We're planting up to 1 million trees across Victoria as part of efforts to make these Games the first event of its kind to be carbon neutral. (Or in other words, to make sure hosting the Games doesn't add to the greenhouse gas emissions already in the atmosphere).

The trees will act as 'carbon sponges', soaking up the equivalent emissions that we've calculated to be generated through air travel, cars, electricty and other sources connected with the Games.

Get your hands dirty

We found plenty of helpful volunteers to help us plant some of these trees. Community Planting Days were held in 11 locations across Victoria from July - October 2005 at the following sites and dates

• Bachus Marsh August 14
• Ballan August 23, 24, 30, 31, September 4, 13
• Benalla October 26
• Bendigo September 9
• Casterton September 2, 3, 4
• Darebin July 9, 10, 19, 26, August 2
• Geelong August 13
• Hamilton October 2, 3
• Kyneton October 29
• Maffra October 1, 2
• Morwell September 14
• Wonthaggi September 25
• Benalla October 15
• Swifts Creek October 29
• Violet Town September 6

Tree growers

Schools, scout troops, households and conservation groups are helping to grow around 25,000 seedlings that will ultimately be planted as part of the 1 million trees. Once they've sprouted and matured, the seedlings will be returned and sent to Ballan (in Victoria's north west) to be planted.

As well as the practical difference to the number of trees we're able to plant for the Games, it's hoped these volunteers can help inspire others to propagate seedlings in the future. To find out more, contact Tree Project.