PROJECTS
Eco-Eggs native bird and reptile hatchery
This project fills a major gap in wildlife care across southeast Queensland by establishing a dedicated wildlife egg hatchery. It will use specialised equipment and the expertise of a trained wildlife vet nurse to provide species-specific care that is currently unavailable in the region.
By caring for eggs that need unique conditions, the project allows other wildlife groups to focus on urgent rescues and animal assistance. Using advanced hatchery techniques, it will increase the survival of vulnerable species and build knowledge to support conservation goals. The project will also provide training for other organisations, improving the skills of staff and volunteers and strengthening overall wildlife care efforts across the region.
Cooloola Recreational Reserve and Great Sandy National Park Exotic Pine Tree Surveys
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Exotic pine trees, including hybrids of Pinus elliotii, Pinus radiata and Pinus caribaea, are spreading throughout the Cooloola Recreational Reserve in the Great Sandy National Park, Rainbow Beach. These introduced species are invasive and classified as weeds. Once established, they dominate native habitats by releasing allelopathic biochemicals that suppress the germination and growth of surrounding native plants. Over time, this process reduces local biodiversity and alters natural ecosystem functions.
To address this growing issue, Earthy Environmental Experts, with permission from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS), have established a long-term research and monitoring project. Using Remote Sensing and GIS mapping, the team is assessing the rate and pattern of pine spread to guide effective control and removal strategies. Field data, including growth ring analysis, are being used to correlate tree age with size, providing insight into the population dynamics of the species.
Long-term monitoring plots across the park are helping measure changes in tree density and native plant recovery. This ongoing project aims to refine management efforts, evaluate control effectiveness, and ultimately restore the ecological balance of Cooloola’s unique environments by limiting future pine invasion and supporting the regeneration of native flora and fauna.
Earthy inc. are the recipients of the Get Online Week Grant, funded Australian Governments Be Connected initiative and managed by The Good Things Foundation.
Plant identification has a very long, centuries old tradition and in the last decade, especially the last few years, plant identification has gone through an online revolution. Now is the perfect time to learn how to use these newly available online resources, regardless if you are new to plant identification, or a seasoned botanist. The entire lecture will take place online and focused on using resources that are available online for native flora only.
Professional botanists Jonathon Winnel will run through the online tools available. Earthy inc. will continue to support this event by providing a webpage with tips and links for ease of access and future use.