Some great news to mark NGT’s 10th Year! – Come and join us to celebrate a big expansion of our first reserve, Eaglehawk Waterhole

In some fantastic news ahead of our planting day and open afternoon at Eaglehawk Waterhole this coming Saturday (18th June 2022 – more details below), we’re proud to announce that the reserve has recently been officially expanded by 200 hectares! Considering that Eaglehawk Waterhole was our first reserve, established almost nine years ago in late 2013, it is wonderful news to be able to share in our 10th Anniversary Year.

In terms of landscape context, the map below gives you a sense of the strategic location of Eaglehawk Waterhole, including the Stage 2 addition, and its close proximity to the Little Desert National Park.

The property is located in the upper South East of SA in the general area known as the Bangham district, which has a higher proportion of native vegetation remaining than other parts of the region, and is highlighted as a priority zone for conservation activities. The property also retains important habitat for species and ecological communities listed as threatened under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, including the South-eastern Red-tailed Black-cockatoo and Seasonal Herbaceous Wetlands of the Temperate Lowland Plains.

Stage 1 was purchased back in 2013 by NGT thanks to a partnership with the Native Vegetation Council and Nature Foundation SA Inc, and was initially targeted for purchase because of its strategic location and restoration potential. At that time, the vast majority of the land was grazed by sheep and partially cleared but still retained significant established tree, shrub and understorey cover, complemented by a number of smaller areas which were already protected under conservation agreements. Given their condition, the grazed and cleared areas provided a unique opportunity to preserve a range of important biodiversity values that we knew would respond favourably to a change in land management, but could have otherwise been eventually lost under a more intensive farming regime if NGT had not stepped in.

Earlier this year, in 2022, NGT independently funded the purchase of Stage 2, as part of a process that took five years to unfold and was only possible because of the foresight, generosity and cooperation of one of our neighbours. We especially recognise Charlie Koch and his family from Tallageira Pastoral Company for their patience and commitment to seeing this fantastic outcome for Eaglehawk Waterhole come to fruition. Stage 2 includes a combination of areas of remnant vegetation, as well as previously cleared but now revegetated and/or regenerating areas.

We’ve made huge progress over the years, but both Stage 1 and 2 remain a work in progress, so if you would like to support us with the future management of this expanded reserve, please consider making a donation.

Finally, if you would like to have a look at the expanded reserve, we have some good news!

Upcoming event at Eaglehawk Waterhole – Saturday, 18th June 2022 – 9:30 am – 3:30 pm

This coming Saturday, 18th June 2022, we’ve got a low-key community event planned (please bear in mind that it is outdoors and will be going ahead, rain, hail or shine!)

After a morning revegetation planting session to continue the assisted recovery of the woodlands and ‘wet flat’ country on the property, we’ll provide a light lunch and then head off for a guided 4wd tour of the reserve led by NGT ecologists in the afternoon.

To reserve your place, so that we can provide you with all the details and confirm numbers attending (RSVPs are essential for catering and event management purposes), please click the button below.

We hope to see you then!

PS: For those looking to stay locally over the weekend, accommodation is available at the Frances Hotel, and in nearby Naracoorte and Bordertown.