For the Buloke tree (Allocasuarina luehmannii), which typically takes 100 years to mature, change happens on a peacefully drawn-out timescale, contrasting with the rapid emergence of colourful Vermilion Grisette (Amanita xanthocephala) after rain in nearby woodlands. Despite their differences, and like all species on Earth, they are in a perpetual state of transition.

The stories in this Bushtracks demonstrate the inspiration Bush Heritage draws from nature’s ever-expanding qualities and the science-led work we deliver to enhance these qualities.

In ‘Trial time’ at Nardoo Hills Reserve in north-west Victoria, Dja Dja Wurrung Country, we celebrate five years since climate-adjusted seedlings were planted and share early insights from recent monitoring. Through this experimental trial, we are growing knowledge on future best-practice restoration for eucalypts.

As the south of the country becomes cooler and the north emerges from the wet season, we begin to roll out prescribed burns across our reserves.

Late last year, two uncontrolled blazes threatened Carnarvon Station Reserve, which is 200 km south of Emerald on Bidjara Country, Queensland. ‘Lightning response’ describes our increased capacity to respond to fire as a threat and the lessons we will apply to this year’s fire management.

We visit the shifting sand dunes of Martu Country in the centre of Western Australia. Here, a women-only ranger trip is helping to fortify cultural knowledge, including a deep understanding of the arid region’s flora and traditional ways of looking after Country, both of which complement Western science and all work together to operationalise the Birriliburu Healthy Country Plan.

Across the globe, the latest research indicates that we are destroying more biodiverse landscapes each year than we are managing to protect, and leading scientists are calling for trail-blazing action if we’re to avoid the worst of the interlinked biodiversity and climate crises. We’re in a position where the protection and management of every hectare and conservation effort counts.

At Bush Heritage Australia, we’re committed to trying new approaches and innovative partnerships to help deepen and double our impact by 2030, an example of this which you will read about in ‘Accounting for Austin Downs’.

Enjoy this edition and know that, through your support, our work continues to grow and evolve – just like nature itself.