Threatened Species Last Stand On the Coal Point Peninsula Update

In 2014, as part of the Threatened Species Last Stand on the Coal Point Peninsula project, there will be lots of support on offer and opportunities to learn about the local bushland, locate the treasures that are hidden amongst the shrubbery, identify the worrisome weeds that need constant control and befriend the wildlife that share the Coal Point – Carey Bay area.

Every Thursday there is landcaring on the public reserves along the Coal Point peninsula. On the 1^st Thursday of the month there is an extra landcare session at Threlkeld Reserve. There are experts on hand to share skills and knowledge. You can pop in for any amount of time you want to. The Coal Point Progress Association’s blog has a calendar of local landcaring events, information and links to resources about the project.

Over the past year several ‘neighbourhood nodes’ of interest have been identified where locals have been keen to get additional support to look after their ‘bigger backyard’. This year these nodes will be used a starting point to connect the interested locals as a guardians group for their patch. The ‘neighbourhood nodes’ have been called Carey Bay, West Ridge and Stansfield. The dates when landcaring activities and Sunday support will be happening in these areas is available on the blog.

On the first Sunday of the month from 10am-1.30pm a Guardians Group field day will be held for local landholders who live adjacent to public reserves. Two bush regenerators will be on hand to share their knowledge and skills.

At the field day you can

· Discover and photograph the beauty in the bush on a guided walk.

· Learn about the unique local native plants at your back fence

· Identify the weeds in the local bush and learn how to control and remove them

· Enjoy a morning tea with your neighbours who share the bigger backyard bushland

· Find out about local landcaring activities

· Participate in a landcaring session

· Sign up for the Backyard Habitat for Wildlife program

· Have an environmental property assessment undertaken as part of the Land for Wildlife program

· Register for a National Tree Day planting

· Purchase or order

o  native plants

o  nest boxes and

o  bush regeneration services

Come along on the 2^nd of March for the West Ridge-West gathering or 6^th of April for the West Ridge-East event. You’ll meet your neighbours, learn new skills and find out about the wonderful bushland we share. Contact Suzanne Pritchard for more information, to RSVP and for meeting place directions on 0438 596 741 or cppa.tsls@gmail.com.

The meeting spot for the West Ridge West gathering on March 2^nd is at the top of Whitelock Street near the Hunter Water gates.