Platypus planting day open to all

COMMUNITY members are invited to join Moorabool Catchment Landcare Group members at their annual platypus planting day.

The event, held along the banks of the Moorabool River at Morrisons, aims to improve habitat for platypus and other native wildlife.

Attendees will help plant native species and learn about platypus conservation.

“What we are aiming to do is to plant…a mixture of trees, shrubs and grasses,” Moorabool Catchment Landcare Group coordinator Jackson Cass said.

“In particular we are looking to improve the platypus habitat in this area.”

Through using environmental DNA in 2021, Landcare volunteers discovered that the stretch of river is home to platypus.

The non-invasive sampling technique detects genetic material from a targeted species including skin, faeces and urine.

This year is the fourth platypus planting day and the second to be held at the Morrisons site.

“Native vegetation is really important because that’s what native bugs and also native animals have evolved with,” Mr Cass said.

“At this site there’s also quite a lot of blackberry and willows which are introduced species that we’ve been controlling over the last few years.”

Moorabool Catchment Landcare Group treasurer and Morrisons local Julie Keating encouraged the community to get involved.

“I think it’s a great way to introduce people to an area that they can have an impact on and that gets them more connected with their country and their landscape,” she said.

No prior planting experience is needed, and morning tea, plants, tools, and guidance will be provided.

Attendees are asked to bring sturdy shoes or gumboots, warm clothes, a rain jacket, a beanie, gloves, snacks, and a change of clothes for the trip home.

The event will be held on Saturday 16 August from 10am until 1pm at the Moorabool River crossing on Dollys Creek Road, Morrisons.