SPOTLIGHT ON MICROPLASTICS
Students from Narrabeen Sports and Davidson High Schools worked with staff from our Coastal Environment Centre to conduct a science study at Narrabeen Lagoon. An incredible 137 microplastic particles were discovered hidden in the sand along the shoreline as part of the school's AUSMAP citizen science program. Students learnt that plastic doesn't break down, it breaks into tiny particles!
BANDY BANDYArticle and photo by Jayden Walsh The Bandy Bandy is a Northern Beaches inhabitant that is nocturnal and feeds exclusively upon Blackish Blind Snakes. In spite of
being widespread and fairly common, it is not regularly encountered by the public. Like all snakes they do not 'attack' humans, as venom is only used to subdue prey. Instead, when alarmed, the Bandy Bandy will tie itself in a loop to confuse its potential predator.
JOIN US
From Manly to Palm Beach, Long Reef to Duffys Forest busy volunteers are working away, dedicating thousands of hours each year to improving our natural environment. These dedicated volunteers are part of Council's Bushcare program. To find out more about how you can get involved, head to our website.
WEED WONDERIn a Council first, we’re looking to use a RMAX Yamaha unmanned helicopter to help with the control of weeds on the Northern Beaches. This innovative weed control technique will help us get to hard reach areas such as cliff faces. Our area, like much of the east coast, has a problem with bitou and bone seed weeds, which if not controlled can impact on our native vegetation leading to significant land degradation. Council is
currently applying for funding to use a helicopter to roll out across the region in early 2019.
OCEAN CARE DAY FESTIVALSun 2 Dec, 10am - 4.30pm
Manly Ocean Beach45+ eco exhibitors, live entertainment, kids’ activities, an ocean lab, art and more! Dress as your favourite sea creature and join the Marine
Parade. Launch at 10.30am includes Aboriginal smoking ceremony, dance and didgeridoo performance.
SIZZLIN' HOT HOLIDAY FUNThe summer school holidays are not far off. Our award-winning Kids on the Coast program is full of exciting outdoor experiences including fossil hunting, fishing, survival skills, coastal rangers, marine biology for kids and nature inspired art creations. The holiday program is suitable for children six to 12 years. Cost per day $61.
LONG REEF WALKSVolunteers from the Department of Primary Industries NSW Fishcare are offering free, guided walks on this beautiful rock platform. In just two hours you will see a huge amount of marine life including bird life and geological formations.
AVALON CAR BOOT SALESat 19 Jan, 8am - 2pm
Dunbar Park, Avalon Snap up a bargain, find a treasure and help prevent pre-loved belongings end up in landfill. This event is one of the Northern Beaches' hottest markets. You'll find live music, fresh coffee and a sausage sizzle. This is a great family day out. Opportunities to be a stallholder still available.
THINK YOU'RE A RECYCLING PRO? Ninety percent of Aussies already agree that recycling is the right thing to do but are you recycling right? Check out our handy tips. Also keep in mind while you are out and about this festive season, to remember to bring along your reusable drink bottle and coffee cup to help reduce plastic pollution.
Article and photo by Jason Ruszczyk, Council's Senior Catchment Officer
HOW ARE OUR LAGOONS FARING?To better understand how our lagoons are faring against the pressures of our urban environment, we need to know whether they are processing all the nutrients they receive off the catchment effectively or not. This process is known as biochemical cycling. To understand this, we have teamed up with the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage’s Estuary Science Unit and scientists from Macquarie University. A laboratory was set up in
Council's Cromer Depot with the team assembling special incubation chambers that recreate 'mini lagoons' from Manly, Narrabeen, Curl Curl and Dee Why Lagoons. The 'mini lagoons' incorporate sediment cores, lagoon water and artificial lighting to mimic day time and night time scenarios. Data from this important project will be analysed over for the next 12 months with findings available in 2019.
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