Trees planted for koalas
In the not too distant future koalas at Gumbuya World will be dining on tasty eucalypts thanks to the work of the Cannibal Creek Catchment Landcare Group and students from Pakenham Secondary School.
Under the watchful eye of Landcare group members, students planted hundreds of trees on land adjacent to Gumbuya World Tynong North last week.
The program was organised through the school’s VCAL program co-ordinated by teachers Allison Barrie, Seana Latham and Brigitte Krstic.
About 1000 trees have been planted and a further 1000 will be planted before winter.
The species are popular with koalas including blackwood wattle, swamp gum, black peppermint and mountain grey. Only established branches are used for the koalas’ diet.
Within about four years the trees will be established and able to be harvested in stages for feeding.
Twenty four students took part in last week’s planting.
The morning planting program was followed by lunch at Gumbuya World and a tour of the wildlife centre.
Other plantings have been undertaken in conjunction with the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority.
The landcare group is celebrating its 27th year but unfortunately is still waiting to celebrate its 25th year.
Plans for celebrations two years ago were cancelled because of the Bunyip Complex fire.
A second attempt in February this year was thwarted at the final hour when Victoria went into a short sharp lockdown as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Secretary Pam Cunningham hopes a celebration will be held later this year when members are confident a date will not be disrupted again.