NorthernNorthern andand YorkeYorke RegionRegion

Department of VolunteerVolunteer NewsletterNewsletter Environment and

SummerSummer 20112011 Natural Resources

In this edition of the Volunteer newsletter:

‐ Thank you to the Friends of Althorpe Island CP ‐ Two new birders by Jan Aamodt ‐ Mt Remarkable Working Bee by Paul Shinks ‐ Of Herpos and Birdos by Andrew Wurst ‐ Farming on Social Media by Wendy Fowler ‐ OH&S volunteer management framework ‐ People Matters by David Armstrong ‐ Fairy Tern Census first round results ‐ Fairy Tern Surveys my volunteer experience ‐ Education Days by Wendy Cliff ‐ Busy, busy, busy Spring

Photo: Paul Wiliams Thanks for the collaborations of: Jasmine Swales, Jan Aamodt, Paul Shinks, Andrew Wurst, Wendy Fowler, David Amstrong, Celia Manning, Kaye Simpson, Deb Agnew, Montse Soria, Wendy Cliff, Paul Williams, Chad Cole, Keith Baseley

Thank you to the Friends of Althorpe Island CP!

The Friends of Althorpe Island Conservation Park are celebrating this year their 15th anniversary. They have done an amazing job on the island managing weeds, eradicating cats, monitoring seabirds and maintaining the heritage listed cottages, access trails and grave sites. Many of the members have strong links with the island as ex‐lighthouse keepers or caretakers before the Friends group was formed. During the last few years, access to the island has been difficult but the group has managed the challenges to keep caring for the island. DENR and the Yorke Peninsula Team would like to thank the group for their on going support during the last 15 years! Well done team!!

1 Two new birders…………………………………………………….. by Jan Aamodt

A warning to all birders of the Mid North – 2 new birders have joined your ranks – look for us in camouflage gear lurking in undergrowth. The well known and highly persuasive Cristina from DENR persuaded Julie and myself to take her place at an “Introduction to Birds and Bird watching “ course with John Gitsham at Gluepot Reserve on the weekend of 17 and 18 September 2011. Firstly, I missed the running of the Group 1 Underwood and George Main Stakes – just shows the sacrifice a person will make to keep wife and the persuasive Cristina happy.

The course consisted of 1 lecturer/convenor (John) and 15 students from such diverse places as Tasmania, Northern NSW, Victoria and various regions of South Australia. This alone speaks volumes for John’s reputation in the field of bird watching.

There was some trepidation in our hearts as we approached this task (not least being that our Clare departure was delayed until 5pm as we were required to attend a grassfire at Armagh with the CFS) and we arrived at Gluepot at about 8pm instead of the anticipated 5pm! Not a wonderful start.

Saturday was hot and windy, 36 C which was 10 above average. Not ideal for either sitting in a lecture theatre (a term used guardedly as it is a converted shearing shed) and bird watching, accompanied by a very strong Westerly. Oh dear I thought, a day like this stuck with people who may suddenly burst into ornithological song or do strange signals with their hands.

After about 15 seconds our fears were allayed. Apparently there were no twitchers in our group, which pleased me as people with tics tend to draw my attention and I hate to stare.

The lessons started with the history of birds, through evolution from (George W, don’t read this) to their current status.

A shortish walk in the wind led us to see 39 different species of birds (I think I saw only about 10 – very slow binoculars) including red capped robins, splendid wrens, the rareish southern scrub robin and 36 others. Of amusement was the appearance of apparently confused waterbirds. At the last remaining waterhole we encountered ibis, grebe, egret, heron and pied cormorant. These would have been a good sighting in wetlands, let alone an arid place such as Gluepot.

The following and final day was mainly occupied with a bus tour around Gluepot which was a fascinating drive. 9 more species were identified, taking the tally to 48, which considering we were a gaggle (note the birdy term) of humans.

As well as all the marvellous birds, we were also exposed to much of the flora of the region including some lovely specimens of Eremophila, Eucalypt, Senna, spear grass and lastly, though not overly floral, a bearded dragon.

All in all, 15 satisfied customers departed Gluepot. As total novices in the art of bird watching, we would certainly recommend this course to anyone who has an interest in this field. I would love to say we are now able to identify just about every bird we see but ......

Photo: Chad Cole

2 Mt Remarkable Working bee……………………………….. By Paul Shinks

I left home early enough to arrive at the campground in Mambray Creek at 3:30, set up camp and go for a walk. The campground was busy, full of school holiday campers returning from exploring the park, sitting back reading a book or catching a nap in the last of the afternoon sun. The park full of people did not disturb the local Emu’s or Euro’s that grazed in the park as the sun started to melt behind the hills on the western side of Spencers Gulf.

My mate Ian who was visiting his parents in Port Augusta was next to arrive at camp, it’s a pity he could only stay the night, it had been too long since we had last got together so we had a good time catching up over a couple of beers after starting the fire and waiting for the rest of the team to arrive.

Next Kirrily and her partner Rob arrived in their Hilux ute and after introductions and a catch up it was time to cook tea.

Paul Ewins Prado drove in next with his sister Ashley and her friend Pat from England as passengers, joined by Paul’s dad Andy and his mate Steve in another Prado. Last to arrive that night were Glenn and Troy in the Triton twin cab Ute who were glad to arrive after six hours on the road. After setting up camps and having tea we all gathered around the camp fire and enjoyed Paul’s guitar playing, having a chat and a couple of drinks with nibbles before bed.

Saturday morning was an alarm clock like chorus of Kookaburra’s, getting us up in time for breakfast, packing up and meeting our last team member Richard in the token Subaru Forester at the Rangers office, where we met Ranger Chris Havelberg, collected tools, were briefed on the weekends work and set off up the farmers track to enter the park at the back of the link lands along Hallam’s Track. As we reached the top of track and chatted amongst ourselves on the UHF radio we were interrupted by the welcome voices of Karl, Bruce, Leo and families as they headed up to the northern Flinders. They were at Warnertown south of Port Pirie, 47km’s away and the reception was like they were alongside till we started down the other side of the range.

Above: One of the locals from under a log we moved, native orchids by the track side Below: After work Saturday tacking a break and the lack of view Sunday on the way out

We reached the Subaru track, and it looked in fairly good condition after the efforts we put in last year. Thankfully there were no major falls, but we still put in 6 hours of work each keeping the track wide enough for a CFS truck to pass through. Eagle eyes found native orchids not far off the edge of the track and plenty of Euros on the move. In the perfect winter weather the two Pauls had two chain saws ripping 3 through the thicker growth as the rest of the team cut smaller growth with loppers and poisoned remaining butts to prevent regrowth. The poison was mixed with a red dye, that stained a few shoes and pant legs with over spray if not careful. We got through all but the last kilometre of track, so as the sun started to get low in the west the decision to make this where we will continue tomorrow was made and it was time to head for the graveyard track and set up camp, cook tea and settle in for another night of camp fire friendship. There was no need to place any cool drinks in the fridge. That would have warmed them up, as the temperature hit 2 degrees at around 10, no need to get up early as there is not too much left to do……

Sunday morning we woke to drizzle and low cloud that turned into rain that was not going to stop. Oh no, packing up wet tents…not much worse than that. The rain looked like it had settled in for the day so that was that, no work today, lets get out before the tracks get too wet, we don’t want to damage them on our way out.

The drive out up over the black range on the Mambray Creek track is normally some of the best scenery in the park, looking into Mambray creek, over to hidden valley, but it was gone, hidden by a dense cloud that limited us to a view stopped at 10 meters or so by thick white fog.

As we got lower the day improved, the sun even shone, but looking back onto the black range there was a pall dark dreary cloud that would not lift for the whole day. We unloaded the tools at the parks workshop, had a short debrief, and said our good buys as most headed for home. Andy took Ashley and Pat up to Wilpena Pound till Wednesday to show the pommy bugger some more of the Aussie outback.

So the last kilometre was not done, with our combined 66 hours of work but we made an improvement to the track when we did work, enjoyed the views we did get on Saturday, enjoyed each night’s company, enjoyed driving through the park, everyone had a good time. Already I am looking forward to working a new track next year.

Of Herpos and Birdos…………………………………………………….by Andrew Wurst

Reflections of a Birdwatcher catching reptiles: Herpos.... Sounds like a serious affliction and it is, but I am slowly realizing, a good one. As I am often the lone birdo on Mammal Club field excursions, I was intrigued by the small group of enthusiasts that always accompanied the mammologists. They invariably seemed to “ferret out” a diverse assemblage of scaly creatures and were very adept at identifying whatever they caught. My conversion, may have been completed on the recent joint Mammal Club, S. A. Herpetologist Group, field trip to Pooginook Conserva‐ Eastern Spiny‐tailed Gecko tion park near Waikerie, over the October long weekend. Photo: Andrew Wurst Field surveys always start off with some hard work, digging pitfalls, putting drift fences in and setting Elliot traps. Once completed and before moving to the next site, one can sneak a spot of birdwatching, or if you are a herpo you forage for reptiles. This means rolling over rocks , looking under logs or peering under porcupine grass for our scaled friends. We were just about to leave for the next site when I saw a likely looking half rotted small log that hadn’t been inspected by anybody yet. A small discovered underneath, was eventually caught, identified and released. It was only the second reptile caught for the survey. This reptile catching is easy.

At the next pitfall site, after all the hard work had been completed, searching began in earnest. This time I was chatting to Peter (a herpo of some note) when I spied a lizard at Peter’s feet. We both pounced but I actually caught it. Birdos two, Herpos one. How easy is this?

I then made the decision to leave the binoculars in the car and concentrate on catching reptiles. Binos are a real encumbrance when looking for reptiles and as every birdo knows, leaving them in the car, causes all sorts of unusual birds to immediately appear. A brave or foolhardy move? So armed with protective gloves and a newly found confidence, I joined the foraging Herpetologists. Painted Dragon Photo: Andrew Wurst

It was not long before Paul (who has a reputation for catching unusual specimens) called out that he had something and may need assistance. His original call was that it may be a skink of some description but upon arrival at the Trioda bush, he declared that he only managed to get a glimpse of a tail. It may be a snake! As the first person on the scene he assigned me the task of watching the other side of the bush to alert him if the reptile in question made a dash for it. In all the bravado of the previous couple of hours I had completely forgotten my deep seated aversion to snakes.

Having been raised on a farm I was constantly told that if you see a snake, run for your life, which I have always done. This coupled with the crocodiles that apparently lurked in the farm dam has given me a subconscious fear of most things reptilian. It was with some trepidation that I watched as Paul carefully searched under the Trioda bush. What if the snake came straight for me? Will the old fears kick in? Will I overcome my demons and gamely observe where the reptile goes? These questions were soon answered, as to my great relief, a largish skink flashed to the next bush. I alerted Paul to this fact and soon the bush was surrounded by some experienced herpos. In due course the skink was captured and identified as brachyonyx. A small coup, as the Ctenotus genus is known to be extremely quick and hard to catch.

While the thrill of the hunt is exciting and I expect fun (birdwatchers get it), the main purpose of it all is to increase our knowledge of the distribution and diversity the reptile fauna. Before a survey, the group form a list of what they would expect to find in the area. The survey coordinators then consult with the museum, who suggests which species, if caught, should be taken as voucher specimens.

These collections are then used to further our understanding of the genetics and evolution of different Red‐tailed Worm Lizard ties itself in knots species groupings, just one of many uses that the genetic Photo: Andrew Wurst material contained in these collections is put to. The Herpetologists operate under the policies and guidelines of the Wildlife Ethics Committee and all information collected is entered into the DENR data base using their survey guidelines. Trained members of the group administer euthanasia to the reptiles in the field in accordance with the Wildlife Ethics Committee policy. A total of 26 species were caught over the week‐ end of which 3 or 4 were taken as voucher specimens.

The S.A. Herpetology Group (SAHG) was formed in 1971 and has approximately 60 financial members of which between 25 and 40 attend meetings. Their website can be accessed by Googling the aforementioned name. It contains a photo gallery, contacts and other information relevant to the study and keeping of reptiles. The legal requirement, if you wish to have reptiles as pets, is especially relevant, as the site provides links to the DENR licensing section.

I think I will stick to birdwatching though. 5 Farming on social media…………………………………. by Wendy Fowler

About 40 video clips promoting sustainable farming practices will be featured on Youtube during the coming under a State‐wide Ag Excellence Alliance project.

Northern and Yorke NRM Board will help develop 10 of the film clips with local information about manag‐ ing soil erosion and acidifying soils, and improving habitat in native grasslands.

The $396,000 project will be funded under the Aus‐ tralian Government’s Caring for our Country program

Video messages will target farmers and advisors, and ABC’s Sasha Grbich (camera) and Eloise Fuss interview Chris provide training and facilitation in the use of social Davey of Northern Sustainable Soils group. media.

The project will provide a new vehicle for communicating with the 3,000 members of 15 Farming Systems Groups of Ag Excellence Alliance and its network partners.

ABC Open has worked with Ag Excellence Alliance to produce the project’s initial video clip, 'Whadyaknow? Treating soil salinity'.

(see http://open.abc.net.au/posts/what‐do‐farmers‐tweet‐about‐79wn3er ) Contact Regional Landcare facilitator for the Northern and Yorke Region, Michael Richards on 0427 547 052.

OHSW Volunteer Management Framework Development

Everybody deserves to be safe at work including volunteers and DENR has a legal responsibility towards the safety of all of you (volunteers). In order to be able to demonstrate this responsibility through our business systems and practices, the Volunteer Support Unit (VSU) has developed a standardised system of ensuring volunteer safety and welfare: The Volunteer Management Framework

Northern and Yorke staff (Cristina) has been highly involved in the process and the new protocols will be implemented in 2012.

This means that “pink forms” will change and in addition new forms will be used during volunteer activi‐ ties including on site risk assessment and attendance records.

But don’t panic because we will get through this change together! During 2012 we will meet in person with your group, your liaison ranger, your volunteer support ranger and other district staff to help everybody understand the changes and find the best way to make it work for everybody.

The Northern and Yorke regional staff are committed to minimising the amount of “paper work” that groups have to do. We also want you to be safe and free of worries so you just have to go out and do what you like to do: Volunteering! More information will come around Autumn next year but If you want to know more now, contact Cristina or the VSU anytime!.

6 People Matters…. ……………………………………………………..David Armstrong

In recent months David Armstrong of the Ecological Analysis and Monitoring Unit (EAMU) at the Science Resource Centre has been providing support to DENR Northern & Yorke Region staff during biological surveys promoting community and volunteer engagement in biodiversity management. Three separate surveys were carried out, on private land in the Carrieton area to the east of the Southern Flinders Ranges, at Innes National Park and on private properties along Mambray Creek on the western side of Mount Remarkable National Park.

The Carrieton area was an unrealised gap in the fauna and David Armstrong at the Bio Blitz Yorke Peninsula flora records of the Biodiversity Data Base of SA (BDBSA), so Photo: Jean Turner all information collected there was extremely valuable. There was a different approach at Innes NP, where the survey dubbed the “BioBlitz”, provided a wide variety of activities for 38 volunteer participants from around the state. In addition to the usual small trapping, bird surveys and vegetation sampling, the program included Aboriginal cultural awareness tours, weed identification and control, shorebird monitoring, and spotlighting counts of the reintroduced Tammar Wallabies. BioBlitz volunteers had a chance to experience the various biological survey methods, as all of the activities were undertaken on a rostered basis. At Mambray Creek, a single record of Bolam’s Mouse, at the southern extent of its distribution, and several captures of Brush‐tailed Possums, at the northern extreme of their range in SA, were the most outstanding finds.

Although interesting records and observations of fauna and flora can be obtained from most areas of the state, the most valuable result from this survey program was discovering the number of community members and land owners who share a deep interest in biodiversity within the region. One person who took part in the BioBlitz at Innes NP even developed a web site illustrating the program with dozens of photos taken of the various activities. This level of involvement is essential if areas both within and outside the current reserves system are to be preserved and valued in to the future. Hopefully the success of this extension program will encourage more to follow.

Big Thanks to David Armstrong for sharing his knowledge with the Northern and Yorke Volunteers during this busy spring! 7 Fairy Tern first round results ………………………………. by Clare Manning

In summary, 175 volunteers and 31 DENR staff assisted with the SA Fairy Tern census in November.

The good portion of the coastline between the WA/SA and SA/VIC boarder was covered including Kanga‐ roo Island and a number of offshore islands particularly those of Eyre Peninsula. Preliminary results from the November count suggest a range between 650 and 750 individual fairy terns recorded.

The entire coastline from Glenelg River Estuary to Kingston SE was covered in the Lower South East where 42 Fairy Terns, 13 of which between Browns Bay and Woolwashwere were recorded. On the Fleurieu Peninsula, the offshore islands at Encounter Bay, Willunga to Sellicks Beach and Port Adelaide area were searched. No fairy terns were recorded in Encounter Bay, however an active colony with eggs was recorded at Section Bank, Port Adelaide. Sadly, this colony of has since been abandoned, foxes are believed to have been the reason. Individual birds however continue to be observed in the area.

On Eyre Peninsula including a number of offshore islands over 550 individual fairy terns were records, notably between the WA/SA boarder and Coffin Bay. Active colonies were observed at Seagull Lake c. 110 but sadly by 4 December this colony too had abandoned, foxes believed to have been the reason. At seven other areas observations >20 individuals were recorded. Despite coverage , few records were ob‐ served on the east coast of Eyre Peninsula.

The following offshore islands were also searched North Rocky, Cap, Rocky South, Four Hammocks, Little Hummock, Price, Liguanea, Lewis, Hopkins and Smith Islands. Not all island had fairy terns, but on North Rocky island, ~100 individuals were recorded. The largest group seen was 60, but smaller groups 2‐20 birds were also seen along other parts of the island (so range 60‐100).

On Kangaroo Island during the count 1 fairy tern was observed however, the week before DENR staff re‐ corded 14 fairy terns are Cape Rouge, in breeding plumage.

Finally on the Yorke Peninsula 37 sites were surveyed with 41 individual fairy terns observed notably on offshore islands and at Cheetham Salt field near Price (table attached).

Thank you very much to everybody involved: This summary is a preliminary result only and next survey is scheduled for 11th and 12th of February.

Number of Date Location Terns

8/11/2011 Brown Beach 1

8/11/2011 Brown Beach 3 8/11/2011 Gym Beach 1 8/11/2011 Leven Beach 2 10/11/2011 Point Devenport Inlet 3 20/11/2011 Salt Creek stuary 4 20/11/2011 Rogues Point 5 21/11/2011 Troubridge Island 10 10/11/2011 Port Clinton. 1 10/11/2011 Sheoak Beach 3 15/11/2011 Price salt Field 8 Calendar of Activities:

Active Bat Surveys around Clare 15th and 16th of December The Bats in your backyard project will start annual active monitoring of three transects in the Clare Valley area. These survey will run for two consecutive nights. The surveys will involve the use of anabat equip‐ ment to “hear” and spotlight micro bats! The surveys start at dusk and are limited to 6 volunteer per night. The data recorded will be analyse by volunteers so don’t miss the opportunity to gain this rare skill and put your name down ASAP!

Fairy Tern Census 6th to the 17th of February Survey dates have a 2‐week window to allow for adverse weather conditions, fire events, capacity. Our aim is to visit all the previusly surveyed sites plues an extra 10 or 15 sites. Volunteers need to have par‐ ticiparted in the surveys before, have attended an information session or having vird identification skill. Training session will be available for those without experience and a lead trip will be organised. Volun‐ teers will be reimbrusted for their travel expenses

Office Volunteer – help the helper A DENR computer is now available for volunteer use in the Clare office and there are so many things we need help with!! Come to the Clare office any working day from 9.00am till 5.00pm to do your grant applications, pink forms, risk assessments or to help us with data entry or other admin duties

“Friends of” annual general meeting Most of the Friends of groups in the Northern and Yorke Region will hold their annual general meetings during the months of January and February. If you are interested in a park in particular and would like to know more about how to get involved, contact us and we can give you the details of any AGM held on the region.

Pygmy Blue Tongue Lizard Survey Febuary / March Keep your ears and eyes open during these months because we will send more information in how to get involved in this emblematic BEST project.

Passive Bat Surveys are back The weather is warming up and with it the bats! Andrew Wurst is out again undertaking passive surveys in properties on the mid north. Lately, a hand full of volunteers got trained in Analook software and bat call identification. If you are interested in having a survey done in your property or help Andrew with the project, contact us… there is plenty to do!

Christmas Message……………………………………………… by Cristina Vicente 2011 has been a busy year that has brought us a lot of changes and questions but also a lot of great achievements. We started great new projects (like the Biodiversity Blitz) and great new partnerships (like Fo Burra and Fo Innaminka, Fo Clemetns gap and Subaru 4WD or BEST and Fo Troubridge island). We were successful with grant applications, awards nominations and we celebrated amazing milestones (like 25th, 20th and 15th anniversaries)…. And you made it all possible!. Thank you very much and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Fairy Tern Survey……………………………………………………………….By Montse Soria.

For the last 3 months I have volunteered with the Department of environment and Natural Resources helping with the “100 schools Project”. During that time I have developed, amongst other things, a slideshow, a project logo, and a flyer. I have been based in the Clare office but visited Mt Remarkable on some occasions.

Once I finished that work I felt like I wanted to know more about the volunteers work in the field so I joined a group of BEST volunteers to undertake Fairy Tern Surveys on the Yorke Troubridge Island Lighthouse Photo: Tim Earl Peninsula. The project was running for two consecutive days and we visited Troubridge Island and the Yorke Peninsula east coast beaches looking for these endangered birds.

Fairy Tern / Photo: Tim Earl Volunteers looking for Fairy Terns / Photo: Tim Earl

I enjoyed it a lot. The landscapes were amazing, the weather was fantastic, and the beaches were really wild. Moreover, we were lucky enough to see not only the Fairy Tern but lot of birds that live in the beaches, as pelicans, oystercatchers, cormorants, seagulls and even some penguins.

To undertake the surveys we split in three groups and we cov‐ ered almost all the accessible beaches in the east coast. We also had the privilege of going to the small and wild Troubridge Island! (Thanks to the Friends of Troubridge Island CP!!). We helped with weed control on the island and we found 10 Fairy Terns!. It was a real pleasure, not only because I shared the time with lovely people but because I could see the altruistic acts of the Australian volunteers. Transport to Troubridge Island / Photo: Tim Earl It's a real example for all of us.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Starting in January 2012, Pink forms are to be sent to Volunteer Support Ranger instead of Pam Smith in the Volunteer Support Unit. Remember: Send the PINK FORMS to Cristina this year Education Day at Red Banks and Riverton

Connect‐Understand‐Act, Environment Education Days By connecting to nature, understanding the species within our ecosystems, you can take responsible ac‐ tions to conserve our environment and natural re‐ sources. This was the theme for our Environment Education Days which were held at Red Banks Conser‐ vation Park and Riverton Duck Pond Reserve for pri‐ mary school students.

With the combination of great weather and a great back drop, both Red Banks CP and the Riverton Duck Red banks Education day / Photo: Montse Soria Pond Reserve were the perfect locations for outdoor learning. The students were treated with the following presentations: Birds of Prey by Anita Turton (SA Birds of Prey Rehabilitation Centre); Bats in your Backyard by Cristina Vicente (DENR); Ferals by Kevin Teague (DENR); Native bees by Susanne Richards (volunteer); Native seeds and how they travel by Anne Brown (Greening Australia); Macro‐invertebrates by Jennifer Munro (DENR) and Bush foods by George Laughton (DECS).

The Red Banks CP day (Wednesday 23rd November) was attended by approx. 120 students from the Burra Community School, Farrell Flat Pri‐ mary School, Eudunda Area School and St John’s Lutheran school. The Riverton day (Thursday 24th November) was attended by approx. 170 students from Auburn, Watervale, Owen, Hamley Bridge, Tarlee, Sad‐ dleworth and Riverton primary schools.

We would like to thank the presenters for their contribution (many do‐ nating their time to the event) and to the hard work of the people be‐ hind the scenes, Tim Earl (Graduate Ranger), Barry Wright (Friends of Burra Parks), Andy Nicholls (Natural Resource Management Officer, SAMDB Region ‐ DENR), Kerry Ward (Northern & Yorke NRM Board, Lower North Group Member), Montse Soria (volunteer), Mike Zwarts (Regional Authorised Officer, N&Y Region ‐ DENR) and Mel McDermid (Regional Authorised Officer, N&Y Region ‐ DENR). The days were a huge success because of the great team work of everyone involved.

It is great to hear all the positive feedback from the students and teachers… "...wonderful time and all learnt some great new facts." "...it was a great experience. He liked the birds of prey, ferals & I also liked the traps because I got to go in the cat trap. It was great fun." "...it was a great sight to see. My favourite was the bats. In the bats we saw a device that allows us to hear bats. It was really fun." "...thought it was fun and liked the ferals. We got to set lots of awesome traps. I wish to do it next year." "Thank you for the great day." Riverton Education day Presenters

11 Busy, busy, busy Spring!

Spring was a busy period for the Northern and Yorke volunteers. Some of the things that happened are:

The Friends of Heysen trail celebrate their 20th anniversary doing what they like: walking. More than 20 group members participated in the walks organised on the 24th and 25th of November and the dinner held at the Burra Bowling club on the Satur‐ day night. A weekend of memories, appreciation and lots of laughs!

The Friends of Innes National Park celebrate their 25th anniversary on the 12th of November with a well attended BBQ at the National Park. There was time to look back to al the achievements and look forward to the projects to come. A certificate of appreciation was presented to some of the members by DENR staff.

12 volunteers from 5 different volunteer groups attend Senior First Aid training thanks to the sponsorship of DENR. Thanks to everybody involved!

The 100 schools project in the Southern Flinders has completed its first year. Two overseas volunteers, Carolina Dominguez and Montse Soria, have developed an educational package for schools visiting Mt Remarkable National Park. The Educational package includes two workshops with field sheets and instructions, one teacher book, and a slideshow. The project will start in May of 2012 and we hope to involve as many schools as possible. Volunteer help is also needed so please contact us if you are interested. You can also see the slideshow at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?

Volunteers of the Southern Paskeville Field Days 09/2011 Ride to Work Day 10/2011 Flinders Forum 09/2011

12 Volunteer Profile…………………………………………………Kaye Simpson Your Name: Kaye Simpson Where you come from: Born Adelaide, lived in Melbourne for a couple of years and in Clare since 1982

Your volunteer position: Office admin stuff for almost three years. I think. Have been out with Uta twice to check on translocated Spiny Daisy plants. No of‐ ficial position Your favourite park/reserve in SA and why: I love Spring Gully, probably because it's close to home. I would to explore Mt Re‐ markable more Matt Farrell Your favourite hobby/sport: Photography, gardening and always reading. Lately having fun with boys toys and DIY. Kaye Simpson

Staff Profile………………………………………………. ……………………Deb Agnew

Your Name: Deb Agnew

Where you come from: I live on a cropping farm on Yorke Peninsula, which is a great lifestyle for our four teenage children who are all terrific in their own way.

Your position with the Department and how long have you been there: My work role is Man‐ ager, Community Engagement, Planning and Evaluation. So it has a fairly wide area of inter‐ est, which is exciting and challenging. I have been working in NRM for about 10 years, most recently in the Arid Lands region, and now Northern and Yorke.

Your favourite park/reserve in SA and why: ; Innamincka Regional Reserve because it takes so long to get there, and is really a fantastic place Deb Agnew

Your favourite hobby/sport: On weekends I play tennis, and sometimes go swimming at the beach. I like hanging around with friends too.

Anything else you want to add or say: I am passionate about the role community must have in managing our environment in a sustainable way...we all use natural resources and stand to benefit from positive ac‐ tion!

Do you need more information?...CONTACT US: [email protected] or 08 8841 3446 13 See it to believe it………………………………………………that is Christmas spirit!

Remember that you can view the BEST newsletter through a link on DENR Volunteer webpage http:// www.environment.sa.gov.au/Work_With_Us/Volunteering_with_DENR/Volunteer_news

Please consider sharing your volunteer stories and supporting the BEST newsletter. You can send any information and/or photos to; Volunteer Support Ranger, DENR Email: [email protected] Unit 3/17 Lennon St Clare 5453 Phone: 08 8841 3446 Mobile: 0488 133 279 If you want to stop receiving this newsletter send us an email or give us a call and we’ll get you off the distribution list! It is that easy!

Biodiversity and . Endangered Species Team

Disclaimer. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the contents of this publication are factually correct, the Department for Environment and Natural Resources makes no representations and accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of the contents. Reference to any company, product or service in this publication should not be taken as a Departmental endorsement of the com- pany, product or service. 14 Northern and Yorke Region Volunteers Newsletter