The tree planting program, “Trees for Wildlife” works with Land for Wildlife landholders, often in the ‘Working Towards’ category, who have land that has been previously degraded or cleared who would like to restore wildlife habitat, with a focus on the Black-footed Tree Rat.

A list of  native plant species that support the Black-footed Tree-rat was made using data from fauna experts on the diet and habitat requirements of the rat. The plants to be grown  were also selected for ease of propagation, those commonly found in our Savannah woodland in the Darwin to Adelaide River region and plants that were both mid story fruiting and flowering food plants and larger over story habitat plants that could later make tree hollows.

The species selected includes a variety of taller Eucalypts, Ironwoods, Canariums, Milkwoods, Peanut Tree and the favoured Pandanus Spiralis (Black-footed Tree-rats love the seeds) Mid-story fruiting plants include the Red Bush Apple (Syzygium suborbiculare), Billy Goat Plum (Terminalia ferdiandiana), Kapok (Cohleospermum fraseri) Green Plum (Buchanania obovata); some Acacias and Grevilleas are also included.

 The seed for the 18,000 trees are being wild harvested by the Green Army with Assistance from Greening Australia and the team have also propagated the plants.  Along the way the fantastic young people, that make up this Green Army team have received training in conservation land management and horticulture skills.