to plant a number of lomandra to protect the banks of the Albany Creek, as well as planting, mulching and watering of up to 1500 shrubs and trees for wildlife.

When it comes helping the environment, the Pine Rivers Catchment Association also has the runs on the board.

In the last nine years volunteers have removed weeds from over 62 hectares of a rainforest corridor along the South Pine River, stretching from the D’Aguilar range to the mangroves at Boondall wetlands.

Community members have also have planted more than 107,000 native seedlings throughout the area.

Planet Ark spokesperson Rebecca Gilling encouraged parents to urge their children to take part in a tree planting event in their neighbourhood.

“It is a great opportunity for families to experience the wonders of our natural surroundings,” she said.

“The future of our planet really lies in the hands of our children so getting them outdoors and involving them in a fun and simple activity such as planting a tree, will hopefully transpire into a life filled with positive environmental actions.”

The Albany Creek planting is on from 9am to midday, while the Eatons Hill planting runs from 8am to 11.30am. Volunteers are asked to bring their own digging tools.

National Tree Day activities are also being held at Caboolture, Kallangur, Morayfield, Burpengary, Bridgeman Downs and Petrie.

To find your nearest tree planting site visit http://treeday.planetark.org/