As we celebrate Threatened Species Day, it's important to shine a spotlight on the vulnerable Glossy Black-Cockatoo, a spectacular bird that depends on our efforts for its survival. One of the most effective ways to support this species is by planting its favourite food source, the Allocasuarina trees.

 

A Specialised Diet

The Glossy Black-Cockatoo has a highly specialised diet, feeding almost exclusively on the seeds of she-oaks (Allocasuarina and Casuarina species). Although they feed on at least nine species of she-oak across their range, within local areas, their feeding is often restricted to a single species. In South-East Queensland and North-Eastern New South Wales, they show a distinct preference for the Black She-oak (Allocasuarina littoralis) but will also eat seed for the Drooping She-oak (Allocasuarina verticillate).

 

 

 

A Call to Action for Landholders

Your local YAN Landcare nurseries grow both Allocasuarina littoralis and Allocasuarina verticillata. This is a fantastic opportunity for landholders to create new feeding areas for the Glossy Black-Cockatoo by planting these essential trees.

 

 

 

Why Allocasuarina littoralis?

Allocasuarina littoralis is a versatile and resilient tree that can thrive in a variety of soil types, from sandy soil to heavy clay and rocky ground. It is perfect for ridgelines and anywhere in between, growing to a mature height of 5-15 meters. By planting Allocasuarina littoralis, you can help ensure that the Glossy Black-Cockatoo has a reliable food source throughout the year.

 

The Drooping She-oak: Another Option

In addition to Allocasuarina littoralis, YAN nurseries also grows Allocasuarina verticillata (Drooping She-oak), which naturally occurs in the Yass Valley. This tree grows to a height of 4-10 meters and is particularly suited to ridgelines, making it another excellent choice for supporting the Glossy Black-Cockatoo.

 

Images: Distrubution map of A.littoralis & A. verticillata

 

Planting Tips

When planting these trees, remember that they are dioecious, meaning they have separate male and female plants. To ensure seed production, you'll need to plant several trees in close proximity. Small groups are best for encouraging seed set and providing ample food for the cockatoos.

 

How to Get Involved

To contribute to the survival of the Glossy Black-Cockatoo, consider pre-ordering some Allocasuarina littoralis or Allocasuarina verticillata for your autumn planting through the YAN Online Plant Request Form. By doing so, you can help create new areas of food sources for these beautiful birds.

 

Further information about the Glossy Black Cockatoo can be found at the Glossy Black Conservancy Website glossyblack.org.au

Together, we can make a difference in preserving the Glossy Black-Cockatoo and ensuring its continued presence in our environment. This Threatened Species Day, let's commit to planting the trees that these birds rely on and protect one of our most vulnerable native species.

 

Written by Sarah McGrath, Coordinator Yass Area Network of Landcare Groups

 

 

Photo credit: Glossy Black Cockatoo, Glossy Black Conservancy

As National Landcare Week drew to a close, our Bowning-Bookham Landcare group welcomed with a perfect sunny winter's day, ideal for our latest Habitat Hops landscape connectivity project. A enthusiastic group of volunteers, came together to plant nearly 1,000 plants across Glenview, part of our ongoing Habitat Hops landscape connectivity project.

 

   

 

The breeze picked up in the morning, but we were fortunate to be planting close to an adjoining area that had been direct-seeded nearly 20 years ago. This thickly vegetated section provided not only much-needed shelter but also was  powerful visual of what our newly planted seedlings will soon become. It served as a vivid reminder of the long-lasting impact our efforts will have on this landscape.

 

   

 

Children eagerly joined in, their hands busy digging, delivering tree guards, and helping in any way they could. The enthusiasm was infectious. Every volunteer had a role to play—whether it was planting, assembling tree guards, or ensuring the young plants were well-watered.

 

  

 

One of the first sections we planted was aimed at slowing water runoff into an area the owners fondly call the “Grand Canyon.” This effort will help reduce degradation and erosion in that part of the property. Other sections were planted with the goal of creating windbreaks, enhancing habitat, and improving soil health—key components of a resilient landscape.

 

    

 

As we wrapped up the day, there was a collective sense of accomplishment. We had done more than just plant trees and shrubs; we had sown the seeds for a healthier, more connected ecosystem.

 

   

 

A huge thank you to everyone who participated. Your hard work and dedication are what make projects like these possible. Keep an eye out for our next group activity in spring, where we’ll be sowing seeds for next season’s planting.

 

Written by Sarah McGrath, YAN & Bowning Bookham Landcare Local Coordinator

_______________________

The Bowning Bookham Landcare Habitat Hops Project has been assisted by the NSW Government through its Environmental Trust.

The Yass Habitat Linkages Project is a decade-long initiative funded by the NSW Environmental Trust through its Bush Connect program. The funding was matched by in-kind contributions from landholders across the district to establish new areas of vegetation on their properties. The Yass Area Network of Landcare Groups (YAN) is the project manager and most of the organisation and on-ground work was undertaken by Greening Australia, whose people did an excellent job, helped by many volunteers.

 

Partners included the Australian River Restoration Centre, Land for Wildlife, Local Land Services, and Yass Valley Council. Since its inception in 2016, the project has made significant strides toward enhancing biodiversity and promoting sustainable agriculture in the Yass region. As we reach the final stages, recent monitoring results highlight the project’s success and provide a glimpse into its future.

 

 

Connecting Landscapes: The Heart of the Project

The primary aim of the Yass Habitat Linkages Project is to connect patches of existing vegetation, fostering a network that supports both biodiversity and sustainable agricultural practices. This effort not only involves physical interventions such as planting and fencing but has also focussed on raising community awareness through workshops, field days and seminars and encouraging sustainable practices among local landholders.

 

 

 

Achievements Surpassing Targets

The project's progress has been notable, often exceeding its initial targets:

- Landholder Participation: The project initially aimed to engage 25 landholders. To date, 53 landholders have actively participated demonstrating the strong community support for the initiative.

- Conservation Agreements: 93 voluntary and non-binding agreements have been established, protecting a total of 3767 hectares—an impressive feat compared to our targets.

- Tubestock Planting: The project planted 30,460 tubestock.

- Direct Seeding: Aiming to seed 100 kilometres of tree lines, the project has seeded 155 kilometres.

- Protected Areas: Fencing has protected 346 hectares, and the total protected habitat area stands at 1644 hectares, well above the 1500-hectare target.

 

 

 

Monitoring Results: A Flourishing Ecosystem

Recent monitoring efforts have provided insights into the ecological impact of the Yass Habitat Linkages Project. Photo comparisons from various stages of the project show a transformation in the landscape with plant survival rates of 60-80 per cent.  Areas that were once degraded and devoid of vegetation now teem with life and greenery, illustrating the project's success in habitat restoration.

 

Bird Populations: One of the most heartening outcomes has been the increase in bird populations, particularly woodland and small birds such as the Golden and Rufous Whistlers. After the coastal bushfires in 2019/20 the sighting of increased numbers of Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos suggesting that these areas have provided shelter and alternative food sources for these displaced populations. 

 

Native Wildlife: Reports of other native wildlife making use of these areas have also been reported.

 

Agricultural Benefits: Beyond ecological gains, the project has provided tangible benefits to local agriculture. Windbreaks created by the new plantings offer shelter for lambing ewes, enhancing livestock survival rates in open country. Plantings have proven effective in repairing washed-out gullies, reducing soil erosion, and improving land quality.

 

 

 

Looking Ahead: Sustaining Momentum

The Yass Habitat Linkages Project stands as a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration and community involvement. As we move forward, the focus will be on sustaining this momentum, continuing to monitor and support the thriving ecosystems that have been created.

 

Community Involvement: A Key to Success

The success of the Yass Habitat Linkages Project would not have been possible without the enthusiastic participation of the local community, particularly the landholders and volunteers who undertook this work. Their commitment to conservation and sustainable practices has been instrumental in achieving and surpassing the project’s goals. Moving forward, ongoing community engagement and education will remain a cornerstone legacy of the project, ensuring that the benefits of this initiative are both far-reaching and long-lasting.

 

The project hosted field days and workshops that highlighted the integration of native vegetation into farming systems. By showcasing the benefits—such as improved livestock shelter, enhanced pasture health, and increased beneficial insects and birds for natural pest control—the initiative aimed to shift mindsets toward recognising that what's good for the environment is also good for farming.

 

The Yass Habitat Linkages Project is a great example of how government and community partnerships can drive meaningful change. Through collaboration, we've transformed the landscapes into more diverse and connected ecosystems, boosted bird and wildlife populations, and provided direct benefits to local agriculture. The project’s success demonstrates that when we work together, we can create a healthier environment and stronger farming systems, paving the way for a sustainable future.

 

Written by Sarah McGrath, YAN Coordinator & Charles Willcocks, Project Manager (for further information email:[email protected])

_______________________

Yass Habitat Linkages project is supported by the NSW Government thorugh the NSW Environmental Trust through a partnership with Yass Area Network of Landcare Groups and Greening Australia.

In recent months, the children at Bowning Public School have keenly observed a noticeable absence of birds in their playground, sparking a desire to invite these feathered friends back into their outdoor spaces. Their enthusiasm inspired the Bowning Bookham Landcare group to take action by planting a section of the school yard to create some playground habitat and encourage further biodiversity in the playground and beyond.

 

National Schools Tree Day: 26 July 2024

On 26 July 2024, the children at Bowning Public School took part in National Schools Tree Day by planting trees on their school grounds. Each student had the opportunity to plant their own tree, which they can watch grow over the years. The children also showcased their creativity by decorating their very own tree guards. These guards were adorned with wonderful artworks reflecting what inspires or is important to them.

      

The children were incredibly engaged and enthusiastic about the project. Their excitement was infectious as they planted their trees with care and decorated their tree guards with vibrant designs. As they grow, so will the trees they've planted, creating a lasting legacy for future students.

 

      

 

National Tree Day: 28 July 2024

Despite the chilly morning start, our spirits were warmed by the cheery and enthusiastic group of volunteers who joined us to plant at the school on National Tree Day, 28 July 2024. This wonderful group made short work of getting around 300 native and locally volunteer-grown plants in the ground, building on the planting the young students had already started.

 

 

      

 

   

 

One of our volunteers beautifully described the planting as the creation of a “bird super highway” leading into the school. This initiative aims to provide a welcoming environment for birds, fostering greater biodiversity not only in the school grounds but also in the surrounding area.

 

   

 

   

 

A big thank you to all the amazing individuals who joined us. Your hard work and commitment are helping create habitat in the playground and beyond. Together, we are making a positive impact on our environment and inspiring the next generation to care for our planet.

 

      

 

 

Looking Ahead

The Bowning Bookham Landcare group is dedicated to continuing efforts like these to enhance our local environment. The success of this planting event at Bowning Public School is just the beginning. We look forward to seeing the trees and plants grow, providing a haven for birds and other wildlife, and enriching the outdoor experience for the students.

 

A further Community Planting Day is planned for Landcare Week see below for details

Community Planting Day – Glenview Bookham | Sun 11 Aug

 

Writen by Sarah McGrath, Bowning Bookham Landcare Local Coordinator

_______________________

The Bowning Bookham Landcare Habitat Hops Project has been assisted by the NSW Government through its Environmental Trust.