Knowledge of the population distribution of the endangered Richmond Birdwing Butterfly (Ornithoptera richmondia) is about to be improved with a new citizen science project in south east Queensland. ECOllaboration Ltd’s Chief Executive Officer, Cerran Fawns, said “We have had many unofficial reports of sightings since our last survey ten years ago and we need to update records for the last five years”. The butterfly is listed as vulnerable and is an important species that has been severely impacted by habitat loss and the introduced vine, the Dutchman’s Pipe (Aristolochia elegans), which is poisonous to the butterfly larvae. The native birdwing butterfly vine, Pararistolochia praevenosa, is what the larvae feed on in the wild, however it looks so similar to the Dutchman’s Pipe, the adult females get confused and lay eggs on the introduced vine which are a death trap for the emergent larvae. The native birdwing butterfly vine has been planted widely throughout the region over the last ten years and we are wanting to determine if the populations have spread from the isolated pockets of the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast areas. Ms Fawns added, “The males are easily recognisable being black and iridescent green with the females less striking with brown, yellow and white markings”. The data collected from the community sightings will be uploaded to the Living Atlas of Australia which gives a generalised map of the distribution and the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly Network. To report sightings over the last five years and to view photos of the butterfly, vines and larvae, go to http://ecoeducationservice.org.au/richmondbirdwingbutterfly/. A report from can also be downloaded and mailed to ECOllaboration, PO Box 311, Nambour Qld 4560 or phoned in on 07 54764777. This project is supported by ECOllaboration Ltd, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.
ECOllaboration Ltd is seeking an experienced business development manager to help lead the company into its next growth phase by marketing our services to industry and the community and developing income generating strategies and relationships. Click below for full position description and how to apply: PD Business Development and Partnerships Manager ECOllaboration FINAL 181019
Applications close 15th March 2018 Catchment Services is seeking applications from suitably qualified natural area practitioners to help deliver natural area works thoughout the Sunshine Coast. Works include riparian restoration activities, natural area management works, constructed lakes and wetlands maintenance, environmental offset management works and native landscaping works. To be considered suitable the suscessful applicants must be willing to work as a team, have good communication skills, an enthusiastic attitude and the ability to work in rough and remote terrain in outdoor conditions. Supervisor roles require 3 years experience in the natural area industry. Team member roles require at least 1 year experience in the natural area industry. All positions require the following qualifications: Manual open drivers licence ACDC licence Chainsaw level 1 licence Construction white card Senior first aid certificate Desirable qualifications and experience include: Mobile mapping experience Mobile reporting experience GPS and GIS experience MUTCD licence Chainsaw level 2 licence Working with children blue card To apply, email CV and cover letter to info@catchmentservices.org.au
Join environmental scientists, engineers and educators on an intimate and unique tour of the Sunshine Coast, exploring the historical, natural and engineered elements of our local environment. You will visit places not accessible to the general public, and places you probably never thought about visiting, and learn from the wealth of knowledge of local presenters. Our coastal environment is a beautiful natural asset that encompasses many aspects and you will gain a better appreciation of how it is being managed government, industry and the community. Bookings are essential as places are limited for each tour. Tour dates are: Wed 9 Aug, 9am to 4pm (FULL) Sat 2 Sept, 9am to 4pm (FULL) Wed 20 Sept, 9am to 4pm (FULL) Sun 8 Oct, 9am to 4pm (FULL) Tues 31 Oct, 9am to 4pm (FULL) Fri 24 Nov, 9am to 4pm (FULL) We are taking waiting list bookings in case of cancellations. To book please contact the ECOllaboration office on 54 764 777 or info@ECOllaboration.org.au. The tours have been supported by the Sunshine Coast Council’s 50th Anniversary Fund.
2017-03-17-91Foley Rd 2
Cats Claw Artistic 2
2017-03-17 Volunteer 91 Foley Rd
We are hosting a hands on workshop on Cat’s Claw Creeper Control on the 17th May from 2:30 to 3:30pm at the Paynters Creek Park, Woombye. If you have the creeper on your property and don’t know where to start, this workshop is for you! Click here for information on the vine and work shop details. Cat’s Claw Control Workshop 2017 We are also wanting to know where the vine has spread. Please contact us if you have noticed it on your property as there may be support for control works.
Riparian Weed Management Workshop – Friday the 16th of May 1.00pm – 3.00pm Landholders within the Maroochy Catchment will have an opportunity to join industry professionals on an ecosystem survey to gain skills in riparian management during a field day being run by ECOllaboration on the 28th of April. There are a variety of control methods available for managing riparian zones and this workshop aims to help you identify what’s best for your patch: Frill, cut, paint for large trees, Foliar spray application Release of bio-control agent, Hand weeding, Monitoring & Revegetation These techniques provide an effective way to control many of the common weeds that occur along the creeks and rivers, such as Cat’s Claw Creeper, Small and, Large Leaf Privet, Lantana, Paspalum grass and herbaceous weeds and tubers. We aim for participants to leave with a better understanding of when weed control is appropriate, the best time to undertake control, and what can be done to maximise native regeneration at your site. The workshop will be held at Whalley Creek (off Silverwood Dr, Burnside) on April the 28th between 8:30am and 11:30am with a bus leaving from the Maroochy Waterwatch office at 8am (seats limited). Please wear a hat, covered footwear and long sleeve shirt and pants. Light refreshments will be provided. RSVP to Hetti Malone on (07) 54 764 777 by 21st of April 2014, bookings are essential as limited spots available! This workshop is funding by the Queensland Government through SEQ Catchments.
ECOllaboration are partnering with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service to help rangers care for our amazing and diverse parks and forests. The Queensland Government appreciates the vital assistance and support given by volunteers and volunteer organisations and ECOllaboration will now assist Parks and Wildlife in fostering and developing projects for volunteers in a range of National Parks across the Sunshine, Cooloola and Fraser Coasts. All around Queensland, clubs and community groups and a range of organisations are partnering with QPWS to help rangers care for our amazing and diverse parks and forests. The Queensland Government appreciates the vital assistance and support given by volunteers and volunteer organisations. There are many ways for people to be involved, voluntourism opportunities, campground hosting, weed control, dingo fence monitoring, track and path maintenance etc. Have a look at our Friends of Parks page for more information. Update: this program has now ended. Please contact us for other volunteering opportunities
