Tree Canada is in need of volunteers from the Saint John region who are willing to get their hands dirty.

A tree planting event will take place in the Glen Falls neighbourhood on Wednesday as part of National Tree Day.

Robert Henri, director of communications and marketing, said they hope to plan up to 600 trees “on a large patch of green space encircled by houses that needs a few trees.”

“These aren’t just seedlings, these are more mature trees, they’re urban trees,” said Henri. “They’ll be able to withstand the pressures of growing within an urban environment.”

Saint John is one of 12 communities that will host tree planting events on Wednesday through Tree Canada.

Henri said sites are assessed by a Tree Canada expert and a local partner — in this case, ACAP Saint John.

“We also secure the trees for this and make sure they are native species of trees that will be adapted to the soil and the climate of that area to ensure they have the best chance of growing hold,” he said.

In total, Henri said they are hoping to plant 5,000 trees this year alone, building on the more than 10,000 they have added since 2011.

“Urban trees are really important to help our communities and the people who live there to live better lives. Trees are beautiful, they help our mental health, they help our general well-being,” he said.

Planting trees is also a practical and economical way to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change, he said.

Those interested in taking part in a National Tree Day event are asked to register online by clicking here.

The Saint John event will take place from 4 to 6 p.m., and volunteers are asked to meet at 83 Rayland Street.