Wildlife right at home
Gio Fitzpatrick recently presented to over 60 keen attendees at the Homes for Wildlife - Nest Box Education Session.
An award-winning naturalist, environmental activist and nest box designer, Gio Fitzpatrick presented to over 60 keen attendees at the Outtrim Hall at the Homes for Wildlife - Nest Box Education Session last month.
Gio presented his data-backed findings and stories, acquired through years of on-ground monitoring and recording, educating the crowd on the relationship between flora, fauna and landscape and the outcomes that result from the dependencies that co-exist between them.
Surprising to most, was the biodiversity values of the Black Wattle species which in its 12 - 20-year lifespan, contributes more in insect biodiversity than species which live for many times that.
He encouraged the audience to consider the impact when making changes to landscape, whether it be by planting a domestic garden, a revegetation project on farmland, clearing vegetation or even installing a nest box.
We can do that by looking through the eyes of a target species, being aware of biases and see that different habitats are made special by what they lack as much as what they have - every change has an effect.
A great effort by volunteer members of Kongwak Hills Landcare Group who contributed to the organisation, promotion, catering, setup and other ways of support for this event.
A reminder to those who may be interested in ordering a nest box to do so at: basscoastlandcare.org.au/kongwakhills
This education session was the last event of the "Kongwak Hills homes for wildlife - Engaging Volunteers in Citizen Science" project which saw 129 nest boxes designed, constructed and installed on 13 properties in the Kongwak area.
The project was supported by funding from Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and South Gippsland Shire Council grants.
