|  | Hey there nature lovers!
Here's the latest scoop from Corymbia Biodiversity Project & Banyula Conservation Reserve…
We're excited to reveal our new logo designed by Frances Belle Parker and share some raucous wildlife moments captured on camera this autumn. You'll also find updates from our weed team, an update on pest management, highlights from our visit to the Wildbark Sanctuary in Canberra, and save-the-date details for some fantastic upcoming events at Banyula. |
| | Celebrating Our New Logo
Take a look at our new logo, the icon designed by the incredibly talented Frances Belle Parker, a renowned Yaegl artist.
At the heart of the design is a dynamic flower burst, representing the Corymbia genus of trees such as Corymbia gummifera - Red Bloodwood, Corymbia henryi - Spotted gum, Corymbia intermedia - Pink Bloodwood, all of which are found at Banyula. These trees play a crucial role in our ecosystem, providing food and shelter for threatened species like the greater glider and yellow-bellied glider.
The logo's colours are inspired by the emu egg which symbolise our efforts in protecting the last of the Coastal Emu and our ongoing commitment to contribute to threatened species recovery efforts nationwide.
We're honoured to collaborate with Frances Belle Parker and proud to feature her artwork as a symbol of our commitment to conservation and community. |
|  | | Walk and Talk Sundays at Banyula
We are excited to announce our bi-monthly Walks and Talk Sundays featuring local legends from the animal, plant, and science fields. These free events offer a fantastic opportunity to learn from experts about bird identification, plant identification, and much more. Come join us and discover the wealth of knowledge our local legends have to share!
Checkout the events below to see who our first local nature guide will be! |
|  | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Caught on Camera - Autumn
This Autumn, our trail cameras captured an array of fascinating wildlife. We witnessed two raucous kangaroos putting on a show right in front of the lens, along with two of our favourite bird - the endangered coastal emu, that were seen cruising around Banyula, hopefully scouting for a nesting site! The area was teeming with insects for a few days, a delicious feast for insectivorous animals like frogs, spiders and microbats. What looks like the cute behind of a rufous bettong can be seen hopping into the distance, and Mr. Possum also made several appearances, wandering along the dam wall as he searched for a tasty snack. We started with a biff and end with a kiss as two wallabies cuddle on camera. |
|  | | Weed Team update
Despite the heavy rain, hot days and swarming mosquitoes, the Banyula Bobcats - who’s prime goal is to ‘seek and destroy’ all the Lantana on our 466ha conservation reserve, have shown incredible dedication to clearing weeds this Autumn. A “rewarding perk of the job at this time of year is uncovering fascinating fungi along the way”, they say!
Lola, team leader of the Banyula Bobcats has been featured in the May issue of Eco Voice.
After changing careers and completing study in Bush Regeneration at TAFE, Lola’s dedication to preserving natural habitats extends beyond her professional role, showcasing her commitment to environmental stewardship as she sets an example by protecting her own land nearby for conservation in perpetuity. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | Pest Update
Banyula frequently monitors native fauna and pest predators, noting emus have bred successfully in 2 of the past 3 years but lose most chicks to predation by wild dogs, foxes, pigs and cats.
With emu breeding season approaching, ReconEco, funded by NSW Local Land Services and the NSW Saving Our Species program, is helping us and neighbouring properties enhance pest management efforts.
Despite challenging weather, they've captured a few cats, and their work will continue through winter to support successful emu breeding and chick rearing. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | A visit to Wildbark and Mulligans Flat Wildlife Sanctuary
In May, Jen visited Wildbark and Mulligans Flat Wildlife Sanctuary in Canberra, where she met with Jason Cummings, Centre Director of the project. Partnering with the Odonata Foundation and the ACT Government, they are doing amazing work protecting and creating safe spaces for threatened species such as the spotted quoll, bettongs, swamp wallabies, red-necked wallabies and more. Jen thoroughly enjoyed the nocturnal tour with the Wildbark team, observing these creatures up close and thriving in their natural environment. Sanctuaries like the Mulligans Flat, Mt Rothwell and Banyula are becoming more important everyday and crucial for protecting the last of our most vulnerable species.
|
| | | | | | BCT Private Land Conservation Conversations
Join Clarence Landcare for an engaging open session with the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT) at Banyula Conservation Reserve this July.
Whether you're a BCT landholder or just interested in private land conservation, this event offers a chance to consult, engage, and share experiences over a cuppa and lunch. Learn about monitoring your property for wildlife and pests, with insights from guest speaker Micah from Sky Loka.
23rd July | 10am - 2pm | Banyula Conservation Reserve | Free - bookings essential |
| | | | Large Forest Owls Project -
Safe Havens Winter Workshop
Join the NCC to celebrate INTERNATIONAL OWL AWARENESS DAY at Banyula Conservation Reserve for an afternoon of presentations by wildlife experts, a bushwalk to check nest boxes and look at some large old growth habitat trees. Stay for dinner and after dark, we will go spotlighting, listen for nocturnal wildlife and perhaps even glimpse an Owl. This project is hosted by the Nature Conservation Council and supported by the NSW government through its Environmental Trust.
3rd August 2024 | 2 - 8 pm | Banyula Conservation Reserve | Free - bookings essential |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | | | Drawing From Nature - Art workshop with Rochelle Summerfield
Join us for an immersive art and nature experience with Rochelle Summerfield and be inspired by the beautiful location of the Banyula Conservation Reserve. During this one-day event, Rochelle will display one of her large-scale drawings to inspire you and there will be lots of hands-on demonstrations throughout the day. You’ll build a journal then create your own piece of take home art using artist quality materials and paints. With a small class size, you will be guided by Rochelle to learn through fun, play and experimentation.
$75pp with all materials, tea, coffee and light snacks provided, BYO lunch. 18th August 2024 |10am - 3pm | Banyula Conservation Reserve | Limited spaces. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | | | Walk & Talk Sunday with
Local Flora Guru John Edwards
We are thrilled to have Clarence Valley’s flora guru John Edwards, hosting our free walk and talk event at Banyula. John is a wealth of knowledge, and his bushwalks are always very popular. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the native flora of Clarence Valley and meet other enthusiasts.
Sunday 8th September | 9:30 - 12pm | Banyula | Free |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | | Looking for a venue to study, facilitate meetings or host a workshop?
The facilities at the Banyula Conservation Reserve are available for use in the name of science, education, or community events based around the natural environment. These include our fully equipped large shed with toilets and bathrooms, perfect for workshops, as well as our extensive walking tracks, feral-free enclosure, and close proximity to the Yuraygir National Park and Solitary Islands Marine Park. We encourage everyone to take advantage of these resources to foster learning, research, and community engagement in the natural environment.
Checkout the Banyula webpage and fill in the form at the bottom to host an event. |
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
