nature + people

Connecting a network of nature corridors between Wilsons Prom National Park and the Strzelecki Ranges, South Gippsland

Events`

Walkerville Coastal Geology Walk

This walk 'rocked'! What an incredible turn out we had to hear Palaeontologist Mike Cleeland speak in memory of Prom Coast Ecolink founder Gary Wallis

9 Mar 2025

Amber Creek Farm Tour

We visited a sustainable sawmill & pig farm in Fish Creek

10 Nov 2024

Gary Wallis in Gippslandia Magazine

PCEL founder Gary featured in issue #32 issue of Gippslandia Magazine

10 Sept 2024

Weekend of Wonder - Recap !

A summary of the events & guest speaker highlights from our Weekend of Wonder held in Fish Creek 12-14th July

17 July 2024

SeaDays Festival 2025

A summer weekend in Port Welshpool - a unique area of environmental significance

4 Jan 2025

Tarwin River Forest

Nature Journalling and slender tree-fern spotting

19 Oct 2024

Franklin River Platypus Walk in Toora

We went searching for platypus as part of the 'Platy-Project'

22 Sept 2024

We found the threatened South Gippsland Burrowing Crayfish in the Hoddle Reserve !

This finding contributes to the documented environmental significance of the reserve

27 June 2024

Biodiversity Walk in the Hoddle Ranges

Ecologist Alison Oates guides us through spectacular private property

23 Nov 2024

South Gippsland Biodiversity Protection Plan

A remarkable plan for nature in South Gippsland has been released

15 Oct 2024

Wildlife in Sandy Point (WiSP) Spring Event

PCEL popped up at this special morning in Sandy Point

21 Sept 2024

Night Drone Survey: Citizen Science Event in the Hoddle Ranges

We conducted a night survey, using drone thermal-imaging technology to locate, observe & record the wildlife in real time

27 May 2024

Who are we?

Prom Coast Ecolink is a passionate group of local volunteers working to create a network of nature corridors across the Prom Coast region.

What do we do?

We connect nature to nature through biolinks, and people to nature through community engagement.

What are biolinks?

Biolinks, also referred to as corridors, are connected pathways that help wildlife move safely between habitat and vital resources like food, water, and breeding partners. For species like our threatened koalas, these connections are essential for survival and resilience in a changing environment. Plants also thrive by spreading and strengthening through these protected areas.

Our vision is to ultimately connect the Strzelecki Ranges, the Hoddle Ranges, and Wilsons Prom. Wilsons Prom is set to become a 50,000-hectare climate change safe haven through the Parks Victoria Prom Sanctuary project—an incredible opportunity for conservation.

Why does it matter?

By showing that caring for the environment, sustainable farming, and vibrant communities can coexist, we can inspire meaningful change. Together, we’re helping South Gippsland remain a place of natural beauty, healthy farmland, and ecological innovation.

How do we make it happen?

We collaborate with key stakeholders—like local councils, Landcare, environmental groups, government agencies, ecologists, and landholders—to link public and private lands. At the community level, we host workshops, citizen science events, and conversations to connect people with nature.

What does this look like in action?

Citizen science events
Unique nature experiences
Targeted wildlife surveys
Flora and habitat assessments
Ecology reports and plant identification
Volunteer training and education
Nature journalling
Regenerative farm tours
Advocacy for biodiversity protection
Participation in regional environmental strategy such as the Biodiversity Protection Plan

Copy of Prom Coast Eco Link (just pics)-2.png

Contact us here

Prom Coast Ecolink respectfully acknowledges the traditional Custodians of the lands we now share.

W recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community.

We pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

In Dec '24, botanists Karl Just and Dylan Osler spent a week surveying 12km of Cool Temperate Rainforest gullies in Turtons Creek, South Gippsland (20km North of Foster) and have produced an incredible vegetation report describing the findings and environmental significance of this area.

The survey covered three Trust for Nature properties (private land covenanted for environmental protection) as well as the Turtons Creek Scenic Reserve.

The survey revealed that here, in our backyard, we have the largest remaining population of the critically endangered Slender-Tree Ferns ever documented in Australia. There were over 400 adult plants recorded. These tree-ferns face an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future, and we have 30% of the known Australian-wide population here in South Gippsland!

Other exciting moments included a recording of Netted Brake Fern - which has not been noted in the Strzelecki Ranges since 1975, as well as the severely depleted Butterfly Orchid and over 40 different types of moss.

There were giant Mountain Ash estimated at 300-400 years old. These iconic Australian Trees are the largest flowering plant in the world and can grow to over 100m.

Although this report was for vegetation, notable rare fauna included the Strzelecki Burrowing Crayfish, Blue-Winged Parrot, Gang-Gang Cockatoo, Lewin’s Rail, Pilotbird (the lyrebird’s faithful shadow) and the Powerful Owl.

You can watch a recording of the public presentation of this report held on 22nd Feb in Foster on YouTube at:
https://youtu.be/66h-GxphcRs

At Prom Coast Ecolink, we advocate for biolinks and wildlife corridors between intact, significant habitats like this. A biolink from the Strzelecki Ranges to Cape Liptrap starts up here and we celebrate the work undertaken to protect the area.

Thank you to all who contributed to the success of this survey - @wettenhall_enviro, Friends of Turtons Creek, Gippsland Threatened Species Action Group, @trustfornature and @tarwin_river_forest

This survey was produced for GTSAG. For more information visit: www.gtsag.org.au

Photo 1 @karli_michelle_commercial
Photos 2-6 @heathwarwickphotography

This walk 'rocked'! Walkerville Coastal Geology Walk 09.03.25.

What an incredible turn out we had to hear Palaeontologist Mike Cleeland speak in memory of Prom Coast Ecolink founder Gary Wallis.

Much of the events' success is due to Mike and we extend our deepest thanks to him for his time and expertise!

The walk was approximately 2km from the boat ramp in Walkerville North to Bird Rocks in Walkerville South and back again. It was a perfect day to be outside in South Gippsland (which made parking a little interesting as many people were enjoying the beach!).

We spent 3 hours exploring one of Victoria’s oldest rock formations and witnessing the remnants of our ancient natural environment.

We celebrated Gary Wallis, a founding member of Prom Coast Ecolink and a highly respected geologist, well known for his endless love for this region.

Gary, who sadly passed away last year, recognised the potential for a biolink from the Strzelecki Ranges to Cape Liptrap that would protect the southernmost population of lyrebirds here in Walkerville. His research and vision are pivotal in our work and he is dearly missed.

Guests who joined us received a copy of Gary’s fantastic booklet ‘Walkerville Coast Geology - A walk from Walkerville North to Bird Rocks'. DM to order a copy of your own!

Prom Coast Ecolink would like to extend a special thanks to members of Gary’s family who travelled to join us.

At Prom Coast Ecolink, we work to achieve two things : to connect nature to nature through biolinks and wildlife corridors, and to connect people to nature through community engagement. The work of connecting people to nature is a critical part of creating biolinks. Over 95% of land in South Gippsland is privately owned and it is the caring community of private landholders who will have the greatest impact on the future of our landscape.

Events such as these offer an opportunity to appreciate and connect with the beauty that this region holds.

Thank you to @karli_michelle_commercial for these incredible photos!

#southgippsland #walkerville #capeliptrap #wilsonsprom #biolinks #wildlifecorridor #promcoast #promcoastecolink #magicbeach

Walkerville Geology Walk 🐚
We had record interest for our event today, which saw us walking along the Cape Liptrap coastline with local Paleontologist Mike Cleeland aka Dinosaur Walk legend.
We celebrated Gary Wallis, a founding member of Prom Coast Ecolink, well known locally for his expertise in geology and endless love for this region - he studied local rocks for over 50 years!
Gary, who sadly passed away last year, recognised the potential for a biolink from the Strzelecki Ranges to Cape Liptrap that would protect the southernmost population of lyrebirds. His research and vision are pivotal in our work and he is dearly missed.
Guests today received a copy of Gary’s fantastic booklet ‘Walkerville Coast Geology - A walk from Walkerville North to Bird Rocks’.
A special thanks to the members of Gary’s family who travelled to join us today.
A big thanks also to Mike Cleeland, PCEL volunteers and all our guests who set aside the afternoon to come together in nature.
🌊
Copies of Gary’s book are available in select local shops or DM for direct postage.

#promcoast #promcoastecolink #walkerville #walkervillesouth #magicbeach #southgippsland
#southgippslandlandcarenetwork #wilsonsprom #wilsonspromontory #southgippsland #biolinks #wildlifecorridor #victoriangeology

Our Walkerville Coastal Geology Walk is happening this Sunday!
Thank you to all those who have registered. We ask that you please check your inboxes as we have emailed a few important details.
We look forward to seeing you there 🐚🌊

Happy National Rakali Awareness Day - Feb 18 !

These semi-aquatic mammals are one of our lesser known native animals, despite being found anywhere in Australia where there is clean water and vegetation all year round.

In South Gippsland, @tarwin_river_forest Turtons Creek have a raft of Rakali living a burrow in the side of the dam (check out the videos!). Forest steward Stuart Inchley explains “They are active every night. They eat yabbies and crayfish - we suspect it is them leaving traces of their shells in little piles!”.

Intact riparian areas such as those found at @tarwin_river_forest provide connectivity and habitat for rakali, which is essential as they are often solitary. Large populations need large connected riparian areas to sustain their individual habitats (but we already knew biolinks are the best!)

What you might not know about Rakali -

🌱 Rakali play an important role in ecosystems.

🍄‍🟫 They disperse fungi spores which assist plants to extract water and nutrients from the soil.

🐸 They hunt invasive species and in Northern Australia, have adapted to prey on cane toads.

🦦 Not a “water rat” ! Rakali are more similar to otters in their behaviour, than beavers or rats.

🤎 Rakali are black to brown with an orange to white belly and a white tipped dark tail.

💧Their thick tail acts like a rudder, along with partially webbed hind feet, making them perfectly suited to an aquatic environment.

#rakali #rakaliawarenessday #australianwildlife #southgippsland #southgippslandlandcare #southgippslandlandcarenetwork #landcare #tarwinriverforest #biodiversitylegacy #wilsonsprom #strzeleckiranges #biolink #wildlifeconservation #wildlifecorridors #promcoastecolink

📷 Simone Elise
📹 @tarwin_river_forest

We had a great time this weekend at the 2025 Port Welshpool Seadays Featival 🐟

Now in its 21st year, the weekend offers endless opportunities to connect with the South Gippsland coastal environment.

Port Welshpool sits between Corner Inlet and Nooramunga Marine & Coastal Parks. This area is protected from the rough surf of Bass Strait by sand barriers and the Prom.

These sheltered waters create an intricate network of waterways and islands of outstanding environmental significance and includes one of 64 wetland areas in Australia listed under the Ramsar Convention.

This internationally listed wetland protects 67,186ha of diverse habitats, including coastal woodland, vast mangrove communities, saltmarsh areas, intertidal zones and unique marine values such as Broadleaf Seagrass forests.

This ecosystem is incredibly important for both local and international biodiversity including habitat for visiting migratory birds who make up to a 13,000km round trip just to be here.

We can’t wait to come again and work alongside

Port Welshpool Working Group @seadaysportwelshpool
Coastcare (D.E.E.C.A) @coastcare_victoria
Victorian Fishing Authority (V.F.A) @fisheriesvic
Port Welshpool Coast Guard
C.F.A Welshpool @cfavic
Star of the South
Black Snake Productions @black_snake_productions
Jawbone Marine Sanctuary
Myli @myli_library
Port Welshpool Horticultural Society @portwelshpool
Great Southern Ride @greatsouthernride_meeniyan
Friends of Agnes Falls
Port Welshpool Maritime Museum @portwelshpoolmaritimemuseum
Yarram Lions

#southgippsland #portwelshpool #promcoast #promcoastecolink #cornerinlet #ramsarconvention #migratorybirds #wilsonsprom #biodiversity #naturecorridor #biolinks #ecology #toora #portfranklin #barrybeach #starofthesouth #esso #barrybeachmarineterminal

Shots from our Hoddle Range Biodiversity Walk last month!

🌱 Biodiversity is the stunning variety of life on Earth – from tiny soil microbes to towering trees, playful birds, and secretive nocturnal creatures.

🐞 Each species plays a role in keeping ecosystems healthy and thriving. The Hoddle Range in Fish Creek is home to a unique array of biodiversity and ecological vegetation classes.

🗒️ Our Hoddle Range Survey project is uncovering the significant plants and animals that make this patch special – from hidden wildflowers to rare species. By understanding what’s here, we can protect and restore these vital ecosystems (and work to link them!)

💡 Our focus for 2025: Securing funding to expand this important work.

Want to get involved? Join our mailing list, attend one of our events, or donate to support biodiversity conservation (all donations are fully tax-deductible, link in bio).

🪶 Because when nature thrives, we thrive too.

#promcountry #promcoastecolink #fishcreek #strzeleckiranges #southgippsland #southgippslandphotography #southgippslandphotographer #southgippslandshirecouncil
#HoddleRange #Biodiversity #EcoConnection #ProtectOurPlanet #biolinks #wildlifecorridors

Prom Coast Ecolink is a community bound by a shared love for the natural world — a group of passionate individuals committed to protecting South Gippsland’s unique biodiversity for the future of our species and the countless species we share this land with.

The tireless efforts of our volunteers — whether in the field or behind the scenes — have a true and lasting impact. From immersive days spent in nature to the vital, unseen planning, organising, and brainstorming, every action you take builds towards a healthier, more vibrant ecosystem.

We are grateful for those who step forward with bold ideas, offer to host events, and simply show up with heart and energy. You inspire us every day, and we are so lucky to have you in our corner.

To every PCEL volunteer: we love you and couldn’t do this without you! Here’s to continuing to make a difference — together.

#InternationalVolunteerDay #ThankYouVolunteers #PromCoastEcolink #SouthGippsland #Biodiversity #CommunityImpact #southgippslandshirecouncil #biolinks #wildlifecorridors #sustainablebusiness #ECOnomy #ECOlogy

What a wonderful morning today at @ambercreekfarm in Fishy, South Gippsland. The vision of this family run pig farm and sustainable sawmill is to create fertile soil, sequester carbon, create wildlife habitat, generate local economic activity and engage with the community.

In Prom Coast Ecolink’s advocacy for a connected landscape, regenerative approaches to farming as demonstrated here play a vital role in creating an economically and ecologically rewarding outcome for all. When we are connected to nature, we intrinsically understand the value of protecting it.

Thank you Amelia, Dan and family for sharing your home and knowledge so generously (and for putting up an amazing ploughman’s spread for lunch!).

See you next time !

#southgippsland #regenerativeagriculture #sawmill #agroforestry #sustainablesawmill #nexteconomy #circulareconomy

EVENT: Mt Nicoll Biodiversity Walk + Gippsland Threatened Species Action Group AGM

Saturday 23rd November, 2024, Fish Creek

Join us for an informative Biodiversity Walk on the Hoddle Range together with our friends at Gippsland Threatened Species Action Group (GTSAG).

Enjoy the spectacular views on this private property while we walk through and discover more about our local environment. The property includes great remnant fern gullies, an extensive patch of remnant Damp Heathy Woodland, dominated by Bog Gum, and regrowth from earlier logging practices.

A significant stand of threatened Bog Gum (Eucalyptus kitsoniana) is present, together with the rare Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) ‘Riparian Fern Scrub’ in the gullies.

The owners have been protecting the stands of remnant woodland and forest and extending biolinks across their property for many years. The land is a haven for bird watchers, and the owners are keen to have a list of birds compiled for their property.

All are invited to join in for the GTSAG Annual General Meeting which will take place informally during lunch.

You are welcome to bring along a picnic lunch and join in the discussion - or simply come, sit and enjoy nature!

What to bring: Folding chair, sturdy footwear, sun hat, sunscreen, water and your lunch if you wish to stay. As well as pens, paper, binoculars, camera - or any other tools you prefer to enrich your experience in nature!

Access: Easy walking on gravel tracks contoured to the hill slope. Car pooling is encouraged due to limited parking on site.

RSVP - link in bio. Registration closes: November 16

See you there 🌱

“Amber Creek is our home, our work, our life and our lessons. We are forging our own pathway by combining two seemingly unconnected industries - farming and sawmilling - to build carbon, regenerate the soil and increase biodiversity.”

Join us next Sunday, 10 November for an exclusive tour of @ambercreekfarm , an innovative, off-grid farm and sustainable sawmill in Fish Creek, followed by a ploughman’s lunch showcasing farm’s produce.

“At Amber Creek Farm we practice ethical and regenerative farming. We are sequestering carbon, reducing waste, improving and building soil biology, planting trees, protecting and increasing habitat for wildlife and reducing nutrient run off into waterways.”

Tickets are just $15.00 and are available on our website [ link in bio ] www.promcoastecolink.org

See you there for this unique opportunity to see restorative farming in practice 🌱

Such a beautiful morning at @tarwin_river_forest last weekend for our slender tree fern-walk and observations in this magic rainforest environment.

We gathered in the drizzly morning for a cup of tea around the campfire before breaking out in a few different directions - down the gullies to see the slender tree-ferns or over to the dam and up into the suspended bird hide.

The misty rain made sketching a little difficult (water colours, anyone?) but the simplicity of a little shinrin-yoku - or ‘forest bathing’ - was a perfect start to the weekend.

We bookended the morning with another cuppa by the campfire.

Prom Coast Ecolink and Gippsland Threatened Species Action Group would like to extend a warm thank you Stuart and Victoria at Tarwin River Forest for inviting us to their home and to everyone who came along and contributed to the morning.

It’s here! Nature Journalling & Slender Tree-fern Walk at @tarwin_river_forest is on this Saturday.

With only 3 spots left, now is the time to RSVP if you are hoping to come!

For those who have RSVD’d, you should have received an email with some important details including the address of where to park (reach out if it didn’t come through). This is clumsy, but we ask that you please BYO your campfire lunch as opposed to bringing a plate, which was sent in error.

🌿 What is nature journalling?

Nature Journalling is observing nature closely and making a record for yourself of what you notice. It can be a photograph, a few words or sketches. Recording something in this way makes you notice the details! Don’t worry - no experience is necessary and you don’t have to share your observations - they are to help you remember.

If you would like guidance in your journalling, we will have prompt cards & art tutors available, but please bring your own camera/sketchbook/notebook/markers. There will be a choice of different forest walks, guided by our botanical and ecological experts.

We will also have handmade, watercolor paper sketchbooks made by our member Megan available for $25.

See you there !

#promcoastecolink #biolink #natureCorridor #southgippsland #southgippslandshirecouncil #biodiversity #ecology #australianecology #AustralianWildlife #wildlifecorridor #wilsonspromontorynationalpark #wilsonsprom #hoddleranges #walkerville #buffalo #tarwinriverforest #waratahbay #fishcreek #fostervic #fosternorth #greatsouthernrailtrail #wonga #woorarra #mountbest #boolarong #turtonscreek #Darlimurla #boolarra #naturejournalling #naturebathing

Dr Mark Antos, manager of the Biodiversity Science Team at Parks Victoria discusses the Prom Sanctuary Project on Ep. 5 of @parksvic podcast ‘Closer to Nature’. This episode was recorded at the Prom, where he and others are helping build a landscape scale climate refuge.

Our vision at Prom Coast Ecolink is to create a network of biolinks across South Gippsland that will also link and contribute to the Prom Sanctuary.

Dr Mark Norman, ParksVic’s Chief Scientist Conservation and Climate Action and podcast host, chats with Dr Antos about the Prom Sanctuary Project, ‘RAD framework’ as well as the incredible story of rescuing and relocating the endangered eastern bristlebirds from the 2020 Black Summer bushfires of East Gippsland.

Listen to Closer to Nature at www.parks.vic.gov.au/get-into-nature/closer-to-nature or in your preferred listening app.

To find out more about the Prom Sanctuary Project visit www.parks.vic.gov.au/get-into-nature/conservation-and-science/conserving-our-parks/wilsons-prom-sanctuary

@parksvic
@friendsoftheprom

#parksvictoria #closertonature #wilsonsprom #wilsonspromontory #wilsonspromontorynationalpark #yanakie #biodiversity #biolink #naturelink #naturecorridor #wildlifecorridors #climatechange #climate #easternbristlebird #promcoastecolink #landscapescale #landscapescaleconservation #cornerinlet #shallowinlet #capeliptrap #walkerville #sandypoint #waratahbay #fishcreek #foster #hoddlerange #strzeleckiranges

Nature Journalling & Slender Tree Fern Walk
Sat, 19 Oct | Tarwin River Forest, Turtons Creek

Prom Coast Ecolink in partnership with Gippsland Threatened Species Action Group and @tarwin_river_forest, invite you to join us for a guided journalling session.

There will be a botanist and artist tutor present to guide you through your observations while we move through this remarkable setting.

Bring a journal, your camera, or just yourself - there is no expectation of any prior journalling experience !

For more details and to book (limited numbers) visit www.promcoastecolink.org/event [link in bio]

Photos are from our 2023 nature journalling session in the Hoddle Range, Fish Creek

#southgippsland #southgippslandshirecouncil #biodiversity #ecology #australianecology #wildlifecorridors #biolinks #naturecorridor #turtonscreek #tarwinriverforest #gippslandforestguardians #ecolandscollective #southgippslandlandcarenetwork #slendertree #slendertreefern #foster #fishcreek #fostervic #tarwinriver #wonjip #dumbalk #meeniyan #mountbest #portfranklin #mirboo #boolarra

Thank you to all the citizen scientists who joined us this evening for our Franklin River Platypus Walk!

What a special, unusual experience to be with a large group of nature lovers in virtual silence, with only the sounds of dusk by the river filling the air.

Although we saw some other local celebrities along the rail trail 🐨, the platypus were a little harder to spot. We had some suspect ripples, but we were unable to confidently identify platypus.

We encourage everyone to keep attempting platypus sightings (especially during September-October) and contribute any findings to the Platy-Project map at
www.platy-project.acf.org.au

It’s a wonderful way to spend an evening (or sunrise!) with your friends, family or simply with the company of bird song.

#platyproject #australianconservationfoundation #toora #greatsouthernrailtrail #promcoastecolink #platypus #platypus_dreaming #biolink #biolinks

@ausconservation

A wonderful day amongst dedicated volunteers and incredibly insightful community members. A special thanks to Wildlife in Sandy Point for organising this special spring event and to Diane Carpenter for the fantastic presentation on seven of the most observable migratory waders in Sandy Point ( some of whom fly over 13,000km just to be here ! )

Thank you to Dani for the amazing macro invertebrates display. The healthy water was teeming with tiny biodiversity - live caddisfly nymph, water striders, water boatman, mosquito larvae, worms, tadpoles, water mites, snails and minuscule all taken from a Waratah Bay water source.

Fascinating ! Thanks to all involved and those who attended 🪶

#sandypoint #sandypointvic #wildlifeinsandypoint #migratorybirds #migratorywaders #shorebirds #southgippsland #southgippslandshirecouncil #biodiversity #ecology #australianecology #wildlifecorridors #biolinks #naturecorridor

Come down to Sandy Point this Saturday 21st September 🐚

Wildlife in Sandy Point (WiSP) are hosting a fun and informative morning for both kids and grown-ups.

11am -It’s school holidays so bring the kids down to make masks, dreamcatchers and colouring in activities.

1pm - WiSP & Prom Coast Ecolink will provide brief introductions, updates and events.

130pm - Fascinating local shorebird presentation where we will learn about seven migratory waders that come to our local area.

See you there !

📷 Shearwater birds in migration
(photographer unknown)

#wildlife #localwildlife #southgippsland #sandypoint #wilsonsprom #shallowinlet #shallowinletandsandypoint #capeliptrap #capeliptrapcoastalpark #wildlifecorridors #wildlifeconservation #wildlifecorridor #australianconservationfoundation #biolinks #parksvic #coastcare #coastcarevictoria #hoodedplover #plovers #ploversofinstagram #shorebird #shorebirds

“Gary could see the broader potential for the region to be environmentally robust in tandem with productive farming. It was a vision where economic and ecological wealth would flow from farmland protected and enhanced by adjoining vegetation”

In May of this year, we said goodbye to Gary Wallis - Fish Creek local, field geologist, teacher, scientific consultant, farmer, rock specialist, lyrebird fanatic and founding member of @promcoastecolink.

Gary first conceived the idea of a South Gippsland biolink network 40 years ago, originally named the Lyrebird Link, to protect the remnant Superb Lyrebird population. His vision will continue through the work of PCEL as we advocate at all levels for the sustainable and flourishing coexistence of agriculture, tourism and nature in our region.

Gary has been honoured in the latest issue of @gippslandia in a piece by PCEL chair Anda Banikos.

The team behind Prom Coast Ecolink continue to extend their thoughts to Gary’s family during this difficult time.

Come down to Sandy Point next weekend, Saturday 21st September 🐚

Wildlife in Sandy Point (WiSP) are hosting a fun and informative morning for both kids and grown-ups. A great opportunity for the Sandy Point, South Gippsland (and visitor!) communities to learn about our local wildlife 🪶

11am -It’s school holidays, so bring the kids down to make masks, dreamcatchers and colouring in activities.

1pm - WiSP & Prom Coast Ecolink will share brief introductions, updates and upcoming events.

130pm - Fascinating local shorebird presentation where we will learn about seven migratory waders that come to our local area.

See you there!

#wildlife #localwildlife #southgippsland #sandypoint #wilsonsprom #shallowinlet #shallowinletandsandypoint #capeliptrap #capeliptrapcoastalpark #wildlifecorridors #wildlifeconservation #wildlifecorridor #australianconservationfoundation #biolinks #parksvic #coastcare #coastcarevictoria #hoodedplover #plovers #ploversofinstagram #shorebird #shorebirds #koala #koalaconservation #strzeleckikoala

@southgippslandlandcare
@parksvic
@coastcare_victoria

Our wonderful friends at @tarwin_river_forest have released their very first episode of Treehouse, a podcast recorded from one of the largest conservation properties in South Gippsland.

Forest stewards Stuart and Victoria share a cup of tea and a chat with guests from their local Gippsland community, exploring our relationships with forests.

In this very first episode of Treehouse, Victoria chats with Anda of Prom Coast Ecolink about connection with nature, work with Strzelecki Koala conservation and of course, Prom Coast Ecolink.

To listen see the link in our bio, OR search ‘Treehouse Gippsland’ in Spotify, OR visit @tarwin_river_forest website www.tarwinriverforest.com.au for direct download and other ways to listen 🎧

First image by @tony_scott_photography
Podcast images by Tash Georgiadis

#southgippsland #biolinks #wildlifecorridor #linking #conservation #regeneration #naturalcapital #strzeleckikoala #lyrebird #wilsonsprom #foster #fishcreek #walkerville #capeliptrap #capeliptrapcoastalpark #tarwinriver #tarwinlower #southgippslandshirecouncil #southgippslandlandcarenetwork

@southgippslandlandcare

Driving through our neighbourhood this weekend? Here’s who to call if you come across wildlife in distress.

🐨 Bass Coast & Sth Gippy Wildlife Rescue and Shelter:
Sue 0429016695

🦘Wildlife Victoria:
03 8400 7300

Or, search for the closest local vet.

You can help by slowing down, especially dusk until dawn.

Be prepared to stop around every corner.

If you find an animal in distress, remove them from road and check the pouch, but only when safe to do so.

Retrieve your coordinates (you can do this by dropping a pin where you stand in most maps apps)

Make a phone call using the above numbers ☝🏽

Thank you !

We collected this leaflet from @thehandmakersstore in Fish Creek

Love Platypus? Join us in our Franklin River Platypus Walk, Sunday 22 Sept 2024, 5:15 pm – 7:00 pm in Toora.

To celebrate World Rivers Day, we are surveying platypus populations in the Franklin River as part of the @ausconservation Platy-Project.

For full details and to register, visit our events page - link in bio.

By mapping where platypuses live in South Gippsland, we can track – and hopefully prevent – local declines in their numbers.

What’s better than seeing a platypus in the wild? Sharing the experience with like-minded company!

[link in bio]

@southgippslandlandcare
@ausconservation

#platyproject #promcoastecolink #wildlifecorridors #biolink
#toora #southgippsland #platypus #wilsonsprom #cornerinlet #portfranklin

Hoddle Creek, Fish Creek 21.7.24

Last week we met with Chris Gittins of Gippsland Hills Bushland Management for a Hoddle Creek site walk on private property.

Against a backdrop of remnant mountain ash, nesting wood ducks took flight as Chris guided us through his regenerative property. The land includes both remnant forest and new plantings taking place over a 20-year period. Nesting boxes dotted the younger trees. Inside these boxes, both sugar gliders and feather-tailed gliders nested.

Chris has worked tirelessly rejuvenating his parcel, one of several sharing this stretch of the Hoddle Creek. From here, the creek flows northwest to connect with Battery Creek, home to platypus & native rodents. With time and care, this portion will expand the vital habitat.

The creek has been cleared of willow and blackberry and the channel is starting to form again. Chris anticipates that with time, the rock bed will emerge. The rejuvenated soil now allows burrowing crayfish to excavate their chambers more easily and form chimneys above the surface.

PCEL are dedicated to accelerating biodiversity efforts in South Gippsland. Connecting with land like this allows us to seek and identify ways to assist landholders and determine how we can expand on this integral work.

Key Takeaways:

🌱 When adjoining landholders share a vision, valuable links are forged for wildlife and biodiversity.

🍂 Our bush can self-revegetate with adequate weed control and exclusion from grazing. Once the canopy is established and leaf matter accumulates on the ground, weeds struggle to colonise.

🌿 Nest boxes are vital in revegetation work as tree hollows can take upwards of 100 years to form, and many Australian birds, mammals & reptiles rely on them for roosting & nesting

🍃 Regenerating the Hoddle Creek will expand much-needed habitat for native fauna, potentially including Platypus and Lyrebird. Native Rodents, Swamp Rat and Bush Rat, initially favour weed grasses, sedges and ground covers before returning to traditional diet - making their presence a win-win for our waterways.

🌳 Extending on remnant and established bushland is always preferable to a standalone revegetation site.

Our Weekend of Wonder held last weekend!

Below is a recap of events & highlights from our guest experts.

Dr. Alex Maisey opened on Friday evening with a presentation on the topic: Restoration, Revegetation, & Remnants: rebuilding birdlife for functional landscapes.
Alex emphasised the need to preserve remnant habitat wherever possible as opposed to relying on revegetation plantings for future-proofing habitat . While both landscapes are capable of generating great biodiversity, they each support different species. Old growth offers advanced habitats like tree hollows that cannot be recreated quickly. Alex urged us, however, to maintain a nature-positive mindset, valuing all patches of vegetation - whether large or small, new or old. Coordinated efforts, even on a micro scale, will accumulate over time - so let’s not stop the repair work!

At daybreak on Saturday & Sunday, groups of lyrebird listeners met at Cape Liptrap Coastal Park. This citizen science event, now in its 11th year, had its largest turnout yet. Despite the cold and damp weather, most listening posts were sheltered (though one was overrun by vocal frogs!). The data collected at each listening post is collated & cross-checked to arrive at a population estimate. We certainly heard plenty of lyrebirds, but won't know whether there has been a significant population change until the data has been analysed. Stay tuned!

Ericka Tudhope of Microbats of Melbourne presented to an engaged audience on Saturday morning. She highlighted that microbats hunt by echo-location, eat mosquitoes and bugs, and are harmless to humans. In fact, you are lucky if they have a roost in or near your house as they will control flying bugs. Flying foxes, with their large eyes, find food by sight and smell, preferring gum blossoms and forest fruits. They eat other fruit as well, but only if none of their preferred native species are available. The biggest threat to bats is habitat destruction, so preserving old trees is crucial. Our closest bat specialists in South Gippy are ‘Fly By Night Bat Clinic’ in Phillip Island and of course, Microbats of Melbourne.

We also held our first AGM on Saturday which ran smoothly !

Join us online!

Lyrebird expert and LaTrobe University Research Fellow Dr Alex Maisey will be speaking at our briefing evening this Friday on the topic: Restoration, Revegetation and Remnants: rebuilding birdlife for functional landscape.

WHEN : Friday 12th July, 7:30-8:30pm
WHERE : ONLINE !
COST: Free
RSVP: visit www.promcoastecolink.org/event-details-registration/online-lyrebird-information-briefing-session

Superb Lyrebirds - The elusive, shy and spectacular songbirds of Eastern Australia.

Join us as we listen for them this weekend in Cape Liptrap ! Details below.

In the meantime, did you know…

• In Gippsland, our local is the ‘Superb Lyrebird’, one of the only two species found in Australia. The other being ‘Albert’s Lyrebird’ found in NSW and QLD.

• In Victoria, they exist almost exclusively in the east of the state.

• The Superb Lyrebird features on the Australian 10c coin.

• An expert mimic, lyrebirds will compose an inspiring song to include anything heard in the bird’s surroundings, such as other birds, chainsaws, car engines and even a dog barking!

• Each song can last up to 20 minutes.

• The Superb Lyrebird breeds from June through to October.

• One of the largest songbirds, their size can range from 80-100 cm tall including the tail.

• They can live up to 20 years of age.

• Our incredible lyrebirds are known throughout the world for having one of the most sophisticated songs in the animal kingdom—"the most elaborate, the most complex, and the most beautiful” - Sir David Attenborough

Come along to our ‘Listening for Lyrebirds’ events on Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th July.

For more information and to book, visit : www.promcoastecolink.org/event [ Link in bio ]

Photography by Dr Alex Maisey

Thank you www.wildlife.vic.gov.au for these fascinating facts 🪶

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