Information sessions on endangered EP Blue Gum Woodlands
Farmers, Landcare and community group members and nature enthusiasts are warmly welcomed to three open information sessions on the endangered Eyre Peninsula Blue Gum Woodlands to be held during April at Wangary, Yallunda Flat and Cleve. The free information sessions will focus on the significance of the woodlands, why they are in decline and most importantly how people can help with individual restoration efforts.
Natural Resources Officer Corey Yeates said the sessions, supported through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program, and Natural Resources Eyre Peninsula, will have something of interest for everyone.
“We are excited to have highly respected ornithologist and ecologist Dr Greg Kerr back on Eyre Peninsula to present these sessions, so if you enjoy native birds we will be discussing ways that you can attract and support greater woodland bird diversity on your property, and what certain bird species can indicate about woodland health,” Corey said.
“Dr. Kerr will also present on the lesser known native flora species which grow in association with healthy EP blue gum woodlands. If you love the botanical world you’ll hear more about herbaceous native flowering plants, reeds and sedges that grow amongst these creek-loving woodlands. If you are interested in native animals you’ll hear about the interconnected food webs, the importance of hollows as habitat and many of the species, such as micro-bats, possums and echidnas to name a few, that rely on the woodlands for survival. It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner wanting to learn some basics of Eucalypt species identification, or if you are an experienced land manager wanting to know the latest methods of bushland weed control or tips on establishing successful revegetation and restoration areas. There is much to learn.”
Natural Resources Officer Geraldine Turner is keen to see new people become involved.
“It’s a great opportunity to learn with like-minded people. I’m really hoping we create more awareness of the actions needed to address the daily threats these woodlands are facing,” Geraldine said.
“We have the knowledge, we know biologically the EP blue gum species is a unique species to Eyre Peninsula, and we want to support land managers and interested individuals to restore the woodlands. Maybe you are a volunteer looking to revegetate along a walking trail, a farmer who has always wanted to fence a remnant patch of EP blue gum woodland, or an individual curious to learn more about the nature of Eyre Peninsula; if so then this event is for you and I hope to see you there. Across Eyre Peninsula this woodland community is in such a state of decline that we really need everyone to get on board and help.”
Event details
- Wangary – April 1 at the Marble Ranges Sports Centre, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Yallunda Flat – April 2 at the Yallunda Flat Showgrounds Hall, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Cleve – April 3 at the Cleve Showground Hall, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM.
Bookings are essential, as lunch will be provided. To book please call the Port Lincoln Natural Resources Centre on 8688 3111 or book your seat online at: www.landscape.sa.gov.au/ep
