Enviro-Dynamics

We are delighted to let you know that the 2025 Melanie J Kelly Bursary is now open for applications. Established in honour of the late Mel Kelly's 25-year contribution to conservation in Tasmania, the Fund will provide up to $5,000 in funding to support a trailblazing woman in the sector, with the aim of advancing activities or research linked to conservation outcomes. Director of Enviro-dynamics, and friend to the late Mel Kelly, Josie Kelman says that she hopes women who are working in the sector can find the time to apply. "With so much great work, ideas and projects in Tasmanian conservation out there, we hope this funding will provide a welcome boost to good work that is already being done, or provide the catalyst for a conservation project to get off the ground. "Mel's contribution to the sector over so many years has been an inspiration to many of us and this is such a great way for us to honour her legacy." Full details of the fund can be found on the Landscape Recovery Foundation website. But work that supports the following will be well considered : -projects with scent detection dogs -projects that support threatened species -practical ideas that support conservation action in natural resource management, or -other projects, products or activities that supports conservation outcomes, will be strongly considered. Applicants need to submit a short video about their work or project. Applications close Friday 21 February 2025. The successful applicant will be advised in March 2025. More information and criteria via the link below. https://lnkd.in/gXVPpkVS

A great opportunity for our ecologists to spend some time sharing knowledge with like-minded people at the conference of the Ecological Society of Australia (ESA 2024) in Melbourne this week. Such critical work and one that comes from a place of passion for our team both sharing and taking the opportunities that networking brings. We look forward to more meaningful conversations with our colleagues in the coming year.

A great day out with the TasNetworks crew celebrating what great collaboration for improved ecological outcomes looks like. It’s a big job but one we’ve embraced through this partnership and those with councils as we extend the reach of the Derwent Catchment Project. The highlight, other than Pippa the Wonderdog, was spending a great few hours with the TasNetworks Sustainbility and Media Teams. We’re looking forward to doing more great work together.

For anyone who has been following Enviro-Dynamics biodiversity protection work through the Detector Dog program, this video unpacks a little more our plans to build statewide capacity to better detect Phytophthora cinnamomi so it can be better managed. This is about training the dogs but also about building the skills, knowledge and capability of dog trainers so they too can share the knowledge, and help reduce this threat to our native plants within Tasmania. https://lnkd.in/grA4rfy9

Meet Pippa the wonder dog! The Enviro-Dynamics team is pleased to introduce Pippa, hanging out here with her less famous handler Morgan (Mo) McPherson. Pippa has joined the team as a phytophthora detection dog, alongside furry detection-team member Fonz who is already trained to detect ‘nasty grasses’ including Chilean needle grass, serrated tussock and orange hawkweed. Phytophthora dieback (dieback; caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi) is one of the greatest plant disease threats to Australia’s natural environment and natural heritage. It is considered the second greatest threat to threatened species in Australia (rabbits are number 1). Chief Handler Mo McPherson is heading to Western Australia with Todd Holliday (The Derwent Catchment Project) and Sue Jennings (Quarry Clean) for a week to undertake dog handler training with Ryan Tate from TATE Animal Training Enterprises, with the goal of supporting biosecurity dog training in Tasmania. The Western Australian Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions is leading the Australian Government funded Saving Native Species grant to develop dieback detector dog capacity across Australia. The program is taking place in partnership with Biosecurity Tasmania. Until Mo gets back, Pippa can put her paws up and have a doggie rest. #dieback #Phytopthora #biosecurity

Tasmania's latest State of the Environment Report was tabled a few weeks ago in Parliament. Peter Boyer last week provided his thoughts about its role and recognised the contribution of the many clever people that helped pull it together including some of the team at Enviro-dynamics. His commentary on Tasmania's State of the Environment report is also a solid reminder about the role that our natural places play in the lives of all Tasmanians, and the reputation that our extraordinary forests and rivers play in attracting tourists from around the world. The report itself is a point in time document, but it is also an important benchmark which provides the basis for effective monitoring. This commentary also appeared in the Hobart Mercury. Details below: https://lnkd.in/gGyPq-qg

Here is the orchid conservation story featuring Dr Magali Wright that aired last Friday 20 September on ABC’s Gardening Australia. This is such a valuable project and one that has had significant time, care and investment from its partners for such a long time. Enjoy! https://lnkd.in/gpFdkmy4

Tasmanian State of the Environment Report released!! We are excited to note the release of the 2024 State of the Environment Report for Tasmania, which was tabled in Parliament and is available today. The last report was released back in 2009 and we acknowledge the Tasmanian Planning Commission for taking on this complex task, made more difficult due to the 14 year gap since the last report was released. It was a good project to be involved with and was important work, done in collaboration with passionate scientists and professionals, all working towards a shared outcome. We knew there would be some challenges brought about by limited budget and short timeframes. With the release of the 2024 report Tasmania now has a baseline for regular state of the environment updates. >See the report here - https://lnkd.in/gVAs9Efp >See the media release here -  https://lnkd.in/g8VhxZyM #SoE #stateofenvironment #tasmania #naturalvalues

We are looking forward to tuning into the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) this Friday evening to find out a bit more about the Tasmanian Orchid Conservation and Research Program from Orchid Program Lead Magali Wright. This program, run in partnership with the Landscape Recovery Foundation and the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, has been going in one form or other since 2006 and Magali has been involved with the work since 2012. Tune in to ABC at 7.30pm on Friday night to find out about low-impact orchid photography and why it is important. There is more good news. On 4-5 October there are displays and workshops at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens where you can learn more about low-impact photography and the wonders of our orchid flora. Check out the Tasmanian Orchid Conservation Facebook page (https://lnkd.in/gTHvY8Dq) for more information about this work. #ABCMyGarden, #orchidconservation, #DCCEEW, #NativeSpecies, #SaveNativeSpecies, #Conservation These events are supported by funding from the Australian Governments’ Saving Native Species Program (Priority Species Grant).

Come and join our Orchid Photography Workshops 4-5 October One of the best things we can all do to conserve orchids is to ensure our wild populations are protected and safe. Many of our most precious species are at a high risk of being ‘loved’ to death, which is never our intention when we are heading out there to enjoy and photograph them. However, sometimes we just don’t realise that some of the things we do can have long-lasting negative impacts. If you are keen to find out about the best ways to help these orchids, you are invited to come along to the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens and attend the Low Impact Orchid Photography workshop. Delivered in partnership with the Landscape Recovery Foundation and the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. Details shared by one of our orchid team Fiona Walsh below.