• HiltabaWalkingTrailsLaunch

• WitchelinaGrandWorkingBee

• Researchfunding–aviandiversityinfire-pronelandscapes

andBurrunanDolphins

• CorporatecontributorthankyoutoLipmanKaras,

CooperEnergyandSaabAustralia

• VolunteerProfile

winter2015newsletterofNatureFoundationSAIncPrintedon100%recycledpaper

[ SAVE | PROTECT | RESTORE ]

StretchingfurtherthantheeyecanseeWitchelinaNatureReserveisavastarea(similarinsizetoKangarooIsland)thatisbeingmanagedatalandscapelevel.VitalWorkAppealfundswillhelpmanagethis,andother,NFSApropertiesforconservation.

2015

Vital Work appeal

PHOTOBY:PatrickMentzel

2 www.naturefoundation.org.au

ForourupcomingTreasureHuntforNatureweexpectsome50VolunteerseachfromBOTHSAPowerNetworksEmployeeFoundationandSANTOS.

perpetUal trUSt FUNDIhavereferredtothispreviously,thedevelopmentofthisFundwillbecomeamajorprioritythisyear,itsimportanceequallingthatoftheSEBCommittee.

ItisaboldinitiativebutmostNotForProfitshaveaprogrammewhichconnectswithPhilanthropicbodies,theCorporatesectoranddevelopsrelationshipswithmembershipsandsupporters.

Wehavesetatargetof$5Millionsothataninvestmentreturnofover$300,000annuallymightbeachievedforthedaytodayrunningtheFoundationsothatitisnotsoreliantonthevagueriesofwhichGovernmentisinpoweranditsenvironmentagenda,

Wearesearchingfortherightpersontohead-upthisinitiative–onewithimportantcontactswhowillelicittrustandrespectfrompotentialDonorsandhasthetimetodevotetothisproject.WeplantoplaceaportionoftheBequestsmadetotheFoundation(whichourcash-flowatthetimewilldictate)intothePerpetualTrustFund.

reCeNt SUCCeSSeSMuchofwhatelseIwishtosayiscoveredlaterintheNewsletterbutImustreferto:-

•ThemagnificentopeningofWatchalungaNatureReserveand theincrediblepraiseheapedonNFSAbyMinisterHunter,the ChairoftheMDBAtheHonNeilAndrewsandmanyofthe20 Localconservationgroups.

•ThejoyofentertainingthefamiliesofoneofourFounders WarrenBonythonandourmuchlovedBetty(andBob)Lewis attheopeningoftheWalkingTrailsnamedintheirhonour attheHiltabaNatureReserve.

•ThehugeexcitingoutcomesofourGrandWorkingBee atWitchelina.

BeaCH FareWellS reG NelSoN – oNe oF oUr eSteeMeD patroNS ItwasanhonourtoattendBeachEnergy’sofficialfarewelltoourPatronandBeach’sretiringManagingDirectorRegNelsonafewweeksago.ThePremier’spraiseandtheincrediblyhighregardinwhichRegisheldwithinhisCompanyandhisindustrywasveryevident.Itre-affirmedjusthowfortunatewearetohaveRegasoneofourPatrons.

Kindregardstoyouallandthankyouforyourcontinuedsupport.

BoB lott

PRESIDENT’S LETTERHellomembersandsupporters

MymessagethistimelastyearwasbasedondiminishingfinancialresultsoverafewyearstotheEndofFinancialYearsappealbutyoursupportin2014wasmagnificent,$71,439resultinginareturntothefundinglevelsof5orsoyearsago.

Itwassoappreciatedasoverthelasttwoyearsfundingsources,whichhavebeenavailabletousformanyyears,arenolongerbeingoffered.

Pleasematchyourgenerosityoflastyearandhopefullywewillexperienceasimilarresulttothisyear’sVitalWorksAppeal.

AlmostallFederalGovernmentsupporthasbeenstoppedinthelast2years

•CaringforOurCountryinitiativewhichenabledNFSAto purchaseourmajorpropertieswasdropped.

•TheBiodiversityFundsetupfromthesaleofTelstra wasalsoclosed.

•AFederalinfrastructureinitiativeforcommunitydevelopment alongtheMurraywithitssignificantWaterForNatureComponent wasscuttledrecently.

TheStateGovernment,underverydifficultfinancialconstraints,haskeptfaithwiththeFoundationbycontinuingtheverywelcomeannualgrantof$70,000butourLandPurchaseFundhashadnoinjectionintoitfor2-3years.

NowwiththedownturnintheResourceindustrywehavelostamajorgrantwhichpaidforourseniorEcologistandon-costsfor3years–thisissuchamajorblow.Werespectthecircumstancesthissectorfacesandappreciateverymuchthesupportwe’veenjoyedoverthelast3years.

ThisdownturnwillimpactinotherwaysinthatasignificantnumberofoperationswillceasesothelevelofthirdpartyoffsetstotheFoundationwillmostlikelyfall.TheseeventshavedictatedthemajorthrustsofactivityyourCouncilwillundertakethisyear.

toUriSM CoMMitteeWehavestructuredaTourismCommitteewhichismostimpressivelybothdevelopingBusinessPlansandcreatingTourism‘product’suchastheHiltabaWalkingTrailsandPrettyPointCamping,tag-along4WDtoursincludingtheunbelievableSky-tour(picturedonthefrontcover)openingupthegrandeuroftheWillouranRangesplusWalkingTrailsatWitchelina.AsaconsequenceoftheincredibleworkofourRevolvingManagersandGrandWorkingBeeswehaveveryattractivecampingoptionsintheShearingQuartersandStationHomeaccommodation–wewillworkhardtomaximisethereturnsfromtheseoptions

VolUNteerS For NatUreWearecreatinganewsectionVolunteersforNaturewhichwillsupporttheexcellentworkofourstaffandcommittees.AlreadyyourFoundationbenefitsamazinglyfromtheVolunteerworkofElectricians,GraderDrivers,Officeworkers,Scientists,FloorCoverExperts,Painters,ProjectManagersandmanymore–wearelookingforaManagerforthissectiontowhomwewillofferanhonorariumtodevelopthistoenabletheFoundationtocontinuetogrowwithouthavingtoengagemorestaffgiventhepresentstateoftheeconomy.

ThankstoURPS,urbanandregionalplannersbasedatRosePark,whoprovidedtheirBoardroomasthevenuefortherecentNFSAAnnualCouncilStrategicPlanningDay.www.urps.com.au

Thank you!

Iwouldliketodonate:$60|$120|$250|$500|$1000|Other:$_______

Iwouldliketopaybycreditcard(ticktypebelow)EFTORMycheque/moneyorderisattached.

MastercardVISAAMEXDinersNameoncard:_____________________________________________

Cardno:|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|Expirydate(MM/YY):|__|__|__|__|CCVNo:__|__|__

Name/s:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Address:_________________________________________________________________Postcode:____________________________

Suburb/town:____________________________________________________________Telephone:___________________________

Email:___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) BSB:105900 Acc No: 963747240 Name: Nature Foundation SA Inc. Description: Vital Work Appeal (add in name)WerecommendthatyouemailNFSAatnaturefoundationsa@nfsa.org.autoadviseoftheEFTtransaction

www.naturefoundation.org.au 3

Donationsover$2aretaxdeductible.

Please post to:

Nature Foundation SA Inc. PO Box 448 Hindmarsh SA 5007, or Phone 1300 366 191.

theon-the-groundworkofNatureFoundationSA-fromlandscape(largescale)aridlandconservationatHiltabaandWitchelinainthenorthofthestate,toenvironmentalwateringtorestoreRiverMurraywoodlandsandfloodplains.Thisprojectandprogramfundinggenerallyexcludesfundingforkeyequipmentandhumanresourcecapacitytodeliveracrossotherareas.

I’msureyoucanseeourdilemma-‘untied’fundsarecriticaltounderpinningtheday-to-dayoperationofFoundation-ifthereareinsufficientfundsthenwearehamperedinourorganisationalcapacity.Securing‘untied’fundingprovidestheabilitytocontinuetodeliverhighqualityconservationoutcomesinthefield.Italso

Vital Work appeal

2015givesusvitalleveragetoattractgrantfundsforresearchandotherpurposes.

TheVitalWorkAppealfundssupportstaffandoperationstodeliverinthethreekeyareasoftheFoundation:

• Thepurchaseandmanagementofland withsignificantconservationvalue;• Fundingofhighlevelconservation researchprojects;• Coordinatingenvironmentalwatering alongtheRiverMurrayinSouthAustralia.

EvenwiththecontributionsofvolunteerCouncilandCommitteemembersandvolunteerteams,thesecoreactivitiesoftheFoundationplaceconsiderablepressureontheFoundation’sresources.

NFSAworkstoSave, ProtectandRestore areasofhighconservationvalue–creatinganenvironmentallegacyforthefuture.Itisonlywiththesupportofmembersanddonorsthatwecanworktofulfilourmission–conservingSouthAustralia’snaturalbiodiversityforthefuture.

IechothewordsofourPresidentBobLottandPatronBarbaraHardyininvitingyoutocontributetoourVitalWorkAppealtoprovidepracticalsupportfortheworkofNatureFoundationSA.

Vital Work funding supports the operational work of the Foundation.

Above: 2015 Witchelina Grand Working BeeBelow: Recovering wetland Calperum Station

PHOTOSBYEmilyBirdandPatrickMentzel

DoNatioN ForM | VITAL WORK APPEAL

IAN ATkINSON, CHIEF ExECuTIVE OFFICER

FundingtheworkoftheFoundationisacomplexandincrediblychallengingpropositionandtherehasneverbeenamoredifficulttimethanrightnowwithgovernmentandcorporatefundingopportunitiessignificantlyreducedandincreasingoperationalcostsofmanagingsixpropertiesforconservation(includingournewest–WatchalunganearFinniss).

TheVitalWorkAppealisa‘calltoaction’forsupportersofNatureFoundationSAtohelpustogeneratefundsforthenewfinancialyearandaddressthe‘pressurepoints’facingtheFoundation.Importantlythisistheoneappealeachyearthatgenerates‘untied’funds–fundsthatarenottiedtospecificprojectsbutratherprovidecriticalfinancialsupportforthegeneraloperationsoftheFoundation.

Themajorityofourgrantfundingistiedtospecificprojectsandprogramssupporting

4 www.naturefoundation.org.au

PurchasedbecauseofitshighconservationvalueinDecember2014,WatchalungaNatureReserveislocatedontheFinnissRiver,containshighlysignificantSouthAustralianbiodiversityandrepresentsasignificantproportionoftheremainingareaofgoodqualityFleurieuPeninsulaSwamps(500ha).

MinisterHuntersaid“We’repleasedthatgovernmentfundingprovidedtotheNatureFoundationofSouthAustraliafortheirReserveSystemLandPurchaseFundhasassistedwiththepurchaseofthisland.”

NatureFoundationSAwillbeworkingtoreduceidentifiedthreatsandrestorecriticalhabitattocreatesanctuaryforat-riskwildlife.BobLott,NFSAPresident,saidthat“Thispropertywillbemadeavailableforallgroupsinterestedinmonitoringandstudyingtheextremelyimportantbiodiversityoftheproperty”.

SwampsoftheFleurieuPeninsulaarelistedasacriticallyendangeredecologicalcommunityundertheEnvironment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999.ThepropertycontainstwoconfirmedEPBClistedspecies,theMountLoftyRangesSouthernEmu-wren(endangered)andtheSouthernBellFrog(vulnerable).

Thewatersalsocontainhighnumbersofnativefish(13havebeenrecorded)andmaystillbearefugefortheYarraPygmyPerch(vulnerable),andtheMurrayhardyhead(vulnerable).Previousflora(plant)surveyshaveidentified31indigenousspecieswithmorespecieslikelytooccurwithmorethoroughinspections.

NatureFoundationSAisworkingwithkeystakeholdersincludingtheNgarrindjeriRegionalAuthority,GoolwatoWellingtonLAPgroupandtheConservationCouncil.

TheFoundationiscreatinglinkagestotheFleurieuandbroadercommunityandwillbeopeningWatchalungaNatureReserveuptovolunteereventssupportingconservationworkonthepropertyinthefuture.

PHOTOS: TOP: Bob Lott speaking to the 200 attendees PHOTOBYLEODAVISLEFT: Left to right Mayor keith Parkes (Alexandrina Council), The Hon Ian Hunter MLC (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation) and Mr Bob Lott (NFSA President) PHOTOBYLEODAVISMIDDLE: Mt Lofty Ranges Southern Emu-wren PHOTOBYMARCUSPICKETTRIGHT: Right: Mr Neil Andrew (Chair Murray-Darling Basin Authority)PHOTOBYLEODAVIS

Watchalunga Nature ReserveLaunch

Nature Foundation SA’s newest property, Watchalunga Nature Reserve (92ha of Fleurieu Swamps near Finniss on the Fleurieu Peninsula), was officially launched by the Hon Ian Hunter MLC, Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation on Saturday 21 March 2015. Murray-Darling Basin Authority Chair, The Hon Neil Andrew, attended and was most generous in his praise of the work Nature Foundation SA’s Water For Nature programme does in its engagement with communities along the River Murray in South Australia as part of the Commonwealth Environment Water Office’s ‘localism’ initiative.

5www.naturefoundation.org.au

OnFriday10thApril,approximately50peopleattendedthepubliclaunchoftheHiltabaNatureReservePrettyPointcampgroundsandthe‘Betty and Bob Lewis Walking Trail’(2kmcommencingPrettyPoint)andthe‘Warren Bonython Walking Trail’(10kmcommencingHiltabaHomesteadandtraversingMtHiltaba)byNatureFoundationSACouncilMemberChrisReed.

BettyLewisandWarrenBonythonAO(bothofwhomdiedinearly2012)weregreatmainstaysoftheFoundationfromtheearlydays;bothveryactiveontheFoundationCouncilandplayingimportantrolesinthevitalfundraisingactivities.

Onthe9thApril,NFSACouncilMemberSusieHerzberghadwelcomedguestsandinvitedthefamilymemberspresenttoopenthetrails,withSimonBonython(whotravelledfromBangkok)andAliceBonythonopeningtheWarrenBonythonTrailandLewisfamilymembersDiana,David,PatriciaandMargaretopeningtheBettyandBobLewisTrail.Alargegroupofenthusiasticsupportersthenenjoyedwalkingthesetrails.

DavidMoyle(NFSAVice-President)said“IhaveabsolutelynodoubtthatbothWarrenandBettywouldbedelightedtoknowthattheirfamiliesweremeetingatHiltabaNatureReservetoenjoyinamostsociablewaythenamingoftwowalkingtrailstocommemoratethecontributionthattheymadetotheFoundation.”

“BobandBettyLewiswereawonderfulcouple,FellowsofNFSA,whobroughtgreatcredittotheFoundation.Bettywasgenerosityandcommonsensepersonifiedandsheunderstoodwellthehumandimensionofnatureconservation.”

DavidremembersfondlythegrandpassionthatWarren(oneoftheFoundersofNFSA)hadbothfornatureandwalking:“WarrenwasalwaysinterestedinfindingnewareastoaddtotheNationalParksystemandwouldnothesitatetooffertovisitapropertyandwalkextensivelyoverit.InaceremonyheldintheactualcreekbedofMambrayCreek,theMinisternamedthenewsectionthe Warren Bonython Link inhonourofWarren’s

contributiontonationalparksinSA.Ofcourse,WarrenturneduptothisformaloccasioninbootsandwalkinggearandcelebratedthedaywithabushwalkthroughthePark.”

BobLott(NFSAPresident)saidthat“TheFoundation

wouldliketosincerelythankthemanyvolunteerswhohavecontributedsignificanttimeandenergytocreatingthetrailsparticularlyJohnOvenden,andChrisandMariaReed,butalsoPhilCole,BarryandMaureenWright,GregBannon,LangeandInaraPowell,PeterandTomForward,RobAlcock,AndrewRobertsonfromFriendsoftheHeysenTrail.TheFoundationwaspleasedthatDianeandTonyPearcecouldattendthelaunch,theirsonDamienhadaverystrongconnectiontoHiltaba.”

TheFoundationismostgratefultomembersoftheLewisfamilyfortheirverygenerousdonationtowardsprovidingwatertanksatHiltaba.

Visitors are very welcome -walkthetrailswhichtakeinsomeamazingviewsoftheproperty.AccommodationisavailableattheCottageorShearersQuarters(forlargergroups)orforcampersatthenewlyopenedPrettyPointcampground.

Walking Trails - nocostCamping at Pretty Point campground -$5PerPersonPerNightCottages -$20PerPersonPerNightShearers Quarters (Large Groups Only) -$20PerPersonPerNight

BookingsareessentialforanyvisitstoHiltabawhetherCamping/WalkingTrails/Accommodation–ContacttheHiltabaHomesteadPh:86481885(alternatePh83402880)oradmin@nfsa.org.au

TOP: Mt Hiltaba – Warren Bonython Walking Trail – Simon Bonython (left foreground)INSET: Lewis family members on the Betty and Bob Lewis Walking TrailPHOTOSBYPATRICKMENTzELANDNATASHAHARPER

Hiltaba Nature ReserveWalkingTrailsandPrettyPointCampgroundLaunch

6 www.naturefoundation.org.au

InearlyApril,NFSAlaunchedtheWarrenBonythonandBettyandBobLewisWalkingTrailstothepublic.MembersfromtheBonythonandLewisfamily,members,NFSACouncilandthepublicattendedthelaunchoftwostunninglypicturesqueWalkingTrails.FantasticweathermeantthatallwhoattendedhadtheopportunitytocompletethetrailsandenjoytheexceptionalviewsfromthetopofMtHiltaba.

Agreatpartofmyjobishavingtheopportunitytogetoutinthefieldandbeapartofgoodconservationworkinbeautifulplaces.Recently,DEWNRconductedsurveysforYellow-footedRockWallabiesonpropertiesadjacenttotheGawlerRangesNationalParkwheretheywereonceknowntoexist.IwasabletojointhesurveyfortheHiltabacomponentthatinvolvedwalkingoverthehillswheresuitablehabitatwaslikelysearchingforfreshevidenceofWallabies(sightingsandscats)orhistoricalevidence(skullsandskeletons).Anassessmentofhabitatsuitabilitywasalsoconducted.ThegoodnewsisthatwefoundfreshYellow-footedWallabyscatsinanewlocationnotyetknowntotheFoundationorDEWNR.ThisisareallyencouragingsignfortheHiltabaYFRWpopulationdemonstratingthattheyarepotentiallymorewidespreadthanfirstthought.ItishopedthatwithacontinuedfocusonpredatorandgoatcontrolasustainedrecoveryofYellow-footedRockWallabyatHiltabaNatureReservecanbeachieved.

I am looking for fit volunteers to assist me with further Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby surveys at Hiltaba. There are many other areas that need checking to better understand the status of the population and future dispersal. If you are physically able to walk 15-20km over rugged hills for several days and would like to participate in future surveys contact me at alex.nankivell@nfsa.org.au. This activity would suit recent environmental science graduates.

The2015GrandWorkingBeewasheldatWitchelina30April–3May,with44enthusiasticvolunteersturningthepropertyintoahiveofactivityforthe4dayduration.Theweatherwaspleasantlywarm,mid20’sdaysprovidedtheperfectclimeforworkingintheSouthAustralianoutback.

Participantsdiligentlycompletedarangeofimportantjobsincludingremovalofinternalfencing(abitover2km),erectionofjustover2kmofnewboundaryfence,renovationoftheoldoverseerscottage,walkingtraildevelopment,photopointmonitoringandJessuptransects,rabbitcontrolmonitoring,rapidcreeklineassessmentandrabbitwarrenmappingtonamebutafew.

OntheSaturdaynighttheFoundationinvitedourneighbourstojoinusforaBBQwithvolunteers,staffandmembersoftheNFSACouncil.Itwasanightofgoodfoodandgoodyarnsaroundacampfire.ItalsoprovidedtheopportunityforourneighbourstocatchupwithstaffandtheCouncilandhearabouttheworkthatwehavebeendoingandplanningtodoinasocialatmosphere.

Onthelastday,theworkingbeeparticipantsweretakenonatagalongtouraroundthepropertywheretheywereabletoseeandexperiencethefantasticlandscapeinmoredetail.

ToallofthevolunteerswhoparticipatedintheGrandWitchelinaWorkingBeetheFoundationwouldliketoexpressaverybigthankyouformakingtheefforttoheaduptoWitchelina.Theworkcompletedbyallwasastoundingandrepresentsavalueofapproximately$40,000totheFoundation.

Hiltaba Nature Reserve Witchelina Nature Reserve

TOP: Working Bee participants PHOTOBY:PATRICKMENTzEL

Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby habitat PHOTO:ALEXNANKIVELL

PROPERTYUPDATE|ALEXNANKIVELL–CONSERVATIONPROGRAMSMANAGER

www.naturefoundation.org.au 7

Witchelina Nature Reserve

IAN ATkINSON, CHIEF ExECuTIVE OFFICER

WaterForNaturehasjustachievedasignificantmilestone–applicationofagiga-litre(1,000ML)ofenvironmentalwaterthisfinancialyear.Consideringweusedlessthan100MLjusttwoyearsagothisrepresentsdramaticgrowthinNFSA’seffort.WeareactiveatJohnson’sWaterhole,Clark’sFloodplain,Thiele’sFlat,LoxtonRiverfrontReserve,RilliReach,RamcoRiverTerrace,Cobdogla,SouthTeringie,PikesFloodplain,andatCalperumStationnorthofRenmarkwehavebeendeliveringenvironmentalwatertosixmoreprioritywetlands;WoolpoloolInlet,ThookleThookle,RenyLagoons,HuncheeCrossing,WideWaterandArgoCreek.Thatis15significantareasofwetlandandfloodplainfromtheVictorianborderthroughtoLakeAlexandrinareceivingCommonwealthenvironmentalwaterasaresultofthepartnershipsestablishedbyWaterForNature.

InordertoconductwateringprojectsontheephemeralwetlandsandfloodplainsinSAwehavetouseequipmenttomovethewatertowhereitisneeded.TothatendNFSAisaccumulatinganimpressiverangeofequipmentforbothwetlandfilling,andtargetedsprinklerirrigation.Insummarywenowmanagethefollowingpumps;

BigRed75kW150mmmediumpressurepump,GreennGold30kW100mmhighpressurepump,LittleRed30kW150mmlowpressurepump,Kirby30kW150mmlowpressurepump,MrT7kW80mmhighpressurepump,BabyRed7kW100mmlowpressurepumpandRegent7kW80mmhighpressurepump.

WaterForNaturefromspace?RecentlyGoogleMapsupdatedmanyofthesatellitephotosoftheRiverlandinSAandasaresultwecannowseeWaterForNatureinaction.TheimageabovefromGoogleEarthispartofClarksFloodplain(nearLoxton).AllthegreeninthemiddleisaresultofWaterForNature.Youcanseethemajorflood-runnergoingfrombottomrighthandside

totoplefthandside.ThegreenpatchesabovethatareduetosprinklerirrigationandthedarkwaterinasortofSshapeisanothercreekwefilled.

NFSAplanstocontinueourimpressiveeffortsworkingwithregionalcommunitiesandgroupstodeliverevenmoreenvironmentalwaternextfinancialyear.Howevertodosowerequirecontinuedfinancialandin-kindsupportfromourmembersandsponsors.

Water For Nature

How often can you look on Google and say ‘We did that’?

Well Nature Foundation SA can. PHOTOBY:GoogleEarth

AtouringpartyincludingBobBaldwin(CommonwealthParliamentarySecretaryfortheEnvironment)andNeilAndrew(Chair–MurrayDarlingBasinAuthority)visitedtheCalperumStationsiteearlierintheyear.

Commonwealth Basin Tour at WFN site

‘Calperum Station’

Tour group pose with NFSA’s Green n Gold pump.From left; Peter Cale (Manager Calperum Station, Australian Landscapes Trust), Neil Andrew (Chair MDBA), Tony Pasin (Federal Member for Barker), Bob Baldwin (Commonwealth Parliamentary Secretary), Bob Lott (President NFSA) and Peter Duggin (Chairman, Renmark Irrigation Trust).

8 www.naturefoundation.org.au

ALEx NANkIVELL – CONSERVATION PROGRAMS MANAGER

BuffelGrass(Cenchrus ciliaris and C. pennisetiformis)hasbeenidentifiedasamajorthreattobiodiversityinSouthAustraliaandwaslistedasadeclaredweedundertheNatural Resources Management Act 2004inJanuarythisyear.Itisconsideredatrueecosystemtransformerspecies,out-competingallnativeunderstoreyspecies.BuffelGrassinvasioncanalsodramaticallyincreasethefrequencyandintensityoffirenegativelyimpactingonfire-sensitiveplants.

OriginallyfromAsiaandAfrica,BuffelGrassisaperennialtussockgrassintroducedforrangelandimprovement(pastureanddustsuppression).IthasbecomewidespreadacrossnorthernAustralia.Inrecentyears,thegrasshasbeenextendingfurtherintotheSouthAustralianpastoralandagriculturalzones.Declaredweedstatusprescribesmanagementobligationsonlandholders(dependingontheNRMregion),includingprohibitiononsaleandmovementonpublicroadsinallregions,arequirementtodestroyallplantsintheagriculturalzonesandarequirementtocontroltheplantinthepastoralzones.

TheweedhasnotyetbeenrecordedatHiltabaNatureReservebuthasbeenlocatedatWitchelinaNatureReservewhereitfavourscreeklinesandfloodplains.Thesehabitatscontainthehighestdiversityandareofhighconservationvalue.

TheFoundation’sScienceReviewcommitteehasidentifiedBuffelGrassasthehighestpriorityforcontrol.InordertoprotectimportanthabitatsfromfurtherinvasiontheNatureFoundationSAhasbeenplanningapropertywidemanagementprogramthathasmobilisedmanagersandvolunteerstomapallknowninfestationsandbegincontrolefforts.

It is imperative that we exercise good visitor management and hygiene practices to minimise the impact and spread of Buffel Grass at NFSA reserves. So if you are visiting Witchelina only use designated tracks, observe signage and avoid long grass and if you visit an area of Buffel Grass infestation please let our managers know so they can organise a vehicle wash-down.

FLORAPROFILE

Buffel Grass

Buffel Grass (Cenchrus ciliaris)

PHOTOBY:PhilCole

Thank you!NatureFoundationSAthanksthefollowingfortheirsupportofourconservationwork.

THIS PHOTO: Buffel Grass infestation along creekline PHOTOBY:PhilCole

Cooper Energy $5,000www.cooperenergy.com.au

Lipman karas $5,000 www.lipmankaras.com

Saab Australia - $3,000www.saabgroup.com/en/Markets/Saab-Australia/

Major Supporter (donations of between $5000 - $9999) Supporter (donations of between $1000 - $4999)

9www.naturefoundation.org.au

RESEARCHER: Mr.LaurenceBerryBSc(Hons)- AustralianNationalUniversity

RESEARCH PROJECT: Largeunburntareas,notsmall unburntpatches,areneededto conserveaviandiversityin fire-pronelandscapes

What was the aim and purpose of your project? Landmanagersarelookingtonewideastoconservebiodiversitywithinourfire-pronelandscapes.Onesuchapproachencouragestheretentionofsmallunburntislandsofvegetationfollowingfire,itisthoughtthattheseislandswouldprovideessentialresourcesforspeciesvulnerabletotheeffectsoffire,allowingthemtopersistwithinburntlandscapes.However,verylittleiscurrentlyunderstoodabouthowtheseunburnthabitatislandswithinburntareascontributestotheiruseasimportantrefugesforfauna.Weusedareplicatedobservationstudytotestbirdresponsestothesizeandisolationofunburnthabitat

RESEARCHFUNDEDBYNATUREFOUNDATIONSA

islandsinamalleewoodlandareaburntbya28000hawildfireinPinkawillinieConservationParkontheEyrePeninsula.

Summarise the results of your project.Tomaintainaviandiversityinfire-pronelandscapes,ourresultssuggestaneedtoshiftmanagementfocusfromcreatingnetworksofsmallunburntpatchestowardspreservinglarge,intactareasofhabitat.Wefoundthatmostbirdspeciesoccurredmorefrequentlyinlargeareasofunburnthabitatbeyondtheextentofthefire.Birdresponsestotheavailabilityandspatialdistributionofunburnthabitatislandswithinthefirewerelargelyinfluencedbytheirabilitytotoleraterecentlyburnthabitat.Additionally,wefoundevidencethathighlycompetitivebirdsmaymonopolizeresourceswithinsmallunburntpatches,limitingtheirabilitytoactasrefugesforotherbirdspecies.Foronespecies,wefoundthatrecolonizationfollowingfirewaslikelytooccurgraduallyovertimefromareasoutsideofthefire.TofacilitatebirdconservationwithinMalleewoodland,wesuggestthatlandmanagersshouldlimittheextentofappliedburnsandusenarrowburnswherepossible.Whenplanninglargeburns,practitionersshouldconsiderthatanumberofspeciesofhighconservationvaluemayremainabsentfromthoseareasforseveraldecades.

What is the most exciting thing about this work?“ThemostexcitingpartofthisprojectwasspendingtwomonthscampingandlivinginaremotepartoftheSAbush.Developingaconnectionwiththelandscapeandhavingtheprivilegetoobservebirdsincloseproximityhasmassivelycontributedtomydevelopmentasanecologistandtothesuccessoftheproject.”

RESEARCHER: FernandoDiaz-Aguirre (FlindersUniversityPhDcandidate)RESEARCH PROJECT: SocialDynamicsandGeneticStructure oftheNewlyDescribed,EndemicBurrunan Dolphin(Tursiops australis)inEyrePeninsula, SouthAustralia.

What was the aim and purpose of your project? TheBurrunandolphin(Tursiopsaustralis)isarecentlydescribedspeciesendemictosouthernAustralianwaters.Verylittleisknownaboutthisdolphin’secology,whichmotivatedustostartaresearchprojectontheirsocialorganizationwiththeaimofprovidingbasicinformationneededfortheirconservationandmanagement.Since2013wehavebeenconductingboat-basedsurveysondolphinsinhabitingCoffinBay,SouthAustralia.Weareusingaphoto-identificationtechniqueandbiopsysamplingforsubsequentsexingandrelatednessanalysesofindividualanimalstorevealtheirsocialorganization.

Summarise the results of your project. AsofMarch2015wehavecarriedout97boat-basedsurveysphoto-identifying495groupsofBurrunandolphinsandcataloguing248individualanimals.OnehundredandsixTursiopsaustralisbiopsysampleshavebeenobtainedsofar,ofthese84arefromphoto-identifiedindividuals.

Mostindividuals(89.5%)wereseenmorethanonce,andagreatproportionofthoseseemtoberesidenttoCoffinBay.PreliminaryanalysesoflocalsocialstructuresuggestedthepresenceofatleastfourdolphincommunitieswithinCoffinBay,whichpreferentiallyinhabitthefourmainbays(i.e.,KellidieBay,MtDutton,PortDouglas,andPointLongnose-Outerarea).Theseresultsshowedaremarkablefine-scalesocialsegregationofdolphinstodifferentareasofCoffinBaywhichhasstrongimplicationsfortheirconservationmanagement.

What is the most exciting thing about this work?“Gettingtoknowindividualdolphinsandstartingtofindoutthattheyhavepreferredassociatesandareaswheretheylikemosttolive”

Curious mother-calf Burrunan dolphins (Tursiops australis) swimming under the boat in Coffin Bay, SA. PHOTOBY:FernandoDiaz-Aguirre

RESEARCH FUNDED BYNATUREFOUNDATIONSA

ABOVE: Mallee woodland potentially more than 100 years after fire. Note the very large Spinifex ring, which has formed over a long period of time in the absence of fire.

Thank you!NatureFoundationSAthanksthefollowingfortheirsupportofourconservationwork.

Supporter (donations of between $1000 - $4999)

10

How and when did you become involved in NFSA? In2008thethenNFSACEOJimMcHughinvitedmetobecomeinvolvedwiththenewinitiativeWaterForNature,usingmyexpertiseinwetlandrepair.TheinvitationcoincidedwiththecompletionofmyPhD,whichfocusedonunderstandingthemosteffectivewaysofapplyingenvironmentalwaterforbestecologicaloutcomes.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering at NFSA? / What is one of your most memorable experiences whilst volunteering?Nothingbeatsthemagicofseeingwaterreturningtowetlands,creepingacrossdrycrackedmud,orgushingfromapipetofillachannel,orhigh-throwsprinklersimitatingadownpouracrossafieldofseedlings.Theothermagicingredientistheenthusiasmofcommunitymembers,landholdersandirrigatorswhentheyseenewplants,birdsandfrogs.

Why is the environment important to you?Weonlyhaveoneplanetandcollectivelyourimpactsonitshealtharenotsustainable.IhaveworkedontheRiverMurraythroughallofmycareers,ingovernmentpolicy,inaconservationNGOdoingwetlandrepairprojects,asaresearcherandasaconsultant,andIhavewitnessedthegradualdeclineoftheRiverecosystemfromreducedwateravailability.Finally,wehaveopportunitiestoreturnwatertotheenvironment,anditisamajorchallengetoworkouthowtodothat.

What do you think is the key message about valuing the world we live in?Withouttheenvironment,thereisnoeconomy,andourgovernanceneedstoreflectthiskeyfact,givingappropriateprotectionandfundingtotheresourcesthatsupportAustralia’squalityoflife.

Everyonecanmakeadifference.EverysuccessfulwateringprojectbyWaterForNatureisattractinglocalinterestandcontributions,likeripplesinapool.

Any other comments IfWaterForNaturecanachieveitsgoalofcreating‘greenassets’,withsocialandeconomicbenefitsaswellasenvironmentalbenefits,thiswillbeaverysignificantcontributiontoahealthierplanet.

VolunteerProfileDRANNEJENSENMEMBER,WATERFORNATURECOMMITTEEANDVOLUNTEERTECHNICALADVISORONWATERFORNATUREPROJECTS

VOLUNTEERSFORNATURE

NatureFoundationSAjustcouldn’tdowhatitdoeswithoutvolunteers-theyaretheveryheartandsoulofthisorganisation.Wewelcomeallvolunteersupport,includingthosewhoareabletovolunteertheirspecialistskillssuchasDrAnneJensen(profileabove)tosupportouroperations.

TheFoundationisverykeentoseekvolunteerassistancewithFundraising and Grant Writinginparticularatthemoment,soifyouhaveskillsintheseareas(oranyotherareasthatrelatetoouroperations)andyouareinterestedinvolunteeringthencontactusat83402880oremailadmin@nfsa.org.au.

www.naturefoundation.org.au

11www.naturefoundation.org.au

NIC EDWARDS – NFSA HONORARY TREASuRER

Theonlywayyoucanbesureyourwisheswillbefollowedafteryoudieisbymakingawill.Makingawillalsomeansyourlovedonesknowyourwishesandprovidesclarityandcertaintyduringatimeofgrief.

Ifyoudon’tmakeawill,partorallofyourestatemayendupgoingtopeopleyouneverintendedtobenefitbecausethelawwilldictatehowyourestateisdistributed.Ifyouhavenonextofkinandnowill,yourestatewillpasstotheCrown.Ifyoudohaverelatives,theymaydisagreeaboutwhatshouldhappenwithyourestate.Yourwillshouldclearlyexplainyourwishesandwillhelpensuretheyarecarriedout.

Ifyoumanageadiscretionarytrust,haveaself-managed-superannuation-fund,ownapersonalcompany,haveoverseasassetsorwherethereexisttwoormorefamilyunits(egfrommultiplemarriagesorrelationships),thenasimplewillmaynotbeappropriatetoyourneedsandyoushouldseekprofessionallegaladviceonyourestate.

Inpreparingyourwill,youmustmakeimportantdecisionssuchas:

Provision for loved ones

Mostpeoplewishtoprovidefirstfortheirlovedones.Forexample,youmayincludeyourchildrenandperhapsnieces,nephewsandclosefriends.Youmayevenprovideforyourpets.You’llneedtothinkaboutwhoistoreceivewhatandhow.Giftscanbeanythingyouownincludingspecificitems,money,propertyorapercentageofyourestate.Ifyouhavechildrenundertheageof18you’llneedtodecidewhoyouwouldliketotakecareofthemifyoudiebeforetheyreachtheageofconsent.

Who will manage your affairs?

Thepeoplewhomanageyouraffairsafteryou’vepassedarecalledexecutors.Theycanbeprofessionals,friends,familymembersoranycombinationofthese.It’susualfortwopeopletosharethetaskofexecutingyourwill.

What funeral arrangements would you prefer?

Yourwillalsoofferstheopportunitytosaywhatyou’dliketohappenatyourfuneral.Forexample,doyouwishtobeburiedorcremated?Thiscangreatlyhelpyourlovedonesduringtheirtimeofgrief.

Leaving a gift to charity

Youmaychoosetoincludeinyourwillacharity,suchastheNatureFoundationSA.Yourgift,regardlessofthesize,willbegratefullyreceived.

How to leave agift in your will

Leavingagiftinyourwillisagreatwaytosupportthevitalworkofcharities.Perhapsyou’vesupportedafavouritecharityallyourlifeandwouldliketocontinuethatsupportafteryou’vegone.Charities,suchastheNatureFoundationSA,playavitalroleinmeetingtheneedsthatgovernmentsandsocietysometimesoverlookandtheydependonfinancialsupportfromdonorstocontinuetheirwork.

Different types of gifts/bequests

Therearefourmaintypesofgiftsyoucanleaveinyourwill,includingthoseyoumayleavetocharity.

1. Residual

Thisistheremainderofyourestateafterfirstleavinggiftstoyourlovedones.

2. Percentage or fractionalThisisagiftexpressedasapercentageorfractionofyourestate.Dividingyourestatebypercentageorfractionsgiveslongevitytoyourwillbecausethegiftsaren’tinfluencedbyinflationorchangesinthevalueormake-upofyourestate.

3. Pecuniary or Specific:Thisisaspecifiedgiftwhichcanbemoney,propertyorstocksandshares.

4. Whole estate:Thiscomprisesyourentireestateandisusuallyleftbythosewithoutfamilyorotherpreferredbeneficiaries,orthosewantingtoachievesomethingverysignificantwiththeirgift.

Generally,giftsofproperty,stocksandshareslefttocharitiesunderyourwillareexemptfromcapitalgainstax.IfyouwishtomakeagifttotheNatureFoundationSA,pleasecontactyourlegaladvisorandaskthemtoarrange.

Estate Gifting Information Session -

Wednesday 26 August 5pm

Venue: NatureFoundationSAboardroom– 32HoldenStreet,HindmarshPresenter: NicEdwardspractisinglawyer, charteredaccountantand PrincipalofNDEdwards&Coand NFSAHonoraryTreasurer.

Registration essential pleaseph:83402880oremailadmin@nfsa.org.au

12 www.naturefoundation.org.au

Patron & Donor Liaison Dr Barbara Hardy AOPatron Dick Smith AO Patron Reg NelsonPresident Bob LottVice President David Moyle AMHon Secretary Susie HerzbergHon Treasurer Nicholas EdwardsCouncillors Dr David Hansman Dr Rob Morrison OAM Chris Reed Dr Bob Sharrad AM Greg Toop Suzanne Ridding Millie NichollsChief Executive Ian AtkinsonConservation Programs Mgr Alex Nankivell Conservation Ecologist Dr Greg JohnstonSEB Business Devl Mgr Caroline NefiodovasFundraising & Marketing Mgr Patrick MentzelCommunications Mgr Lisa GellieAccountant Georgie FiedlerAdministration & Marketing Coordinator Natasha Harper Water For Nature (p/t) Craig FerberFriends of NFSA President John Sibly AM

Nature Foundation SA Inc32 Holden Street (PO Box 448)Hindmarsh SA 5007Phone: (08) 8340 2880 or 1300 366 191Fax: (08) 8340 2506Email: NatureFounationSA@nfsa.org.auWebsite: www.naturefoundation.org.au

CALENDAR

Special General Meeting/ Nature roundup Thursday18June,5pm

para Woodlands tree plantingFriday19th-Saturday20thJune

kangaroo island planting FestivalFriday3th–Sunday5thJuly

treasure Hunt For NatureSunday16thAugust

estate Gifting information Session Wednesday26August

tiliqua lizard CrawlSunday6thSeptember

annual General MeetingThursday22ndOctober

NFSa Christmas Dinner - adelaide oval Cathedral roomSaturday28thNovember

*Pleasenotethatsomedatesmaybesubjecttochange.

For further information and bookings please contact:

Nature Foundation SA office on 8340 2880.

NatureFoundationSA’scashlotteryhasanamended

closedateofFriday11DecemberandamendeddrawdateofWednesday16December(from17June2015).

ProceedsfromthelotterywillsupportNFSAconservationactivities.TopPrize$25,000Tickets$50eachor3for$125

Topurchaseaticketcall:0884485660www.naturefoundation.org.au/help-nature/lottery/

TheviewsexpressedinNatureMattersarenotnecessarilythoseofNatureFoundationSACouncilorstaff.

treasure Hunt For Nature – Nature Foundation Sa & Sa power NetworksSunday 16th august NFSA’sinauguralTreasure Hunt for Nature willstart/finishatElderParkandtakeintheRiverTorrensandNorthTceprecinct.Therearethreedifferentcoursestochoosefrom;NatureFriendly(FamilyFriendly),NatureChallengingandNatureGeocaching.

EveryparticipantgoesintothedrawforprizesandfamilyfriendlyattractionsatElderParkincludeNylonzoo,JumpingCastleandFacePainting.

Wethankallofoureventsponsors-referwww.naturefoundation.org.au/help-nature/treasure-hunt-for-nature/

Special General Meeting/Nature roundupthursday 18 June, 5pm 5pm Overview of NFSA activities, 6pm Special General Meeting (financial members can vote) followed by presentations from research fund recipients and supper.Please RSVP to naturefoundationsa@nfsa.org.au or Ph 8340 2880

2015

SavE OuR NATIVE ANImALS

LoTTEry

TreasureHuntforNatureOfficialAmbassadoriscelebrityandmediapersonalityandAdelaideCityCouncilActiveAmbassadorkeith Conlon.

Join the Treasure Hunt to find the natural and cultural treasures of the City of Adelaide.

–KeithConlon.