Three local schools have helped improve our natural environment over the past few weeks, planting over 1500 seedlings as part of National Tree Day activities. Capel Primary School, Busselton Senior High School, and Georgiana Molloy Anglican School enthusiastically put their buckets and shovels to work, transforming open spaces into urban forests. Their efforts have not only contributed to local biodiversity but also inspired a deeper appreciation for nature among the students.
Year 11 and 12 students from Busselton Senior High School braved challenging conditions between storm fronts to plant 400 trees at Holgate Rd foreshore in Busselton. The planting helped to infill an area that had 1000 trees planted at a recent community planting, and the new trees will help to reconnect fragmented habitat that is home to the critically endangered Western Ringtail Possum.
Teacher Louise Mutch and the students applied a thick layer of mulch and fitted biodegradable tree guards to protect the seedlings from wind, pests and the summer sun. The trees were supplied by Busselton Toyota, and thanks to funding from Busselton Water, the seedlings will be watered to get them through the first summer and ensure they establish strong, deep root systems in the sandy soil of the Busselton foreshore.
Over 100 Capel Primary School students from years 2 and 3 put their gloves on and dived into the dirt to plant 500 trees in a previously bare spot at their school. The planting was designed to restore habitat for the Western Ringtail Possum, as well as provide homes for other birds and native wildlife who share the school grounds.
The Georgiana Molloy Anglican School Green Team planted over 700 trees at the historic St Mary’s Anglican Church in Busselton and at the school grounds over 2 planting days. The work at St Mary’s was well-received by the local community as the historic church sits as an entry statement to the center of Busselton.
Max Cussons, Chairman of St Mary’s Precinct Committee, said that St Mary’s had the opportunity to enhance the verge with native plants after several dead peppermint trees adjacent to the verge were removed. “This project was successfully implemented with the knowledge and expertise given by Lisa Massey from GeoCatch and Graeme Sly from Total Horticultural Services,” said Max.
GMAS Green Team student spokesperson Harper was excited at the prospect of being involved in a community project that had immediate environmental benefits. “Planting these native trees gives our native animals somewhere to live and sleep at night. It will also help to keep us cooler in summer and I think it looks great,” said Harper.
Nicole Lincoln from GeoCatch said that without the help of the students, there is no way she could have planted 1500 seedlings alone. “This year’s planting days had a strong community focus, with the school groups stepping up to look after their public open space. It is great to see the students taking ownership and pride in regenerating their surrounding environment for the critically endangered Western Ringtail Possum and other local species,” said Nicole.
Thanks to Busselton Toyota for their ongoing support of GeoCatch’s tree planting activities, and Planet Ark Seedling Bank for making this possible. This project is supported by funding from the Western Australian Government’s State NRM Program. The City of Busselton’s You Choose program funded the St Mary’s garden renewal.
