Sponsored Trees in the Daintree
 Asuka from Conservation Volunteers Australia |
Our annual tree planting in the Daintree has begun with a target of establishing 9,000 trees by the first week in May. The Daintree National Park will benefit as most of the trees are being planted there, while a few private landholders are also being assisted.
“The project will expand the habitat for the endangered Cassowary,” said Kelvin Davies, CEO of Rainforest Rescue. “This is important not only for the Cassowaries but also for tourism as most visitors want to see the big birds. The trees planted by Rainforest Rescue will also be absorbing carbon from the atmosphere and helping to reduce climate change,” said Kelvin.
The trees being planted were sponsored by individuals from around Australia and internationally. A significant contribution has also been made by the North Queensland Wildlife Trust (NQWT), who has donated a total of $22,500 to Rainforest Rescue for Daintree tree planting since 2008.
The NQWT was established by members of the Freeman family who own and operate Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, Cairns Tropical Zoo and Kuranda Koala Gardens as a vehicle for their visitors to be able to make an active contribution to conservation, particularly the rehabilitation of sick and injured wildlife and the restoration of significant wildlife habitats within the local area. “The support of the NQWT is invaluable and we would not be able to do this without them,” said Kelvin Davies. “We have been planting trees in the Daintree for the past three years with their assistance. It has been great to watch the trees grow, knowing that they are creating habitat for species such as the endangered Cassowary, the primitive Musky Rat-kangaroo, the rare Bennett’s Tree-kangaroo, and the endangered Spotted-tailed Quoll.”
The trees are a wide mix of local rainforest species and were propagated from seeds collected from the Daintree rainforest. The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service have contributed by removing all the weeds on site and local community members and energetic members of Conservation Volunteers Australia are busy planting the trees.
Climate Change and Sustainability Minister Kate Jones paid tribute to Rainforest Rescue and its supporters for their efforts in achieving this year’s ambitious targets. “This is an enormous effort and it wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and tireless efforts of the many people involved,” Ms Jones said. “These trees are an investment in our future and I applaud everyone who’s contributed both money and time to expand the habitat of some of our most vulnerable wildlife.”
To sponsor your tree or for more information, phone Rainforest Rescue on 1300 763 611 or visit www.rainforestrescue.org.au
