At the end of last month, some brave adventurers trekked around Browns Island, which is located near Gateway Island between Albury and Wodonga. Our walkers came prepared with gumboots to wade across Wodonga Creek; this only being possible with low river levels in the Murray at present.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The first walk was guided by the incredibly knowledgeable Ben Humphries from BirdLife Australia, who helped the participants record 32 different bird species on the island. These records will help guide Parklands’ restoration efforts on Browns Island over the next three years as we focus on removal of woody weeds and planting of native species to provide habitat for birds as well as grey-headed flying foxes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The second walk was led by our own Ranger Dan and focused on the natural and cultural values of the island with explanations as to what conservation efforts are underway. As well as planting to provide habitat for bats and birds, riparian frontage will also be revegetated with native shrubs, grasses, and wetland grasses which will improve habitat for aquatic species such as the threatened Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii), with the goal to extend the quality riparian habitat from 10 to 80 metres out from the stream bank. Habitat corridors linking the Murray islands to the threatened box gum grassy woodlands at Eastern and Huon Hills will also be revegetated which will benefit woodland birds, reptiles, and mammals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This project is funded by the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program.