The day was sponsored by Australian Ecosystems Foundation Inc based at Secret Creek, Lithgow and Featherdale Wildlife Park. The aim of the project is to support 'Save the Koala' efforts in the local area.

The event was organised by assistant manager of AusEcosystems Amber Webb and founding manager of AusEcosystems Trevor Evans.

The original planting of 2000 koala-friendly trees was long overdue because of drought, fires and COVID 19 however, Lithgow Community Nursery was kind enough to sustain the trees until this series of plantings.

A couple of dozen hard-working planters including regular volunteers from Australian Ecosystems Foundation, nine Girl Guides, Lithgow Guides Unit Leader, France Laurenson, and two generous parents of Guides helped out on the day.

Ms Laurenson said Lithgow Guides decided to support Save the Koala Month this year by joining this local foundation in its admirable efforts to strengthen koala populations in the Lithgow area.

"By planting trees compatible to the marsupial's diet, predominantly Eucalypt species, these trees also help increase biodiversity in the area and provide connective corridors to help enable safe natural transit between feeding locations for koalas and other native wildlife," she said.

"Most importantly, these Eucalypts will be directly used to feed koalas in rehabilitation before being released back into the bush and may supplement the diets of koalas in captive environments."

Lithgow Guides are also directly raising money for the Australian Koala Foundation, by running a hamper raffle and participating in a hush-a-thon with all proceeds going directly to help their furry friends.

"Lithgow Guides are keen to be involved in projects which promote worthwhile local, federal and global outcomes," Ms Laurenson said.

"Mentoring young people in environmental stewardship is a particularly important goal, with ongoing positive implications for the future of our area," she said.

Anyone interested in future tree plantings or other environmental conservation projects can contact AusEcosystems at info@ausecosystems.org.au

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