Bush Heritage News www.bushheritage.org.au

Summer 2008 In this issue Volunteering at Cravens Peak • The Kosciuszko to Coast landscape partnership • Wildfl ower season at • 2008 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

ENDANGERED Nearly 1600 species of plants and animals are listed as nationally threatened. You can help save them – see back page for details.

Creating the herbarium at Cravens Peak Volunteers Max and Margaret includes managing camel incursions The fi eld herbarium project was Bourke discuss their experiences from the Northern Territory, maintaining established to complement work volunteering at , boundary fences and minimising the undertaken by the Royal Geographic where they helped set up the herbarium impact of bushfi res, especially in the Society of Queensland in 2007. The dunefi elds. Although the University of herbarium – a collection of preserved Cravens Peak in south-west Sydney’s Desert Ecology Group has plant specimens – aims to fi ll these Queensland is Bush Heritage’s largest, revealed much about the dunefi elds gaps and is an important part of the most diverse and most remote reserve. through their long-term work in the ongoing effort to understand this It is in relatively healthy condition, area, Cravens Peak is so vast and beautiful and biologically important despite the damage that had been remote that many areas have never region. Herbaria preserve a historical caused by grazing. Recovery work been biologically surveyed. record of change in vegetation over

Clockwise from top: Flowering pink fringe myrtle (Calytrix longifl ora) on a sand dune after winter rains, part of the biologically diverse desert ecosystem on Cravens Peak Reserve, Qld. PHOTO: WAYNE LAWLER/ECOPIX Parrot pea (Crotalaria cunninghamii). Max and Margaret Bourke with BHA ecologist Paul Foreman (right). Pituri bush (Duboisia hopwoodii). PHOTOS: MAX AND MARGARET BOURKE Flowering parakeelya (Calandrinia balonensis) PHOTO: WAYNE LAWLER/ECOPIX

Summer 2008 1 time, and provide a vital reference for to work on any of the Bush Heritage delighted. This project meant we would plant identification. properties. Our major criterion was that be doing some of the baseline recording we wanted to help on the scientific in an environment which Max knew and The Toko Range, which runs along wanted to know better. the northern boundary of the property, program. As Bush Heritage has purchased property of high ecological can be thought of as the dividing line In 2007 the Royal Geographic Society value, we believe that it is important between the sand of the Simpson of Queensland had collected botanical that the scientific benchmarks for Desert and the heavy soils of the specimens on the property, however rehabilitation and preservation are in Channel Country. This is what makes heavy rain had fallen before they place for management. the place so interesting aesthetically, as arrived, which meant that while they well as from a biodiversity point of view. When we were offered the opportunity could make good collections they In our initial application as volunteers to help set up a herbarium at Cravens were restricted in where they could go. we indicated that we were prepared Peak in August this year we were Under the guidance of Paul Foreman,

Clockwise from top: Yellowtop daisy bush (Calotis erinacea) flowering on a desert dune near The Coolibah Hole, Cravens Peak Reserve, Qld. Hawk moth (Sphingidae) rests on a coolibah eucalyptus, Cravens Peak Reserve, Qld. PHOTOS: WAYNE LAWLER/ECOPIX Central netted dragon, Cravens Peak Reserve, Qld. PHOTO: PAUL FOREMAN

2 Bush Heritage News a Bush Heritage ecologist, we collected of the Mulligan River, smaller streams Our time at Cravens Peak gave us at sites which had not been previously and inter-dune systems (all dry) were a chance to experience life in the surveyed. Although the conditions this also areas of rich floral diversity. While truly remote outback, as well as the time were very dry, we were able to there are a few invasive species like companionship of the lovely reserve collect approximately 120 flowering Noogoora burr, for the most part the managers. At Cravens Peak if specimens, 20 of which had not been property is in very good shape. The something breaks or you need urgent previously collected, and one, Paul camels are certainly a worry though. supplies, you know Boulia, a very small believes, which had not been previously Having returned from collecting town, is two and a half hours away and recorded in Queensland. specimens in the most remote parts Mt Isa is five hours away! Max had previous professional of the property along the Northern We finished up the herbarium work experience in botanical collecting but Territory border, the next stage was with a week to spare so we spent our not in this environment. On the other to identify them, record the locations last week moving junk to the tip, also a hand, Margaret, as a keen gardener, from GPS data, then mount and store rewarding experience because each day had some botanical knowledge, but them. This was all done according to you could see what had been done! was a novice in the field procedures of a template developed by volunteers at Bush Heritage’s Eurardy Reserve. Life in the desert can be tough with collecting, pressing and recording, which either cold or hot winds blowing. The was made more difficult by the less- The final stage was to scavenge, with reserve managers Nella and Mark hot days make driving over the dunes than-ideal conditions, with cold gale particularly difficult, but boy does the force winds blowing some days. Lithgow, through the homestead’s outbuildings for a suitable storage washing dry quickly! Seeing only eight We did find that plant collecting brings cabinet to house the Cravens Peak people in three weeks and lights out out the hunter instincts, making the Herbarium so it is protected from pest at 9.30 each night because of the quest for a rare or unusual specimen and environmental damage. Duplicates generator meant that it was a novel very exciting. It also leads to close of the collection were sent to the experience, enhanced by no television examination of the landscape, which is Queensland and National herbaria or newspapers … something we did not rewarding in itself. to confirm identification. really notice. The great red dunes of Cravens Now the collection has a starting point. With the sunsets that we had most Peak are magnificent and many of The next addition will be the material nights as we sipped a beer with Mark the species in flower, including the from the Royal Geographic Society’s and Nella, we really missed nothing of Aboriginal favourite, pituri (Duboisia collection. We hope it will be there in the so-called amenities of the city! hopwoodii), occur on the dune ridges. hundreds of years’ time like the very But the variety of flora between the first herbarium collection of Andrea dune swales was the real surprise, and Caesalpini in Padua (1594), which is Thanks to Max and Margaret Bourke the ability of some of the more robust still in use. (Knowing of this monk’s and the Brisbane and Canberra species to thrive and flower in the work in Italy 500 years ago made herbaria for their work, time and in- gibber plains areas is truly astonishing. collecting several members of the family kind support on this project. Along the ephemeral water channels Caesalpinaceae particularly rewarding.)

Pictured from left: Spectacular flowering of a field of mulla mulla (Ptilotus macrocephalus) in grassy woodland of Georgina gidyea, Cravens Peak, Qld. Georgina gidyea (Acacia georginae) tree on a pediplain, Cravens Peak Reserve, Qld. PHOTOS: WAYNE LAWLER/ECOPIX

Summer 2008 3 K2C has a number of major goals. As well as reconnecting fragmented landscapes and protecting land of high conservation value, the project also aims to improve the health of the land and waterways and to work with traditional owners of the land to glean insights into the seasonal importance of land systems and the movement of species. By working in partnership with local farmers and landowners, the project is not only growing in scale but also building awareness of, and skills in, conservation management among the existing landholders. A major part of Project Facilitator Lauren Van Dyke’s job is encouraging landholders to come onboard. A series of public workshops about K2C were The Kosciuszko to Coast landscape partnership held at Bush Heritage’s in late spring 2007 and Regional Strategies Team Leader began in 2004, and is coordinated summer 2008, and an open day was Ben Carr explains how Bush Heritage by a network of community groups, held at Scottsdale in October 2008. and partners are working on restoring conservation organisations and A presentation for the public and fragmented landscapes in the government agencies. landholders interested in the K2C Kosciuszko to Coast project Bush Heritage owns two properties project highlighted how Bush Heritage Bush Heritage plays a leadership role in within the current K2C focus area is working to restore and rehabilitate the a number of visionary projects that aim – Scottsdale and Burrin Burrin reserves. ecological values at Scottsdale. to rebuild fragmented landscapes and K2C aims to reconnect isolated ‘Landholders and managers are critical restore them to health. The idea behind woodlands and grasslands between to the success of [K2C], and the this is that rebuilding habitats across Kosciuszko and Namadgi national open day was an opportunity to explain how they could get involved large swathes of country will allow plants parks and the coastal forests of and contribute towards maintaining, and animals to adapt to the changes southern New South Wales in a sustaining and reconnecting the that climate change is predicted to series of ‘biodiversity stepping stones’. landscape,’ explains Lauren. cause, such as alterations in rainfall and Areas of high conservation value in this temperature and the associated impact region are under threat from weeds, The K2C partner organisations offer of increased bushfires. overgrazing, intensification of land use, many incentives for landholders to One such landscape project is and fragmentation by expanding take part in the scheme. These include Kosciuszko to Coast (K2C), which rural subdivisions. Greening ’s restoration

Clockwise from top: Woodland areas on Scottsdale Reserve, NSW. PHOTO: JIRI LOCHMAN/LOCHMAN TRANSPARENCIES Wildflowers on Scottsdale Reserve, NSW. PHOTO: WYBE REYENGA Sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps) at Scottsdale Reserve, NSW. PHOTO: JIRI LOCHMAN/LOCHMAN TRANSPARENCIES Lauren Van Dyke, Project Facilitator, Kosciuszko to Coast partnership. PHOTO: EDDIE MISIC

4 Bush Heritage News programs, voluntary conservation agreements managed by the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change, support and resources from the Molonglo and Upper Murrumbidgee Landcare networks, and help in K2C is located between the vegetation identification and field days coast and the Great Dividing offered by Friends of Grasslands. Range in southern NSW, just Bio-banking schemes, whereby rural south-east of Canberra. landowners can generate income by managing land for conservation, are Bush Heritage concentrates available. Financial incentives are also on the inland region, which is available for activities such as fencing within our South-East Grassy and revegetation through catchment Box Woodlands priority region. management authorities. Bush Heritage is actively assessing properties in the region in order to Through collaboration, we are achieving negotiate partnerships with owners We would like to acknowledge the our goal of a landscape that is recovering of land with high conservation value. George Alexander Foundation for its key conservation values. Lauren Van Dyke has visited over 30 their generous support of this work. ‘The long-term benefits of Kosciuszko landowners over the last eighteen to Coast are the protection of water months, and Bush Heritage’s ecologists catchments and the overall health of the have carried out ecological assessments landscape so that its environmental and of properties for consideration for both agricultural capacities can be restored purchase and partnership agreements. and maintained,’ says Lauren. At present Bush Heritage is building K2C has already been a catalyst, relationships with several private and the first active project area, for the landholders with a view to developing development of a continental-scale conservation agreements for their program, the Great Eastern Ranges properties. These ensure that agricultural Initiative. This initiative, run by the This project has been assisted by practices on the property are sustainable NSW Department of Environment and compatible with the property’s and Climate Change, aims to extend the NSW Government through its conservation values. Typically, a covenant landscape connectivity all the way from Environmental Trust. will include a management plan that the Victorian Alps to Queensland’s offers a guide to managing weeds, pest Atherton Tablelands. control and controlled burning. For further information about K2C, or to In total, a network of over 40 conservation see the full list of partner organisations, properties now exists in the region. see www.k2c.org.au.

Pictured from left: Gang-gang cockatoo on Scottsdale Reserve, NSW. PHOTO: GRAEME CHAPMAN Termite mound on Burrin Burrin Reserve, NSW. PHOTO: BELINDA COUTTS Bright coloured eucalypt bark at Scottsdale Reserve, NSW. PHOTO: JIRI LOCHMAN/LOCHMAN TRANSPARENCIES

Summer 2008 5 Society had carried out a bushland survey at Eurardy in 2003 and identified 481 native plant species (and 34 weeds!). Members of the Society compiled comprehensive species lists, and pressed and mounted each specimen to be stored in a field herbarium at the reserve. A WSWA survey at Eurardy in 2006 revealed a further eighteen native plant species (and two more weeds). ‘The field herbarium is constantly being updated as new species are found. It contains much more detailed information than a standard field guide,’ explains Leanne. ‘We are so grateful to the WSWA for all their hard work Wildflower season at Eurardy Reserve and dedication in helping to catalogue Charlotte Francis reports on floral Located within the South-West Eurardy’s flora.’ happenings at Eurardy Reserve in Botanical Province, one of Bush The WSWA’s 2003 botanical survey Heritage’s priority conservation regions, was mainly carried out in the reserve’s Eurardy lies within Australia’s only ‘global Autumn and winter rains ushered in a heathland areas. In 2006, the Hales biodiversity hotspot’, one of 34 areas bumper wildflower season at Eurardy invited WSWA members back to survey rated by Conservation International as Reserve this spring. ‘The 2008 season other areas of the reserve including the most biologically rich in the world. has been the best for years,’ say Paul the saltpans and areas that had been Although the province accounts for only and Leanne Hales, who arrived as cultivated in the past. 0.23 per cent of the Earth’s land surface, Eurardy’s first reserve managers in Research carried out by groups such as it supports 12.6 per cent of the world’s September 2005. WSWA is invaluable for Bush Heritage, rare and threatened flora. Visitors taking part in guided tours or as we are able to use data gathered Prior to Bush Heritage ownership, doing the self-guided walking tour have by research partners to help inform our Eurardy was a working sheep station been treated to spectacular displays of management and monitoring activities and already well known for its some of Eurardy’s 499 plant species. at each reserve. For example, one of extraordinary floral diversity. During the The area around the homestead has the ongoing management priorities at wildflower season, an average of 300 been swathed in carpets of crimson Eurardy is to control populations of feral tourists – from campers to birdwatchers pink parakeelya, and other species rabbits and goats, which cause damage – visit the reserve, which is located in bloom include grevilleas, banksias, to the native vegetation. Orchids, in just off the north-west coastal lechenaultias (wreath flowers), blue and particular, are vulnerable to damage by highway,150 km north of Geraldton. white cornflowers, Mangles’ kangaroo rabbits. With a vigilant feral animal control paw, boronia, thryoptomene, native On arrival at Eurardy, Paul and Leanne program in operation, the health of the foxglove, dampiera, smokebush, fringe inherited a wealth of information from landscape at Eurardy is improving; the lilies, starflowers (Calytrix), Mulla Mulla the Wildflower Society of Western soil is less compacted, groundcover is and Eurardy wax plant. Australia (WSWA). The Wildflower re-emerging and species favoured by

Clockwise from top: Wreath leschenaultia (Leschenaultia macrantha). Kangaroo-paws (Anigozanthos). Common lamb ears (Isotropis cuneifolia). The critically endangered short-petalled beyeria (Beyeria lepidopetala). PHOTOS: JIRI LOCHMAN/LOCHMAN TRANSPARENCIES Verticordia x euradyensis, a natural hybrid of two verticordias named after Eurardy. PHOTO: MATT WARNOCK Myrtaceae (Verticordia monadelpha). PHOTO: JULIAN FENESSY

6 Bush Heritage News grazing goats, such as labichea, are once again thriving. Populations of Eurardy’s five Declared Rare Flora – the short-petalled beyeria, Beard’s mallee, the Kalbarri spider orchid, the dragon orchid, and the northern dwarf spider orchid – are monitored annually. Photo monitoring is also carried out at key tourist sites to evaluate the impact of cars and visitors and to guard against new species of weed being introduced. Visitors to Eurardy this spring have also enjoyed the fabulous diversity of birdlife. Regular sightings of raptors such as the spotted harrier, the square- tailed kite, the black-breasted buzzard and little eagles indicate that the reserve is supporting healthy populations of small mammals. Large flocks of red- tailed black cockatoos and hundreds of tree martins have also been seen, Changing reserves while a recent survey of the ground- Paul and Leanne Hales and their two The new staff at Eurardy, Matt dwelling malleefowl undertaken by young daughters recently moved to Warnock and Elizabeth Lescheid, are eighteen volunteers turned up several north-east Queensland to take over also seasoned Bush Heritage people. previously unmapped mallee fowl mounds the management of Bush Heritage’s Matt (the new Reserve Manager) as well as fresh tracks. These mounds, . Yourka is a property of and Elizabeth (Eurardy’s Tourism and along with those previously mapped, will 43 500 hectares located 130 kilometres Visitation Officer) have spent the last be monitored over the coming months to south of Cairns on the western edge two years based at Queensland’s see if the malleefowl are actively breeding of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Carnarvon Station Reserve, where on Eurardy. The Hales are excited to be living Matt was a Field Officer Trainee and All in all, it has been a bountiful spring for and working on their second Bush Elizabeth a dedicated volunteer. plants and animals at Eurardy. Heritage reserve.

Homestead-style accommodation, caravan/camping sites and wildflower tours are available at Eurardy Reserve. Access is 2WD. Bookings and enquiries can be made directly with the reserve managers on (08) 9936 1038, or via email: [email protected].

Clockwise from top: Paul and Leanne Hales pictured here with Beth (centre) and Macey. PHOTO: BUSH HERITAGE Matt Warnock and Elizabeth Lescheid are pictured wearing shirts from Gondwana, a Bush Heritage partner. PHOTO: COURTESY OF MATT WARNOCK AND ELIZABETH LESCHEID A sample from Eurardy’s field herbarium. PHOTO: LEANNE AND PAUL HALES Kalbarri spider orchid (Caladenia wanosa) is listed as Declared Rare Flora, Eurardy Reserve, WA. PHOTO: JIRI LOCHMAN/LOCHMAN TRANSPARENCIES Summer 2008 7 Populations of small mammals on Bush Heritage reserves – such as the numbat, bilby, burrowing bettong and western barred bandicoot, found at , and the kowari, found at Cravens Peak Reserve, all listed as Threatened on the Red List – are benefiting from the conservation measures we put in place. Almost inevitably, removal of stock is one of the first activities we undertake, and fencing and other measures to keep feral animals at bay are also a priority. Happily, the Red List does show that ‘conservation can hold species back from the brink of extinction, with 5 per cent of currently threatened mammals Release of the 2008 IUCN Red List of showing signs of recovery in the wild’, Threatened Species according to the report. So what does conservation mean in This October, the International Union In Australia, a total of 788 animals this context? It’s about preserving the for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and plants are listed as threatened integrity of ecosystems, and ensuring that released its annual Red List, the most on the Red List. The Australian the plants and animals that exist within comprehensive global assessment of Government’s own list, which is them are able to thrive without threat the world’s endangered species more comprehensive, includes 1600 from development, pests or invasive threatened species. Among those listed This year’s Red List shows that at least weeds, and uncontrolled bushfires. as Critically Endangered are the redfin 1141 of the world’s 5487 mammals blue-eye and the Edgbaston goby, According to the IUCN’s Penelope – about 20 per cent – are threatened two fish which only exist at Edgbaston Figgis, a former Bush Heritage director, with extinction. This isn’t the full story, ‘The single biggest contribution though. A further 836 mammals Reserve. Bush Heritage’s purchase of that Australia can make to global are listed as ‘data deficient’, which last year means conservation efforts, including meeting means that not enough information that these fish now live in a protected the [UN’s] Convention on Biodiversity could be gathered about them; the environment, and their odds of survival targets, is to maximise protection of strong possibility is that at least some are much higher. our unique diversity of plants, animals of these animals are also under According to Nicola Markus, Bush and ecosystems.’ threat. Mammalogist Jan Schipper of Heritage’s Chief Conservation Officer, It’s clear that Bush Heritage’s mission Conservation International estimates ‘Australia’s track record of mammal to protect land and waterways of high the real number of threatened mammals losses is awful but hardly surprising. The conservation value can and does work to could be as high as 36 per cent. majority of species on this list are small save threatened species – and it’s more On a scale from Extinct to Least mammals that are falling victim to the imperative than ever that we act now. Concern, the IUCN counts species in the damage caused by feral cats and foxes Critically Endangered, Endangered and and uncontrolled pastoralism over more See the back page for how you Vulnerable categories as ‘threatened’. than two-thirds of the continent.’ can help.

Clockwise from top: Striped-faced dunnart (Sminthopsis macroura) is also under threat. The kowari (Dasyuroides byrnei) is one of the small marsupials protected at Cravens Peak Reserve, Qld. PHOTOS: JIRI LOCHMAN/LOCHMAN TRANSPARENCIES Good quality fencing kept in good order is an important part of managing feral animals that destroy habitat, , SA. PHOTO: BUSH HERITAGE Edgbaston goby (Chlamydogobius squamigenus) is Critically Endangered, Edgbaston Reserve, Qld. PHOTO: GUNTHA SCHMIDA/LOCHMAN TRANSPARENCIES

8 Bush Heritage News remaining, and less than 3 per cent in conservation reserves, their continued protection is an important aspect of the partnership. The partnership, which forms an integral part of the RAC sponsorship strategy towards sustainable environments, was launched in September at the reserve. The visit gave RAC representatives the opportunity to explore the area and to see firsthand the important land management work that Bush Heritage undertakes to protect and enhance the unique plant and animal life on the property. Thanks to the assistance of the RAC, its staff and members, Bush Heritage will be able to implement and complete a range of conservation initiatives on Charles Darwin Reserve that will Driving conservation in Western Australia help protect the property’s significant Paul Evans, Bush Heritage’s for the sponsorship will be the Charles vegetation habitats and the animals that Corporate Engagement Officer, Darwin Reserve in Western Australia. live there. is delighted to announce the The RAC’s Sponsorship Manager This spectacular 68 600 hectare formation of a key partnership with Cath Kelsall said the partnership with property is situated on the northern the Royal Automobile Club of Bush Heritage demonstrated the edge of the wheatbelt area and Western Australia (RAC) RAC’s commitment to environmental boasts a unique mix of ancient issues and the pursuit of a sustainable Each year for the next three years the woodlands and an abundance of future. ‘It was an opportunity for the RAC will make a significant donation wildlife, together with wildflower- RAC to make a practical contribution to Bush Heritage, contributing to studded sand plains and natural salt to this important work to make sure we the conservation of WA’s unique and lakes. The reserve protects precious protect some of Western Australia’s abundant diversity of life. remnant vegetation communities in a unique beauty.’ The RAC was originally formed by a region that once supported impressive Bush Heritage welcomes the association small group of enthusiastic car owners expanses of eucalyptus woodlands, with the RAC and believes that linking shrubland and heath vegetation that in 1905 but has come a long way since with the RAC on this project is a covered thousands of square kilometres. then. With more than 650 000 members marvellous result for both organisations. they are now a vital part of Western Of these, some of the most significant Australian life, and are committed to are the York gum and mixed salmon the long-term sustainability of the gum-gimlet woodlands, which environment, hence the decision provide important refuge for the to support Bush Heritage’s vital area’s dynamic bird life. With only conservation work in WA. A key focus 6 per cent of these vegetation types

Clockwise from top: Rock forms on Charles Darwin Reserve, WA. PHOTO: JANICE CARPENTER From left, Cath Kelsall (RAC), Paul Evans, reserve managers Andrea and Kurt Tschirner, Claire Bolto (RAC) at Charles Darwin Reserve, WA. PHOTO: COURTESY OF RAC Thorny devil running across the semi-arid desert at Charles Darwin Reserve, WA. PHOTO: KURT TSCHIRNER Chestnut quail-thrush nest with eggs at Charles Darwin Reserve, WA. PHOTO: MARIE AND JIRI LOCHMAN/LOCHMAN TRANSPARENCIES

Summer 2008 9 From the CEO inappropriate fire regimes. All these long-term plan to protect 1 per cent of things affect the ability of our unique Australia by 2025. I wouldn’t normally start a column with wildlife to thrive in the wild, as they are As you consider your gifts, social reference to global financial markets able to do on Bush Heritage reserves. investments or philanthropic intent at but it’s unlikely that anyone reading this In the same week in October that the year’s end, I want to encourage your newsletter will be unaffected by these G20 met in America and financial continued support for Bush Heritage. developments. The impact in Australia is stocks plummeted, the IUCN released We need it more than ever as we build likely to reach into most of our homes. its Red List of Threatened Species at our conservation management over 31 History tells us that the financial and its Barcelona conference of over 8000 properties and extend our conservation economic cycle is, if not boom and bust, conservation delegates. In Barcelona the partnerships with Indigenous people and then up and down. For the species we future of the planet really was at centre other neighbours. With our volunteers, are seeking to protect though, it’s pretty stage and the most comprehensive research partners and staff we are much all down at the moment – hence assessment of the world’s mammals developing important programs that must the need for Bush Heritage’s work to has confirmed an extinction crisis, with be maintained to safeguard the health of continue apace. almost one in four at risk of disappearing our land, our waterways and the native forever. And it’s more than just the We face an environmental crisis in plants and animals that depend on them. mammals. Australia already has the Australia but a lot of people are still worst rate of mammal extinctions of any burying their heads in the sand. This developed country – and all in the short crisis goes beyond the creeping and timeframe of European occupation. At insidious effects of climate change. Bush Heritage we are concerned about There is continued loss of habitat the full diversity of life on Earth. through land clearance and other activity, a proliferation of introduced Bush Heritage has a plan to protect plants and animals, and inadequate and those species in our care now and a Doug Humann

In memory Friends and family of Sue Rosta The Plowman and Hager families gave in her memory, and friends and donated in celebration of Cathie Stella Wiggins donated in memory family of Iris Nicolades donated in her Plowman’s birthday – they are very of Maxwell John Lee; Ross and honour. ‘Iris was a wonderful person. proud of her and her achievements. Greta Clare gave in memory of It was so typical of her that one of her Stephen and Jane Gye donated in Prudence Neal; Joss Haiblen donated many irons in the fire would be support honour of Kirsty Davies’ birthday; in memory of Carmen Blomfield; for Bush Heritage.’ Margaret Mayo made a gift to her and Carl Martens honoured the life of daughter Susan Mayo; and Rachel Jason Roth. and Josh Thomson celebrated the first Pam Winfield made a gift in memory In celebration birthday of their twins Finlay and Kai of Jamee Winfield; and Roy Grant, with a donation. ‘a great friend and bushman’ was Jenny Whyte celebrated the births remembered by Thalia Bremner. Davydd of Liam Whyte and Maddison Pech Shaw gave in memory of Dr Leslie with a donation; Dana Fitzsimmons Williams and her sister Ruth Lloyd. celebrated the wedding of Laura If you would like to make a gift to Leslie was an active worker on bush Giannasca and Ryan Ayres; and Bush Heritage in memory of a friend rehabilitation projects for over 20 years, Lachlan Garland celebrated his or to celebrate a special occasion, particularly at Trig Point, and both were partner Karen Hising’s birthday visit www.bushheritage.org.au or great lovers of the bush. with a donation. call 1300 628 873.

Pictured from left: Colourful Flinders grass on Edgbaston Reserve, Qld. Butterflies at the artesian spring on Edgbaston Reserve, Qld. Western bloodwood (Corymbia terminalis) on a desert dunefield on Cravens Peak Reserve, Qld. PHOTOS: WAYNE LAWLER/ECOPIX

10 Bush Heritage News Getting involved VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES December–January Following are some current opportunities for getting involved with Bush Where: Charles Darwin Reserve, WA Heritage, either as a visitor or a volunteer. Project: Locum Reserve Manager over Christmas Who: Two people When: Mon GUIDED TOURS 22 Dec–Sun 4 Jan. Skills required: We offer guided visits to some of our reserves – although places are limited, so please Bush Heritage volunteering experience book early to avoid disappointment. To ensure your donations are used for conservation essential, 4WD experience essential, first work on reserves rather than on arranging guided tours, we charge an amount based on aid preferred Warning: It will be hot; air- cost recovery. This fee enables us to maintain the visitor program. conditioned sleeping quarters available. March: Scottsdale Reserve, NSW. Day trip. Saturday 28, 10 am to 4 pm. 2WD access. January, February, March Details to be confirmed; the day may involve a mixture of walking and driving on unsealed Where: Carnarvon Station Reserve, Qld roads and tracks. Medium level of fitness required. Nearest town: Bredbo, 4 km. Morning Project: Weed control, native seed tea provided; BYO picnic lunch. Cost: $30 per person for supporters/$40 per person for harvesting & other general work When: non-supporters. Mon 5–Fri 30 January; Mon 2–Fri 27 April: Friendly Beaches reserves, Tas. Day trip. Saturday 25, 10 am to 4 pm. 2WD February; Mon 2–Fri 27 March Who: Two access. The day will involve 8 to 10 km of walking on the beach and on tracks, medium people per month Skills required: 4WD level of fitness required. Nearest town: Bicheno (19 km north). Morning tea provided; experience essential, first aid preferred, BYO picnic lunch. Guests are required to carry lunch with them. Cost: $30 per person for chemical certificate preferred Warning: supporters/$40 per person for non-supporters. High clearance 4WD essential. Expect May: Reedy Creek Reserve, Qld. Day trip. Saturday 30, 9.30 am to 1 pm. Morning heat and humidity. wander with reserve manager. 2WD access. Nearest town: Agnes Water, 4 km. February Cost: $10 per person for supporters/$15 per person for non-supporters. Where: Cravens Peak Reserve, Qld Project: Locum Reserve Manager Who: SELF-GUIDED CAMPING Two people When: Fri 20 February–Fri Camping is available from April to October at both Carnarvon Station Reserve, Qld and 20 March Skills required: Bush Heritage Charles Darwin Reserve, WA. Bookings are essential. volunteering experience essential, 4WD Campers need to be totally self-sufficient due to the remoteness of the reserves. experience essential, basic computer skills Cost: $40 per vehicle for supporters/$100 per vehicle for non-supporters. essential, first aid preferred Warning: High-clearance 4WD required. It will be hot; air-conditioned sleeping quarters available. SELF-GUIDED DAY TRIPS You can visit some of our smaller and less remote reserves as a self-guided day trip, April–June although camping is not available. Bookings are essential. Where: Cravens Peak Reserve, Qld Project: Internal fence removal Who: The following reserves can be visited all year round: Currumbin Valley Reserve, Qld; Liffey Five people When: Minimum two weeks, River Reserve, Tas; Chereninup Creek and Kojonup reserves, WA. flexible April–June Skills required: 4WD ACCOMMODATION, CARAVAN AND CAMPING SITES experience essential, first aid preferred; moderate fitness essential as manual Eurardy Reserve, WA. Tours are available. Book direct on 08 9936 1038, fax 08 9936 handling is required. 1054 or email [email protected]. Discount for Bush Heritage supporters. April Please note that bookings are essential for all activities. For more information or Where: Carnarvon Station Reserve, Qld to book your place, please contact us on 1300 NATURE (1300 628 873) or email Assignment: Weed survey of upper us at [email protected]. Warrago catchment When: Mon 6–Fri 17 April Who: Two people Skills required: 4WD experience preferred, first aid essential, excellent fitness preferred, basic ArcView & GPS skills essential, strong flora identification skills essential Warning: High clearance 4WD required to access this reserve.

Please see www.bushheritage.org.au/ getting_involved or contact us on 1300 NATURE (1300 628 873) to find out how to apply for these opportunities. The website is updated to reflect the availability of places for volunteers.

Pictured from left: Replacing old fences, Carnarvon Station Reserve, Qld. Chemical weed control, Carnarvon Station Reserve, Qld. Volunteer Sally Jarvis stabbing wheel cactus, Nardoo Hills, NSW. PHOTOS: BUSH HERITAGE Summer 2008 11 TIME IS RUNNING OUT FOR OUR NATIVE WILDLIFE As the 2008 IUCN Red List demonstrates, many of our unique plants and animals are threatened with extinction or are restricted to small areas of suitable habitat. With climate change adding to the existing pressures on the land, we have no time to lose. Nearly 1600 species of plants and animals are listed as nationally threatened. Make a special donation to Bush Heritage this Christmas and you can help us to restore land and protect habitat for our native wildlife and plants. ‘There are so many projects urgently needing our attention …’ Dr Nicola Markus, Chief Conservation Offi cer Donate today and help us to protect tomorrow’s natural world. Your donation will assist us to restore landscapes and rebuild ecosystems that support a rich diversity of plants and animals for the benefi t of all Australians, for all time.

ACT NOW TO HELP OUR THREATENED WILDLIFE AND PLANTS ■ Your gift of $50 could support native grassland restoration work and provide a safe haven for small mammals and birds by controlling invasive weeds ■ Your gift of $100 could help to protect rare plants and orchids by paying for one year’s rabbit control on one of our smaller reserves ■ Your special gift of $250 could safeguard habitat for a range of aquatic plants and animals by purchasing approximately 250 metres of fencing to protect natural creeks and springs in Queensland Please donate today and be part of the solution. To make a donation, simply fi ll out the coupon below or visit our website: www.bushheritage.org.au. If it’s more convenient for you, call us on ENDANGERED 1300 NATURE (1300 628 873). Your donation will support our essential land management work on reserves and The northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus), help to give our wildlife and plants a better chance of survival. Yourka Reserve, Qld. PHOTO: JIRI LOCHMAN/ All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. LOCHMAN TRANSPARENCIES

Printed with vegetable-based inks on 55% recycled and 45% elemental chlorine-free (ECF) sustainable plantation fi bre.

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Bush Heritage Australia ABN 78 053 639 115 PO Box 329, Flinders Lane Melbourne VIC 8009 Level 5, 395 Collins Street Melbourne VIC 3000 Phone: +61 3 8610 9100, fax +61 3 8610 9199 local call 1300 628 873 www.bushheritage.org.au