Protect 100 acres of vital Australian rainforest

Dear Friends,

Following the tropical cyclone Yasi in February 2011, conservation efforts have been centred on cleaning up the damage to vegetation. However since February we have continued to experience greater than average rainfall, making site clean up and weed control almost impossible. It has only been in the early part of May that we have been able to get vehicles and equipment back on site and as the photographs show, the weed reinfestation has been significant. (see “Over the Creek Blu…..” image shows the extent of weed reinfestation with the trees planted in late 2010 just popping up amongst the weeds)

The next few months will be spent dealing with the weeds in preparation for the next 4,000 trees due to be planted in the dry season between June and November.

In the meantime, we have been collecting seeds and growing out a number of seedlings in our Daintree nursery. ( see attached photos) This is an important task as most of the trees used in rehabilitation must come from the local area. We currently have around 15 different tree species in the nursery and through collection and purchase from commercial nurseries; this will rise to almost 100 different species ready for revegetation plantings later in the year.

Thank you for your continued support friends and I look forward to updating you soon on other Australian Rainforest Foundation activity in the George Mansford Reserve!

Cheers,

Roger Phillips