Despite the devastation of fires on Kangaroo Island, a small population of critically endangered dunnart has been spotted using sensor cameras. Much of the dunnart's habitat had been burnt to the extent that only a small amount of green vegetation was left. Local Land for Wildlife group have been monitoring this native species and were finding limited numbers before last summer's bushfire. It is an example of community conservation's capacity to protect animals, given the right resources. See Community Leading The Way. Photo: Jody Gates

This video shows the effects that livestock can have on water quality and bank stability in rivers and streams - https://www.abc.net.au/landline/river-rehab:-protecting-tasmania%E2%80%99s-waterways-from/12304198. It demonstrates the observable difference of keeping stock away from waterways using fences. Not only fences but also putting plants between the fence and waterway, an area known as the riparian zone. This vegetation filters water coming from the paddock toward the waterway. The interesting outcome from this story that I see is the potential to do more conservation works here in this type of site. My way of getting more works done, Community Leading The Way (see more here - Community), can look at investigating and monitoring in more detail and can make this really interesting over a long period of time. For example, with the waterway the quality can be measured by observation as well as looking for what lives in the stream. In the nearby riparian vegetation you can measure soil condition (checking simply with a shovel), see how the plants are growing with time and also survey birds and animals.

Post 2019-2020 bushfires in East Gippsland, this Kookaburra looks out over an enforced desert (photo source: Adam Stevenson) - imagine where your food might come from if you were this bird. There are advantages perhaps but more disadvantages. This bird now has a great view to see potential food sources running about on the surface, the fires have reduced the bush scene to seemingly emptiness with no habitat for any species to survive amongst. The disadvantage is that many plants and animals have died and there are few left for the kookaburra to feed on. But this bush setting will recover in time, albeit with fewer native species. Whilst devastation has occurred it is also a time of opportunity. Notice the ash on the ground, this will act as a fertiliser for new plant growth to use after the first rains follow the bushfire to create habitat for the animals that will remain. In this new beginning, humans can have a role in helping to provide a living space for all plants and animals by getting involved in exciting long term projects of small and large size. See Community in this website for more information.

Here is a news article on food plants capturing more sunlight through photosynthesis https://www.farmweekly.com.au/story/6739858/blue-sky-thinking-for-food-production/?cs=5158. Therefore producing more food. It is this sort of thinking that I am using to look at ways Australia Farm can produce food on a larger scale whilst focussing on cutting edge land and water conservation techniques. As time goes on I will explore this more with you in these posts and through this website. Ultimately I want you to be involved, particularly in the projects that will arise to bring about Australia Farm.