Community Spotlighting Night
The Community Spotlighting Night engaged locals in learning about nocturnal wildlife and conservation through the Biodiversity Conservation Trust. This event included a guided spotlight walk, expert talks, and a BBQ, offering both education and enjoyment for attendees.
Efficiency - LEP23_036_LLC5_2
The issue
Native wildlife populations across the Riverina, especially the Squirrel Glider, are on a steep decline. The continued loss of intact native vegetation, coupled with habitat fragmentation and other human activities, has pushed these species to the brink. The need for increased community awareness and stronger conservation efforts has become urgent.
The solution
Murrumbidgee Landcare reached out to the Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT), proposing a community spotlighting event at Clover Leigh Golf Club in Crowther, NSW. It was a chance to connect the community with local conservation efforts, spotlight the importance of protecting native species, and directly engage with wildlife.
Lucy Wright from Local Land Services (LLS) guided participants through the Squirrel Glider habitats, sharing the conservation work LLS is currently doing. As spotlight guide, Lucy led participants to discover wildlife in real-time, making the experience truly interactive. Then Mason Crane shared the vital work BCT does with land managers to safeguard places like Clover Leigh. His stories about the Squirrel Glider provided an even deeper appreciation for the species.
The owner of Clover Leigh Golf Club, Peter Frecklington, also shared his inspiring story. He spoke about why he turned the back nine of his golf course into a conservation area under a BCT agreement, and his ongoing commitment to wildlife protection.
The impact
The event brought together 28 community members, both adults and children, who left with a richer understanding of local wildlife and conservation. Throughout the night, participants spotted 5 ringtail possums, 2 squirrel gliders (one of which was seen gliding!), a brush tail possum, sleeping birds, and an array of insects.
Before the spotlighting, Lucy Wright used her pole camera to inspect the nest boxes Peter had installed on the property. Excitingly, the boxes showed promising activity, with one even housing a sleeping Squirrel Glider. This kind of monitoring provided reassuring evidence that past conservation efforts, like these nest boxes, continue to benefit native wildlife.
The event not only created lasting memories for the participants but also reinforced the importance of ongoing conservation work and how many years after projects finish, they are still adding value, restoring and protecting vital habitats across the Riverina.
Key facts
- Attendees: 28
- Speakers: 3
- We spotted: 8 nocturnal mammals
- Monitoring outcomes: Old nest boxes were still being used by wildlife