Annual Report Threatened Species Last Stand on the Coal Point Peninsula

Year 4 on ground outcomes are showing obvious signs of the transition from transformer weed dominated areas to the strengthening of local biodiversity with 3107hr of landcaring time having been provided in the last year.

The monitoring of nest boxes has confirmed the presence of Squirrel Gliders on the West Ridge; an Honours student has commenced a formal study on the population dynamics. A successful breeding of Powerful Owl pair nesting in close proximity provided additional confirmation.

Flora surveying has continued with an additional reference ecosystem established on the West Ridge and a photopoint transect installed at Stansfield Reserve to monitor the impact of the burn. Toronto High School students completed the survey for Tetratheca juncea on the southern side of the West Ridge and identified over 200 clumps, previously unreported.

The local landcare story has been shared at several community events, with local and regional groups and via the local newsletter. Presentations were delivered at the Hollows for Habitat and Central Coast Landcare/Bushcare forums.

Recognition of the group’s efforts was received in winning the NSW Regional Achievement & Community Award for Landcare & the Environment during the week when 20 years of local’s landcaring was celebrated. A social trivia event to celebrate attracted 50 locals.

The provision of bush regeneration support to enhance the skills of local landcarers has been very welcomed with new learning in surveying, assessment and weed techniques providing a diversity of activities to enjoy and increasing landcaring confidence.

The highlights for Year 4 of the project include

1. Enhanced knowledge of local Threatened Species
1. The identification of over 200 Tetratheca juncea clumps along the West Ridge
   
   Reserve
2. Occupation of 3 nest boxes by Squirrel Gliders on the West Ridge.
3. Successful breeding of Powerful Owl on West Ridge
4. Establishment of a Squirrel Glider Garden at Coal Point School
2. Increased skills of landcarers
1. in flora assessment
2. in weed treatment techniques
3. in site coordination through sharing of the role
3. On-ground outcomes

1. 3107 hours contributed to the transitioning of areas from weed dominated into native plant communities due to dedication and commitment of local landcarers and support from TIN volunteers.
2. The Lomandra buffer around the Carey Bay EEC which has curtailed garden dumping
3. The potential for the regeneration of Stansfield Reserve after environmental burn on 6/4/16
4. 1288 plants were installed to supplement areas of the reserves where natural regeneration was impeded.
5. A comprehensive species list to support on ground work
6. Extension of 2 landcare sites- Hampton St Link and Carey Bay Riparian extension

Events hosted to promote the project

• National Tree Day-9 &16/4/15 (36 attendees)
• Corporate day with Price Waterhouse Coopers (14 attendees)
• Schools national Tree Day 30/7/15 (60 students,4 teachers)
• Nest box survey 11/7/15- 17 attendees
• Spotlighting survey 11/7/15- 24 attendees
• Nest box installation 3/12/15-(26hr)- 3 attendees
• Searching for Seed (Bioblitz) 5/9/15 -7 attendees (16.5hr)
• Annual Flora survey training -11 events
• A Landholder Audit- Backyard Habitat Health Assessments
• 20 years of locals landcaring BBQ-19/11/15
• 20 years of locals landcaring Trivia tournament-20/11/15

In Year 5 of the project efforts will be made to secure additional on-ground support from students, The Green Army and local service clubs to ensure the gains from the environmental burn at Stansfield Reserve can be optimised.

A local landholders kit will be developed to allow the loan of remote camera and nest box monitoring equipment.