National Tree Day Marked with Planting by Antarctic Explorer at Glenrock
- intouch Magazine
- Aug 4, 2023
- 1 min read
Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison MP joined Antarctic explorer Dr Gareth Andrews to mark National Tree Day on Sunday 30 July.
Dr Andrews, a Sydney-based anaesthetist and Ambassador for the scouting movement, achieved his dream of reaching the geographic South Pole in Antarctica in January 2023, with New Zealand doctor Richard Stephenson.
During their quest, they collected 66 days of critical climate and meteorological data and inspired young people, in the scouting movement and Australia-wide, to adventure.
The plantings included an Antarctic Beech and Podocarpus.
“The Antarctic Beech at Glenrock Scout Camp will be an enduring inspiration for the young people of Charlestown, and those who visit the camp, to industry and adventure,” Minister Harrison said.
“It was a very fitting way to mark National Tree Day and recognise the importance of our environment.
“It was also an opportunity to recognise the work of John Le Messurier and his 42 years of work in transforming Glenrock’s gardens into a haven for native birds and animals.”
The planting christened Mr Le Messurier’s golden spade, which was awarded to him as the prize for being named the ABC Australian Gardener of the Year in 2018.
Mr Le Messurier’s said, at the time that Australia separated from Antarctica about 50 million years ago, it would have been a verdant rainforest growing these species.
“It is particularly meaningful to have someone who has completed such an amazing journey across Antarctica to the South Pole plant these species as part of National Tree Day,” he said.
