The rain showers didn’t stop the enthusiastic volunteers from coming out to plant trees for koalas on the 9th April at Tanilba Bay. We were fortunate to start the morning with an entertaining talk by Carmel Northwood from Port Stephens Koalas, engaging the kids and adults alike in all things koala. Did you know you can tell if the gum tree will be favoured by koalas by crushing and smelling the leaf? Why are koalas so picky about the type of leaf that they eat? Why are koalas in decline? What can we do to help? So many facts and tips shared.
This project, funded by the NSW Environmental Trust, kicked off in 2020 to improve koala habitat in Gir-um-bit State Conservation Area on the Tilligerry peninsula. This significant patch of bushland between Tanilba Bay and Oyster Cove forms part of a greater wildlife corridor and is a release site for Port Stephens Koalas. The site was subjected to sand mining and mineral extraction in the past and needs further rehabilitation to restore the appropriate vegetation. On the Eastern side, dense patches of native Leptospermum laevigatum (Coastal Tea Tree) has formed monocultures following post sand mining stabilisation planting. Tilligerry Landcare with the support of National Parks and Wildlife and the Worimi Green team are working to control the invasive pine trees, lantana, and coastal tea tree and replant appropriate Eucalypt species including Swamp mahogany, Forest red gum and Swamp paperbark. To get involved in the project, contact Stacy lowerhunterlandcare@gmail.com
