Western Power and GeoCatch get their hands dirty for the possums
Release Date: 13 August 2009
Western Power's Environment Team got together with GeoCatch to improve the habitat of threatened Western Ringtail Possums in the Busselton area last week.
The Ringtail Possums use the local peppermint trees as habitat and foraging grounds in and around Busselton town.
Western Power's Environment Team partnered with GeoCatch to plant habitat trees and shrubs in order to link existing foraging trees adjacent to the Busselton Yacht Club.
"The plantings will allow the possums to move along the ground and from tree to tree to seek out food and habitat whilst staying safe from predators such as cats and dogs," said John McKinney from GeoCatch.
The Western Power volunteers planted approximately 600 native seedlings as part of a revegetation plan for the area on July 29.
Western Power provided the people power for the all day event and GeoCatch provided the seedlings.
"We rely on volunteers and community partnerships to ensure that we achieve the best outcome for the possums in the area.
"The possums are classified as Vulnerable, which means that without human intervention they are in danger of becoming extinct, so Western Power involvement is very important," John said.
Western Power's organiser of the day, Lisa Edwards said the planting assists the possums to survive in what is essentially an urban environment which means they share space with trees and power poles.
"This is great way to help the possums to coexist with humans," said Lisa.
The day also served as an opportunity for Western Power staff to exchange information with GeoCatch.
"We were able to pass on some important information about pruning that will help the local peppermint trees to thrive for the possums whilst maintaining safe distances from power lines," said Lisa.
Lisa said the day was also a great morale boost for the team.
"Everyone had a great time and it was really good for the team to work together and get their hands dirty for the possums," Lisa said.
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