Coolamon Landcare Group wanted to encourage the local community to reconnect with nature and rediscover the unique biodiversity of Kindra State Forest. The forest had always been well-loved, yet many people were unaware of its rich orchid population and the subtle seasonal changes that make it so special. Driven by curiosity and care, the group…
The Swift Parrot (Lathamus discolor) is a spectacular parrot found across the Riverina and many parts of south-eastern Australia during the autumn and winter months. In spring they migrate a distance of up to 4,000 km to their breeding grounds in Tasmania. With only approximately 750 birds thought to remain in the wild, Swift Parrots…
Hay Plains Landcare delivered an educational Cultural Burn Workshop: Building Drought Tolerance, facilitated by Dean Freeman and the Gugaa Collective to broaden understanding of Cultural Burns to reduce exotic weed, promote native ground cover and increase drought tolerance. Over the two days we shared learning and strengthened Cultural understanding, supporting intergenerational learning and preserving First…
Murrumbidgee Landcare addresses mycology knowledge gap and fosters soil health and ecosystem resilience across the region. Relative to plants and animals, the diversity and significance of fungi is little known. Fungi are frequently referred to as the “Forgotten Kingdom”, yet they are vital in creating and stabilising soils, nourishing and interconnecting plants, recycling nutrients, retaining…
Many young people are passionate about the environment, and want to take action in their lives to better care for nature and live a more sustainable lifestyle. But it can be hard for children to know what to do or where to start. Often the problems seem too big for a young person to be…
Ecologist Martin Driver teaches the Western Riverina the enchanting world of native species regeneration through a series of three Seed Workshops near Tabbita. Native species restoration in the Western Riverina remains a growing practice for landholder and community conservation efforts. Many have identified that drought, floods, fire, overgrazing and uneducated land management choices have diminished…
Young District Landcare was able to generate funding for their Grazing Group through the payments for collecting and sending colonies of dung beetles to Western Australia in a collaboration which saw thousands of live beetles shipped to the other side of the country after being collected on local farms. Murrumbidgee Landcare was approached to participate…
The Community Spotlighting Night engaged locals in learning about nocturnal wildlife and conservation through the Biodiversity Conservation Trust. This event included a guided spotlight walk, expert talks, and a BBQ, offering both education and enjoyment for attendees. Native wildlife populations across the Riverina, especially the Squirrel Glider, are on a steep decline. The continued loss…
Replanting at Yiray garden Children from Tumut Community Preschool’s Gindhay Room visited our local Landcare Nursery for an excursion. The trip aimed to support their project of replanting and expanding the Yiray Garden at their school by sourcing indigenous plants. The children, accompanied by five educators, enjoyed a guided tour, learned about irrigation systems and…
Observing and documenting nature Parental fears about safety and injury, restricted access to natural environments, and the lure of electronic devices contribute to children spending less time outdoors. These reasons and more are contributors to a disconnect between children and nature. Case study 2-7: Discover the Art of Nature: Where Creativity Meets Conservation in the…