Jurassic trees added to Billion Trees Program tally

Bayer Australia has added some rare and ancient trees to the Billion Trees Program tally after planting 120 Wollemi Pines in a wildlife sanctuary north of Sydney.

It was presumed the Wollemi Pine had become extinct during the time of the dinosaurs, but a colony was discovered in 1994. The discovery is seen as the equivalent of finding a live dinosaur.

As the precise location of the original colony remains a closely guarded secret, this will be the first time people will be able to visit a colony of the Wollemi Pine as it grows in the wild.

Planet Ark founder, Jon Dee, who helped organise the Bayer sponsorship said that the planting of this colony at Australia Walkabout Park is a significant development for Australia’s environmental heritage and should ensure that many more Australians learn the Wollemi Pine story.

The environment in which the Wollemis have been planted is protected from feral pests, as the trees are surrounded by a 2 metre electric fence.

Senior Australian Bayer Representative, Mr Michael Walleneit said that Bayer was excited to add such a rare and mysterious tree to the Billion Trees Program.