“But what can I do?” - ten ways you can support conservation efforts in your local area

If you’re lucky, you’ve spent your holidays out and about in the great outdoors, enjoying all that nature has to offer. Unfortunately, it won’t always be there for you to enjoy if we don’t look after it. There are many government programs and volunteer organisations doing great things for our environment but they could use a little help. So I’ve compiled a list of things you can do as an individual to help. There’s even some ideas for getting your kids involved!

#1 - Say no to toads!

Cane toads (Bufo marinus) are a menace in Australia, particularly in the northern tropics where they threaten native populations of frogs and reptiles. Cane toad populations have exploded. From the original 100 or so cane toads introduced to control the sugar cane beetle (which failed abysmally), we now have millions of cane toads on the march across Australia. They breed prolifically and can do so at any time of the year. Unfortunately, each stage in the life cycle of the cane toad is highly toxic to potential predators. By becoming a ToadBuster, you can actively contribute to halting the march of cane toad across our country. Even if you don’t live in known “toad territory”, you can help the ToadBusters by looking out for toads in your local area.

Information on obtaining a toad trap for your backyard can be found here.

#2 - Let the kids ‘Go Bush’ for the holidays

What better way for kids to learn about the environment than to immerse themselves in it during the school holidays. The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service has a host of activities for kids and families to enjoy while learning about different species, vulnerable habitats and conservation efforts. The ‘Go Bush’ activities are a great day out and you don’t have to be a kid to benefit from it. Although the summer program is drawing to a close, these activities run during the other school holidays of the year - keep an eye out on the EPA webpage for future activities.

For those of you living outside of Queensland wanting to participate in other nature-based activities, check the following web pages for details:

• NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service
• WA Department of Environment & Conservation
• Parks & Wildlife Service Tasmania
• Parks Victoria
• SA Department for Environment and Heritage
• NT Natural Resources, Environment & the Arts

#3 - Take part in Cleanup Australia Day

Join Ian Kiernan and help get rid of the trash from your local area on 2 March 2008. Most suburbs and localities have some sort of activity for Cleanup Australia Day - whether it is cleaning up the local park, removing litter from creek and river beds or making sure our beaches are as clean as a whistle. Of course, it would be fantastic if people didn’t litter in the first place and simply put their trash in the bin but unfortunately some people are still not getting the message. The organisation also has some helpful suggestions for cleaning up our climate as well.

#4 - Enter a Land for Wildlife agreement

Do you have a nice parcel of acreage with valuable wildlife habitat? Would you like to know how to manage it so that wildlife benefits as well as you? Then perhaps you would like to consider a Land for Wildlife agreement. These types of agreements between government and community/individual are not permanent - you retain control over your land and can opt out at any time.

#5 - Plant more trees

National Tree Day this year is July 27th but why wait? Pop down to your local nursery and pick up a tree. You don’t even have to have a huge backyard to plant it in. There are some beautiful dwarf native species available at the moment and others which are easily kept in pots. They are very hardy plants and miserly when it comes to water and you don’t have to spend all your spare time looking after them. I’m the worst green thumb in existence and all my native plants are thriving from whatever falls from the sky.

#6 - Make your problem possum a lifelong friend

Possums are one of the few marsupials who have coped well in an increasingly urban world. There are a few inhabiting trees around the carpark at work and it’s not unusual to see them scavenging half-eaten apples off the ground. They often find roof spaces an attractive place to sleep - after all it’s nice and warm, sheltered from the wind and the possibility of food is no further than the household wheelie bin. Consequently, home owners who have a resident possum often consider them a pest. But you can live in harmony with your possum without too much of a headache - just get yourself a “possum box” or, if you are reasonably handy, make one yourself following the instructions here. Once your possum has vacated your roof and settled in its new possum box, don’t forget to seal up the place where it got in to begin with!

#7 - Join a Landcare group

Volunteering a few hours of your time once a month with a Landcare group is a great way to meet like-minded people and give something back to your local community. Landcare groups work together to revegetate damaged areas, remove weeds and rubbish and help care for our coastline and waterways. LandcareOnline has a database of groups operating throughout Australia or you may want to start your own group. Many local councils also have organised bushcare groups to help maintain remnant bushland in their area.

#8 - Sponsor an endangered animal

Many species of Australian native animals have become endangered or locally extinct (see here for definition) since European settlement. Captive breeding programs at zoos and wildlife sanctuaries have the potential to reverse this situation. By sponsoring an endangered animal at your local zoo or wildlife sanctuary, you can help contribute to the success of such programs to bolster wild populations or re-establish populations in areas where the species has become locally extinct.

#9 - Help buy back the bush

Bush Heritage is a non-profit organisation working to reclaim the bush and maintain reserves throughout Australia. You might not be able to buy a large tract of land yourself to form a reserve but each donation helps expand their reserves. Or if the purse strings are a little tight, perhaps participating in one of their working bees would be more up your alley.

#10 - Visit a National Park

National Parks are a refuge for wildlife but they are also there for our enjoyment. Whether you want to take the kids for a bushwalk, get some exercise on a challenging hike, have a picnic, relax on the beach or spot for some wildlife, chances are there is a National Park nearby that can cater to your needs. Take the time to visit every so often and remind yourself of all the reasons why Australia is such a great place to live!

Introducing my new sister

Since the very first time I came across Megan’s site and Blog at Imaginif I was blown away by her passion, drive and determination in her fight for child protection to become serious business! Little did I know that was just the beginning of how amazing she is. (people who know me well, know I don’t normally do fluffy..so when I do, it’s for good reason)

Imaginif is the largest child protection conversation in the world.
Dedicated to all accepts of child safety, not just abuse.

It’s often said, how can one person really make a difference? I true believe Megan is one of those specially gifted people that can make a huge difference.

While I personally am one of the lucky ones, having never experiences abuse first hand I have seen it’s effect on family and as a mother and Woman, seeing the statics of child sexual abuse and assault the numbers are so frightening. I jumped at the change to be able to help and work with Megan in her quest to reduce the alarming rise in abuse of our children. We are also very passionate about helping and empowering Women.

So we have formed a Sistership, a partnership powered by Women. A joining of our 2 sites and businesses in a combined effort to our grater goal. I feel very privileged to be working with her, and she is becoming a great friend (she is amazing..and crazy! LOL). We are announcing today the first of our many joint projects to do our part for abuse and Women.

If you are a Woman passionate about doing her small part and would like to join us making a difference and promoting amazing women, we’d love to hear from you!

All Women Carnival

Still puterless (3-5 business days my arse!) Trying to remember a new set of username and password every 2mins has been wearing very thin. Thankgod for co admin, so they can reset your password to your own blog when you brain can remember no more. They are also handy for editing banners…I wonder if she is any good at cleaning too

There was a mix up with the carnival this week, I thought we had been stood up (seems it was a spam filter problem instead) so asked Barbara to take over the hosting last minute.

So head on over to Barbara’s if you haven’t already and check out this weeks carnival.

Do you want to join in our 52 things I <3 weekly challenge? You can start anytime!

All Women Blogging Canrival

This weeks carnival is posted at Colloquium. Stop by and say hi and check out all the great posts.

Next week we are off to Girlfriendology, so get your posts in.

Also, don’t forget the Carnival of Australia this week being hosted at Blogging Sueblimely. Still time to get your posts in.

Megan and Sheila turning heads

Megan from Imaginif is one very brave Woman, putting her boobs on the the line to bring awareness to Women’s Issues.

I <3 Megan so much, she is such an amazing inspiration to all Women, just when you think she can’t out do herself..she does, and then some!

If you have been following our travelling bra, Sheila , you will know she spent a wonderful Christmas with Megan. Visiting her family and friends as well as some very beautiful parts of her backyard.

New Years Eve, Megan was contacted by the Cairns Post interested in learning more about Sheila and doing and interview and photo shoot with her.

The story ran today. With a picture of Megan and Sheila strutting their stuff down the main street of Cairns, turning lots of heads and getting lots of attention from the tourists.

Sheila is now jetting her way to visit Elizabeth from LaToriana and then onto Rachel.

Who else is game to take up the challenge, and show Sheila a good time in your part of the world? Contact us to join the list.

So, who can top Megan’s out there effort at bringing Sheila to the world ?

Back to School

The count down is on to back to school time. We just get over Christmas/New Year and then jump straight into the chaos and expense of preparing to get the kiddies off to school again.

We have put together some information to help make Back to School a little bit easier.

Do you have a little one off to school for the first time? I do (though I am trying not to think about it, it’s too soon to cry!). NSW Dept. of Education has put together a great little booklet with some handy info for new parents.

Back to school dates

Back to school dates vary from state to state and between Public and Private schools, many states returning on the 29th-30th. Check the details for your state or check out the noticeboard outside your school for details.

Back to School Sales

Kmart back to school sale-
3rd Janurary to the 16th Janurary
Second catalouge 10th Janurary- 16th Janurary

Target Back to school sale-Jan 10th-Jan 16th

Office Works- Jan 2nd- Feb 1st

Big W- Jan 10th- Jan 23rd

School Lunch box recipe ideas

If your like me, you struggle coming up with ideas for yummy and exciting lunch box ideas beyond the good old jam sandwich. You might not have time for a bento box everyday but here are some great fun and nutritious ideas and tips for you lunch boxes.

• Healthy Lunch boxes (lots of great links here!)
• Sanitarium lunchbox ideas
• Snack attack and lunchbox ideas
• Healthy lunchboxes for children
• A healthy lunchbox
• 5 day healthy lunchbox meal plan

Personalised kids labels

Personalised labels are a great way to help protect all the expensive uniforms, stationary and other bits and pieces the kids need for school (and seem to be very good at misplacing!)

I have been looking around for some myself this week, and have decided on Bright Star Kids labels. They have a great range of stickers and iron on labels at great prices. What I love best about them, that I haven’t seen the others offer is their split value packs. So you can order a value pack, and split it between 2 names. Along with super fast FREE delivery, if you order is over $20 you will receive 40 tiny pencil labels FREE for each name in your order. So check out Brightstar Kids.

All Women Blogging Carnival

This weeks carnival is being hosted by Deborah at Australian Women Online. Jump on over and check out the posts this week and say Hi.

Next weeks Carnival is being hosted by jhsiess

Enjoy participating in carnivals and looking for others to join or new to blogging and not sure what all this blogging carnival thing is about? Sue has written a great article 50 best blogging carnivals (Thanks for including us Sue!) Sue is also hosting the Carnival of Australia next week, so don’t forget to get your entries in (like I always do)for that as well!

I’d also like to invite you to join us in a new challenge, 52 things I <3. Each week you post a picture of something you <3 and are most grateful for. I posted my first picture, as has Kay and Patric. It’s not too late, you can jump in at any time.

Updates

Top 50 Australian Women Bloggers

Time again for the Top 50 Australian Women bloggers list. New or Returning blogs this update Working Solo and The Tall Poppy.

As yesterday was the 1st of the month, I am going to take the opportunity to switch to monthly updates on the first of every month. There are a few blogs that are ping ponging in and out of the list each update due to Alexa, so hopefully this will stabilise that. With the switch, we will also go to a Top 100 format.

Sheila the travelling Bra

Sheila has been having a great time the last few weeks. She spent a wonderful weekend on the Central coast with a bunch of good friends and has just had a lovely Christmas with Megan in Cairns.

I think I have found a good solution for the map, still trying it out, but this one seems much better. So you can see all the places and people Sheila has visited so far.

Still open up for sign up, though you may have a bit of a wait.

Check out all the picture in our Flickr Group

Aussie Bloggers

Have you heard about the new Aussie Bloggers Community? (surely you have!) If not, what are you waiting for! Hop on over and join the fun.

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