Did you know...

Reduce emissions
More than 15 per cent of WA greenhouse gas emissions come from transport - of that, nearly half comes from cars. - DPI Half of all car trips taken in Perth cover short distances of less than 5km while 10 per cent cover less than 1km.
- DPI

Today: Monday, 23 November 2009

Top biodiversity tips

1. Land for Wildlife can help you to create a "healthy ecosystem" on your property and move towards sustainable landuse.

2. Lawns provide animals with no shade, shelter, or food, and the runoff from fertilizers and pesticides applied to lawns can contaminate wildlife habitats. Instead of cultivating a sea of grass, consider going 'wild', choose native varieties, imitate natural habitats, and provide animal food sources.

3. Fences can be barriers to wildlife, restricting access to food and shelter. If you have a tall fence, create some small gaps along the bottom through which animals can pass.

4. Clean, fresh water is important to wildlife, especially birds, insects, and amphibians. Not all animals can access a tall pedestal birdbath, so consider installing a low, ground-level birdbath or small pond.

Gardening

Protecting Biodiversity Whether you are on a small, inner suburban block or in the country, you can do your part in protecting the biodiversity of our unique Western Australian environment.

Butterfly gardening
Many native butterfly species remain in the bushland areas where they breed, but there are about 17 species that may visit your garden if you live in the south-west of Western Australia. Seven of those species will not visit unless you live near a bushland where they breed. We can help the survival of the 17 species by growing the butterflies’ food-plants in our gardens, particularly the species of plant that their larvae (caterpillars) eat. This is called butterfly gardening. It allows the butterflies to breed, and thus increase their numbers. ...more

Frog friendly gardening
Our local frogs are increasingly under threat from development, the use of chemicals in the environment and the frog fungus. One thing you can do to help our local frogs is to make your garden frog-friendly. By having a frog pond and a good understorey of native bush, you can increase the network of ponds in your local frog community. This will help frogs to return to areas where they may have disappeared owing to development or the fungus. ...more

Wildflowers for gardens
Volunteer Master Gardeners provide a free service for home gardeners and non-commercial groups. Seek their advice on propagation, potting, planting out, pests and pruning of native plants by phoning 9480 3672. ...more

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