Squirrel Glider Plantout a Soaring Success in Ledcourt
9 August 2025 – Project Platypus planting
Sunshine, community spirit, and 40 eager volunteers set the stage for an unforgettable day in Ledcourt, as Project Platypus hosted its very first plantout event for the Tail of the Squirrel Glider project. “With perfect weather and the group’s high energy – we really couldn’t have asked for a better day”, said Phoebe Nowell-Usticke, Project Coordinator at Project Platypus. “From start to finish, it was a true community effort, and everyone left feeling like they’d been part of something important.”
The planting site was located just 100 metres from a recent squirrel glider sighting, making the planting all the more relevant. Thanks to the incredible turnout, the team not only planted over 1,000 native trees and shrubs, they did it in record time.
Morning tea kicked things off, followed by a planting demonstration, and seedling guard assembly. By lunch, the bulk of the planting was already done, and the site was transformed into a budding new habitat for the prospective local glider population!
Project Platypus staff were on hand throughout the day, enjoying chats with volunteers and sharing insights about the broader goals of the Tail of the Squirrel Glider project. The connections made have already sparked some exciting future collaborations – watch this space!
What’s Next?
Project Platypus is inviting expressions of interest for night-time wildlife surveys!
As part of our ongoing “Tail of the Squirrel Glider” project, we’re planning a series of nighttime surveys across the Northern Grampians region. Guided by Project Platypus staff, with the help of spotlights and thermal imaging technology, these walks will explore the hidden world of squirrel gliders and other nocturnal wildlife.
Sign up if you are:
Curious about nature and the protection of squirrel gliders!
Keen to contribute to real conservation work
Comfortable walking off-track for a few hours at night
Register your interest here: https://forms.gle/hR3hL1zjTtWF74id8
And don’t forget – our Annual General Meeting is scheduled for the 17th October, with more details to be released soon.
To stay up to date on upcoming events and get involved, visit our Facebook page and website at projectplatypus.org.au
Article supplied by Phoebe Nowell-Usticke
See FOGG website for more information.