BUSH TRACKS Bush Heritage ’s quarterly magazine for active conservation

Double the impact in outback A black-winged stilt, photographed here at Naree, is among the native birds to use these wetlands. Photo Peter Morris.

On most days if you could see our A major rain event – enough to flood the “At the moment there’s a lot of red sand, Naree Station Reserve, or neighbouring ephemeral wetlands and flip their natural cycle silver trees and very dry grass. The heart Yantabulla Station, it would be hard to into a ‘boom’ – only happens once every five to of it is still wet though,” says Sue Akers. believe the parched outback landscape ten years. In between it’s a very different story. Sue and husband David are our managers transforms into one of Australia’s most at Naree. Walking into the wetlands when they’re breathtaking inland wetlands, teeming dry, as they are now, is an extraordinary Earlier this year we had our first glimpse with water birds. experience. Ancient black box, coolabah since Bush Heritage purchased Naree in These properties sit at the heart of trees and elegant yapunyahs are found 2012 of just how quickly these ephemeral the Paroo-Warrego wetlands (the last around the swamp margins. The deeper you wetlands can transform. remaining free-flowing river catchment go the larger the river wattles and tangled in the Murray-Darling Basin) about lignum shrubs become. In certain spots you In this issue 150km north-west of Bourke in NSW. can see dozens of old nesting platforms left 4 Science: Expanding our horizons behind by previous generations of waterbirds. In this typically harsh ‘boom and bust’ 5 Lessons in nature: our student partners 6 Science at work landscape, where temperatures soar All around you are signs of bird activity 8 BMW Boxers and the Kerr’s bush legacy into the high 40s in summer, water on a scale that’s at odds with the dry 9 Briefs from the blog is often scarce. conditions, and a sense that the land is 10 Volunteering – it’s good for you too! silently waiting for the water to return, 12 Save the date: Blues for the Bush 2015 when it will transform again.

Winter 2015 BushHeritage.org.au To Hungerford /Eulo Naree Station

Below: Fronting the media at our in NSW on the launch of our Science Plan. Homestead Photo Annette Ruzicka. Right: Gerard O’Neill. Photo Bec Walton.

Yantabulla Swamp

Back Creek Swamp Cuttaburra Creek

Yantabulla township

Yantabulla Station

N 5km To Bourke

From the CEO Who we are Bush Heritage Australia is a leading conservation organisation, protecting millions of hectares of We live in a time when there’s never been On page 4 our Science and Research ecologically important land for the better access to knowledge and information Manager, Dr Jim Radford, outlines exactly benefit of nature and all Australians. and yet there is much we still need to know. how we’ll expand our science program and the main areas of research focus. It’s a bold, Why we’re successful Scientists and researchers remain the key ambitious vision and one I look forward It’s our way of working that makes to better informed decisions – which is why to seeing implemented. Bush Heritage Australia so successful we’ve developed our 10-year Science Plan – and makes us optimistic that we – a blueprint to build knowledge, leverage I also want to acknowledge the importance can expand our great conservation our efforts and expand our science capacity. of NAIDOC week in our calendar. It’s work to meet the challenges ahead: coming up in the first week of July and this We use science to inform decisions year’s theme is particularly resonant for us: • We pursue non‑confrontational, about where to work, which species We all stand on sacred ground. pragmatic solutions to and ecosystems to protect, and the most conservation challenges. effective ways to manage issues such In the area of conservation and land as fire, weeds and feral animals. management the Aboriginal and Islander • We work closely with our neighbours communities have a vital role to play with in each community and share the We’re already investing strongly and generations of accumulated knowledge. outcomes and knowledge gained providing leadership in this area, yet Our approach has always been to work for the benefit of all. there are some big challenges ahead. with and alongside Traditional Owners – • Everything we do is informed by Most notably, we need to ensure we have traditional practices and local knowledge good science – aided by our staff the information to respond to future are often highly complementary to our ecologists and science partners. challenges such as climate change, species science‑based approach. recovery and changing ecologies (invasive • We have almost 40,000 (and buffel grass across the inland for example). Our partnerships with groups such as growing) committed supporters Wunambal Gaambera in the Kimberley, who enable us to work on a scale One of the ways we plan to do this is Warddeken in Arnhem Land and that matters and to implement by collaboration. We already have many newer partnerships with Bunuba solutions that endure. long‑standing research partners, such as and Birriliburu in Western Australia • We partner with Aboriginal Professor Chris Dickman and his University exemplify this approach. communities, other land owners, of Sydney ‘Ratcatchers’ who’ve been non‑profits, businesses and regular visitors to the Queensland desert at Stay in touch via our website and social governments, because we Ethabuka for over 25 years. We also partner media during NAIDOC week, and join know that by working together with post‑graduate science students, who us in reflecting on how important these we can achieve so much more. contribute specific expertise to research all enduring relationships are for a healthy around the country. A story on page 5 will and sustainable future. • We buy land, and invest in introduce you to some of these remarkable our partnerships and our young people and their work. growing number of supporters. Our mission is for the benefit of all Australians, forever. Gerard O’Neill, Chief Executive

2 Bush Tracks | Winter 2015 To Hungerford /Eulo Naree Station Below top: The red-kneed dotterel (Erythrogonys cinctus) is among the species that use these wetlands. Copyright Wayne Lawler / AUSCAPE All rights reserved. Homestead Below centre: The glowing reds of a yapunyah tree (Eucalyptus ochrophloia) on Naree. These trees put on a glorious display at Naree and Yantabulla, and only occur over a relatively small area in the Paroo floodplains. Photo Cory Butler.

Yantabulla Swamp Below bottom: Reserve Manager David Akers and PhD student Dana Vickers exploring Yantabulla Station. Back Creek Swamp Photo Sue Akers. Cuttaburra Creek

Yantabulla township

Yantabulla Station

N 5km To Bourke

Continued from cover In the swamps, the tangled Local rain, backed up by falls over 500km lignum bushes burst into away in Queensland, kick started a mini thousands of delicate white ‘boom’. It took weeks for the rain that fell flowers. Frogs, insects and late last year in the Carnarvon Ranges to creep past Charleville and Cunnamulla, other creatures emerged, and into the lower reaches of the producing a cacophony of Warrego River. night‑time calls. David and Sue were able to watch its arrival With skilled land managers already on Naree as it inched its way slowly down on the ground, it made sense for Bush the Cuttaburra Creek. Heritage to manage Yantabulla Station, “The dry ground is like a sponge,” adds in partnership with South Endeavour Trust, David. “It’s cracking clay and you can watch as one consolidated reserve with Naree. the water when it runs here, disappear into This more than doubles our conservation a crack in the ground for 45 minutes before footprint in the area, and provides major it fills up and moves on to the next crack. efficiencies for managing the properties. But you get a sense of the parched land David and Sue are relishing the chance drinking and how beneficial that must be.” to translate their successes at Naree on Our new partnership to Yantabulla Station. Some of their first activities will be reducing the impact of Through an innovative new partnership feral animals to help restore vital ground with South Endeavour Trust, David and cover in preparation for the next big Sue have also recently begun managing rain event. Yantabulla Station to the south-west of our Naree Reserve. The water that arrived this summer was only about 5 per cent of that needed to South Endeavour Trust already owned spark a major boom, but almost overnight several conservation properties and when seeds that had been dormant in the red we introduced them to Yantabulla it was dust and dry clay beds began germinating, a chance to complement Naree. Together producing a lush carpet of native herbs Please help us conserve the properties protect the entire Back and grasses. precious places Creek Swamp and the delta of the much Throughout Australia we seek to larger Yantabulla Swamp – two of the In the swamps, the tangled lignum bushes burst into thousands of delicate white be influential beyond our borders, most important water bird breeding partnering with private landowners and feeding sites in arid Australia. flowers. Frogs, insects and other creatures emerged, producing a cacophony of and Aboriginal groups to help Tens of thousands of nomadic waterbirds night‑time calls. manage their land for conservation. – spoonbills, egrets, ibis, ducks, swans, To help us care for precious Australian avocets, stilts, cormorants, grebes, brolgas, It was enough to show the promise of things to come with Naree and Yantabulla places such as the Yantabulla and pelicans, dotterels – congregate here when Naree Station wetlands, please conditions are right, and waders, some Station’s precious ephemeral wetlands now managed together for conservation. donate today: from as far away as Siberia, stop to feed BushHeritage.org.au/donate and refuel in the shallow wetlands.

Bush Tracks | Winter 2015 3 Left: Professor Chris Dickman (The University of Sydney) has led a team of researchers involved on , Qld, for over 25 years. Photo Bobby Tamayo. Below: Ecologist Angela Sanders with Paula Deegan conducting water quality monitoring on Monjebup Creek in the Fitz-Stirling region of Western Australia. Photo Angela Sanders.

Science: Expanding Dr Jim Radford Science and Research our horizons Manager

Australia’s plants and animals are in the Let’s take a look at these six focus areas midst of an extinction crisis. Species are and the sorts of questions we seek to answer. How we plan to double declining at alarming rates and ecosystems capacity by 2025 are under increasing stress and strain. 1. Landscape connectivity: Are there risks to increasing connectivity? How can Nationally-competitive At Bush Heritage we’re working to grow connections be maintained in ephemeral research grants: Partner with and expand our conservation programs environments? Projects such as Gondwana University scientists to undertake to help protect more of Australia’s native Link are informed by this research. 10 multi‑year projects. species and highest priority landscapes. Small research grants: 2. Habitat refuges: Where are the We use the best-available science to Annually secure three small grants important refuges (from drought, fire, help restore and manage ecosystems that for Bush Heritage‑led research. climate change, etc.)? Where do important support threatened plants and animals. species breed? How can we best find Scholarships: Offer four However, we don’t always understand the and monitor these areas? post‑graduate student scholarships complex reasons behind particular species’ per year (with research assistance). declines or have all the tools to manage 3. Introduced species: What are the best Internships: Offer University work their recoveries. That’s why scientific management strategies? Does removing placements and two post‑graduate research is vital to our work. dingoes or foxes simply lead to problems internships for science projects. To make sure our science program keeps with cats or rabbits? How does each Science series: Publish and promote growing in step with our conservation introduced species interact with natives? a series of reports that stimulate work, we recently launched a 10-year plan 4. Fire ecology: How does the scale, discussion of conservation issues. that maps out a clear path to double our seasonality and size of fire (planned and science capacity by 2025. Transformational change forum: unplanned) affect plants and animals? Establish a multi-platform forum We currently support 55 active research (online blogs, symposia, public projects, involving more than 50 scientists 5. Threatened species: What are the lectures, workshops, open days) from 15 universities, which are investigating critical threats? What are the requirements to bring researchers together and a wide range of conservation problems. and barriers to successfully reintroducing to influence policy and practice. We aim to double that support to 120 threatened species to parts of their projects in the next decade, a plan costed previous range? Science fellowships: at $20 million. Create three positions for scientists 6. Restoration: How can we better restore to develop and lead relevant Existing research could be grouped into changed ecosystems by providing habitat multi‑institutional research. six main themes, each addressing key issues features (e.g. rock mounds, rolled wire for conservation in Australia. ‘refuges’, logs etc.)? Can selective habitat Centres of learning: Establish four restoration help address issues such as field stations as hubs for scientific The map of our work overleaf includes feral predators, weeds and soil erosion? research, community education, case studies illustrating each of these six citizen science, volunteers and visitors. research types in practice.

4 Bush Tracks | Winter 2015 Left: Brett Howland with a striped legless lizard on Scottsdale Reserve. Photo Annette Ruzicka. Below: Tim Doherty fits a tracking collar on a feral cat at , Western Australia. Photo Annette Ruzicka.

Lessons in nature: Kate Cranney Masters student, our student partners University of

From kangaroos at Nardoo, to snails Brett Howland (PhD, Australian National Prue McGuffie (PhD, University of Canberra) in the springs of Edgbaston, university University) is examining the optimal is studying the micro-habitat requirements, students from across Australia are doing density of kangaroos and wallabies for recruitment biology and influence of river flow research on Bush Heritage reserves. preserving in grasslands and on Macquarie perch in the Murrumbidgee grassy woodlands, including Nardoo Hills River, adjacent to Scottsdale Reserve. Snacking on a sandwich in Alice Springs and Scottsdale reserves. was how I first met Renee Rossini and Nathan Clough (Honours, University of Tim Doherty. We were all at morning tea Tim Doherty (PhD, Edith Cowan University) Canberra) is looking at the breeding ecology at the 2014 Ecological Society of Australia is studying the ecology (habitat use, diet of the invasive mosquito-fish at Edgbaston conference, presenting our research to and movements) and impact of feral cats Reserve, which is the primary threat to scientists from Australia and abroad. on Charles Darwin Reserve in Western the endangered red-finned blue‑eye. Australia, with a focus on evaluating our Like me, Renee and Tim have chosen to Ruth Wishart (Undergraduate placement, feral predator management. collaborate with Bush Heritage Australia Charles Sturt University) mapped tree for their postgraduate research, and it turns Sarah Comer (PhD, University of Western health at Nardoo Hills and John Colahan out that there’s a whole herd of us, spread Australia) is looking at the diet, resource Griffin reserves in Victoria, to see if health out across Australia! use and impacts on native fauna of feral is associated with tree species, soil, slope cats in fragmented and intact landscapes or aspect. Collectively, we’re helping improve the in south‑west Western Australia. ecological knowledge of Bush Heritage Kate Cranney (Masters, University of reserves and, in turn, we have access to Renee Rossini (PhD, University of Melbourne). I’m investigating how Bush historical data, awe-inspiring properties, Queensland) is studying the endemic Heritage monitors changes in vegetation, and the professional mentorship of invertebrates found in Great Artesian focusing on the cover of saltbush on Bush Heritage staff. Basin springs – some of the best examples Boolcoomatta, in remote South Australia of which are protected at Edgbaston (I’ve also set up vegetation monitoring Here’s a brief introduction to Reserve in Queensland (home to at on four surrounding properties). some of the students working least nine snails found nowhere else). on Bush Heritage reserves. Justin McCann (PhD, University of There’s still much that remains Emma Burgess (PhD, University of New South Wales) is investigating the under‑researched on Bush Heritage Queensland) is investigating the effect impacts of grazing, water diversion reserves. If you’re a student interested of fire on the subtropical woodlands and climate change on the biodiversity in collaborating, don’t be shy! Partnering is a fantastic way to work on of beautiful Carnarvon Reserve, central of the floodplains of Naree Station. applied ecological issues with people Queensland. Her research is looking at Dana Vickers (PhD, University of New passionate about conservation science. how the reserve’s open eucalypt woodlands England) is also working at Naree, looking Contact – and the bird populations they support at the diversity and abundance of plants [email protected] – respond to mosaic burning at different and animals in relation to ephemeral spatial scales. Learn more about the above projects at waters and top-order predators in an BushHeritage.org.au/students arid environment.

Bush Tracks | Winter 2015 5 Science at work This map illustrates areas we’ve identified as priority landscapes – areas in urgent need of investment in conservation – as well as the sites of our reserves and partnerships around the country. For more details see: BushHeritage.org.au/priority-landscapes Darwin The case studies illustrated below are all featured in more detail online. Warddeken Cape York You’ll also find a video explaining our Science Plan and copies of the Arnhem Land Umpila plan itself for download. BushHeritage.org.au/science

Kimberley Wunambal Olkola Gaambera Fan Palm

Bunuba Balkanu Gulf Plains Yourka Einasleigh Uplands

Mitchell Grass Downs Mulligan Edgbaston Cravens Peak Ethabuka Goonderoo Reedy Creek Birriliburu Carnarvon

Brigalow Hamelin Brisbane Bulloo Threatened species recovery Eurardy Case study: The translocation of threatened Currumbin red-tailed phascogales onto Kojonup Reserve Mid-west WA Rangelands SA Arid Rangelands Naree Valley has boosted their prospects of long-term survival. Ecologist Angela Sanders with a red-tailed Gunduwa Paroo Warrego Lesueur-Eneabba Arid Recovery phascogale. Photo Annette Ruzicka. Charles Darwin South Perth Bon Bon Endeavour Northern Woodlands Monjebup, Trust Monjebup North Boolcoomatta & Monjebup Creek Mawonga Sydney Gondwana Link Canberra Kojonup South East NSW Beringa Adelaide Scottsdale ‘Nameless’ Sylvan Tarcutta Hills Yarrabee Chereninup Creek Nardoo Hills Burrin Burrin Upper Murrumbidgee John Riverina Goldfields Demonstration Reach Brogo Colahan Kosciuszko 2 Coast Griffin Melbourne Landscape connectivity Case study: Gondwana Link seeks to restore 1,000km of connected habitat. Healthy Landscape Manager Simon Smale with Jane and Bill Thompson, owners of Yarraweyah Falls, which neighbours our Monjebup Reserve. Photo Jessica Wyld. South Esk Pine Liffey Valley Friendly Beaches Geographic regions Reserves Tasmanian Midlands Geographic regions Northern Savannah Bush Heritage reserves Tasmanian Midlandscapes Northern Savannah up to 1000 ha Bush Heritage reserves Hobart Arid Riverine up to 1000 ha Arid Riverine up to 100 000 ha Grassy Ecosystems North up to 100 000 ha Grassy Ecosystems North up to 300 000 ha Spencer upIntroduced to 300 000 ha species Spencer Southwest Floristic Bush Heritage partnerships Case study: We partner in an Australian Southwest Floristic BushResearch Heritage Councilpartnerships study looking at interactions Grassy Ecosystems South Aboriginal partnership between cats and natives in the grassy plains Grassy Ecosystems South Aboriginal partnership Southeast Coastal and Highlands Regional partnership of the Tasmanian Midlands. Above a feral cat Southeast Coastal and Highlands Regionalon the prowl. partnership Photo Tim Doherty.

6 Bush Tracks | Winter 2015 Darwin Warddeken Cape York Arnhem Land Umpila

Kimberley Wunambal Olkola Gaambera Fan Palm Fire ecology Bunuba Balkanu Case study: PhD candidate Emma Burgess has been studying fire history and habitat structure for Gulf Plains Yourka birds on Carnarvon Reserve. Above a controlled burn is conducted at Carnarvon. Photo Cathy Zwick. Einasleigh Uplands

Mitchell Grass Downs Mulligan Edgbaston Cravens Peak Ethabuka Goonderoo Reedy Creek Birriliburu Carnarvon

Brigalow Hamelin Brisbane Bulloo Eurardy Currumbin Mid-west WA Rangelands SA Arid Rangelands Naree Valley Gunduwa Paroo Warrego Lesueur-Eneabba Arid Recovery Charles Darwin South Habitat refuges Perth Bon Bon Endeavour Northern Woodlands Case study: Research at Scottsdale Reserve on Monjebup, Trust the Murrumbidgee River aims to identify breeding Monjebup North areas for nationally endangered Macquarie Perch. Boolcoomatta & Monjebup Creek Mawonga Photo Peter Saunders. Sydney Gondwana Link Canberra Kojonup South East NSW Beringa Adelaide Scottsdale ‘Nameless’ Sylvan Tarcutta Hills Yarrabee Chereninup Creek Nardoo Hills Burrin Burrin Upper Murrumbidgee John Riverina Goldfields Demonstration Reach Brogo Colahan Kosciuszko 2 Coast Griffin Melbourne

South Esk Pine Liffey Valley Friendly Beaches Reserves Tasmanian Midlands Tasmanian Midlandscapes Hobart

Restoration ecology Case study: On Scottsdale Reserve we’re researching how to encourage long-lived eucalypts, such as white box and yellow box, back into the landscape while preserving understory species. Eucalypt seedlings ready for planting. Photo Stuart Cohen.

Bush Tracks | Winter 2015 7 Left: Dawn silhouette at Boolcoomatta. Photo Wayne Lawler / EcoPix. Below: Geoff Kerr on his travels with his BMW Boxer motorbike. Photo Elizabeth Kerr. Below inset: A native Richard’s pipit on . Photo Wayne Lawler / EcoPix.

BMW Boxers and the Kerr’s bush legacy

An appetite for adventure and a love of the “You barely see a parrot in open road has taken Geoff and Elizabeth the Adelaide Hills anymore. Kerr the length and breadth of Australia. The numbers of animals With nothing but their BMW Boxer that are disappearing is motorbike, together they’ve explored the vast expanses of Australia’s rugged really concerning.” outback and picturesque coastlines. Their increasing alarm at the rate of Nothing could hold them back. Not even biodiversity loss spurred the Kerrs into the five broken ribs and a bleeding kidney action, and they began supporting Bush Geoff suffered after coming off second-best Heritage Australia in 2010, wanting to to a patch of bulldust outside Carnarvon play their part in protecting Australia’s Gorge could keep him off his beloved Boxer. native species. Conscious that the battle for the That fateful afternoon cost the Kerrs a night preservation of Australia’s species will be “We’ve been involved in land care projects in a remote outback hospital and a new ongoing, both Geoff and Elizabeth wanted wherever we’ve lived, often raising our own spark plug, but their adventurous spirit to make their contribution a long-lasting seedlings from collected seed,” Geoff recalls. remained well and truly intact. one. So when the time came to update their “Joining Bush Heritage was a chance to help wills, the Kerrs didn’t hesitate to leave Bush It’s been a lifestyle without regrets, but efforts that are underway Australia-wide.” Heritage Australia a bequest. They wanted for one exception – witnessing first-hand In 2014 they hit the road again and visited to play their part in helping protect and the decline of Australia’s native flora and our Boolcoomatta Reserve in the arid preserve Australia’s flora and fauna well fauna. Having travelled widely throughout rangelands of South Australia. It was their into the future. Australia over a long period, Geoff and first visit to a Bush Heritage site and Geoff Elizabeth have watched our unique “To anyone who is contemplating leaving remembers being particularly impressed landscape degraded by feral species, a bequest to Bush Heritage, I would with the restoration work underway. land clearing and soil erosion. say ‘Put it in your will now’,” says Geoff. “The way it’s been restored, it looks “Inform your family of your reasons Sadly, they’ve also witnessed the decline like it’s back to the original landscape,” and don’t leave it until it’s too late.” of Australia’s native species, particularly he said. “And being a builder I was able birdlife in various parts of the country. to give some advice on some of the Bush Heritage bequests “You barely see a parrot in the Adelaide building and construction work.” Hills anymore,” Geoff laments. “The To enquire about making a “Without organisations like Bush Heritage numbers of animals that are disappearing bequest to Bush Heritage Australia, the future of the Australian bush – the flora is really concerning.” contact our bequests team on and fauna – is bleak.” [email protected] or phone Rebecca Passlow on (03) 8610 9139.

8 Bush Tracks | Winter 2015 Briefs from the blog BushHeritage.org.au/blog

A glance though some of the regular posts on our blog gives an overview of what’s been happening on our reserves New artificial springs on Edgbaston around Australia – all made possible thanks to you. The most recent technique used to protect the nationally Subscribe for regular updates or follow us on social media. endangered red-finned blue eye fish on Edgbaston in western Queensland is silt barrier fencing. The goal is to keep invasive gambusia out of red-fin springs when local flooding occurs. The newest silt fence, constructed with the financial support of the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Rosenberg monitor Conservation Fund and the Queensland Government, Brett Peden, our Field Officer at Scottsdale Reserve in NSW, has been erected at the Edgbaston house bore, creating came across this handsome beast hanging around the a ‘new’ artificial habitat away from gambusia. shed complex. The Rosenberg’s monitor, or heath monitor Sunset over springs on . Photo Wayne Lawler / EcoPix. (Varanus rosenbergi), is found across southern Australia, though it’s listed as vulnerable in NSW. At about 1.5 metres long this ground‑dwelling lizard with yellow bands on its tail is distinct from the more common lace monitor.

A Rosenberg’s monitor. Photo Brett Peden.

Camera traps for northern bettongs Reserve Manager Paul Hales, Allana Brown (Healthy Landscape Manager and Ecologist) and volunteer Robert Goodwill teamed up with World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) Fencing at Naree Jess Koleck to establish 19 camera traps around Yourka We have around 65km of boundary fences at Naree on the Reserve in Queensland. Through an Australian Government inland floodplains of northern NSW. We’ve been working to funded project, WWF is working with local stakeholders a five-year fencing plan, initially focused on stock‑proofing throughout the region to gain a better understanding of the boundaries. Thanks to the Erica Foundation, the James endangered northern bettongs. N Kirby Foundation and other supporters for helping to fund this work. Women in conservation breakfast The fourth annual Women in Conservation Breakfast, Dragons of the desert held in partnership with Trust for Nature, and generously Professor Chris Dickman and his team (the self-proclaimed sponsored by NAB, was held in Melbourne during March. ‘Ratcatchers’) have returned to Ethabuka on the edge of A video with highlights of an interview with internationally the in Queensland, where they’ve been recognised sustainability leader Molly Harriss Olson by researching for 25 years. One of their current projects is moderator Tanya Ha is at BushHeritage.org.au/wic-2015 Eveline Rijksen’s dragon study, which looks at the effects Molly Harriss Olson and moderator Tanya Ha. of predation on the military dragon and the central netted dragon.

The central netted dragon. Photo Matt Warr.

Bush Tracks | Winter 2015 9 Below: Volunteer Ellie Sobey. Photo Jody Gunn. Right: Volunteers Ron McInnes (centre) and Kim Ely (left) with Reserve Manager, Leanne Hales on , far north Queensland. Photo Heidi Fisher.

Volunteering – it’s good for you too!

“The natural environment is where Volunteering is a huge industry in In fact, researchers worldwide are finding that we came from, it’s important to Australia, worth more than $10 billion to regular contact with nature has been linked the economy. And while much has been with health benefits ranging from reducing our life, it sustains us and there written about the benefits of volunteering cholesterol to helping manage diabetes. is something about being in it to the community and environment, new The psychological benefits of nature include that I find tremendously uplifting.” research is shedding light on the physical lowering anxiety, stress and depression and mental health benefits to volunteers, while simultaneously improving mood particularly those who volunteer in and increasing a person’s physical activity. This is how Melbourne volunteer the outdoors. Alan Dickerson describes his experience That’s not to mention the health benefits volunteering with Bush Heritage. Since A recent study conducted by Beyond Blue simply by volunteering. Studies have found his involvement began seven years ago, and Deakin University examined the over 60% of those who volunteer at least Alan’s work around Victoria’s Nardoo Hills, link between nature and personal health five times a year say it helps them feel less Wedderburn and the Tasmanian Midlands and wellbeing. stressed (Nelson 2006). It supports research has put him back in touch with nature that showed that volunteering is the second The resulting research paper ‘Beyond Blue and his love for the bush. greatest source of joy. Interestingly, dancing to Green: The benefits of contact with nature came in at number one (Argyle, 1996). By volunteering, Alan has joined for mental health and well‑being’ found a the estimated 4.4 million Australians clear link between a person’s time outdoors These statistics seem to indicate that people contributing around 701 million hours and their sense of physical, emotional and who combine volunteering with working to various volunteering projects each year. mental health. outside are getting the best of both worlds. Alan can attest to the sense of satisfaction that comes with volunteering in nature. ACT volunteer of the year (Joss Haiblen, Trish McDonald, Peter Hann, Paul Davies and Julie Crawford). “You’re doing something physical, productive Bush Heritage volunteer Ellie Sobey and useful,” he said. “It’s not like sitting was recently awarded ‘Volunteer of It was fantastic to have a forum to down at a coffee shop or going bushwalking the Year 2015 – Arts and Environment’ gather and celebrate the volunteers by myself. Those things are nice, but it’s at the Volunteering ACT Awards. at our Scottsdale Reserve. Paul Davies that combination of doing useful work summed up the mood afterwards saying We nominated Ellie for ecological in a lovely environment with nice people “Bush Heritage respects and honours monitoring work on our Scottsdale – it’s just totally satisfying and fulfilling.” the skills and experience of volunteers Reserve. and allows us to do what we love, along He saw volunteering with Bush Heritage We also nominated Brett Howland for with our friends, to make a difference as a chance to do his bit for Australia’s his reptile surveys of Scottsdale, our to the Australian Bush”. environment. And he wholeheartedly rabbit warren patrollers (Ralph Farnbach, agrees with the Beyond Blue report, saying Peter Gloag, Justin Kell and Ellie Sobey) Congratulations Ellie and thank-you that environmental volunteering can be a and our macropod monitoring team to all of our incredible volunteers! catalyst for social inclusion, co-operation and cohesion.

10 Bush Tracks | Winter 2015 Left: John Furmston, Meredith and Ron McInnes volunteering at Nardoo Hills in Victoria. Thank you Photo Heidi Fisher. Below: An Australian painted lady butterfly, Thanks to the many supporters who Nardoo Hills Reserves. Photo Jeroen Van Veen. have generously donated to our work. In memoriam Joanna Richardson donated in memory of her parents – Mr and Mrs Richardson and Wakefield. Gordon and Margaret Clarke donated in memory of Robert Fredrick (Bob) Brown of Adelaide, a long-time friend and staunch conservationist. Dr Susan Smythe donated in memory of Kate Horder. Archleigh and Harry Anstey left a gift in memory of John Desley Dingle. Professor Kieran Fallon gave us a gift in memory of Graeme Flanagan. Mr Howard Jones donated to celebrate the life of Vera Howorka. Mr V.K. and Mrs M.G. Zakrevsky donated in memory of the late Ilderbrando Poggioli of Perth, Western Australia, who loved the Australian bush and wildlife and we gratefully received a gift from Jane Paterson in memory of Cecily Dignan. In celebration Peggy McKinlay donated to celebrate the birth of her grand-daughter Catalina Neumann. Several donations were received to celebrate the wedding of Therese Gildeffer and Ross Stephens. We received a donation on the “The whole world looks better, sometimes As an avid cyclist and bushwalker, happy occasion of Peggy Foreman’s 86th right after the first morning tea break,” when Ron found out about the work birthday and another to mark Leigh Whisson’s he jokes. “I’m working with a fantastic team of Bush Heritage, he couldn’t sign up 50th birthday. Amanda Chandler called to on a good, long term plan I’m passionate quick enough. donate in celebration of Robert Child’s wedding. about. You can’t ask for much more from “The idea of what they’re doing – of a volunteer placement than that.” buying land to keep in perpetuity and Bequests Fellow volunteer Ron McInnes agrees. saving the bush – it just excited me,” he said. We gratefully acknowledge the estates After signing up in the early days of Bush “You do feel like you’re doing something of Mary Attenborough, Allan John Rogers, Heritage, he has worked at more than for Australia.” Mollie Vindin Rowell and Peggy Smart. a dozen sites and loves the camaraderie “And it’s very physical work, which is great that comes with volunteering. An emu bush (eremophila) in flower for your health. We’re outside all day in on Charles Darwin Reserve in WA. “You just meet so many people,” he said. the fresh air working in beautiful scenery. Photo Jiri Lochman / Lochman Transparencies. “You’re working alongside these brilliant It’s terrific!” scientists who teach you things. Then you meet other volunteers who have a lot of experience in different fields and talking Did you know... with them is just marvellous. Did you know our volunteers “At the end of the day you sit around contributed 20,000 hours to over the campfire at night, the stars are out 300 diverse volunteer opportunities and you’re chatting with everybody. so far in 2015? We’d like to thank The friendships that get formed and all our volunteers for their incredible the knowledge that gets imparted, it’s contribution. To get involved, visit just out of this world.” BushHeritage.org.au/volunteers

Bush Heritage Australia This publication uses 100% post‑consumer Level 1, 395 Collins Street waste recycled fibre, made with a carbon PO Box 329 Flinders Lane ABN 78 053 639 115 neutral manufacturing process, using Melbourne, VIC 8009 Contributors: Lucy Ashley, Leigh Johnston, vegetable‑based inks. T: 1300 NATURE (1300 628 873) Kate Cranney, Dr Jim Radford. Design by iconinc.com.au T: (03) 8610 9100 F: (03) 8610 9199 E: [email protected] W: BushHeritage.org.au

Bush Tracks | Winter 2015 11 Save the date: Blues for the Bush 2015 Circle the first weekend of October in Held in the northern wheat belt region For a bit of added fun, there will be roaming your diaries and calendars – preparations of Western Australia, in partnership with circus performers, artists, kids’ activities, are already underway for the third annual Perenjori Shire, the event will include panel fantastic food stalls and, of course, as the Charles Darwin Reserve Open Day and discussions about land management and sun goes down the action will heat up as Blues for the Bush concert in Western conservation in the region, ecological tours a range of musicians take to the stage. Australia this spring. of the reserve, presentations on cultural Luke Bayley, Executive Manager West, says and social aspects of the community and a It promises to be another night of this year will see the strongest-ever line up chance to learn about the land’s traditional heart‑pumping, foot stomping, rollicking of blues musicians. “Some top performers custodians – the Badimaya people. music after an educational community day love the idea of playing out here in a unique like no other. Few events rival this flagship AFL footy tragics will notice it’s grand final event under the stars,” he said. visitation experience for connecting the weekend, so we’re planning ‘the grandest For videos, photos, bookings or more people of remote communities with each grand final party in the mid-west’ featuring information see www.bluesforthebush.org.au other and to the land. coverage on a giant screen. Above: Blues for the Bush 2014. Photos Cineport Media.

Visit our reserves Tag-along tours Day visits Other opportunities to visit our reserves Cravens Peak and Ethabuka Reserves (Qld) Currumbin and Reedy Creek (Qld) include guided tours, camping options and Monday 20 to Friday 24 July 2015 Liffey Valley Reserves (Tas) self-guided trips, including interpretive walks. Bon Bon Station Reserve (SA) Kojonup and Chereninup Creek (WA) Monday 24 to Friday 28 August 2015 Camping Naree Station Reserve (NSW) Carnarvon (Qld) May to September Friday 11 to Sunday 13 September 2015 Boolcoomatta (SA) April to October Nardoo Hills Reserves (Vic) For trip guides, requirements and more Charles Darwin (WA) April to October Sunday 11 and Saturday 17 October 2015 details see BushHeritage.org.au/visits

Bush Heritage is a not‑for‑profit organisation, funded entirely by donations from generous supporters like you.

Yes, I want to help Bush Heritage fund innovative partnerships such as that on Yantabulla Station.

Title First name Last name Date of birth / /

Address State Postcode

Email Home phone Mobile

I will give $ via: Cheque/money order (enclosed) Visa MasterCard AMEX Diners

Card no. / / / / / / / / / / / / Expiry date /

Cardholder’s name Signature All donations of $2 or more are tax‑deductible.

Please send me information about including a gift to Bush Heritage in my Will

Please return to: Bush Heritage Australia, Reply Paid 329, Flinders Lane VIC 8009 You can also donate online at: BushHeritage.org.au/donate

Our Privacy Policy is at BushHeritage.org.au/privacy It explains how we manage your personal information, how you can access or correct it, how to opt out of receiving marketing material, and what to do if you have a privacy complaint. If you don’t want to receive any communications from us, let us know by emailing [email protected], freecalling 1300 628 873 (1800 NATURE) or writing to us care of the address above. WINT15NDM