Tree Popping
Thanks to our local Conservation Partnership Officers, Marc Russell and Alan Wynn, we were recently introduced to a very useful tool – the Tree Popper. The jaws of the Tree … Continue reading Tree Popping
Spider Wasps
“Blinding, fierce, shockingly electric. A running hair dryer has just been dropped into your bubble bath. A bolt out of the heavens. Lie down and scream”. Such is the evocative … Continue reading Spider Wasps
Controlling Velvety Tree Pear
Earlier this year I had the chance to see how Land for Wildlife landholders are successfully tackling the scourge of Velvety Tree Pear (Opuntia tomentosa) on two very different properties. … Continue reading Controlling Velvety Tree Pear
Muscleman Tree Ants and their Canthium Homes
On our block near Blackbutt, I encountered this amazing wood filled with tunnels, holes and beautiful patterns. I have called it ‘Fae Wood’ because of its fairy-like appearance, but the … Continue reading Muscleman Tree Ants and their Canthium Homes
Dragonflies and Damselflies of the Gold Coast
Late last year and early this year, saw the publication of two field guides about Australian dragonflies. First off the press was Dragonflies and Damselflies of the Gold Coast by … Continue reading Dragonflies and Damselflies of the Gold Coast
ACE Guide to Eucalypts, Brisbane
This booklet covers 37 eucalypt species found in Brisbane’s bushland reserves. There is one naturalised eucalypt (Cadaghi, Corymbia torelliana) and 36 local species. Rather encouragingly, the introduction promises that most … Continue reading ACE Guide to Eucalypts, Brisbane
Weedy Opuntias
Opuntias are a genus of cacti that includes the infamous Prickly Pear and the Velvety Tree Pear, which is profiled on the facing page. There are no cacti native to … Continue reading Weedy Opuntias
From Green Blur to Valued Diversity
When we bought our large bush block in the 1980s in the foothills of Toowoomba’s escarpment, the bush around us appeared to be an indistinct blur of green. As 20-somethings, … Continue reading From Green Blur to Valued Diversity
Native Cymbidium
In my role as Land for Wildlife officer, I am privileged to observe nature’s interactions with equally intrigued landholders. My mind is often whizzing with thoughts and questions that can’t … Continue reading Native Cymbidium
From Paddock to Ephemeral Wetland
When we bought our 20 acre property back in 1990, it was all bare paddocks. We moved here because we wanted somewhere with heavy soils with good grass for horses … Continue reading From Paddock to Ephemeral Wetland