Blue Mountains Conservation Society are pleased to host local ecologists, Judy and Peter Smith, talking about the native fauna of the Greater Blue Mountains on the very day the World Heritage listing for the area was decided back in 2000.
The Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area is home to a remarkably diverse native terrestrial vertebrate fauna (currently 434 species) of international significance.
The World Heritage listing recognises the region’s globally significant natural values including its biodiversity.
Judy and Peter will talk about the fauna of the GBMWHA as it stood at the time of publication of their book (October 2019) and then look briefly at what has happened to the fauna since.
Want an alternative to the ‘other’ live streaming viewing currently on
offer.
We aim to provide a platform on the Bushcare Website showing previous videos featuring bushcare sites, volunteers, Bioblitz, community days, fauna and much more.
However, the exciting news is the Bushcare Team (and others in Council’s environmental team) are also preparing to front the camera themselves to produce a host of videos highlighting a range of ‘interesting’ and ‘how to’ segments – such as showing different weeding techniques, treating a variety of common or tricky weeds and a range of videos showcasing flora, fauna, bees, seed collection, biofilters, composting, biosecurity, bush backyards and so much more.
Find out all about the recent launch of “Turtle Island” in early March – a floating eco habitat designed to provide a safe nesting place for turtles, from leading turtle expert Dr Ricky Spencer (Western Sydney University).
Turtle Island is set to launch on Tuesday 10th March (re-scheduled date). A collaboration between Bushcare Volunteers, business and community is a floating, eco habitat designed to provide a safe nesting environment away from predation for the several species of turtles (and birds) found at Glenbrook Lagoon.
Bring sturdy footwear and a hat. Gum boots may be useful. Morning tea will be supplied. Please RSVP or contact Nathan Summers on 4780 5623 or nsummers@bmcc.nsw.gov.au
Aussie Backyard Bird Count Celebrate National Bird Week by taking part in the biggest citizen science project to hit Aussie shores. Join thousands of people from across the country, heading out into their backyards, local parks or favourite open spaces to take part in the Aussie Backyard Bird Count.
Saturday 28th April, enjoy the early morning walk to see check what animals have moved around at night. Listen to the chorus of birds and find out what birds are making the calls.
This is an outdoor event on a bush trail, walking over uneven ground and on hilly terrain. You will be on your feet for a few hours. Please be self sufficient with snacks and water, and wear suitable clothing for a variety of weather conditions and as the sunrise. If you have binoculars please bring them.
Bookings Essential – Location details are provided in a confirmation letter a few days before the event. RSVP here or for further information contact Alison Steele on asteele@bmcc.nsw.gov.au or 4780 5320.
Come along and be part of ‘citizens tackling antibiotic resistance in the wild’.
Scoop-a-Poop is a citizen science project coordinated by scientists from Macquarie University, in collaboration with Taronga Zoo and the University of Sydney. You will learn the ecology of urban brushtail possum, antibiotic resistance in the environment and how antibiotic resistant bacteria are moving from humans to wildlife. Participants will receive a collection kit so they can participate in the study – and then later will get the test results.
Local WIRES will come along as well. Suitable for ages 12+ – must be accompanied with an adult.
Come along to the Bushcare Picnic for Saturday 29th June — fun filled with awards, a snake display, kids activities, the Trad Band, and presenting ‘Bushcare’ the Musical. Plenty of food with wood fired pizzas, soups and sweets. RSVP below.
If required, there is a bus available to transport you to the picnic. Please contact Alison on 4780 5320 or asteele@bmcc.nsw.gov.au.
If you want to be part of the Biodiversity Survey, please book the following sessions separately. Bring your own camping gear, wet weather gear, warm clothes and your own food.
Bushcare, Landcare, Swampcare and Bush Backyards Volunteers – do you want to know more about the fauna of the mountains? How healthy is the biodiversity of your Bushcare site? Here is your chance to learn more – by attending this free survey workshop with renowned experts Judy Smith, Peter Smith, Anne Carey, Meredith Brainwood and Carol Probets.
Arrive on Friday afternoon for a briefing, lay out traps and to set up camp. Then on Friday evening we’ll learn how to monitor wildlife using survey techniques such as hair tubes, sand and elliot traps, listen to owl calls, search for bats and spotlight for other fauna. We’ll also have short presentations before bed.
Saturday morning begins at 7am with a bird watch survey with Carol and checking traps with Anne and Meredith. Hear about the fauna and how to monitor it and gather important data about the biodiversity of the Megalong Valley. A second bird walk with Carol will be at 10:30 am.
Camping is free but self catered – bring your own camping gear, dinner and breakfast. Afternoon tea and supper is provided. Camping is at Megalong Valley Community Hall, Megalong Valley Reserve. Stay for lunch at the annual Bushcare Picnic there on Saturday 29 at noon!
Registration is essential — contact Monica Nugent on 47805528 or mnugent@bmcc.nsw.gov.au to register before Wednesday April 19
Monarch on Nest photo by Carol Probets
The Biodiversity Near Me Survey is generously funded by the NSW Office of the Environment and Heritage
Hollows as Homes is an exciting project run by the University of Sydney, the Australian Museum and the Royal Botanic Garden and funded by Sydney Coastal Councils. This fascinating project will help scientists, councils and the community further understand the role of tree hollows in providing homes for our urban wildlife, as well as discover what wildlife is using our local tree hollows. As a member of the community, you will have the opportunity to locate a tree near you that has a hollow or nest box in it, take some measurements of the tree and then regularly observe which animals may be using it; is it a home for a possum, a parrot or a powerful owl? Not only will you be providing valuable information to aid in conservation of our local wildlife, but you will also be part of a real scientific research project and be able to see how your local tree hollow compares to other tree hollows in the wider community.
Join Dr Adrian Davis from the University of Sydney for this free “Hollows as Homes” talk and field trip, hosted by Blue Mountains City Council Bushcare. Learn about how tree hollows form, the role they play in supporting our wildlife and what wildlife that you’re likely to spot using them. You’ll learn how to take different tree and hollow measurements, why particularly characteristics of trees and hollows are important to different animals and how to spot different animals using hollows.
If you can’t make the field trip but would still like to participate in the Hollows for Habitat citizen science program, you can register at www.hollowsashomes.com or email Dr Adrian Davis hollows.ashomes@gmail.com to find out more.
We’ll start off with a presentation and some light refreshments in the community centre at Blaxland Library, then venture outside for a dusk-time walk to look at potential habitat – and hope we might see some of the inhabitants! Come prepared with long sleeves, and sturdy footwear.
RSVP to Tanya by Friday 19 May. Numbers are strictly limited, so book in early!
