Some reports and popular books, such as Bill Gammage's Biggest Estate on Earth, have argued that extensive areas of Australia's forests were kept open through frequent burning by First Nations people.

A key question then is: what does the evidence say about what tall, wet forests actually looked like 250 years ago? The answer matters because it influences how these forests are managed.

Our key conclusion is that these forests were not open or park-like-as was the case in some other vegetation types in Australia.

The compelling evidence we compiled all indicates mountain ash forests were dense, wet environments, not open and park-like, at the time of British invasion.

Indigenous rangers in the Western Desert area of northern Western Australia recently spotted a small mole covered in silky golden hair, marking the second sighting in six months. The desert region is home to unique species adapted to the hot, dry environment. The rangers play a crucial role in monitoring and protecting these lesser-known desert species. Ecologists highlight the importance of documenting desert species, especially as climate change impacts their habitats. The rangers, like Lynette Wildridge, work tirelessly to track and protect these elusive animals, showcasing their dedication to conservation efforts in the remote desert landscapes.

More info and pictures: https://aus.social/@treevan/110293053188000541

One recipe:

Articles:

https://www.biochar-journal.org/en/ct/77-Planting-Urban-Trees-with-Biochar

https://stockholmtreepits.co.uk/ - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/341343983_Tree_Pits_with_Structural_Soils_-_Practice_Note_Version_12

https://medium.com/carboculture/how-to-use-biochar-for-structured-soil-plant-beds-in-urban-areas-8a45108e799

A 20-year experiment conducted by Colorado State University researchers in Yellowstone National Park found that restoring apex predators like wolves was not a quick fix for ecosystems degraded by their absence. While wolf reintroduction lowered elk populations, willows and aspens did not recover as strongly as expected even after carnivore numbers rebounded naturally. Constructing fences and dams showed the importance of reducing browsing and increasing water access independently. The study challenges the idea that easily reversing food webs can undo lasting ecological changes.

This article discusses how climate change is threatening Australia's snow gum trees through more frequent and intense bushfires. Snow gums have not evolved to cope with higher fire frequencies and are struggling to recover after multiple fires in short succession. Researchers have found that over 90% of snow gum forests in Victoria have burned at least once since 2000, and 30% have burned 3-5 times since 1938. With less time between fires, the younger snow gums do not have enough time to mature and produce seeds, potentially leading to ecological collapse of snow gum woodlands. Experts are calling for more protection of remaining old-growth snow gum forests and a shift towards prioritizing ecological assets during bushfire seasons.

Well, the next best thing.

Hibiscus heterophyllus.

Usually I post to slrpnk.net and they are currently on 0.18.5. None of my posts/comments (2 posts, 1 comment) are federating.

Just letting you know if anyone here is posting to non-updated instances, it's possible they aren't going through. Yet completely possible they are. Who knows with this federation business.

I'm going to go to the ~~Winchester~~ Engadine Maccas, ~~grab a schooner~~ shit my pants and wait for this to all blow over.

Silvia Pinca purchased 80 acres of land in New Zealand that was previously used as a pine plantation. She is working to rewild the land by removing invasive species like pines, pampas grass, and banana passionfruit and replanting native trees and shrubs. So far she has removed over 32,000 pines and planted hundreds of native seedlings. Native birds are starting to return to the land to help with seed dispersal. Her long term goal is to restore the native forest ecosystem and create a nature reserve.

Residents of Colaton Raleigh village in Devon, England were upset after discovering that 100 ancient beech trees located on a conservation site had been felled without consulting the local community. The Forestry Commission approved an application by a local landowner to cut down the trees. Residents said the trees were an important part of the local heritage and habitat, and that it will take over 200 years for new trees to regrow. Experts said engaging local communities is important for conservation decisions.

https://now.humboldt.edu/news/research-explores-capacity-biochar-combat-climate-change-improve-forest-soils

Researchers will conduct tests in the Six Rivers National Forest, treating each test site with a unique biochar mix that’s seeded with a native, pollinator-friendly plant mix to compare growth between test sites.

They’ll measure changes in vegetation productivity, diversity, native species composition, soil carbon, nutrients, metals, bulk density, seasonal water availability, and microbial community composition over a five-year period.

The article discusses a new Australian innovation called PYROCO that uses high heat to turn waste like sewage sludge and food waste into a carbon-rich product called biochar. This process removes pathogens and can turn waste into resources like fertilizer or materials for batteries. The technology has undergone trials and shows promise to more sustainably manage waste. Researchers are now working to commercialize the technology.

A gravel wicking bed. The soil is 100% gravel by volume with 15% compost and biochar filling the gaps.