Geckos. Native or not?
The ‘churp churp churp’ of the Asian house gecko is a common sound in Queensland homes. This article looks at the Asian gecko and its native cousins.
Richmond Birdwing butterfly can be found in Noosa
This months “Focus on local wildlife” features the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly, Ornithoptera richmondia. Here in Noosa shire we are very lucky to still have some populations of the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly.
Great News on Noosa River Health
The Department of Environment and Science has just released the results of a long-awaited survey of the Noosa River system dioxin accumulations. The study found trace levels of tetrachlorodibenzo para dioxin (TCDD) in the sediment were typical for Queensland’s east coast.
Weed of the month Golden rain tree
On a recent trip to Kenilworth (mid April) I admired the seeding Golden rain tress. They are planted in the show grounds and along the streets. With the ends of the branches covered what looks like pink flowers, they are beautiful and easy to spot at this time of year.
Gambling Fund Grant for Volunteer Equipment & Training
NICA is pleased to announce it's "Noosa River Rangers capacity build" application to the Gambling Community Benefit Fund was successful. The grant for $6,679 will be used to train up to 12 additional volunteer boat and trailer operators and support the purchase of personal protective equipment
Spectacular Wattle Cup Caterpillar
At a recent sand island weeding excursion volunteers photographed this little fellow, who Mark later identified as a Wattle Cup Caterpillar (moth) Calcarifera ordinata. The spines are poisonous and painful, but luckily they couldn't penetrate the glove.
Clean up Wrap up 2021
In the Noosa region 2.5 tonnes of rubbish was collected as part of Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday March 7th, organised by NICA. There were 20 sites were where community groups and volunteers searched the lengths and breadths of Noosa’s bushland, parklands, roadsides, beaches, creeks and rivers to Clean Up their patch of Noosa.
March 2021 Gardening tip – Pruning
Its March, so in Michelle’s calendar that means pruning time. In this month’s gardening tip Michelle shares an article by the Native Plant Society of Victoria and adds some local knowledge. Click on the Read more link to access the post on our website.
Native Bee Hives at Local Schools
A few years ago, Bruce Hallett, together with other NICA members, Roger Kelly and Bob Carey, installed a native bee hive at the Sunshine Beach Primary School near their permaculture garden. The students were amazed at the hard work the bees had done in just six weeks. If you are interested in getting a hive, NICA may be able to help.
Audit of Litter in the Noosa River
The Noosa River Rubbish Audit was organised as part of NICA’s Clean Up Australia Day on 7 March, 20211, to collect and analyse the rubbish along a stretch of the lower Noosa river and riverside land at Tewantin.