National Tree Planting Day is observed on the first Friday of October each year and this year it will be Friday, October 1. As the day approaches, the Forestry Department is again encouraging everyone to get involved and plant a tree.

National Tree Planting Day began in 2003 and invites every member of society to come together for the sole purpose of planting trees.

The eight-year-old tree planting initiative is aimed at promoting the value of trees while giving everybody an opportunity to contribute to the island's natural resources, while beautifying their surroundings through tree planting.

The day is being observed this year under the theme 'Plant a Tree for your Community'.

"This year's theme speaks to everyone to play his or her part, whether it is planting a tree for your school community, work community, church community, business community or the community where you live," Marilyn Headley, CEO and conservator of Forests at the Forestry Department said.

Trees provide a myriad of benefits including absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen for people to breathe; cleaning the air by trapping dust and smoke particles; increase property value and also aid in soil conservation.

To encourage persons to be part of the day's activities the Forestry Department is giving away ornamental tree seedlings to the public to plant on the day. In addition, a limited number of fruit trees are available for sale. Among the tree species available are: Spanish Elm, Poinciana, Pink Poui, Yellow Poui, Pride of Barbados and Poor Man's Orchid.

The day was first observed as part of the Forestry Department's celebration of its 65th year of exemplary service to the island of Jamaica. Over the years the event has been staged, many schools, non-governmental organisations, community-based organisations, service clubs, government agencies, private sector firms and other interested groups have participated in this islandwide event.

In 2003, approximately 7000 seedlings were planted across Jamaica. Based on the tremendous response to the 2003 event and amidst calls for a repeat of the day's activities, the department decided to make National Tree Planting Day an annual event.

Since the inaugural staging of National Tree Planting Day more than 50,000 seedlings have been distributed islandwide.