From the CEO

Reflecting on 2009

It's a pleasure to reflect on another exciting year at Bush Heritage as we continue to advance our conservation goals.

I'm fortunate enough to often have the experience of visiting our reserves, so I'm able to see first hand the healthy environments we manage. Spending time in these landscapes and knowing that they are protected and have been secured with the support, generosity and often sacrifice of our many supporters is very humbling indeed.

If you are already on this journey with us you will know what a busy and fruitful year it's been. If you're finding out about us for the first time, then please read on, because we are understandably proud of our achievements in 2009.

Conservation wins

One of the great things about being part of Bush Heritage is to see how your support directly contributes to protecting our landscapes, waterways, native animals and plants.

This year, we were amazed to find a plant new to science on one of our reserves. The plant was a species of Boronia from the tropical rainforests on Yourka Reserve, in North Queensland.

Other conservation wins for 2009 were:

• At Nardoo Hills reserves, the population of endangered northern golden moths orchids has expanded.
• A northern quoll was recorded by a remote camera on Carnarvon Station Reserve. The northern quoll is nationally endangered.
• The vulnerable red goshawk was found to be breeding on Yourka Reserve.
• A good-sized breeding population of southern hairy-nosed wombats was found on Bon Bon Reserve.
• Three new species of Sclerolaena – native chenopod plants – were found on Edgebaston Reserve.
  
• A tammar wallaby was caught on remote cameras at Monjebup Reserve.
• Honey possums have moved back into a revegetated area at Yarrabee Wesfarmers Reserve.
  

Reaping the rewards of monitoring

Our ongoing Ecological Outcomes Monitoring program has lifted the lid on what's happening on Bush Heritage reserves, and shown us the impacts of our work.

Some of the most dramatic results have been at Boolcoomatta Reserve in South Australia, which was a sheep station for 150 years before being bought by Bush Heritage in 2006. Despite three years of low rainfall, the land and its wildlife appear to be recovering. In particular, bird species seem to have responded amazingly well to our management, increasing in diversity and range.

Protecting more country

Conservation partnerships are an increasingly important part of Bush Heritage's work, and partnerships with indigenous landholders play a vital role. In addition to our projects in Cape York and the Kimberley, Bush Heritage also partners with the traditional owners of Wardekken Country. Located in Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, the region is incredibly rich both ecologically and culturally. In a great step forward, the area was officially declared an Indigenous Protected Area in September this year.

Our supporters

Just as our partners are important to Bush Heritage, so too are our people, including the supporters and volunteers who contribute so much to our work, both in the office and in the field.

Our work is possible because of widespread community support through donations (which are tax deductible) and through people donating their time as volunteers. We welcome and applaud the fantastic support we receive from tens of thousands of Australians - thank you.

Moving on

In 2010, we will continue to strive to meet the ambitious goals we have set for ourselves. We have a growing and enthusiastic team working all over Australia and there are many opportunities to get involved.

Please browse this web site and contact us if you would like further information or to offer your support. 
 

Doug Humann
CEO, Bush Heritage Australia

More information about Doug and the rest of the Bush Heritage team can be found on
the Our Staff page.