In honour of National Threatened Species Day on Sept 7th 2024, we will be presenting an exciting educational afternoon free of charge to the communities in and around Blackbutt.
Venue: Blackbutt Hall.
Time: Midday to 4pm.
We will have a special presenter, Martin Fingland from Geckoes Wildlife who will bring along live animals for an 'up close & personal' educational encounter for all ages.
Healthy food, snacks & refreshments to cater to all dietary requirements will be available to purchase.
There will be an opportunity for community involvement with a local wildlife photography competition and a kids art competition, with prizes for the winners.
The competition title - "Wildlife in Your Backyard", will hopefully encourage interaction with Nature, with the secondary aim of identifying rare species & recording them for research for the purpose of their protection.
Community members will be invited via social media & the local newspapers as well as fliers & posters. Local wildlife carers/rescuers will teach about what happens when injured animals are taken into care. They will be providing information about the habitat vital to some of the species; how to rehabilitate habitat; the importance of diverse understory, including vines.
We will also have information about fire management techniques.
This project is needed in our community due to the lack of understanding which we have witnessed & experienced in terms of attitudes & actions by some. There has been a large increase in land sales and sub-divisions which has seen a lot of sudden deforestation with no regard for the native wildlife, which includes a number of endangered species whose habitat has been destroyed.
There is an urgent need for education about the importance of retaining native trees, shrubs and flora needed by the local fauna for their survival. We are aiming to provide information on the value of old trees with hollows and the crucial need to preserve & protect remnant forests.
We will also be providing avenues for further training to those who would like to become wildlife rescuers and carers.
The uniqueness of this region will be highlighted, not only for local residents but also for those who pass by or stay for a visit. This project may also help community members identify endangered flora or fauna that they might have on their properties & we help to provide avenues to information on how to help to look after them.
We hope to see you there!