With support from a range of government and community partners, SMT Ecology was commissioned by Corymbia Biodiversity Project to undertake thermal drone surveys in 1000 hectares of potential Koala habitat in Pillar Valley, northern NSW. Unfortunately, we did not find any Koalas. But, happily we did spy some other awesome creatures in the tree tops and on the ground, including nationally listed endangered gliders.

The Clarence Valley has many native ferns, but few realise that introduced ferns are establishing as part of the weed flora in the catchment. Ferns don't have seeds as such but spores; minute seed equivalents, like the finest dust, they are easily dispersed long distances in the wind, or in mud etc. Regular Banyula weed whacker, Clive Barker - ecologist at large - has prepared this overview of the feral fernage of the Clarence Valley. Thanks Clive.

When Zane signed up as a volunteer at Banyula, he had no idea he’d be setting small mammal traps, spotlighting sugar gliders, and falling in love with a bitey little Antechinus. Read about his unforgettable first week in the bush—and how volunteering can lead to surprising new passions.