Media Release 19 August 2019 for IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Media Release 19 August 2019 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Two million trees and counting Big Scrub Landcare announces 2019 Big Scrub Rainforest Day program Four jam-packed days have been announced for the 21st annual Big Scrub Rainforest Day from 19-22 September. There are 16 activities in idyllic locations across the Big Scrub landscape so that everyone can learn about the rainforest and celebrate its magnificent biodiversity, with an eye to its restoration and care. The weekend features guided rainforest walks, nature connection workshops, landholder field days, community tree plantings, science and ecology talks, and fun family activities. Most activities are free, while others will contribute 100% of ticket sales to Big Scrub Landcare. Big Scrub Landcare Manager, Shannon Greenfields, said this year’s event has something for everyone. “Whether it’s taking time to reconnect with nature, enjoying a guided walk, or inspiring a child for life, this long weekend is designed for exploring, learning about and experiencing the magnificence of the Big Scrub. “We’re thrilled to have renowned experts, ecologists and passionate environmentalists lead nine guided walks that will shine a light on the different aspects of the Big Scrub rainforest,” Ms Greenfields said. Rous County Council’s Natural Resource Management Planning Coordinator, Anthony Acret, said with help from the community, so far more than two million trees have been used to restore 600 hectares of land across the Big Scrub. “This includes work at Rocky Creek Dam and along our region’s creeks and vital waterways. At this year’s two community tree plantings, join us in planting 2,000 more to help connect the Big Scrub and protect the Wilsons River and our region’s water source. Big Scrub Landcare | PO Box 106, Bangalow NSW 2479 | 02 6627 2844 [email protected] | www.bigscrubrainforest.org.au | ABN 44 919 192 078 “This is a chance to be on the frontline of Big Scrub restoration. Field days and tree planting activities are the best way for people who care about the land to get involved and feel a real connection with this place,” Mr Acret said. Spaces are limited and bookings are essential. To download a digital program, go to the Big Scrub Landcare website at https://www.bigscrubrainforest.org/big-scrub-rainforest-day/. The program can be viewed online here. Activities are located across the Big Scrub and beyond, from Lismore to Nightcap National Park to Booyong Nature Reserve to Heritage Park in Mullumbimby. The 2019 Big Scrub Rainforest Day is presented by Big Scrub Landcare in association with Rous County Council. It is supported by the regional Landcare network, business, government and individuals. END BSL-BSRD-2019-Post er-A4-Print.pdf For further information or to arrange interviews, please contact Keri Algar, Rous County Council Communications and Engagement Officer, at [email protected] or on 0428 471 730. Big Scrub Landcare | PO Box 106, Bangalow NSW 2479 | 02 6627 2844 [email protected] | www.bigscrubrainforest.org.au | ABN 44 919 192 078 Experts in the field will lead nine guided walks during for the 2019 Big Scrub Rainforest Day. Big Scrub Landcare | PO Box 106, Bangalow NSW 2479 | 02 6627 2844 [email protected] | www.bigscrubrainforest.org.au | ABN 44 919 192 078 Rainforest identification and ecology walks are part of the 2019 Big Scrub Rainforest Day. Big Scrub Landcare | PO Box 106, Bangalow NSW 2479 | 02 6627 2844 [email protected] | www.bigscrubrainforest.org.au | ABN 44 919 192 078 Community tree planting days to help restore the Big Scrub are part of the 2019 Big Scrub Rainforest Day. About the Big Scrub and Big Scrub Landcare The Big Scrub was the largest expanse of lowland subtropical rainforest in Australia covering an area of approximately 75,000 hectares on rich volcanic and alluvial soils between Byron Bay, Ballina and Lismore. Tragically it was cleared for agriculture and by 1900 only one percent remained in the form of 100 small remnants scattered across a largely cleared landscape. Big Scrub Landcare’s mission is to restore and care for our critically endangered rainforest. Founded in 1992, we are one of the largest and most successful Landcare groups in the country. We are the voice of the rainforest. We talk to and work with governments, business, private landholders, community organisations and the community generally on our unique lowland subtropical rainforest, its magnificent biodiversity, its restoration and ongoing care. Big Scrub Landcare | PO Box 106, Bangalow NSW 2479 | 02 6627 2844 [email protected] | www.bigscrubrainforest.org.au | ABN 44 919 192 078 About Rous County Council Rous County Council (RCC) is a multipurpose county council delivering bulk water, weed biosecurity and flood mitigation services to the Northern Rivers of NSW. RCC’s constituent councils are Lismore, Ballina, Byron and Richmond Valley: • Bulk water: The regional water supply authority. It provides water in bulk from its principal supply sources at Rocky Creek Dam and Emigrant Creek Dam servicing around 100,000 people. • Weed biosecurity: The local control authority for weed biosecurity. Operations cover an area of more than a million hectares including Kyogle and Tweed Shire, which are serviced by agreement with those councils. • Flood mitigation: The flood mitigation authority across the local government areas of Ballina, Lismore and Richmond Valley. RCC also operates Richmond Water Laboratories in Lismore, providing professional sampling and analytical testing services for water and soil to NSW councils, private industry and the public. The laboratory is National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited. www.rous.nsw.gov.au / www.waterlab.com.au Big Scrub Landcare | PO Box 106, Bangalow NSW 2479 | 02 6627 2844 [email protected] | www.bigscrubrainforest.org.au | ABN 44 919 192 078 .