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Six years and $250,000 – What a community group learnt from implementing a major project :: Suzanne Pritchard :: SERA Conference 2018
Engaging Others, Evaluating Progress
A six year - $250,000 Environmental Trust project enabled a community group to formally identify threatened species, record and monitor the local flora and fauna and undertake bush regeneration which has aided connectivity and set the multiple public reserves on a recovery trajectory. An assortment of community engagement events were undertaken and a plethora of [...]
Recovery processes underpinning rainforest restoration in the Big Scrub :: Tein McDonald :: SERA Conference 2018
Appropriate Approaches, Evaluating Progress, Reference Ecosystems, Scaling Up
Does size matter? Victoria Park Nature Reserve is a small fragment of the once mighty Big Scrub sub-tropical rainforest. Reflecting on 40 years of monitoring, Tein McDonald highlights the significant contributions to the understanding of rainforest succession that this reserve has made. Monitoring of Camphor laurel removal using species composition surveys and photopoints, clearly demonstrates [...]
Scaling up – Is it possible or an ongoing aspiration? :: Jen Ford :: SERA Conference 2018
Appropriate Approaches, Evaluating Progress, Scaling Up
Comprehensive strategic planning and site assessments, coupled with thinking creatively around landscape connections are some of the ingredients required to scale up projects. By understanding the capacity of assisted regeneration, a spectrum of bush regenerator skill levels and resources can be utilised to maximise outcomes. Jen Ford provides two examples that explore how the planning [...]
Fire management business in Australia’s tropical savannas :: Jeremy Russell-Smith :: NCC Forum 2015
Appropriate Approaches, Engaging Others, Evaluating Progress, Scaling Up
The north Australian savannas are vast and have the potential to provide significant indigenous business opportunities for markets in greenhouse gas emissions, living tree biomass and non-living biomass as shown during the Carbon Farming Initiative. Jeremy Russell-Smith provides an overview of the fire management strategies that have been undertaken within the context of indigenous management [...]
How the National Restoration Standards’ affirmation of native ecosystems as references can strengthen SERA’s function as a broad church :: Tein McDonald :: SERA Conference 2018
Appropriate Approaches, Reference Ecosystems
Tein McDonald provides a detailed explanation of the concept of ecological restoration as intended by the National Standards for Ecological Restoration. Tein outlines the restorative activities continuum and provides examples of where various restoration projects may reside along that spectrum. Ideologies such as ‘restorative thinking’ and ‘ecological civilization’ are considered within the context of the [...]
Big Scrub – making a vision of genetically appropriate seed production areas a reality :: Tony Parkes :: SERA Conference 2018
Appropriate Approaches, Engaging Others, Evaluating Progress, Scaling Up
Rainforest restoration pioneers, Big Scrub Landcare, are again at the forefront of restoration ecology investigating solutions to the problem of genetic inbreeding in the hundreds of thousands of Big Scrub plantings. With the long term viability of the Big Scrub and associated investment at stake, they have developed a strategy to test for genetic diversity, [...]
Maximising ecological restoration outcomes through threatened species management programs :: Jen Ford :: SERA conference 2018
Appropriate Approaches, Engaging Others, Evaluating Progress, Reference Ecosystems
Jen Ford’s presentation showcases a well planned, 10 year funded, Threatened Species offset project. Detailed examples of four Species of National Environmental Significance are discussed and picture-perfect photopoints utilised to highlight the changes that have resulted from dedicated professionals undertaking assisted regeneration supported by hazard reduction burns. The project not only achieved the 2 for [...]
Restoring tree cover in the Ramsar-listed Koorangie marshes through a partnership with Barapa Barapa :: Damien Cook :: SERA Conference 2018
Appropriate Approaches, Engaging Others, Reference Ecosystems
The Koorangie Marshes are part of the Kerang Wetlands Ramsar site that is culturally significant to the Barapa Barapa people. Prolonged waterlogging and rising salinity, which resulted in the death of River Red Gum and Eumong canopies, had historically impacted almost half of the Koorangie marshes. In partnership with the Barapa Barapa peoples the regeneration [...]
‘Creek Heroes’ are winning the battle in the City of Onkaparinga – Urban Watercourse Restoration Project :: Nikola Manos :: SERA Conference 2018
Appropriate Approaches, Engaging Others, Evaluating Progress
Urban creeks in the City of Onkaparinga hold some of the last remnants of bushland within the city as well as containing valuable public recreational space. The ‘Creek Heroes’ project informed and activated the community to care for the creeks by crafting clever ‘heroes and bullies’, listening to the residents and providing opportunities to experience [...]
Native seed production ‘farming for restoration supply’- Lessons from local and US sectors :: Paul Gibson-Roy :: SERA Conference 2018
Appropriate Approaches, Engaging Others, Scaling Up, Seed Sourcing
Why is grassy ecosystem restoration so hard…it doesn’t have to be? Paul Gibson-Roy shines the light on the USA’s approach. In 2015 Paul received a Winston Churchill fellowship to explore the industry in the USA .He shares his findings of the scale and viability of the industry and the government incentives and the structures that [...]
Community solutions to rehabilitating seabird breeding habitat on Big Island (Booirodoong),Five Islands Nature Reserve :: Rowena Morris (NPWS) :: SERA Conference 2018
Appropriate Approaches, Engaging Others, Evaluating Progress
Restoring native vegetation cover on an island dominated by Kikuyu and Coastal Morning Glory poses unique challenges, especially when the island provides critical seabird breeding habitat. The Five Islands Nature Reserve is a culturally significant site and the success of the restoration project has been due to the project bringing together the Illawarra Local Aboriginal [...]
How ecological (ecocentric) restoration can help facilitate a nature conservation culture in Australia (Putting nature first) :: Todd Dudley :: :: SERA Conference 2018
Appropriate Approaches, Engaging Others, Reference Ecosystems, Scaling Up
Todd explores the concept of ecocentricity and how it provides an ethical and social framework for both restoration and our relationship to the environment. An outline of the social, and individual benefits that have been produced on the Skyline tier project exemplifies how a changed worldview can unite a community. Todd, along with Michael Leunig [...]
Be prepared: climate change & the NSW bushfire threat :: Lesley Hughes, Macquarie University, Climate Council of Australia :: NCC Bushfire Conference 2015
Appropriate Approaches, Engaging Others, Evaluating Progress, Reference Ecosystems, Scaling Up
Be prepared to take a deep breath as Prof Lesley Hughes walks through the known data and possible futures in a climate-changing world. The evidence for climate change is outlined, the trends discussed and impacts of extreme events elaborated. Examples of future scenarios are provided within the context of bushfire impacts, particularly in NSW. A [...]
Engaging Others
Engaging Others, Learning Resources
The success and longevity of restoration projects is intertwined with the relationships that are developed with stakeholders at the beginning and throughout a project. By Engaging Others,a project can enable environmental, social, cultural and economic outcomes to be delivered and provide benefits long after ‘the project’ formally ends. The fact sheet provides an overview of [...]
Popes Glen field day series :: Weeds :: AABR Field Day Sept 2017
Appropriate Approaches, Engaging Others, Evaluating Progress
The Popes Glen Bushcare Group utilise strong monitoring regimes and the process of adaptive management to inform the treatment of Willows, Privet, Pine trees and Ranunculus groundcover. By careful observation of the impact of their works they have become adept at reinforcing positive outcomes and considering the recovery trajectory of the site to ensure the [...]
Popes Glen field day series :: Revegetation :: AABR Field Day Sept 2017
Appropriate Approaches, Engaging Others, Evaluating Progress, Reference Ecosystems
The Popes Glen Bushcare Group set up a vegetation trial to determine what plants would survive in the harsh conditions of the weed infested silt flat. Armed with a successful species list, funding was sought and thousands of plants planted. Bird surveys have informed the revegetation process with bird habitat thickets unintentionally created from weed [...]
Popes Glen field day series :: Stormwater :: AABR Field Day Sept 2017
Appropriate Approaches, Engaging Others, Evaluating Progress
Stormwater flows along the first kilometre of urban streams requires energy and nutrient loads to be managed effectively to ensure the downstream integrity of the riparian systems can be maintained. The Popes Glen Bushcare Group, with the support of the Blue Mountains Council have explored and implemented a variety of highly successful soft-engineering strategies to [...]
Popes Glen field day series :: Overview :: AABR Field Day Sept 2017
Appropriate Approaches, Engaging Others, Reference Ecosystems
This video is an introduction to the inspiring story of Popes Glen Bushcare Group who against the odds has successfully put a willow infested silt flat on the recovery trajectory towards an EEC, Blue Mountains Peat Swamp on Sandstone. The three videos in the series cover the topics of weeds, stormwater and revegetation. Topic [...]
Restoring underwater forests :: Ziggy Marzinelli :: Seminar 2016
Appropriate Approaches, Engaging Others, Evaluating Progress, Reference Ecosystems, Scaling Up
Ziggy Marzinelli shares the world of underwater kelp forest recovery. A 70km aquatic restoration project was designed to reinstate Sydney’s Phyllospora comosa - Crayweed forests, a valuable recreational fishing asset as well as a key component of the kelp forest underwater ecosystem. Ziggy’s project successfully reintroduced the missing ecosystem component. In doing so he reinstated [...]
Creating Waterponds to tackle the drought clay pans on the landscape :: Ray Thompson, Central West Local Land Services :: Broken Hill field trip 2017
Appropriate Approaches, Engaging Others, Evaluating Progress, Scaling Up
Arid landscapes that have lost their topsoil are subjected to erosive forces of wind and water to form a clay crust that prevents the growth of vegetation. Ray Thompson explains the technique of waterponding, which captures and directs water, slowing runoff and creating an environment for vegetation to reestablish. In the long-term wind erosion is [...]
Recovery from overgrazing in arid ecosystems. 90 years of change on the TGB Osborn Vegetation Reserve, Koonamore :: Russ Sinclair, University of Adelaide :: AABR Broken Hill field Trip 2017
Appropriate Approaches, Evaluating Progress
In 1926 the TGB Osborn Reserve on Koonamore Station was established by fencing 4km2 of the property to exclude sheep and rabbits, it is one of the earliest fencing projects in the world. Permanent photopoints and quadrats were established to monitor the changes. This project highlights the resilience of the natural landscape once threats are [...]
Restoring the Caledonian Forest in Scotland :: Alan Watson Featherstone :: ERA Conference Keynote 2016
Appropriate Approaches, Engaging Others, Evaluating Progress, Reference Ecosystems, Scaling Up
In pursuing a personal passion to restore the Caledonian Forests of Scotland, Alan Watson Featherstone developed an understanding of the key ecological principles needed to guide positive trophic cascades. By fencing remnant vegetation to reduce herbivory, ecological processes were reinstated to do the hard work of recovery. Rewilding projects are underway to complete ecosystem functionality. [...]
Norah Head Restoration and Rehabilitation :: Scott Meier, BARRC :: AABR Seminar 2013
Appropriate Approaches, Engaging Others
The process of facilitating the regeneration of a heavily weed infested, high profile coastal site at Norah Head Lighthouse Reserve is outlined by Scott Meier. Professional bush regenerators supported volunteers in tackling Bitou Bush, Lantana and a host of other introduced plant species. After three years there has been greater than 90% reduction in weed [...]
Upping the ante on restoration-landscape scale restoration on Travelling Stock Reserves in the NSW Riverina :: Ian Davidson. Regeneration Solutions :: AABR Forum 2016
Engaging Others, Evaluating Progress, Scaling Up
The hidden world of Travelling Stock Routes (TSRs) comes to light as Ian Davidson explains their unique role across the Riverina landscape as a stronghold for biodiversity and threatened species. The absence of agricultural production techniques and fertilisers along with their location on flat fertile soils, linearly linked, has enabled the TSRs to remain prime [...]
Protecting paradise – restoring the flora and fauna of World Heritage listed Lord Howe Island :: Hank Bower and Sue Bower, LHI Board :: AABR Forum 2016
Appropriate Approaches, Engaging Others, Evaluating Progress
Hank and Sue Bower describe a unique assisted regeneration project that is aiming for complete eradication of vertebrate and weed species due to the isolation of Lord Howe Island. The World Heritage status and legal framework provides for unhindered access to all terrain across the island, enabling all pest populations to be targeted thanks to [...]
Woorim Dune Recovery Project, Moreton Bay Qld, Sunshine Coast Qld :: Spencer Shaw. Brush Turkey Enterprises :: AABR Seminar 2013
Engaging Others
‘It’s as Simple as Spinifex’ is a case study on increasing community awareness to stabilize dunes by erecting a simple fence structure to control pedestrian activity and alerting the public to the issue with explanatory signage. These simple solutions provided the conditions for the natural systems to expand and stabilize the dunes. Topic Mins: [...]
Restoration of a saltmarsh community :: Nerida Gill :: AABR Seminar 2013
Appropriate Approaches, Engaging Others, Evaluating Progress, Reference Ecosystems
A concise case study outlining an offset transformation of a highly degraded saltmarsh community at Kurnell. Careful planning and extensive community education is helping to address years of degradation from vehicles and timber getting Unrestricted access to the site was curtailed by fencing. The community has been engaged around the benefits of food chain health [...]
Gooseberry and Hooka Islands: part of the Berkeley Nature Reserve, Illawarra, NSW. Gerard Proust. AABR Seminar 2013
Appropriate Approaches
This case study discusses how the key threatening process of exotic vines and scramblers and Lantana invasion were tackled on Gooseberry and Hooka Islands in Lake Illawarra. Perseverance and the Bradley methodology has seen the recovery of threatened species and the native vegetation community. Topic Mins: seconds Opening Title 00:00 Background- location, threats and [...]
Dune and Littoral Rainforest Restoration Wamberal Lagoon Nature Reserve :: Deb Holloman NPWS :: AABR Seminar 2013
Appropriate Approaches, Engaging Others
This video is a snapshot of the threats and restoration achievements at Wamberal Lagoon Nature Reserve on the Central Coast. Home of rare plants and the only lagoon that is surrounded by National Park in an urban setting it comes with its own unique set of human induced threats. Adaptive management quickly turned an act [...]
Collecting seed and plant production for restoration :: Ross Rapmund, Hornsby Council :: AABR Seminar 2013
Seed Sourcing
Ross Rapmund provides a clear overview of the production requirements of a community nursery and the role a nursery can play in alleviating the impacts of population fragmentation in the landscape. This snapshot highlights the need for genetic diversity in seed stock, how that diversity is encouraged and the importance of documentation. Topic Mins: [...]
The Dewfish Demonstration Reach – Aquatic habitat restoration for native fish recovery :: Andrew Norris, Dept. Agriculture & Fisheries, QLD :: AABR Forum 2016
Appropriate Approaches, Engaging Others, Evaluating Progress, Reference Ecosystems
This is an inspiring presentation that showcases a variety of strategies that were used to improve aquatic habitat. Approaches undertaken ranged from mechanical bank shaping to altering mowing practices, resnagging with whole trees to purpose built fish hotels. The detailed monitoring and commitment to community engagement has meant that the upward trajectory for in-stream restoration will continue beyond the funded project.
Subtropical rainforest restoration at the Rous Water Rainforest Reserve, Rocky Creek Dam, 1983-2016 :: Brett Weissel and Anthony Acret – Rous County Council :: AABR Forum 2016
Appropriate Approaches, Evaluating Progress, Reference Ecosystems
An inspiring case study of a remnant in the Big Scrub area being on the full recovery trajectory for restoration. Brett Weissel chronicles Rous Water’s restoration project which utilised innovative mechanical techniques to achieve successional transition illustrated in a very impressive recovery wheel.
Restoration in fragmented landscapes – The importance of genetics :: Linda Broadhurst, CSIRO :: AABR Forum 2016
Seed Sourcing
The million dollar question of 'provenance' is eloquently described by Linda Broadhurst within the context of habitat fragmentation and climate change impacts. The talk simply explains the role of genetics in understanding inbreeding depressions and how they can arise from small population sizes or reduced parental numbers. A must see video for anyone who collects [...]
Using regional revegetation guides to inform reference ecosystems in fragmented rural landscapes of south-east Australia :: Gill Earl, Murray LLS :: AABR Forum 2016
Reference Ecosystems
Revegetation guides can provide a valuable resource in determining a local indigenous reference community- Principle 1 of the National Restoration Standards. Gill Earl provides a walk through of the Murray-Riverina vegetation guides that are widely accepted as the go-to resource for revegetation projects in that area. The elements of the guides are outlined and why [...]
Setting the scene – Introduction to National Standards for the Practice of Ecological Restoration :: Jen Ford :: AABR Forum 2016
Appropriate Approaches, Engaging Others, Evaluating Progress, Reference Ecosystems, Scaling Up
Jen Ford provides a brilliant 10 minute overview of the National Restoration Standards six principles and the contents of the document. Why have standards, what are they and how can they assist with on-ground restoration activities are all clearly explained. Topic Mins: seconds Titles 00:00 Background 00:08 Introduction to the standards 00:35 Relevance of [...]
Genetics and Restoration :: Linda Broadhurst and Tein McDonald :: Discussion 2016
Seed Sourcing
How do you ensure your restoration project will be resilient in times of changing climate and increased fragmentation across the landscape? Tein McDonald discusses with Linda Broadhurst the implications of population size, the parental gene pool and the significance of pollinators in ensuring genetic diversity and countering inbreeding depression. In this expanding field, the importance [...]
Forty years of restoration and production on a working sheep station – Barrabool, NSW :: Martin Driver, ANPC and pastoralist :: AABR Seminar 2016
Appropriate Approaches, Reference Ecosystems, Scaling Up
Martin Driver's 5000ha grazing property has been in the family for many years. Martin outlines the transformations that have occurred as a result of fencing, the resilience of the landscape and the lessons he has learned in managing the land for grazing, protection of endangered plant communities and environmental outcomes. The talk is presented within [...]
Back to Basics with a twist. Reflections from a local government bush regeneration program :: Karin Nippard and Andrew Jennings :: AABR Forum 2016
Appropriate Approaches, Engaging Others, Evaluating Progress, Reference Ecosystems
Councils undertaking ecological restoration projects have an additional suite of challenges to deal with. This presentation outlines the reality of working on-ground within a council system, how bush regeneration principles are applied under strategic parameters and the critical role and importance of volunteers in enhancing on-ground outcomes, education and leveraging funding. This video also provides [...]
Wetland restoration case studies from the Discovery Bay Coast in South Australia and Victoria :: Mark Bachmann, Nature Glenelg Trust :: AABR Forum 2016
Appropriate Approaches, Engaging Others, Evaluating Progress, Reference Ecosystems, Scaling Up
Just add water...Three wetland restoration case studies are presented by Mark Bachmann which outline the historical basis for the degradation, the process of identifying viable project sites and the setting of goals to deliver significant wetland restoration. Mark references the Six Principles in the National Restoration Standards to highlight their relevance in designing, monitoring and [...]
Using the Atlas of Living Australia to assist provenance selection for restoration plantings under climate change :: Trevor Booth, CSIRO :: AABR Forum 2016
Seed Sourcing
How do you work out what plants are suitable to grow in a climate changing world? Trevor Booth outlines a process using readily available web tools, the Atlas of Living Australia along side the Climate change in Australia website, which enables a variety of climate change scenarios to be considered and the location of potential [...]
Planning, implementation and results of a constructed saltmarsh at Penrhyn Estuary, Port Botany :: Peggy O’Donnell, Geoff Sainty and Mia Dalby-Ball :: Seminar 2014
Appropriate Approaches, Evaluating Progress, Reference Ecosystems
The reconstruction of saltmarsh at Penrhyn Estuary, Botany Bay, Sydney for migratory shorebirds is an insightful case study that details the process of accommodating habitat shifts in an industrially impacted intertidal zone. Project planner Geoff Sainty effused about the 15 year long project, ‘if there’s any chance to get involved in working with saltmarsh get [...]
Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub Restoration and management at North Head Sanctuary, Manly, NSW :: Peter Jensen :: Seminar 2013
Appropriate Approaches, Engaging Others, Evaluating Progress
Peter Jensen from the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust outlines the tools and techniques that have been trialed to assist the restoration Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub (ESBS) at North Head Sanctuary. The site holds nearly half of the remaining ESBS (77ha) and professional and volunteers bush regenerators have utilised three different strategies to assist restoration; regeneration [...]
Local provenance and more distant seed sources; fragmented landscapes and climate change :: Nola Hancock :: Seminar 2013
Scaling Up, Seed Sourcing
Nola Hancock’s talk on local provenance and more distant seed sources tackled the big question. Does seed from the local site perform better? Nola’s conclusion is that mixing seed sources are best. In addition the disadvantages of local provenance were that due to the fragmentation of the landscape, population sizes are smaller which increases inbreeding [...]
Goals and logistics of restoring grassy understoreys on mined land in the Hunter :: Tim Berryman :: Seminar 2014
Appropriate Approaches, Scaling Up, Seed Sourcing
Tim Berryman is at the coalface of restoration, developing strategies and processes to reinstate grassy understory local plant assemblages on mine rehabilitation sites. This presentation outines the who, what, where, when, why and how of grassy understory restoration. Tim discusses the importance of partnerships and the need to push the boundaries in order to develop [...]
Management of Bare-nosed wombats within an environmental restoration project, Cobbitty, NSW :: Brendon Levot :: Seminar 2013
Appropriate Approaches
Brendon Levot from Toolijoola discusses the management of African olives and the Bare-nosed Wombat on a 27ha environmental restoration project at Cobbitty. The process of looking after the animals to ensure their survival as well as the plants in the revegetation project is discussed. Topic Mins: seconds Introduction 00:17 Project description/location 00:31 African Olive [...]
Integrating remnant regeneration, regrowth and plantings across an agricultural landscape – Big Scrub Rainforest, northern NSW :: Mike Delaney :: Seminar 2013
Appropriate Approaches, Engaging Others, Scaling Up
If you want to be inspired by a catchment based landcare group, the video of the Big Scrub landcare group, is well worth a watch. Mike Delaney, from EnVite outlines the strategic approach of the landcare group towards education and re-establishing corridors across the Big Scrub, an area just east of Lismore on the far [...]
Cumberland Plain Seed production facility, Greening Australia. Paul Gibson-Roy. Field day 2015
Reference Ecosystems, Scaling Up, Seed Sourcing
Greening Australia’s Cumberland Plain seed production facility is a real eye opener. You can see how they set up a low cost facility that allows for efficient harvesting and promotes genetic diversity. This protects remnants from over-exploitation and allows for much greater quantities of seed to be harvested more economically. Topic Mins: seconds Purpose [...]
Mount Annan Cumberland Plain seed production area, Australian Botanic Garden :: Peter Cuneo, Jordan Smith and Gavin Phillips :: Field day 2015
Appropriate Approaches, Seed Sourcing
The Mt Annan seed production facility is focussed around growing native grasses for revegetation. The video covers the learning that has evolved to understand the process behind the establishment of the seed production areas. Topic Mins: seconds Purpose 00:18 – 00:47 Species, densities and area 00:47 – 2:30 and 9:17 – 9:32 Site preparation [...]
Cook’s River naturalisation, Sydney :: Dan Cunningham :: Seminar 2014
Appropriate Approaches, Engaging Others, Reference Ecosystems
Dan Cunningham from Sydney Water describes the reconstruction of ‘one of the most polluted waterways in Australia’, Cooks River, west of Sydney airport. An alternative to reconcreting was proposed to a highly engaged community that involved renewal of trapezoid concrete channels to regraded and naturalised vegetated banks. A great example of a paradigm shift in [...]
Reconstruction of native plant communities on rock dumps in Kosciuszko :: Elizabeth MacPhee :: Seminar 2014
Appropriate Approaches, Evaluating Progress, Reference Ecosystems
Reconstruction of native plant communities on rock dumps in Kosciusko National Park explores the process of redressing the impacts of 400 disturbed sites that were created during the construction of the Snowy Hydro scheme, a $1,548,443 project. Elizabeth MacPhee talks through the logistics and the process of reshaping steep rock dumps, organic enhancement with scavenged [...]