Author: Karen Player

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Threatened Species day

Threatened Species Day is recognised across the Australia on 7 September every year to raise awareness of plants and animals at risk of extinction. Threatened Species Day acknowledges the death of the last remaining Thylacine, Tasmanian tiger at Hobart Zoo in 1936. 

Thylacine with chicken
© Henry Burrell 

Australia is renowned for its extraordinary wildlife, with unique species that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. But with this rich biodiversity comes an unfortunate reality: many of our native animals are on the brink of extinction. Since European settlement, more than 100 species have been lost.

Unfortunately Australia is home to more than 1,800 species currently listed as threatened, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and plants. Threatened Species Day is a call to action. It’s a moment to reflect on the species we’ve lost and a powerful reminder to protect those we still have.

The key drivers of species decline in Australia include:

  • Habitat destruction: Urbanization, land clearing for agriculture, and mining have destroyed vast areas of natural habitat.
  • Invasive species: Introduced animals such as foxes, cats, and rabbits have devastated native wildlife populations.
  • Climate change: Rising temperatures, bushfires, and prolonged droughts are pushing species beyond their limits.
  • Pollution: Waterways and ecosystems are increasingly under threat from pollution, including plastic waste.
Threats to Biodiversity infographic - Deforestation, pollution, climate change, and overexploitation of natural resources

How You Can Help

Saving Australia’s threatened species might seem daunting, but there are actions each of us can take to make a difference. Here are some meaningful ways to get involved:

Support Conservation Organizations

Many non-profit organizations across Australia work tirelessly to protect threatened species and their habitats. Supporting groups like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the Australian Wildlife Conservancy, or local wildlife rescue centers through donations or volunteering can make a huge difference. Your contribution helps fund research, habitat restoration, and species recovery programs.

Create Wildlife-Friendly Spaces

Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a small balcony, creating wildlife-friendly spaces is a practical way to help. Planting native trees and shrubs provides food and shelter for local birds, insects, and small mammals. Installing nesting boxes for birds, possums, or microbats can also offer safe havens for these creatures. Even small actions like placing water bowls out during the hot summer months can support local wildlife.

Say No to Single-Use Plastics

Plastic pollution is a major threat to marine life, with countless animals affected by ingesting or becoming entangled in plastic waste. Reducing your reliance on single-use plastics—like bags, straws, and packaging—can prevent these items from ending up in our oceans and rivers. Opt for reusable alternatives and dispose of waste responsibly.

Be a Responsible Pet Owner

Pets, especially cats and dogs, can pose significant threats to native wildlife. Keeping your pets indoors or supervising them outside, especially in areas where threatened species may live, can prevent them from hunting or disturbing local animals. Desexing pets and ensuring they are microchipped helps reduce stray populations, which often prey on wildlife.

Get Involved in Citizen Science

Many conservation programs rely on the public to help monitor species populations. Citizen science initiatives like BirdLife Australia’s backyard bird count, the Australian Koala Foundation’s koala surveys, or FrogID allow everyday Australians to contribute to important scientific data. These efforts help researchers track changes in populations and better understand the needs of threatened species.

What is Citizen Science graphic

Advocate for Stronger Environmental Laws

While individual actions are important, systemic change is essential for long-term conservation success. Stay informed about environmental issues and advocate for stronger environmental protections, particularly when it comes to land clearing, mining, and deforestation. Contact your local representatives, sign petitions, and participate in community meetings where decisions about land use are being made.

A Shared Responsibility

Saving Australia’s threatened species is a shared responsibility. Each one of us has a role to play, whether it’s through everyday actions like reducing waste, getting involved in local conservation projects, or speaking up for stronger environmental protections.

Threatened Species Day is a moment for reflection, but it’s also a call to action. Together, we can ensure that future generations have the chance to witness the beauty and diversity of Australia’s wildlife—not just in pictures or history books, but in the wild, where these creatures belong.

Let’s make a difference, today and every day.

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Biodiversity Month: Every Species Matters

September marks Biodiversity Month, a time dedicated to appreciating and understanding the incredible variety of life on Earth. From the tiniest microorganisms to the largest mammals, biodiversity encompasses the entire range of species that inhabit our planet. This month offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the importance of preserving biodiversity and to recognise the intricate relationships that sustain our ecosystems.

Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms in a particular habitat or ecosystem. It includes the diversity within species (genetic diversity), between species (species diversity), and the diversity of ecosystems themselves. These elements work together to create the complex web of life that supports all living beings, including humans.

Find out more

Why is Biodiversity Important?

Biodiversity is crucial for maintaining ecological balance. Each species plays a specific role in its ecosystem, contributing to functions like pollination, nutrient cycling, and pest control. The loss of even a single species can disrupt these processes, leading to unforeseen consequences.

Biodiversity also directly impacts human health and well-being. Many of our medicines, foods, and materials are derived from natural sources. A diverse ecosystem also provides clean air, water, and fertile soil, all of which are essential for our survival.

Many cultures around the world have deep connections with nature. Biodiversity is woven into traditions, spiritual beliefs, and practices that define cultural identities. Protecting biodiversity is also about preserving this cultural heritage.

Ecosystems with high biodiversity are more resilient to environmental changes, such as climate change. A diverse gene pool allows species to adapt to new conditions, ensuring the survival of ecosystems even in the face of challenges.

    Threats to Biodiversity

    Despite its importance, biodiversity is under threat from various human activities. Deforestation, pollution, climate change, and overexploitation of natural resources are leading to habitat loss and species extinction at an alarming rate. According to the United Nations, around one million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction.

    How Can We Protect Biodiversity?

    Supporting conservation projects, whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness, is a powerful way to protect biodiversity. This includes preserving natural habitats, supporting wildlife protection laws, and creating more protected areas.

    Adopting sustainable practices in our daily lives can significantly reduce our impact on the environment. This includes reducing waste, conserving water, choosing sustainably sourced products, and supporting eco-friendly companies.

    Educating ourselves and others about the importance of biodiversity is crucial. The more people understand the value of biodiversity, the more likely they are to support conservation efforts and make environmentally conscious decisions.

    Advocating for policies that protect biodiversity, such as stronger environmental regulations and support for renewable energy, can lead to significant positive changes on a global scale.

    Whether you’re planting native species in your garden, participating in a local clean-up, or simply taking a moment to appreciate the natural world, every action counts.

    Let’s commit to making small changes that contribute to a more sustainable future. By working together, we can ensure that the incredible variety of life on Earth continues to thrive for generations to come.

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    Awesome August

    What a week, but really I should say what a month! August has been awesome, with so many events and programs linked to National Tree Planting Day, National Science Week and Book Week.

    It was wonderful to be back at the Rhodes Science Festival with Mary Bell from Nature Knows for National Science Week. We always have so much fun talking to visitors and there is always a great vibe at the event.

    I presented the What’s in your Backyard virtual excursion for SciFest 2024, celebrating National Science Week. Almost 4000 students were registered for the event and many classes have followed up and watch the recording below.

    I also created and delivered amazing series of online trivia events for SciFest 2024. I did 4 session linking to the National Science Week Theme Species Survival – More Than Just Sustainability. There were over 6500 students register across, Biology trivia, Australian Animal trivia, Plant life trivia and Environmental trivia.

    It was great to be able to follow up from National Tree Planting Day and do some school tree planting with Greening Australia. Tree Planting enables people to make new habitat zones, improve green spaces, increases shade and creates connection to nature. There are so many ecological and social benefits from tree planting and it is great to be involved in Greening Australia’s Cooling the School program.

    Cooling the Schools is an initiative delivered by Greening Australia and funded by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure. Watch a short video from Ferncourt Public School about there Colling the Schools experience.

    Watch the Clip

    I delivered a STEM family activities with Little Scientist at an early childhood centre on the Central Coast NSW. There were 80 children participating in 4 inquiry based learning activities across the afternoon. Children were constructing towers or creating a tool to carry a ping pong ball around an obstacle course. Everyone had a lot of fun.

    I wrapped up August with the Willoughby Fauna Fair. This year was the 20th anniversary of the event. The What’s in your Backyard display and Nature Craft activity fit perfectly into this year’s theme Our Awesome Urban Survivors and celebrated the resilience and adaptability of wildlife in urban environments.

    I definitely deserve a break after all these events, but September is Biodiversity Month and the 5th anniversary of launching Australian Environmental Education. Maybe October will be quieter!

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    National Tree Planting Day

    Trees play a vital role in supporting life on Earth and their significance encompasses ecological, environmental, social, and economic aspects. You can make a difference by planting tree on any day especially Schools Tree Day on Friday 26th July, National Tree Day is Sunday 28th July.

    Australian dry forest

    Planet Ark’s National Tree Day started in 1996 and has grown into Australia’s largest community tree planting and nature care event. It’s a call to action for all Australians to get their hands dirty and give back to the community.

    Find out about Tree Planting Day

    Here are some key reasons why trees are essential:

    1. Oxygen production: Trees are primary producers of oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. They absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen, making the air we breathe cleaner and more breathable.
    2. Carbon sequestration: Trees act as natural carbon sinks, absorbing and storing carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas responsible for climate change. They play a critical role in mitigating the effects of global warming by reducing the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere.
    3. Biodiversity support: Forests, which are primarily composed of trees, are incredibly diverse ecosystems that provide habitat and sustenance for a vast array of plants, animals, insects, and microorganisms. Trees contribute to the preservation of biodiversity and help maintain a balanced ecosystem.
    4. Soil conservation: Tree roots help prevent soil erosion, which is crucial for maintaining fertile soil and preventing landslides and desertification.
    5. Water cycle regulation: Trees influence the water cycle by absorbing and releasing water through their roots and leaves. They help regulate rainfall patterns, prevent floods, and maintain groundwater levels.
    6. Climate regulation: Large forests and mature trees have a moderating effect on local and global climates. They regulate temperature, humidity, and precipitation patterns, creating a more stable environment.
    7. Wildlife habitat: Trees provide shelter, food, and nesting sites for a wide range of animal species, including birds, mammals, and insects. Many creatures rely on trees for their survival.
    8. Economic value: Trees are essential for various industries, including timber, paper, and pharmaceuticals. They provide raw materials for construction, furniture, and other products, supporting economies and livelihoods.
    9. Aesthetic and recreational benefits: Trees enhance the beauty of landscapes, parks, and urban areas, contributing to the overall well-being and mental health of people. Green spaces with trees offer opportunities for relaxation and recreation.
    10. Air quality improvement: Trees act as natural air purifiers, filtering harmful pollutants and particulate matter from the air, which is especially crucial in urban environments with high levels of pollution.
    11. Noise reduction: Trees can absorb and dampen sound, reducing noise pollution and creating a more peaceful environment.
    12. Health benefits: Interacting with trees and spending time in natural environments has been shown to have positive effects on mental and physical health, reducing stress, anxiety, and promoting overall well-being.

    Australia’s forests are valued for their diverse ecosystems and unique biodiversity. They perform important environmental functions including storing carbon and protecting soil and water. Forests are also significant places with cultural and heritage values. They also provide access to green space used for recreational and relaxation.

    Find out about Forests

    Given their numerous ecological and societal benefits, the preservation and responsible management of trees and forests are essential for the long-term health and sustainability of our planet.

    Uncropped AEE logo with dragonfly icon
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    Exploring the Myth and Reality about cartoon animals

    Cartoons have been a beloved part of many peoples childhood, entertaining audiences with colourful characters and crazy adventures. One of the enduring aspects of cartoons are the portrayal of animals, which often take on exaggerated characteristics and behaviours. From the lightning-fast Road Runner to the whirlwind Tasmanian Devil, these cartoon animals have captured our imaginations.

    © Jessie Eastland
    Tasmanian Devil
    © Karen Player

    While the cartoon Road Runner may be a fictionalized version of this bird, it’s clear that the real roadrunner is a remarkable creature in its own right, perfectly adapted to its harsh desert environment. The cartoon Road Runner is depicted as a blue bird with long brown legs and a dark blue crest on top of its head. Living in the southwest American desert surrounded by cacti, boulders, and sand.

    There really is a Roadrunner!

    Roadrunner cartoon character

    The Greater Roadrunner Geococcyx californianus, the larger of the 2 species for roadrunner measures about 55 cm in length.

    Roadrunners have various predators including coyotes. But the coyote can run at 65 km/h which is much faster than the speed of a roadrunner, so would have no problem catching up with one.

    The roadrunner will be forever remembered by the sound ‘Meep meep’. Listen below to what they really sound like.

    © Looney Tunes by Warner Bros.

    © Bob DuHamel

    What makes the real roadrunner really remarkable is its adaptability and intelligence. These birds are skilled hunters, preying on insects, lizards, and even snakes. They are also known for their distinctive appearance, with long legs, a crest of feathers on their head.

    Greater Roadrunner walking in the Mojave desert, California USA
    © Jessie Eastland
    Find out more

    Another iconic cartoon animal is the Tasmanian Devil, portrayed as a spinning whirlwind of energy and chaos. With its ferocious growl and insatiable appetite, the cartoon Tasmanian Devil is a force to be reckoned with. The real Tasmanian Devil is a unique marsupial found only in Tasmania, off the south coast of Australia.

    Tazzie Devil cartoon

    While it shares some characteristics with its cartoon counterpart, such as its stocky build and powerful jaws, the similarities end there.

    In reality, the Tasmanian Devil is a solitary and nocturnal creature, known for its scavenging habits and loud vocalizations.

    © Looney Tunes by Warner Bros.

    Unfortunately, the real Tasmanian Devil faces significant challenges in the wild, including habitat loss and Devil Facial Tumour Disease a contagious cancer, which has decimated populations. Efforts are underway to protect this iconic species, including conservation breeding programs and initiatives to control the spread of the disease.

    Tasmanian Devil
    Tasmanian Devil

    Cartoon animals may entertain us with their exaggerated antics and larger-than-life personalities, but they often bear little resemblance to their real-life counterparts. While characters like the Road Runner and the Tasmanian Devil may capture our imaginations, it’s important to remember the beauty and complexity of the natural world they are based on. By learning more about real animals and the challenges they face, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the incredible diversity of life on Earth. So whether you’re watching cartoons or exploring the great outdoors, take a moment to marvel at the wonders of the animal kingdom, both real and imagined.

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    Outdoor Classroom Day

    Outdoor Classroom Day is on 23 May and the 7 November. Outdoor education leads to a greater connection with nature and improves student engagement. Outdoor education and nature play teaches critical life skills including resilience, teamwork and creativity and is also central to enjoyment. 

    Kids exploring nature with hand lenses

    The Australian Curriculum section on Outdoor learning states it can be instrumental in:

    • the teaching and learning of self-reliance, interdependence and leadership
    • the development of an adventurous spirit
    • managing personal risks
    • experiencing safe journeys in nature
    • learning the value of lifelong outdoor recreation for enjoyment, health and wellbeing
    • understanding nature through direct experience; and the development of deeper human–nature relationships.

    Outdoor Education resources

    Australian Environmental Education has a range of resources on earth and environmental science. These programs are designed to get your kids outside exploring the world around them. Try the What’s in your Backyard series of resources and videos on YouTube.

    The What’s in your Backyard resources are designed to help you explore the amazing wildlife in your local area. Look for the clues that are left behind to discover more about these animals and what you can do to protect them.

    What’s in you Backyard resources

    There are many ways to connect nature and teach outdoors. Go on a nature walk, collect natural material to use in art projects, become citizen scientists and record wildlife observations. These are all simple ideas you can do with your kids at home or at school.

    Use all your senses to discover the amazing world around you.

    Perons Tree Frog on fern
    Net casting spider with lunch
    Tree Ferns
    Praying Mantis head
    Paperbark
    Rainbow Lorikeets in flowering gum

    Remember to look up and change your perspective
    Touch and feel different tree bark
    Visit your favourite tree, if you don’t have one, find one
    Listen to the sounds around you

    Find out more on the Outdoor Classroom Day website

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    Honouring our Fuzzy Pollinators on World Bee Day

    World Bee Day is celebrated on 20 May every year. It is a day dedicated to the awareness of the vital role bees play in our ecosystem. Bees are responsible for pollinating a third of the food we eat and without them our food supply is at threat. They also play a critical role in the reproduction of plants and the production of honey, making them a crucial part of our natural world.

    World Bee Day

    Unfortunately, bees are facing a number of threats, including habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and disease. As a result, bee populations around the world are declining at an alarming rate. This decline is not only a threat to bees themselves but also to our food supply and the overall health of our ecosystem.

    Australia has more than 1600 native bee species. There could be as many as 2000 to 3000 still to be identified. Australian native bees are wonderful pollinators, especially for our native plants. There are a number of actions we can take to support bee populations and protect their habitats.

    Blue Banded Bee
    Blue Banded Bee © Hannah Krack
    Teddy Bear Bee
    Teddy Bear Bee © Karen Player

    Plant bee-friendly flowers and plants in your backyard. Bees rely on nectar and pollen from flowers for their food, so planting flowers that are rich in nectar and pollen can help support bee populations. Great examples include native flowers, lavender and sunflowers.

    Avoid using pesticides as they can be harmful to bees and other pollinators. If you must use pesticides, choose ones that are bee-friendly and apply them in the early morning or late evening when bees are not active.

    Bees need shelter to protect themselves from the elements and predators. You can help by providing bee houses or leaving dead wood and leaf litter in your garden. Make an Insect Hotel for your Fuzzy Pollinators this World Bee day.

    Spread awareness and educate others about the importance of bees and the threats they face. Encourage your friends, family, and community to take action to protect bees and their habitats.

    World Bee Day is an opportunity to appreciate the incredible work that bees do for our ecosystem and to take action to protect them. By taking small steps to support bee populations, we can help ensure that they continue to thrive and play their important role in our world.

    Find out more

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    Hosting a Sustainable Party

    I moved up to the Central Coast from Sydney a few months ago and we had our housewarming party last weekend. I’ve been writing about sustainable parties and wanted to reduce plastic waste at this event too and keep to a budget.

    Party graphic on how to reduce plastic waste.
    Credit: Queensland Environment

    There were a few challenges that I will share with you.

    • Buying bulk food to reduce packaging wasn’t as easy as I hoped. The local wholesale butcher was great for sausages but I had to buy smaller packs of chicken skewers each in a plastic container. I ended up making additional chicken skewers to reduce waste.
    • Separate bins for food waste. I wasn’t able to separate as much waste into the recycling bin. Next time I will have signs explaining to people to scape their plates first, with a bin for food waste and the recycling bin next to it.

    Successes

    • Help from friends, we borrowed fabric bunting that helped decorate the backyard. It looked great and can be used over and over. I had some paper bunting left over from my daughters birthday party, it looked great, but didn’t hold up in the rain. Easy to recycle, but fabric bunting is the way to go if you have someone that can sew.
    • The party was outside so we used lights to help decorate the space, they look great and we now use them all the time.
    • We made Return and Earn signs and everyone was great putting cans and bottles in the right bins. People were also good at sorting out the larger bottle into the recycling bin too.
    • It is so much easier to find good quality non plastic disposable plates and cutlery. I had extra large bowls and serving tray too. I used the foil BBQ trays to prepare salads and other food.
    • With more help from friends, lots of people brought in homemade desserts.
    How to Host a Sustainable Party

    I will continue advocating for sustainable parties and each time I put one on it will get easier. My biggest takeaway is ask friends and family for help, borrow items to reduce costs, let people bring food – sustainability is a community effort. Remember start small, you need to balance your budget and time to reduce your waste.

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    World Water Day 2024

    Today is World Water Day, the 22 March highlights the importance of freshwater. The day is used to promote the sustainable management of freshwater resources. This years theme of World Water Day 2024 is ‘Water for Peace’.

    World Water Day 2024 banner

    Water is essential for all life and is the most abundant substance on Earth, yet water scarcity is one of the biggest issues facing us today. Australia is the world’s driest inhabited continent and 2019 was on of the the hottest and driest year on record. Because of many years of dry conditions, the drought worsened in 2019, resulting in Australia’s driest year on record. With area-average rainfall of just 277.6 mm almost the entire continent was in drought.

    However in many part of the world, Water can create peace or spark conflict. When water is scarce or polluted, or when people have unequal, or no access, tensions can rise between communities and countries. More than 3 billion people worldwide depend on water that crosses national borders. Yet, only 24 countries have cooperation agreements for all their shared water.

    As climate change impacts increase, and populations grow, there is an urgent need, within and between countries, to unite around protecting and conserving our most precious resource. Public health and prosperity, food and energy systems, economic productivity and environmental integrity all rely on a well-functioning and equitably managed water cycle.

    Find out more with UN Water

    Even through water covers 75% of the earth’s surface, only a very small amount is freshwater that can be used directly by people, animals and plants. This is because:

    • 97% of this water is in oceans and is too salty for people, animals or plants to use
    • 2% is frozen at the north and south poles, in glaciers and on snowy mountain ranges
    • Only 1% is avaiable as freshwater in rivers, lakes and groundwater.
    Earths water vector illustration. Labeled global liquids ecosystem scheme. Environmental fresh
    Earths water: ocean, river, sea and groundwater ©: normaals

    Water is a precious resources and it is up to us to care and manage water for the future.

    This World Water Day think of how you can use water more wisely in your daily life. Below is some information to help you get started.

    How to be Waterwise

    Water is essential for all life and is the most abundant substance on Earth, yet water scarcity is one of the biggest issues facing us today. Australia is the world’s driest inhabited continent and 2019 was the hottest and driest year on record. 

    The Urban Water Cycle

    The natural water cycle has been modified by people to ensure a constant water supply and the safe disposal of wastewater. The Urban Water Cycle incorporates the Water Supply System, Wastewater system and the Stormwater system.

    Why is Water Important

    Water is the most common substance found on earth, so why is it important? Water is essential for all forms of life and can dissolve nearly anything. It can exist as a gas (water vapour and steam), a liquid (water) and a solid (ice).

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    Making a Dragonfly Garden

    I’ve recently move to the Central Coast in NSW and have been amazed by the variety of wildlife. With the good has also come the bad and there are a lot of mosquitos in some areas of my backyard. I have put in mosquito repelling plants near the house and I’m building a Dragonfly garden.

    Dragon Fly garden

    It does seem odd to get rid of mosquitos by putting in a pond, but I have thought this through. Dragonflies hunt insects like mosquitos in both their larval and adult forms. Dragonfly nymphs actively seek mosquito larvae as part of their diet. A single dragonfly nymph can consume hundreds of mosquito larvae during its development.

    As adults, dragonflies continue their role as mosquito hunters. With exceptional flying abilities and keen eyesight, they prey on adult mosquitoes reducing the population before they have a chance to lay eggs.

    Follow these steps to encourage dragonflies to your backyard and maximize their impact on mosquito control:

    • Create or maintain ponds, wetlands and other water bodies to provide suitable habitats for dragonfly nymphs.
    • Minimize the use of chemical pesticides, as these can harm dragonflies and disrupt the delicate ecological balance.
    • Incorporate native plants around water bodies to provide suitable resting spots and breeding sites for adult dragonflies.

    Dragonfly Garden infographic
    Dragonfly Garden infographic © Australian Environmental Education

    Research Dragonfly Species in Your Area

    Find out which species of dragonfly are native to your area. Different species have specific habitat requirements, and tailoring your garden to their needs will attract a bigger variety. Consult local field guides or search on the iNaturalist Australia for information on dragonfly species in your area.

    Choose the Right Location

    Dragonflies love sunny spots with plenty of warmth, so choose a location for your garden that receives ample sunlight throughout the day. Dragonflies spend a significant part of their life in and around aquatic environments. They lay their eggs in the water, so they need access to water as part of their lifecycle. If you aren’t putting in a pond build your dragonfly garden near a water source.

    Incorporate Water Features

    You can create an above ground pond in a large pot or an in ground pond with a prefabricated pond or using pond liner. Add materials like rocks, gravel, branches and plants to provide suitable resting spots and breeding grounds. Ensure the water is clean and unpolluted. You can also add floating plants like water lilies for additional hiding spots.

    There is a natural stormwater channel that I wanted to incorporate my dragonfly garden into. Because it is usually completely dry I went for a prefabricated step pond. It has 2 depths making it ideal for this slopped area and I used the surrounding rocks to make it level.

    Choose Dragonfly-Friendly Plants

    Selecting the right plants is crucial to creating a dragonfly-friendly environment. I went for a mix of native flowering plants and grasses that provide landing spots for dragonflies and attract the insects they feed on. I also wanted to include plants of varying heights to create layers and provide shelter.

    I sourced everything from the local nursery and brought some different ground covers including a Grevillia and Pigface to stabilised the ground surrounding the pond. I also included a couple of different species of Lomandra and a Kangaroo Paw. To attract insects and to provide height I went with 2 more Grevillias.

    Most importantly were the water plants; I put in 3 different plants including a Water Lilly. An added advantage is that any aquatic invertebrates that hitched a ride in the plants should be local.

    Create Sunning and Resting Spots

    Dragonflies love to bask in the sun, and providing suitable sunning spots is essential for their well-being. Incorporate flat rocks or logs strategically placed around your garden where dragonflies can rest and warm their bodies. These areas also serve as excellent vantage points for hunting insects.

    Minimize Pesticide Use

    To create a thriving dragonfly garden, it’s crucial to minimize pesticide use. Dragonflies are predators and chemical pesticides to kill mosquitoes can harm them as well. Use organic alternatives to maintain a healthy and balanced ecosystem.

    Maintain a Balanced Ecosystem

    A successful dragonfly garden relies on a balanced ecosystem. Encourage biodiversity by incorporating a mix of plants to provide a diversity habitats. Regularly maintain your garden by removing invasive species and keeping the water features clean.

    Dragonfly drying it's wings after metamorphosis

    Building a dragonfly garden is a rewarding endeavour that goes beyond just the aesthetics. By creating a habitat that caters to the needs of dragonflies, you contribute to the overall health of your backyard ecosystem. With a little effort and thoughtful planning, you can turn your outdoor space into a sanctuary where dragonflies thrive.

    Find out what else you can do to create a wildlife friendly backyard with the What’s in your Backyard activity series.

    Australian Environmental Education logo with dragonfly