September 3, 2020, 9:00 pm
Photos from Watergum's post It's Biodiversity month! And Watergum is definitely celebrating the rich Biodiversity in South East Queensland this month. Have a look at all our events coming up; Waterbugs, seagrass, platypus, kids workshops, tree plantings and more!
Also, don't forget to vote for Watergum in the Capture your connection competition on the landcarer app, you can help Watergum win $500! https://www.landcarer.com.au/poll/10/capture-your-connection-finalists/
Ways to help create more biodiversity:
1) Create a natural habitat in your backyard. Look at plants that are native to your region and help create a backyard sanctuary for local birds and wildlife.
2) Get rid of weeds and reduce invasive species on your property. What seems like a perfectly harmless plant can turn into a noxious weed if it jumps your back fence and heads into bushland.
3) Be a responsible pet owner. If you can no longer keep your pet do not release it into the wild. This includes pet fish — do not flush them down the toilet or put them into local streams. Make sure your cat is de-sexed and either keep it indoors or invest in an outdoor cat run — domestic cats can have a devastating effect on local wildlife.
4) Reduce, reuse and recycle. Look at ways to reduce the amount of rubbish that ends up in landfill and the waterways. Many things can now be recycled.
5) Start your own compost bin. Organic matter like vegetable peelings which usually ends up landfill is great for your garden. Start composting and you can reduce the need for chemicals and fertilisers in the garden and improve the health of your soil.
6) Only put water down the drains. Things like oils and chemicals may start at the kitchen sink but end up in our waterways and seas and can affect animals and plants living in streams and rivers. Instead of using commercial cleaning chemicals try using white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda.
7) Be an informed seafood eater. Don’t eat threatened fish species.
8) Understand what you can and can’t take with you when you travel. Some tourist souvenirs and items you buy over the internet are made from or contain derivatives of plants and animals. If you are bringing plants or animals into or out of Australia, go to Information for travellers and online shoppers beforehand.
9) When you’re sailing, don't get too close to whales and dolphins. Worldwide, whales, dolphins and porpoises face many threats, from being directly hunted to being caught in fishing nets. Ship strike, pollution, climate change, ocean noise, tourism, discarded fishing gear or other rubbish may also affect the population. They can also be loved to death by overenthusiastic whale watchers. ... See more