EcoUpdate: February 2026

Summer’s coming to a close, and February’s Mambo Wetlands walks and talks have been fantastic. We’ve captured Neil Fraser’s thought-provoking Mambo bird talk, helping us understand the bird features suited to Mambo’s coastal forest. Disturbingly, Neil reveals some alarming survey results showing significant declines for some bird species over the last 10 years, raising questions on the role of insects and the health of Mambo Wetlands Reserve. Be sure to look at our link to 25 ways to help insects.

Our packed calendar of events brings you some exciting practical hints for low cost sustainable living, a fascinating exhibition of underwater storytelling in Tomaree Lodge’s Main Hall, a host of ways to help nature with bush regeneration and clean ups, plus walks to get you into nature.

Enjoy reading a story or a snippet each day.

Sue Olsson
Acting Editor this issue info@econetworkps.org

Next issue, please submit stories before 15 March to info@econetworkps.au

Birds of Mambo Wetlands coastal forests ~ are they on the brink?

Take a virtual walk to discover the birds of the forest canopy, mid layer and shrubs, and the features that fit them to these habitats. Alarmingly, some key species responsible for forest health have not been sighted in recent years, and others are in decline. Is Mambo Wetlands health in jeopardy? Get the latest >>

Council’s Environmental Award recipients

Congratulations to Sue Johnson who won the 2025 Environmental Award ~ a woman who has made big impact in just a short time in Port Stephens. Find out more >>

Why the talk of Tomago smelter shutting and its electricity costs

Why Tomago Aluminium has been talking about shutting down, how energy costs matter so much for aluminium, and importantly, possible solutions. Take a peek >>

Story updates

Landmark moment on our grid

Prices plunge as renewables supply half of grid, batteries surge and coal hits new low. Read more >>

Take ACTION for conservation

Did you know there’s at least 25 ways to help stop insect decline — is there something new you can try today ?

Just a few years ago, our car windscreens were smattered with insects when driving at night. But not often these days. Research into the ‘windscreen phenomenon’ elsewhere, finds insect declines around 65% or more. Are you concerned about insect decline, and the recorded bird decline like that at Mambo? Here’s 25 ways you can help insects, the birds who feed on insects, and the plants insects pollinate. Find out how you can make a difference >>

EcoNetwork advocating for the environment

One of EcoNetwork’s avenues for advocacy is through submissions for the environment. See them here. Submissions here >> Our latest submission was to council on the potential clearing of mature native trees that connect canopy and corridor on Soldiers Point Road >>

ECO-extras

● Firefighters counter misinformation on battery storage risks, claiming risks are frequently overstated. They consider the risk profile of storage and the practicalities of responding to fires in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) facilities. Read more

● Regent Honeyeaters, with fewer than 300 wild birds, are one of our rarest birds, remaining in the Hunter, Goulburn and Capertee Valleys, surrounding the Blue Mountains. Hear Mick Roderick’s amazing story of what’s happening to save them on Radio National (12min) or Citizen Science podcast (50min).

COMMUNITY calendar

March

Throughout March: Bush regeneration is good for the environment and for us. Find a time with the Friends of Tomaree National Park, casually or regularly, to help make a difference in Tomaree NP. With four locations between the park’s northern and southern tips, there’s loads of opportunities (Sun 1, Tue 3, Sat 7, 14, 21, Mon 16, Thurs 19, Fri 27, Sun 29)

Sun 1 am: CLEAN UP: Fishermans Bay and tracks, Tomaree National Park

Tue 3 midday: Successful Community Building with Abbey Pantano — a practical webinar on building strong, engaged local communities.

Sat 7 am: CLEAN UP: Stockton Beach, Worimi Conservation Lands – RSVP ASAP

Wed 11: Tomaree Coastal Walk: Walking from One Mile to Anna Bay. Half day walk, bus one way. Optional lunch Anna Bay Tavern.

Tue 17 midday: Simplify, Reuse and Reset at Home with Lindsay Miles — a practical and inspiring session on making your home calmer, more organised, and lower-waste.

Wed 18 to April 17: Valerie Taylor – An Underwater Life Exhibition in the Main Hall, Tomaree Lodge. The extraordinary story of Valerie Taylor AM — globally celebrated underwater storyteller, shark researcher, and conservationist — captured in this new touring exhibit.

Sun 22 am: National March in March for Forests, is a vital public show of support to end native forest logging, as right now it is tearing apart wildlife habitat across New South Wales. Walk with the NPA banner, lending support to NPA’s campaign for the Great Southern Forest National Park.

Tue 25 – Wed 25 Enjoy two walks near Ettalong, from an overnight accomodation, or come for either day. Visit Barrenjoey Lighthouse and Box Head.

April

Fri 3 – Mon 6: Coolah Tops NP, Easter camp at Coxs Creek camping area with walks of varying distance and grade (half to full day) on the plateau. Great views.

Tue 7 midday: Designing for Success – Smart Home Design for Builders & Renovators — it’s more than aesthetics — it’s about creating a space that is healthy, comfortable, energy‑efficient, low‑maintenance and future‑ready.

Wed 15 midday: Designing for Success – Retrofit Solutions for Renters and Landlords — showcases practical, easy‑to‑install products that improve thermal comfort, reduce energy bills, and enhance indoor wellbeing year‑round.

Promote your environmental events on our Community Calendar

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Here’s how following our website menu – GET INVOLVED / Community Events Calendar / Promote your event.

OR Save our direct link “Promote your event” to upload your environmental event.

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