News

DON’T FORGET our next Cottage Talk !!!

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Challenge of the Cane Toad   

Thursday 15 September, 10am at The Cottage.

Professor Rob Capon leads a research group which is rolling out a new cane toad control technology.  Rob is IMB Group Leader & Director Postgraduate Studies, Institute for Molecular Bioscience at the University of Queensland.

 
This will be a popular talk for people interested in an environmentally friendly way of reducing the cane toad population.

Book your place by contacting Dale via email: [email protected] or phone Dale on:
0408 741 035. 

PLATYPUS SURVEY IS ON !!!

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Those who registered for the Platypus Survey will be pleased to know that the survey WILL GO AHEAD on Sunday 11/09 !! despite the inclement weather on Saturday.

We will only cancel if there is very heavy rain but be sure to bring wet weather gear in case of showers.

If you can’t make it please phone Tamielle ASAP on 0407 318 070.

Otherwise, see you and the platypus there!

Invitation for MCCG members

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The Richmond Birdwing Butterfly Conservation Network has extended an invitation to MCCG members to attend their AGM at Mt Tamborine on Saturday 8 October. RSVPs are essential by phoning (07) 3844 0129 or sending an email to [email protected].

For more information about the significant work carried out by this not-for-profit organisation, please click here.

MCCG & National Threatened Species Week

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The week of 4-11 September was a time to reflect on the loss of so many of our animals, plants and ecosystems…  but it’s not all bad news! 

On 7 September (National Threatened Species Day) a small group of MCCG volunteers played their part in protecting the vulnerable Richmond Birdwing Butterfly.

They took time out to plant around 40 Richmond Birdwing vines (Pararistolochia praevenosa) alongside Gap Creek near Kookaburra Street at Kenmore Hills.

Check out our Facebook page for more pictures from the planting.
Photo supplied by Dale Borgelt and Bryan Hacker

About the Richmond Birdwing

Back in 1870 the Richmond Birdwing was abundant in the streets of Brisbane.  Sadly, today there are no remaining permanent populations. Extensive work is being carried out to create sites across Brisbane to link areas where Birdwing vines are already present and to create habitats.

MCCG is taking an active role in plantings throughout the Western Suburbs. This area has been recognised as having the potential to become a core area for the recovery of the butterfly.

For more info, please visit the Richmond Birdwing Conservation Network website.

About National Threatened Species Week

Did you know that on 7 September 1936 the last remaining Tasmanian Tiger died in Hobart Zoo? On this day 60 years ago the thylacine species became extinct.

National Threatened Species Day is an annual event on 7 September to highlight the mistakes of the past and provide opportunities to take affirmative action. MCCG is proud to support this initiative and to play an active part.

For more info, please see the Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection website.

Go bush & meet an Oriole!

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The latest issue of Feather Fascination reveals some interesting facts about the Olive-backed Oriole, a colourful bird which is commonly encountered in our urban landscapes, particularly in parks and gardens with fruit-bearing trees. Orioles love their berries!

Click here for an interesting read! 

Australian Bird Feeding and Watering Study

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One of the most common ways people interact with birds is by providing food and water. 

The Australian Bird Feeding and Watering Study is a national Citizen Science initiative being conducted by researchers at Deakin University and Griffith University. It s focus is on the interactions people have with birds in their own backyards, as this can have a huge impact on bird diversity and abundance.

The study entered its third week during 15-23 August but the team is still very keen to invite new participants before it closes on August 28 . 

If you provide food and/or water for birds and would like to take part, please visit their website. 

New Environmentally Focussed Apps

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Two recently released apps will no doubt attract South East Queenslanders who have a passion for the environment.

“Frogs of Australia” is a comprehensive electronic field guide to Australian frogs. Available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch (with an Android version soon to be released), it includes descriptions,  images and calls of over 200 species of Australian frogs and can be tweaked to show only local species.  The app is co-authored by a member of our catchment group, Gordon Grigg.  For more info, visit the Ug Media website.

“Weeds of South East Queensland” is a free app with descriptions and images of over 600 garden and environmental weeds found in SE Queensland and Northern NSW. Utilising Lucid technology, this is a hands-on tool which allows you to identify plants while you’re out in the field. It’s compatible for iPhone, iPad and Android and can be downloaded from Google Play or I-Tunes.

Breaking Bad Habitats

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Habitat quality is critical to the richness and abundance of the bird community and indeed to sustaining our region’s entire biodiversity.

Click here to read more in the August edition of Jim Butler’s Feather Fascination. 

—— !!! NEWSFLASH !!! —— Help Rescue Rowena!

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SUNDAY 7 AUGUST!

We are seeking volunteers for a new Buschcare group to restore Rowena Park. This lovely parkland is located alongside Moggill Creek, adjacent to Rafting Grounds Reserve.

Our inaugural working bee will be Sunday 7 August commencing at 9am for 3-4 hours. Refreshments will be provided as our way of saying thank you.

This is a beautiful parkland and it provides a wonderful open space to spend a Sunday morning so please come and join us! Be sure to wear closed shoes and bring gloves and a hat! 

Check out the flyer for more details and directions, or give Malcolm a call on  0418 552409.

What do you think about water?

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  • Is water something you only think about during drought? 
  • Are you worried about the cost of water?
  • How confident are you about water security for all Australians in the future?

The Australian Water Association is an independent, not-for-profit association for water professionals and organisations. 

It has launched a national 10-minute survey to explore opinions and priorities about key water issues in Australia. The survey closes on 12 August, 2016.

Have your say and help spread the word about this important survey!

Click here for more info and to contribute to about the survey.

Feel free to pass this on to your friends and contacts.