Native Animals

The Koala Project was borne in 1995 in the Tweed and Byron shires.
Its aim ... to identify and map koala corridors and remnants.

Jo's job is to seek permission from owners of private land who are willing to plant food and shelter trees for koalas.
Some 40 people have been involved in mapping the koala corridor which extends north-south and east-west within the two shires.
Some 11,600 trees have been planted to date Tallowood is an impoartant species in this area; also Grey Gum, Forest Red gum and Swamp Mahogany.

Jo also spoke about the need for gardeners to be mindful of invasive species e.g. Cannas.
It is her hope that more native species will abound in our gardens though she does admit that the Byron Shire Plant Communities guide is a little restrictive and that plant nurseries have limited supplies of local native species.
Her favourite plants include Grevillia robur and integrifolia. Plant communities can be established including Bibaleum (2-3m with flowers all year), Goodenia, a worthy creeper and the grass types of Lomandra confestifolia and multiflora (grey) along with carix and juncus

WIRES (The NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service Inc) was established in 1985. Since then branches have been established covering most of NSW. It is the largest wildlife rescue and care organisation in Australia.
Jo is a volunteer carer & had many a story to tell about possums.