The Cubberla-Witton Catchments Network (CWCN) is holding a workshop on Saturday 15 June featuring “Threatened Species“.

The recently published landmark UN Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services highlights the devastating impact of humans. Australia, unfortunately, is a contributor to a crisis that sees native species threatened by extinction. 

Our workshop explores the reasons why some species are currently under threat and others are not. It uses a number of local case studies to explore threatening processes and the conservation initiatives required to save some local species from imminent or likely future extinction. 

This promises to be a timely and highly interesting talk. Martin Fingland from Geckoes Wildlife will share insights into the state of our natural environment and leaves us with some guidance on how to improve the situation for some species. 

Please keep in mind that our workshops tend to be popular. Register early to secure your place by following this link: Threatened Species Workshop.

Intrepid Landcare is not your usual Landcare group. They are “an adventurous organisation that empowers young people to lead on stuff that matters, providing a common space to inspire, connect and empower young people to act and lead with Landcare.”

They are all about attracting young people to get involved in looking after the environment.

Brisbane Intrepid Landcare (BIL) is holding a wilderness retreat at Mt Barney from Friday 5th July (6pm) to Sunday 7th July (lunchtime).

The purpose of the retreat is to engage 15-20 young people from Brisbane to give them tools and knowledge to step up into leadership positions.

Do you know a young person who you think might benefit from attending?

For more details, visit the BIL Facebook page.

Or download an Expression of Interest form – which must be submitted by midnight 2nd June.

Please share the cause to inspire young people in Brisbane to step up into visible leadership roles (they are active, but where are they?!)

Mt Barney retreat

Don’t travel all the way to Willawong!  A local charity in Kenmore Hills accepts all sorts of e-waste – in their own words: “almost anything that has a cable, cord or battery!“

eWaste Connection is located at 98 Brookfield Road, Kenmore Hills, behind the Men’s Shed.  It is a registered charity and registered NDIS provider which was set up by the family of a special needs boy who love to tinker with electrical gear.

Items accepted by eWaste Connection include:

• Computers / Laptops
• Monitors
• Printers
• Televisions (but not CRTs)​
• Kitchen appliances (microwaves, fridges, toasters etc.)
• Obsolete IT equipment
• Cables and cords
• Other unwanted electrical items. 

For more information, phone 0404 834 070 or visit the ewasteconnection website.

The MCCG has been approached by a student from the University of Queensland who is carrying out a project on feral deer in Brisbane and seeking responses to the following questions:
 
Q1: What is your opinion on the feral deer issue in Brisbane?
Q2: Should the council eradicate the entire population of feral deer?
Q3: How effective do you think the council’s strategies have been in controlling feral deer?

You are invitied to participate in the project by sending your responses to: [email protected]

The Richmond Birdwing Conservation Network (RBCN) is teaming up with the Samford Eco-Corridor to open a new Richmond birdwing butterfly habitat eco-corridor between Samford and Woodford.

The launch will be held on Sunday 9 June at the Samford District Bowls Club, Mt Samson Road, Samford Valley from 11am until 3pm.

Butterfly experts from the RBCN will provide informative presentations on the Richmond birdwing butterfly and its host vine, the birdwing butterfly vine.

The event will also celebrate World Swallowtail Day by planting host plants for swallowtail and Richmond birdwing butterflies within the Eco-Corridor.

Come along and learn about the conservation of the Richmond birdwing and contribute to the recovery of the species by planting a vine! Lunch will be provided.

For more information and to register a spot, visit Eventbrite.

This is a heads up from Bryan:

  OUR NEXT WORKING BEE WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY 26 MAY FROM 8.30am – 11.00am!

This Sunday we will do some weed clearing in Blackbutt Place park, mainly on the area we planted a year or more ago.

Meet near the turning circle at the end of the walking/bike track. Hope to see you there!

Members of the McKay Brook team – May 2018

In a new Bush Bites article, our very own local bird expert Jim Butler introduces us to another fabulous birding location in our catchment.

This is Jim’s second article, following his previous piece in which he described the abundance of bird life in Deerhurst Street Park. He also provided a lovely insight into his passion for birds.

The area Jim describes in his new article is:  “an entry point into one of the most significant trail networks on Brisbane’s doorstep. Gold Creek tracks connect to longer tracks that lead to the birds at Lake Manchester and at the Enoggera Reservoir.”

Curious to learn more? Head to Jim’s article and all will be revealed!

The South East Queensland Fire and Biodiversity Consortium (SEQFBC) has teamed up with the Ecological Society of Australia to celebrate its 20th birthday with a Fire Forum on Tuesday 11 June at the Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens.

To learn more about the workshop and to purchase a ticket, please click here.

Due to the Brookfield Show, the McKay Brook working bee scheduled for Sunday 19 May has been cancelled.

The next working bee will be held on Saturday 25 May during the afternoon. 

For more info, please contact Bryan Hacker on 3374 1468.

… to spot a Rose Robin!

These beautiful little birds are currently migrating up from the southern states to escape the cold weather.

Jim Butler tell us about his first encounter for the year in the latest issue of Feather Fascination.

Open Feather Fascination May 2019 to learn more!

© Ed Frazer