Making a difference is as easy as one, two, tree. That’s the message behind a new campaign encouraging people of all ages to plant trees and shrubs on their properties.

City of Onkaparinga has made 1400 free plants available to local residents and schools.

Its 'One Tree Per Child Onkaparinga' campaign launched on Earth Day, 22 April.

It aims to increase the region's tree canopy while also creating habitat for the vulnerable yellow-tailed black cockatoo.

One Tree Per Child is a not-for-profit organisation, established by Olivia Newton-John and Jon Dee, which has seen hundreds-of-thousands of trees planted in 10 countries.

The new campaign is a collaboration between the City of Onkaparinga, One Tree Per Child, Green Adelaide, Arborgreen, Trees For Life and Yates Australia.

It’s the first time One Tree Per Child, which encourages every child to plant at least one tree before leaving school, has partnered with a South Australian council.

"For your kids or grandkids, this simple act of tree planting could be their very first act of volunteering or giving back to the community," says Jon Dee, who also founded National Tree Day, Planet Ark and National Recycling Week.

"By allowing them to experience the joy of tending and caring for the tree and watching it grow, you'll also be helping develop the next generation of green thumbs and conservationists."

Onkaparinga Mayor Moira Were emphasises that you don’t need to have kids to take part in the campaign, and that simply by planting a tree – or gifting them to loved ones – you’ll be leaving a legacy for the children of tomorrow.

“Metropolitan Adelaide’s tree canopy is under threat, particularly on private land, and that’s why we’re offering the community the resources, inspiration – and trees – to help cool their properties and provide habitat for wildlife,” she says.

One thousand trees will be available for the community to plant at home. 

A tree giveaway event will be held at Seaford Community Centre on Sunday 2 June (ahead of World Environment Day) and will include a range of fun family activities, information stalls and talks.

One Tree Per Child Onkaparinga will also provide 400 trees to several local schools for students to plant on campus and at home as part of a Green Adelaide education program.

Promoted plants for the inaugural campaign include the Silver Banksia and Drooping Sheoak – both habitat for the yellow-tailed black cockatoo.

“I encourage everyone to access the fantastic resources available at our webpage to find out how you can plant a tree or shrub on your property, where you can source your tree, and what species are suitable this planting season, which runs from April to October,” Mayor Were says.

“Once you've planted, drop a pin on our interactive map so the community can see our collective canopy grow. Let's bring the birds back to our yards!"

Ready to get planting? Head to the council website for all the details.