Say hello to local possums

Nature lovers who wanted to get involved in a vital on-the-ground project are invited along to Nature Conservation Margaret River’s Hello Possums event on Saturday. Starting at 1pm at the Margaret River Community Centre, an afternoon of activities will be provided to educate and entertain residents about the region’s endangered western ringtail possum population. The day includes edible art, Aboriginal storytelling and citizen science presentations, while the night offers residents the chance to go on a possum stalk in the Nguraren Kalleep reserve named after the precious local critters. Nature Conservation ringtail project officer Lauren Scanlon said that registrations were essential for some aspects of the event. “It’ll be a fun-filled family day with lots of activities for young and old,” she said. “Learn all about this critically endangered marsupial and how we can live with them.” Among the hands-on activities would be a visit from mascot Ringie the western ringtail possum. “Later in the afternoon, hear from ecologist Ben Ford about Nature Conservation’s western ringtail possum project and the critical research being conducted here in the Margaret River region,” Ms Scanlon said. “Once the sun goes down and the possums emerge, join a night stalk to see these beauties in the wild.” Visit www.natureconservation. org.au to get involved.