More than 80 community members braved wet winter conditions to take part in GeoCatch’s annual Community Tree Planting Day at Holgate Road foreshore in Broadwater on Sunday 14 June.
The tree planting day was a great opportunity for people of all ages to come together and plant native seedlings, helping to restore and reconnect important bushland along the foreshore.
Despite some rain, volunteers showed great enthusiasm, planting over 800 local native seedlings well suited to a coastal enviornment, building on the 150 seedlings plants in the area by Year 8 students from Georgiana Molloy Anglican School (GMAS), with GeoCatch the Thursday prior.
The restoration works will help reconnect fragmented habitat and provide vital support for the critically endangered Nguraren (Western Ringtail Possum), as well as creating important urban habitat for birds and other native wildlife.
GeoCatch Executive Manager Drew McKenzie said the day was a strong example of community-driven conservation in action. “It is so uplifting to see many parts of the community coming together to support this planting: from local businesses, school students and community members of all ages working together to create habitat and care for our landscape,” Mr McKenzie said.
Participants were encouraged to bring family and friends along and come prepared with wet weather gear and to get their hands dirty – and the community delivered, with high spirits throughout the morning despite the rain. Volunteers were also rewarded with a free hot drink provided by Tonic by the Bay.
Students from GMAS Eagle House, not only volunteered their time to support the planting effort but also fundraised for the event.
Mr Andrew Bland, Head of Eagle House at GMAS said the students showed great enthusiasm and determination despite the rainy weather. “They didn’t let the conditions slow them down. Raising funds and getting their hands dirty to help plant over 100 native trees was such a rewarding experience, and it’s given them a real sense of pride and connection to caring for their local environment.”
The event built on previous years’ planting efforts along the Holgate Road foreshore and highlighted the importance of ongoing community involvement in restoring local ecosystems.
The event was made possible through generous donations from Broadwater Resort, Tonic by the Bay and a local television production crew, in addition to the funds raised by GMAS students and support provided by Busselton Water and the City of Busselton.
Community members visiting the foreshore can also explore educational signage installed in the area, featuring information about the Nguraren and practical tips on how to help protect this critically endangered species.
