Bendemeer Students Join the TreeTroff Biodiversity Project

This week, I had the pleasure of visiting Bendemeer Primary School to talk to Years 3 to 6 students and their teacher, Mrs Doak about the exciting TreeTroff in Schools program. We explored the origins of the project, what it means for their school, and even selected the best location and tree for the installation — a great step forward in bringing the program to life at Bendemeer.

The TreeTroff project is part of the Koalas and Others 2025: A Schoolyard and Community Biodiversity Project, coordinated by the Warrumbungle National Park Environmental Education Centre (WNPEEC). It's an innovative citizen science initiative that helps schools monitor local biodiversity using cameras and data collection tools. Students gain valuable digital, scientific, and communication skills as they analyse images, record data, and prepare scientific reports each semester to share with other participating schools across the region.

The project provides long-term data that supports conservation efforts and is of interest to universities and government agencies.

We're looking forward to seeing Bendemeer students actively engaging in this hands-on conservation science and sharing their findings with schools across the state.

Help achieve more sustainable and resilient rural landscapes

Have you undertaken native revegetation on your farm in the past?

Researchers from Western Sydney University, the University of Tasmania and their collaborators want to hear about the outcomes. We invite you to participate in our study by completing a brief on-line survey, site visit and interview. Eight lucky survey participants will receive prizes valued at over $1000 and an opportunity to share and learn from other land managers interested in ensuring sustainable and resilient rural landscapes around Australia.

•         To find out more click here
•         To register, please complete the survey https://bit.ly/NSWGrassyWoodland

If you have any queries about this study, please contact e.sumner@westernsydney.edu.au or call 0497 784 310. This study is funded by the National Environmental Science Program and the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

Explore the Heart of the Macdonald River – Past, Present & Future

Join us for a special community event celebrating the Macdonald River — its rich history, vital ecology, and the people working to protect it. This is a chance to connect with your local landscape, learn from passionate experts, and hear how you can be part of the ongoing efforts to care for this important waterway.

Local historians Anne and Winston Doak will share stories of the river’s past — from early settlement to recent restoration efforts — while ecologists Dr. Lou Streeting and Martin Dillon will highlight the river’s role in supporting native wildlife, including endangered species like the Bell’s turtle. Their work in the region spans decades, involving everything from nest protection and hatchling releases to landholder collaboration and education.

Whether you’ve lived by the river all your life or are new to the area, this event is a great way to better understand the natural systems that support our community and how we can protect them. You’ll hear about past and ongoing efforts to restore the riverbanks and improve habitat, as well as future opportunities to get involved with the Macdonald River Restoration Landcare Group — including tree planting days and working bees.

Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be provided. Come along, bring a friend, and be inspired by the stories of resilience, collaboration and care that flow through the heart of our river.