National Tree Day 2016 highlights value of Western Ringtail Possums
GeoCatch has teamed up with Busselton Toyota to create more habitat for Western Ringtail Possums at Primary Schools in the Geographe Catchment. National School Tree Day at Vasse, Geographe, Capel and Dunsborough Primary Schools will involve planting 1000 seedlings to provide habitat for the endangered species. Busselton Toyota and a grant through the State Government’s NRM Program, Royalties for Regions and supported by GeoCatch, has made it possible to supply native seedlings for four schools to take part in Tree Day this year.
“National Tree Day is the perfect opportunity to connect school kids with the habitat needs of a special animal that lives within our schools,” said GeoCatch’s Jenelle Schult.
Since Planet Ark launched National Tree Day in 1996, more than 22 million native trees and shrubs have been planted.
- Busselton Toyota Dealer Principal, Laurie SaltariniTrees and plants provide more than just environmental and aesthetic value. The payoffs also include health benefits such as improving air quality, reducing stress and promoting physical activity.
This ‘possum habitat’ theme of School Tree Day is a reminder that without suitable habitat, there is a very real risk that Western Ringtail Possums continue to be threatened with extinction.
Staff at Busselton Toyota will visit schools involved with tree day and participate in planting. “This is our fourth year supporting GeoCatch for school tree day and it’s been a great partnership,” said Laurie.
