Geographe Bay seagrass meadows are in overall healthy condition according to the Keep Watch report which summarises 10 years of data collected by scientists as part of the ‘Keep Watch’ seagrass monitoring program.

Each summer, scientists from Edith Cowan University join divers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions to monitor the seagrass meadows at eight sites across Geographe Bay.

Associate Professor Kathryn McMahon from Edith Cowan University says scientists have identified no major concerns regarding seagrass health. There have been fluctuations in seagrass shoot density but no significant trends of decline, and no management triggers breached.

Local schools again celebrated National Tree Day by planting over 1000 trees across Busselton and Dunsborough. Over 150 students took part to connect with nature and learn more about conservation thanks to the support of Busselton Toyota, SWCC and the National Landcare Program.

Students from Capel Primary, Geographe Primary and Cornerstone Dunsborough and Busselton were happy to get up close and personal with their natural environment.

Tree planting is helping the survival of an iconic local species, the critically endangered western ringtail possum, whose biggest threat is habitat loss and fragmentation.

GeoCatch project officer, Nicole Lincoln, said the students love the opportunity to get their hands dirty for a worthy cause.

“You have to admire the enthusiasm of these young students, who are proud to be actively caring for their local environment,” she said.

Wild weather did not deter young Scotch students from Perth and local families from planting at our community planting day in June. Expectations for the turnout were low given the challenging weather conditions. The event went ahead however as families and students, unfazed by the wet conditions, turned up ready to plant trees.

Native seedlings were planted at Dolphin Road Foreshore to provide future habitat for the critically endangered western ringtail possum. The seedlings were planted next to the 2019 and 2020 planting sites where 2000 possum-friendly plants are now established and looking healthy.

GeoCatch project officer, Nicole Lincoln, said that planting trees was a popular way for the community to give back to the local environment.

“Engaging in projects that have a legacy in the community can provide a real sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. They are also a lot of fun and a free source of endorphins!” said Nicole.

Keen gardeners enjoyed making great soil mixes for pots and gardens at an outdoor workshop held in autumn in the newly beautified Kent Street Laneway in the City Centre.

Led by Chris Ferreira from The Forever Project, participants got their hands dirty getting their soil mix right and planting up pallet planters with native shrubs, trees, herbs and vegetable seedlings.

“It was great to see local gardeners working together and learning practically how to garden in a way that can protect our waterways and Geographe Bay,” said Bay OK gardens officer, Lisa Massey.

Workshop participants learnt how to add clay to sandy soil and the benefits of soil wetter and mulch in transforming sand into soil.

An unlikely fusion of sustainable gardening, superheroes and men’s mental health brought the community together for a special screening of Marvel’s Black Widow in July.

The movie fundraiser event was presented by the GeoCatch Garden Guardians of the Bay campaign, which promotes urban gardening behaviours that protect the health of Geographe Bay. The campaign portrays six local ‘heroes’ who follow key gardening behaviours to keep the Bay OK.

Continuing with the superhero theme, Black Widow was chosen to celebrate Garden Guardians and extend the messages to new audiences.

The event raised $600 for The Man Walk Busselton; another group of real-life super heroes. The Man Walk provides an opportunity for men to get together to walk, talk and support each other in a regular and healthy way.

Over 50 gardeners attended our Bay OK gardening workshop in Vasse earlier this month to learn about creating healthy soil in the garden.

The event featured 6PR garden show presenter Sue McDougall, who shared tips for improving soil to promote plant growth.

Sue showed participants how adding organic matter to the soil improves soil structure and supports soil biology. Sue emphasised the importance of composting manures before applying them to the garden, to benefit plants and prevent nutrients reaching local waterways.

“Composted manures are partially decomposed, therefore they quickly become part of the soil and plants can access their nutrients over time,” she said.