Promoting life on the wild side

THE Maryknoll Wildlife Shelter and the Western Port Catchment Landcare Network teamed up recently to provide information to the public on ways to interact with local wildlife and help create better habitats.
The field day took place on Sunday, 14 May at Peppermint Ridge Farm in Tynong North and involved a range of activities that included a workshop on how to make possum parlours and advice on caring for injured wildlife.
The coordinator of Western Port Catchment Landcare Network (WPCLN), Julie Weatherhead, said the day was organised to help educate the community on various wildlife issues and at the same time promote a handson approach to learning.
“One of the purposes of WPCLN is to encourage people to create the right habitat for all the different wildlife on their property,” Ms Weatherhead said.
“A highlight of the day was the release of a rehabilitated possum, from Maryknoll Wildlife Shelter, into a specially designed cage that should ensure the final stage of the animal’s recovery goes to plan.
“We also took quite a few applications for the Landcare Project on the day and these people will receive free plants and protection covers.
Maryknoll Wildlife Shelter was also on hand to advise people on what they should do if they find an injured or orphaned animal.
Shelter coordinator Jenny Mattingley explained it was important to know what to do if someone came across an injured animal in the wild and who they should call.