Local group Nature Conservation Margaret River Region is encouraging landowners to play a greater role in protecting nature in the Margaret River region by looking after the environment on their properties.
The group will conduct two presentations in August to raise awareness of local biodiversity and what the community can do to help. A series of information sheets are also now available for residents to download from the Get Involved section of the Nature Conservation's website www.natureconservation.org.au
Funded by the Australian Government's National Landcare Program, the awareness raising initiative aims to provide local landowners with up to date and relevant information for undertaking on ground conservation action on their properties.
Local residents are invited to the first seminar on Thursday 8 August to learn about the importance of the Southern brown bandicoot or Quenda as ecosystem engineers in our bushland and in our gardens.
"People often don't know that these clever marsupials inhabit their backyards and that Quenda diggings are crucial to maintaining a healthy ecosystem," said Nature Conservation's Landowner Engagement Officer Chiara Danese
Dr Gillian Bryant, a passionate science educator and ecologist, will describe Quenda distribution in the region, conservation status and common threats.
Useful tips on how to identify their diggings and how to help provide additional habitat and safe refuges will also be part of the presentation and Gillian will explain her field guide developed to assist volunteers to collect information on foraging diggings of the Southern brown bandicoot.
The second seminar on Thursday 15 August will focus on our iconic native birds. The presenter, Dr Boyd Wykes, well know local bird enthusiast and past Chair of Nature Conservation, will present a range of his beautiful photos of local birds and provide useful tips on how to attract birds to our gardens.
At both presentations local residents will also learn about the new resources available to assist landowners and urban residents interested in helping to protect nature on their patch.
Nature Conservation's Executive Officer, Caroline Hughes said "the web based information sheets are designed to make it easier for local landowners to get involved. They are available in the Get Involved section of our website and cover topics such as revegetation, environmental weeds, fox control, fire and biodiversity, stream and dam management as well as how to create your own native garden and attract birds, insects and wildlife.
The upcoming FREE nature presentations will be held at the Margaret River Education Campus on 8 August and 15 August from 5.30pm to 7.00 pm with light refreshments provided. To register your interest to attend, or for more information, contact Nature Conservation on 9757 2202 or email info@natureconservation.org.au.
