Twice-annual bird surveys at Witchelina Nature Reserve since 2010, conducted by Birds SA volunteers, have provided valuable insights that support our conservation efforts (and your support) make a difference for local and migratory species.

Dr Philippa Horton, a dedicated Nature Foundation member, Birds SA committee member, and editor of SA Ornithologist, has participated in these bird surveys over the years. Her passion for birds was sparked in the 1970s during a family holiday and led to a PhD in zoology and a career in ornithology research.

Philippa’s presentation shared the processes used for the bird surveys, including data compilation and use, the quantity and types of species identified, including a brief look at some threatened and Rare species.

The inaugural Junior Rangers National Gathering took place in mid-May at Yitpi Yartapuultiku in Port Adelaide, South Australia, and Nature Foundation was honoured to support planning and preparation for the gathering and to participate in the program of presentations.

High quality science underpins our efforts to manage our unique biodiversity for future generations sustainably, and an essential aspect of this is offering research grants for university students and early career researchers, supported by our generous donors.

Since 2000, Nature Foundation has awarded $2,045,786 in research grants to post-graduate students, academics, and the community to kickstart careers in research, supporting 471 researchers.
Five student research grants were awarded in the 2026 round, along with the Mike Bull Award for Early Career Nature Scientists.

We are delighted to share this year’s research grant recipients and their projects with you.

Murbpook Nature Reserve is a 360-hectare wetland reserve on the western side of the River Murray between Blanchetown and Morgan, in South Australia's Riverland region. Murbpook and its immediate vicinity support habitat for 17 state and nationally rated fauna species, including the Regent Parrot (Polytelis anthopeplus monarchoides), and five state rare flora species, including Purple Love-grass (Eragrostis lacunaria).

Recent reserve management activities have made an important contribution to Murbpook's continued ecological health.

The key action of the 2025-2030 Science Strategy, the Nature Foundation Biodiversity Monitoring Program (NFBMP), plays a vital role in our collective efforts to conserve biodiversity. It includes standardised survey sites and techniques for vegetation, birds, reptiles, and mammals across all reserves, monitored each autumn and spring, with targeted surveys to gather crucial data on key threatened species.
This consistent approach to monitoring ensures that we use resources effectively to maximise positive outcomes for biodiversity.