We look at how biodiversity in Port Stephens is faring – is it thriving, or just surviving? Our terrestrial and marine habitats such as bushland reserves, beaches and reefs, need our help. Find out how you can get involved in citizen science and bush regeneration projects.
Polygala myrtifolia, a beauty and a beast!
Polygala myrtifolia, a beauty and a beast! By Sue Olsson, Coordinator, Friends of Tomaree National Park Commonly known as Myrtle-leaf Milkwort, also as Butterfly Bush, Parrot Bush, or simply Polygala, the … Read more
Culturally-informed Cool Burn Program
The Firesticks Mentoring Program in the Hunter region culminated in the recognition of 22 new Cultural Fire Practitioners in 2023. The Port Stephens cool burn program is a partnership between the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council, Hunter Local Land Services, Firesticks and Port Stephens Council. Read more
Early glimpses into the Worimi Conservation Lands Board
The Worimi Conservation Lands (WCL) and their operation have always been a bit of a mystery to me, even though I worked for a short time with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in Nels Read more
World Environment Day — helping boost a threatened species in Tomaree
Villous Mintbush, Prostanthera densa, is one of Tomaree’s most threatened plants. With dense aromatic leaves and mauve flowers, the mintbush is quite a sight. Read more
Cultural burning is better for Australian soils than prescribed burning, or no burning at all
Cultural burning is better for Australian soils than prescribed burning, or no burning at all Anthony Dosseto, University of Wollongong; Katharine Haynes, University of Wollongong; Leanne Brook, Indigenous Knowledge, and Victor … Read more
A Cruel Twist to Plastics and the Oceans
Marine scientist, seafarer and EcoNetwork president, Iain Watt, takes us sailing out on the big seas. And what he finds ain’t pretty. Read more
We must assess ‘cumulative impacts’ to protect nature from death by a thousand cuts
In August, Victoria’s Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny made a decision that could set a difficult precedent for Australia’s effort to get to net-zero emissions by 2050. Read more
Caring for Country – with a cool burn
Read about this special Caring for Country event where we learned about the benefits of a culturally-informed cool burn – a low-intensity fire designed to improve land health, re-establish appropriate fire regimes, and reduce the risk and impact of wildfires. Read more
How native bees could help save Australian agriculture
How native bees could help save Australian agriculture Dr Anne Dollin, Australian Native Bee Research Centre The situation so far Varroa Mites, a devastating parasite of European honeybees, were discovered … Read more
Will State Forests become quarries?
The direct loss of 100 hectares of State Forest providing habitat for 10 Threatened and Critically Endangered species followed by three decades worth of noise, vibration, dust and light pollution impacts associated with the operation of Stone Ridge Quarry will result in ongoing disruption to sensitive flora and fauna and degradation of incredibly high-value, connected habitat in the areas of National Park and Nature Reserve that surround it. Read more