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National Biodiversity Month Wrap Up

While we think that biodiversity should really be celebrated year-round, National Biodiversity Month (September every year) is a great reason to stop and admire species of all shapes and sizes, and to remember why having diverse and healthy green spaces is so important. Not only that, the two key themes of Biodiversity Month are central to our work here at Conservation Volunteers – connecting with nature, and caring for nature in all of its diversity. We think that’s definitely worth celebrating!

September was also the start of our Actions for Biodiversity and Threatened Species event series. All across Australia, our communities have been getting out and protecting all sorts of species. From weeding the grassy woodlands of Melbourne to protect the endangered Eastern Barred Bandicoot, to building nestboxes for pygmy possums in South Australia, volunteers have been getting out into nature and taking action for the species and ecological communities that need our help most.

People have also been busy transforming their own gardens, balconies, and verges into areas bursting with biodiversity. Our newly launched app has been guiding people through creating Nature Blocks (you can read all about it here!).

If you were deep in winter hibernation and missed out on celebrating Biodiversity Month – don’t worry! – our Actions for Biodiversity season runs until December, so there are plenty more events for you to join.

So, as we tuck National Biodiversity Month into bed for another year, sit back as we take you on a journey of the month that was…

Queensland

Biodiversity month in Brisbane focused on all things with wings! Volunteers from around Brisbane and beyond came together to celebrate our amazing local flying critters. August saw the start of the arrival of several species of Shorebirds after their long journeys from the northern hemisphere. World Shorebird Day saw volunteers gear up with gumboots and binoculars to venture out into the mudflats of Morwong Beach on Coochiemudlo Island in search of our migratory shorebirds.

Things then got a bit Batty on Threatened Species Day with an amazing educational talk about SEQ Bats and Flying Foxes. Louella Harvey from Bat Conservation and Rescue QLD gave an amazing talk to volunteers highlighting the importance of Bats and Flying Foxes in QLD. The star of the show was Seraphine, a Black Headed Flying Fox who got to show off her acrobatic skills to everyone involved.

Gladstone

The Threatened Species Day event at Gladstone Botanical Gardens in 2023 was nothing short of amazing! Volunteers gathered in the morning, their spirits as high as the branches of the magnificent trees surrounding them. It was a day dedicated to understanding and appreciating the uniqueness of our local flora and fauna.

As the morning sun cast its warm glow over the gardens, we embarked on a journey of discovery. We learned that our region is home to threatened species that need our assistance to thrive. It was a reminder of the importance of biodiversity conservation.

Participants were immersed in a world of knowledge about these precious creatures. We delved into the significance of creating bird hollows and nest boxes, crucial elements in providing safe havens for our vulnerable avian friends. Microbats, often overlooked but vital to our ecosystem, also received a helping hand with specially designed boxes.

Tondoon Botanical Gardens played a pivotal role in this endeavour. They are actively involved in cultivating threatened species of trees, with the aim of reintroducing them into their natural habitats to contribute to the restoration and preservation of our unique biodiversity.

This special day at Gladstone Botanical Gardens served as a poignant reminder that while we do have threatened species, we also have the power to make a positive impact. It was a day filled with hope, learning, and a collective determination to build a better future for the remarkable flora and fauna that make our region so special. 🌳

Mackay

Biodiversity month up in Mackay buzzed with activity as we celebrated Shorebirds and Threatened Species through bird surveys, invigorating bushwalks, and extensive habitat creation. It was a month dedicated to deepening our connection with nature and preserving our local biodiversity.

Volunteers and nature enthusiasts embarked on bird surveys, exploring the rich tapestry of local birdlife and gaining valuable insights into these remarkable creatures.

Guided bushwalks allowed participants to immerse themselves in Mackay’s natural wonders, fostering a deeper appreciation for the local environment.

The heart of Mackay’s Biodiversity Month was the hands-on habitat creation efforts. Volunteers planted trees and shrubs to provide essential habitats for threatened species, making a real impact on our ecosystem.

Adding to the enchantment were special appearances by local wildlife, including the majestic Brolgas and the elusive Barra, highlighting the region’s diverse natural heritage.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to all who attended, contributing to the success of Biodiversity Month in Mackay. It was a month filled with exploration, conservation, and a shared commitment to protect our unique biodiversity.

New South Wales

In New South Wales, World Shorebirds Day was a captivating experience that began with “Breakfast with the Birds.” Renowned ecologist Arthur White led us on an enthralling tour of the picturesque Landing Lights Wetlands, a place rich in history and hidden treasures.

Arthur’s storytelling skills brought the wetlands to life as he regaled us with tales of migratory shorebirds like the curlew sandpiper and the bar-tailed godwit. We learned about their incredible journeys, spanning continents, and gained a profound understanding of why this place is crucial for their survival.

The event attracted a diverse group of attendees, ranging from avid bird enthusiasts to dedicated corporate and community/local volunteers. Members of the Botany Bay and Catchment Alliance also joined us, enhancing the sense of community and shared purpose.

Amidst the tranquil surroundings, we paused to enjoy tea and scones, fostering connections and camaraderie. But the day wasn’t just about refreshments and stories; it was about taking action. With sleeves rolled up and determination in our hearts, we embarked on a mission to make a difference. We tackled the much-needed weeding along the boardwalk by the wetlands, recognizing the importance of this work in protecting the vital habitat for our local species.

The event was a perfect blend of education, community engagement, and hands-on conservation. It left us with a deep appreciation for the natural world and a sense of fulfillment in contributing to its preservation.

Victoria

Our Threatened Species Day was a resounding success! 🦜🌿 We want to express our sincere appreciation to the community members who joined us, including the Friends of Edwards Point Reserve Inc., and WorkSafe Victoria, as well as our valued guests from the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority and Parks Victoria.

It was heartening to witness everyone uniting for a common cause – to make a positive impact on our environment. 🌱 Together, we achieved significant progress by removing a substantial amount of Flax Leaf Broom, thereby preserving the habitat critical for our critically endangered Orange-bellied Parrot.

This collaborative effort underscored the importance of working together for the well-being of our natural world. 🦜🌿 Thank you for being a part of this meaningful day.

Springvale South (VIC)

In the sleepy south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne, close to 80 volunteers joined us to breathe new life into Spring Valley Park in Springvale South. The Reserve – which was previously a landfill site – is now being transformed from an open turf area into a bustling and biodiverse urban oasis. Thanks to our amazing volunteers, over 10,000 newly planted native grasses, shrubs, and trees are now setting down their roots in the Reserve. Not only will this new Urban Forest provide shade and cooling air for the local community, but it will also become an important place for urban wildlife to feed, find shelter, and thrive!

In the afternoon, volunteers also got to get their hands dirty with the team from PlantingSeeds, making bee hotels for blue-banded bees while learning about the tiny but mighty insect species that keep Melbourne moving. Insects will be one of the first groups of species that benefit from our newly planted Urban Shade Forest, so it was only fitting to celebrate our invertebrate (insect) friends as part of the day.

Tasmania

We had a great turnout for World Shorebird Day and Threatened Species Day here in Hobart. Eric Woehler (former convenor at BirdLife Tas) ran an amazing and informative birdwatching session at the foreshore in Lauderdale, and we were able to watch birds through scopes and binoculars. We were super lucky to see a bar-tailed godwit; what a rare treat! (volunteer feedback on this event below).

Threatened Species Day found us at the wonderful Tasmanian Herbarium. It’s small and inconspicuous, easily missed on the UTAS campus, but the treasures that lie within are truly amazing. Matt and Miguel from the Herbarium showed us some real gems – the oldest record, plus records of salt marsh plants and their weedy enemies. It was great to explore this place with volunteers and to have such amazing guides.

Here’s what volunteers said about our Shorebird Day:

“I really enjoyed the morning.  Eric always presents his information clearly, doesn’t overload us with too much detail.  His enthusiasm and passion for birds is wonderful.  It encourages me to be more observant wherever I go.  I was glad he brought the scopes so we could get great views of the birds.  Terrific that we could see a bar tailed godwit – what a highlight!”

South Australia

Belair National Park was a beautiful setting on a very warm day to build some needed pygmy possum boxes.

These homes will be installed in National Parks and on private land to add to our network of nest boxes across the Fleurieu Peninsula – a project funded by the Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board. Volunteers were guided on bird walks with John Gitsham from Nature Connections and learned about native pollinating insects and how to build a nature block at home with Bianca from the Adelaide Pollinator Project

Western Australia

This September for Threatened Species Day, CVA’s Perth office collaborated with Birdlife Australia’s experts Merryn and Teagan for their “Naughty and Nice: Pest Parrots and Beloved Black-Cockatoos in your Backyard” presentation.

Hosted at the Wetland Centre at Bibra Lake, 21 volunteers attended on a Sunday morning making the most of this informative session. It was also a great opportunity to soft launch Nature Blocks by collaborating with our nursery partners at Apace to have a native plant giveaway of ‘cocky friendly’ seedlings for volunteers to plant in their backyards.

We seized the opportunity to provide post-plant care at our June planting site, just a short walk away. Here, we meticulously tended to over 2000 square meters of native seedlings, nurturing them to increase their chances of thriving through the upcoming summer months.

It’s truly remarkable to contemplate the potential impact of our efforts. With proper care, this bushland forever site has the potential to transform into a vital habitat for future generations of endangered black cockatoos. 🌿🦜

 

Feeling inspired to take action for biodiversity and threatened species? There’s a wide variety of events currently on offer to help you to take action for our incredible native species. Head over to our Volunteer Portal to find an event near you.

Want to take things at your own pace? Why not have a go at building back nature, wherever you live, with Nature Blocks? Creating a Nature Block involves planting some native species at home or work, and pairing them with a few habitat elements like water or shelter to provide a home in your home for our native wildlife.

Download the CVA Community Hub app to find out more!

 

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