Rainforest Rescue’s ‘Plant a Rainforest’ projects replant previously cleared areas of rainforest and establish habitat for the plants and animals endemic to that specific ecosystem. The work at NightWings Rainforest Centre has transformed fifteen hectares of ex-sugarcane fields into a thriving rainforest habitat to protect precious biodiversity.

The story so far

In 2015, Rainforest Rescue was approached by landowner Annie Schoenberger, owner and founder of NightWings Rainforest Centre and devoted bat carer, with a bold vision to restore fifteen hectares of ex-sugarcane farmland into thriving Daintree lowland rainforest.

In 2016, with the help of volunteers and business partners, we held the first of many annual community tree planting days at NightWings.

Since then, over 115,000 trees have been planted at NightWings by Rainforest Rescuers, repairing this once-cleared land and turning it into a rich, diverse habitat once more. We also revived a wetland area to draw in the wildlife.

Now, ten years on, we’re proud to say the restoration of NightWings is complete, and Annie’s dreams are becoming reality – the property is now a dedicated wildlife-friendly sanctuary with a small section of land set aside for a low impact, ecologically sustainable Visitor, Education and Interpretive Centre, and a Bat Hospital.

The final planting day – a record-breaking celebration

On 17 May 2025, 183 Rainforest Rescuers gathered at NightWings for our final Annual Community Tree Planting at this site. It was a day to remember.

Under a bright Far North Queensland sky, volunteers, supporters, conservation and business partners joined landowner Annie Schoenberger and Bennett Walker, Julay warra Elder and Traditional Owner of the land, to plant the final trees at NightWings.

Annie planted a native fig, a favourite food of the Spectacled Flying Fox – the very species that inspired her vision for NightWings more than a decade ago. Bennett planted a Black Palm, a species deeply connected to his family and culture.

The energy was electric, the atmosphere celebratory and in just 25 minutes 3,300 trees were planted, making it Rainforest Rescue’s fastest and largest community planting to date.

Trees Are The Answer

Most of the more than 150 tree species planted at NightWings are fruiting varieties that attract birds and bats, helping to disperse seeds to surrounding rainforest and accelerating natural regeneration. These trees were propagated and prepared at our Native Nursery.

Some of the oldest trees now stand over 10 metres tall. The ground vegetation is thick and lush, and insects, lizards and birds are repopulating this rainforest wonderland. The success of the planting has created a corridor connecting the lowland Daintree, upland rainforest, and coast – making way for wildlife to return.

In November 2018, a juvenile Southern Cassowary was spotted at NightWings – the first sighting of the species south of the Daintree River in over forty years. In July 2022, another juvenile was seen. The return of this keystone species is living proof that restoration truly works.

“I’m incredibly proud and so grateful of what’s been achieved on NightWings. We know of two cassowaries that were born on or near the property and roam the land now. Two echidnas are residents as well. And the bats, of course, have breakfast for miles. That what it’s all about.“

– Annie Schoenberger, owner of NightWings Rainforest Centre

The environmental benefits are clear. Water quality testing has shown that the replanted rainforest has significantly reduced sediment and turbidity flowing into nearby waterways – an important outcome for the health of the Great Barrier Reef.

“We’re very pleased to partner with Rainforest Rescue and work together to expand coastal rainforest habitat while also improving water quality for the benefit of a healthier reef.”

– John Rumney, the late and great founder of Great Barrier Reef Legacy

NightWings is now a dedicated wildlife-friendly sanctuary. A small section of land is reserved for a low-impact, ecologically sustainable visitor, education and interpretive centre – and a bat hospital.

Once reforestation is fully stabilised, NightWings will apply for Nature Refuge status to ensure permanent protection of this special area.

With thanks to those who’ve come to our NightWings tree planting days

From humble beginnings in 2015 to our final planting in 2025, your support made this project possible.

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