Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Q: What is the basic idea behind an Eco-Program?

A: An Eco-Program is simply a way of giving back to the natural world by planting native trees and sponsoring native animals to help replenish the environment which we all draw resources from.

Q: How do I pick the right tree planting program for my business?

A: You can find all information on tree-a-day or tree-a-week or tree planting events.

Who can fund an Eco-Program?

A: A tree planting and native animal sponsorship program can be organised for any business, individual, domestic home, any organisation or any other activity which may inpact on the environment. We can also organise a tree planting for one-off events such as corporate breakfasts, lunch, dinners or AGM.

One-off tree plantings can be based on a plant-a-tree-per-person for personal events such as weddings, parties or plant-a-tree-per-person for entertainment events or opening nights. For instance, a concert may sponsor one tree for every person who buys a ticket for their opening night and this could be printed on the ticket as a promotion for the concert.

Where do I start if I am interested in sponsoring an Eco-Program?

A: First of all, we suggest you read these Question and Answer sheets and examine the various topics on this website. We feel sure that these will answer most of your questions, however feel free to contact us at any time during the process to clarify any questions that may surface.

Why are these programs based on planting native trees and sponsoring native animals?

A: There are many ways to contribute positively to the environment, but we believe that in Australia, particularly Western Australia, there is a vast amount of land adjacent to Perth that is in desperate need of revegetation. This makes planting native trees an extremely high priority activity and fits in exactly with what is needed at this point in time.

Sponsoring native animals at Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is extremely important as Kanyana receives no funding from the government whatsoever, and relies totally on donations to do their vitally important work. This is a great way to increase funds for Kanyana who work so very hard to protect these animals and urgently need support.

Does Wildly Important Eco-Programs make a profit from the animal sponsorship?

A: No, all funds for the animal sponsorship go directly to Kanyana, or if you sponsor the highly endandgered Western Swamp Tortoise, all funds go directly to Perth Zoo. We are happy to take no fee at all, so the resources all go directly into looking after the wildlife. This aspect of our operation is not-for-profit.

How will I be sure the money I invested went to either Kanyana or the Perth Zoo?

A; You will be issued with an authorized adoption certificate from whoever recieved the funding, with a picture of the particular animal(s) adopted. The animals will also be listed under Native Animal Sponsorship Tab in the navigation bar of this website.

How do I sponsor native animals through this program?

A: For every 100 trees planted, up to 1000 trees (10 animals), Wildly Important will sponsor one animal on behalf of your organisation, for which you will receive a certificate. Thereafter for every 1000 trees, Wildly Important will sponsor one animal. You may also sponsor additional animals.

Does Wildly Important Eco-Programs make a profit from growing the trees?

A; Yes, ultimately, Wildly important Eco-Services is a business and to continue to provide this service long-term means we need to make a profit. Your investment with us needs to cover the propagation of the native trees in a shadehouse and general care and attention in the nursery until they are ready to plant out. Once the seedlings are ready to plant out, we organise the various needs of the site preparation and also employ people to physically plant out the seedlings (unless it is a staff buildling event therfore the trees will be planted by your team - however we still provide extra hands at our expense). We then keep stewardship over the seedlings for 24 months which is long enough for them to get their roots down and to look after themselves. We cover the cost of all this with your investment. We would also like to add that this is also our passion.

I've heard that planting trees can make your business carbon offset or carbon neutral. Do the trees planted in the Wildly Important Eco-Programs make my business 'carbon offset' or 'carbon neutral'?

A: The tree plantings offered by Wildly Important Eco-Programs are not exactly the same as a 'carbon sink' planting but they certainly have the same positive result.

The difference is that 'carbon neutral' plantings are based directly and soley on carbon emmisions from motor vehicles/transport and the carbon emmisions which occur as a result of using electricity. Our philosophy regarding trees and their benefits are identical, however our program is not directly linked to carbon emmisions - though ultimately they do the exact job.

I've heard there is a special covenant required to plant trees that are used to sequester carbon. Is there a covenant on the land used for planting the trees with teh Eco-Programs?

A: All the trees that are planted for carbon sequestration must have a covenant put on the land protecting the trees for 100 years. This greatly restricts where you can plant trees. At Wildly Important we do not put trees on covenanted land - this means we can plant the trees in both private and public spaces and in a variety of shires and locations. We also do not claim that these trees are used for certifiable carbon sequestration - even though they do of course store carbon like any other tree or plant. There will be a written agreement between Wildly Important Eco-Programs and the landholder to outline the care and responsibility issues relating to the trees (see terms and conditions)

Can we organise to claim carbon credits via our trees if we wish?

A: Yes, by special arrangement with Greening Australia, we can arrange to make any planting a carbon certified planting. This will incur additional costs.

More generally, what are the benefits of planting trees to the environment?

A: The benefits to the environment of planting native trees are many and varied and we believe that planting trees is one of the most important things you could possibly do for the environment. Trees are the great panacea of our times - and it is a matter of urgency to plant them! Not only do they filter the air and lock up carbon, they also provide valuable windbreaks, help to arrest salinity by lowering the water table, provide habitat for wildlife, shade the surrounding area and provide shade for people and animals.

How does a tree trap carbon?

A: Through the process of photosynthesis, the carbon in the air is converted into a sugary starch like substance which then becomes one of the main building blocks of the wood and bark. The air released from the trees has a higher level of oxygen in it, as it has been stripped of carbon. This process is one of the most valuable tools we have on the planet for reducing carbon levels in the atmosphere!

How big are the trees planted?

A: The seedlings range from 15-30cms. We plant a variety of large trees which (depending on soil type and rainfall zone) can reach 30-40 meters high with a midstory and understory to create a multi-level biodiverse planting of trees and shrubs. This provides a home for a wider range of lizards, animals and birds. All trees and shrubs are collectively called trees.

Where are the trees planted and I nominate a site for planting?

A: Trees which are part of a tree planted event involving staff of a business or organisation will generally be planted within driving distance from Perth. Trees that we will be planting on behalf of clients will mostly be planted in the shires of Goomalling and Dowerin where there is less than 5% remnant bushland left and salt is becoming more and more of an issue.

We are more than happy to plant trees at alternative sites. This may incur additional costs for site preparation.

Are the seeds collected from the local area?

A: We use a variety of seed stock. Some are collected locally but sometimes this is not possible or a landholder may wish to have a certain type of native tree planted - so it is worked though on a case-by-case basis.

Can the trees planted be cut down for timber or any other commercial use?

A: No. In the Terms and Conditions outlined between Wildly Important Eco-Programs and the landholder it is understood that these trees are for revegetation purposes only and not to be used for any commercial purposes whatsoever. Planting them in a staggered way also makes it virtually impossible to harvest the trees economically.

Can I do an Eco Program just once?

A: We strongly urge all people interested in helping the environment to participate annually. Naturally this is of benefit to the environment but in terms of marketing, your details are kept on our website for one year (minimum) and the dated logos we provide are issued annually. For a one-off event this is obviously not the case unless the event is annual.

How can I be sure my trees have been planted?

A: Depending on the quantity you wish to plant and the location you will have a sign at your planting which you can actually visit. For budget plantings (less than 1000 trees), there will be a list of the names of the sponsors of the trees (which wil be planted in large blocks - not as individual plantings) to help keep the cost to a minumum.

Can I visit my trees?

A: Yes. (see Q: How will I know that my trees have been planted?)

How can I tell my customers that our business has been involved in a tree planting program?

A: We will provide you with certificates for your business and logos to use on your website and your headed paper. We will put you up on our website and include some pictures of the day in our photo gallery. These will remain on for at least 12 months.

Are the trees maintained?

We guarantee their future survival.

What type of trees do you plant and do I get a choice?

We plant a variety of native trees. We chose trees which will best suit the environment we are planting them in. Sometimes we are able to offer a choice of tree and this can be discussed on a case by case basis.

When can tree planting be arranged?

All native trees are planted between autumn and spring of
each year and therefore the actual plantings will occur no later
than 8 months after the sponsorship has been ordered and
deposit received. For tree planting days we can arrange a date within these parameters which suits you.

“Tangible Results for a Happy Future! It’s Wildly Important!”