The wind rips through the valley. The trees are frantic, swirling this way and then that. Their branches waving wildly. I can hear the wind coming in gusts through the forest. A roar getting louder and louder and then bang… it hits my tree and off we go! My tree bends to the wind, my platform going with it. Although I’ve become used to the sway of my tree, these extreme winds still have me feeling like grabbing onto something and holding tight! The tarp buffeting and blowing against the force of the wind. The rain is pelting down. I hear the loud crack and crash of a tree falling somewhere in the forest. I know that my tree is strong. And so am I. And we will get through this. In moments like this you have to remember the way that the tree deals with it – just let it be, just allow yourself to go with the flow. And so I sit back and watch the beauty and strength of the forest.

Of course at times like this I just have to remember why I’m here and I know that I can get through it. I just think about all the animals that live in this forest and I am reminded of the importance of staying in this tree and being a voice for them. Yesterday was National Threatened Species Day. A timely reminder of the importance of looking after our threatened species. These forests are home to many animals that are on the Tasmanian threatened species list, including Tasmanian devils, spot tail quolls, masked owl, wedge tail eagles and goshawks.

A group of primary school children in Cygnet, in southern Tasmania, got together for national threatened species day.  It’s so inspiring to hear from young voices in the community about their ideas on how we can all help to look after wildlife and threatened species. Check out the media release below, from Cygnet Public School’s teacher aide Shaun Douglas:

NATIONAL THREATENED SPECIES DAY AT CYGNET PUBLIC SCHOOL

Yesterday at Cygnet Public Primary School a group of students gave up their lunchtime for National Threatened Species Day to talk about threatened and injured wildlife in Tasmania. While they were painting a banner with their messages for other students who don’t live near the bush, Shaun Douglas, a grade 6 Teacher’s Aide interviewed the group and this is what they had to say:

Why is it important to you to know more about threatened wildlife?
(Jaia, grade 2) “If you see an animal that’s injured you can look after it and help it get better.”

What are some ways that wildlife in Tasmania are injured or threatened?
(Imogen, grade 4) “When they try to cross a road sometimes they get hit and they don’t always die straight away and they might have a baby.”
(Maxi, grade 2) “If people burn hollow logs.”
(Somara, grade 3) “People might cut down too many trees near where the animals live and then they don’t have their homes anymore.”

What can YOU do to be more considerate of threatened species’ and their habitats?
(Amber, grade 3) “We can learn how to look after the injured wildlife. They need to be calm if they’re hurt so they don’t get scared and die.”

The group have decided to keep meeting after class when school gets back in Term 3. If you are down South and interested to get involved here are some links and organizations that may be of interest to you. Or you can call Shaun at Cygnet Primary School in two weeks on 62951241.

Banner made by Cygnet School students