Rediscovery Day is celebrated on April 3 each year, being the anniversary of the day in 1961 when Eric Wilkinson brought the possum back from extinction.

Rediscovery Day Picnic

Where the possum was rediscovered

Commencing at 11am we will gather for our annual picnic at the usual Cambarville location, close to where Eric Wilkinson rediscovered the possum on 3 April 1961, 64 years ago!

A Possum’s Tale: book update

The day will involve a (byo) picnic lunch after which Eric will share the latest news on his book, A Possum’s Tale, telling the story of Leadbeater’s discovery, description, apparent extinction and rediscovery. There are guest chapters on its distribution, captive breeding and conservation. The book is almost complete and has been beautifully designed by Linda Bester. It should be finalised for publication later this year.

Great forest, great guide book

Copies of the Great Forest Park Guide will be available ($30) for purchase. This informative book combines spectacular photography and handy maps with forest science and information on activities that can be conducted in Victoria’s Central Highlands. There are also a T-shirt available as well as our own gorgeous 20th Anniversary T-shirts, designed by committee member Rachael Cochrane.

Other news and updates

There will be other possum news including an update on our complaint to the Forest Stewardship Council regarding logging of possum habitat on private property and the Warburton Environment court case, which is to be heard in May.

A special forest walk

After lunch an friend of Friends of Leadbeater's Possum will lead a forest walk passing close to the rediscovery site on the way to the Cumberland Giant (aka The Big Tree).