GeoCatch will come together with the community this Sunday 4th June to plant habitat for the critically endangered western ringtail possum.
Volunteers will be planting 1,000 native seedlings including a sedge which is important for the western ringtail possum. They use the sedge to move safely away from predators and to shelter from heat.
“We hope to improve habitat for the critically endangered western ringtail possum and to provide the community with the opportunity to be part of the solution” said GeoCatch Natural Resource Officer Nicole Lincoln.
The nature care efforts are being made possible by a grant from Planet Ark’s Seedling bank program in the lead up to the organisation’s National Tree Day campaign. The program launched in 2019 with the goal of supplying native seedlings to schools and community groups participating in National Tree Day activities across the country.
“The Seedling Bank is our way of giving back to the thousands of Australian volunteers who roll up their sleeves each year to give something back to the environment as part of National Tree Day,” said Rebecca Gilling, Planet Ark CEO.
“We have already directly supported over 132 groups in their efforts to plant almost 80,000 native trees, shrubs and grasses since the program’s inception.”
Western ringtail possums are only found in the south-west of Western Australia. They build nests or resting places called ‘dreys’ from foliage. The team will be planting canopy trees and native understorey to support the possum with their efforts to build a home.
“Our species list will compliment last year’s planting to provide a full species range on site,” said Lincoln.
Schools Tree Day (July 28) and National Tree Day (July 30) are Australia’s largest annual tree-planting and nature care events, with plantings taking place across the country on the last weekend of July.
National Tree Day is an initiative organised by Planet Ark in partnership with major sponsor Toyota Australia and its Dealer Network. For more information and to find events in your local area, please visit treeday.planetark.org.
Key Facts:
- GeoCatch will come together with the community this Sunday 4th June to plant habitat for the critically endangered western ringtail possum.
- Volunteers will be planting 1,000 native seedlings funded by Planet Ark's Seedling Bank program
About us:
Planet Ark Environmental Foundation is an Australian not-for-profit organisation with a vision of a world where people live in balance with nature. Established in 1992, it is one of Australia’s leading environmental behaviour change organisations with a focus on working collaboratively and positively. Planet Ark promotes and creates simple, positive environmental actions – for everyone.
Contact details:
Nicole Lincoln
GeoCatch Natural Resource Officer
0491 069 078
Nicole.lincoln@dwer.wa.gov.au
Jennifer McMillan
Communications Manager, Planet Ark
0421 031 369
jennifer@planetark.org
