Join us and protect a platypus! Learn about these marvelous creatures and help improve their habitat by removing weeds along Cattai and Blue Gum Creeks (you might even be lucky enough to spot one). *Morning Tea provided.

Cattai Creek is an important tributary of the Hawkesbury River protecting endangered ecological communities and creating habitat for a diversity of species, which include the weird and wonderful platypus! This elusive creature, widely believed to be fake until the late 1800’s, is uniquely Australian and remains one of the world’s most fascinating animals. Excitingly, through the work of the Cattai Hills Environment Group (CHEN) and research from Western Sydney University (WSU), platypus have been rediscovered on Sydney’s doorstep – but they need your help! Platypus numbers are in decline nationally due to a number of stressors which include habitat loss, pest plant and animal species, declining water quality and extreme weather events. This project will make a positive impact by restoring platypus habitat along Cattai Creek and is made possible with support from CHEN, CVA, and WSU.

Duties will include:

• Removing environmental weeds from the riparian zone (the creek bank) will give room for the native plants to take over.
• Using cut and paint method with poison, Glyphosate.
• Plant Identification
• Learn about Platypus Habitat and Threats

Benefits:

• Being part of creating a healthy habitat for platypus
• Getting involved in your local community group can provide opportunities, skills, and knowledge in the environmental space
• Learn about plants and their role in aquatic ecosystems
• Platypus Expert, Danielle Packer will be talking to the group about the platypus and how our efforts will be positively impacting platypus habitat.

A FEW THINGS TO REMEMBER:

• You are required to make your own way to and from the worksite.
• No previous experience is required. We will provide you with all the know-how on site.
• We can provide you with a certificate of appreciation for coming along and helping out (this looks great on a resume!)

Thank you for expressing your interest in CHEN. For Further information about CHEN or Landcare, please email danielle@chen.org.au.