In this inaugural webinar for the Conservation Conversations webinar series, Dr Wendy Telfer provided an overview of the ReBird the Ranges program, its aims and Action Plan, followed by Dr Dragos Moise, who shared a summary of the restoration work that has occurred at Para Woodlands Nature Reserve, and the resulting benefits for Mount Lofty Ranges threatened woodland bird species. Dr Lucy Clive then presented an outline of the habitat restoration works at Watchalunga Nature Reserve that support the local Mount Lofty Ranges Southern Emu-wren population, which is believed to be the last stronghold for this threatened subspecies.

You can watch the webinar recording here.

Welcome to the winter edition of Nature Matters. We are excited to share our latest updates with you.

It has been a robust start to the year, as you will see with a raft of updates from across the nature reserve network, including a look back at 15 years since the establishment of Witchelina Nature Reserve.

This edition also celebrates a diversity of people involved with Nature Foundation, including this year's research grant and Artist Residency Program recipients. You will also read about the various ways Nature Foundation volunteers support our work across the reserves, in the office, and at events.

Last week, the Nature Foundation staff team, both in person and online, came together for a music-themed Reconciliation Week session. 

This session, which highlighted the power of music as a tool for communication, storytelling, collaboration, connection, and entertainment, was a valuable activity that contributed to our continual cultural capability development and commitment to reconciliation.

We are delighted to share that Nature Foundation has been selected to take part in Officework’s eighth annual Make a Difference Appeal throughout June.

The Make a Difference Appeal is an annual fundraising initiative that provides Officeworks team members the opportunity to champion local causes and organisations that are important to them and their community. 

The Make a Difference Appeal in 2025 will focus on supporting charities that enable children to learn, create and connect for a sustainable future.

Kristoffer Wild (The University of Melbourne) is the 2025 Mike Bull Award for Early Career Nature Scientists winner.

This award was established with the support of Mike's family and colleagues through the Professor Mike Bull Research Fund for Early Career Nature Scientists, to continue his important legacy in animal behaviour, ecology and conservation research and mentorship of students. The award supports the emerging career of a nature scientist. It includes a medal for academic excellence along with a $3000 grant to support the career of the recipient.