Marna Banggara Project Manager, Derek Sandow, with the new prospectus and 10‑year strategic plan outlining the next phase of restoration.

The prospectus was launched at a showcase event that brought together partners from government, industry, conservation and the community, highlighting how investment in nature can deliver environmental, economic and social benefits.

Building on seven years of progress, including the successful return of the yalgi (brush‑tailed bettongs) after more than a century of local extinction, the next phase focuses on scaling up restoration and predator management across the landscape.

By working alongside landholders, Traditional Owners and National Parks and Wildlife Service, we are showing how restoring nature at scale can support healthy Country, productive farms and thriving regional communities.

>> Read more

H5 avian influenza has now been detected in South Australia. If you spot sick or dead wild birds, don't touch them. Call 1800 675 888. Image credit: PIRSA

If you keep poultry or spend time near waterways and coastal areas, it is worth knowing what to look for. Sick or dead waterfowl, shorebirds or seabirds should be reported, and the same goes for five or more dead wild birds of any species found in the same location. Don't touch them. Record the date, location and species, and call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline.

For poultry owners, the main protective measure is biosecurity: limit contact between your flock and wild birds, keep feed and water covered, and report any unusual signs of illness promptly.

>> For latest updates visit PIRSA website

Smiles all round as attendees built confidence in plant identification and seed collection for local revegetation efforts.

Delivered with Trees For Life, the training focused on helping participants recognise key local species and collect seed at the right time, an important step for successful revegetation and maintaining strong, locally adapted plant communities.

At Orroroo, the workshop formed part of the Stronger Country project, where landholders are working together to restore threatened grassy woodlands and grasslands using local seed, improved land management and shared knowledge.

The strong response across all four workshops is already shaping future training, with more opportunities being planned to build on these skills.

>> Explore upcoming events

Congratulations to John Peet, Tim Howard and Nick Nicholls on their well-earned recognition, with awards presented by Craig Nixon.

John Peet and Tim Howard were presented with National Medals, recognising 15 years of ethical and diligent service in organisations that protect the community. Tim was also awarded a 20‑year CFS Service Clasp, marking two decades of commitment with the South Australian Country Fire Service.

Nick Nicholls was also recognised, receiving a 10-year service award.

The awards were presented by Craig Nixon, National Parks and Wildlife Service Manager for the Yorke and Mid North region, acknowledging the important role staff play alongside CFS and DEW crews, often behind the scenes and in challenging conditions.

“Serving our community has always been about helping people, protecting our environment and making a difference when it’s needed most,” Tim said.

Working alongside landholders to manage feral predators and protect local landscapes.

Cage trapping began last week with two large cats removed from private properties, and aerial baiting across large areas of native bush has expanded the program's footprint across the region. Coming up in late July and early August, a community trapping blitz will give landholders the chance to get involved, with staff on the ground to support and guide anyone new to cage trapping.

>> Contact Dylan to get involved

Wallaroo Mines Primary School students in action, planting native species along the Copper Coast Rail Trail.

After reaching out to improve local habitat, the class partnered with us and Copper Coast Council to turn their idea into action. Janet Moore and Nick Nicholls worked alongside students, who were quick to get their hands in the soil and give back to their local area.

The species were chosen to support pollinators and small birds, helping create food and shelter along the trail. A surprise visit from a bearded dragon and a stick insect midway through planting was a perfect reminder of why this work matters.

>> Got an idea for a similar project

African boxthorn can quickly form dense thickets if left unmanaged, creating habitat for pests and impacting pasture and native vegetation.

These thickets provide shelter and food for a range of pest species. Foxes are attracted to the red berries and can then move on to lambs, while also spreading gastrointestinal worms through flocks. Feral cats, rabbits and pest birds also use the shelter, placing pressure on pasture, livestock and native vegetation.

Early identification and control are key, as small patches can quickly expand, making management more difficult and increasing risks to production and biodiversity.

July to September is the main window for control, when plants have good leaf cover for effective spot spraying. Larger infestations may require mechanical removal, such as blade ploughing, dozing or specialised equipment.

Regional Field Ecologist, Nick Modra, shares practical advice on identifying and managing African boxthorn in a short video.

>> Watch the video

The team that brought the Coastal Gardens workshops to Yorke Peninsula. Our own Fabienne Dee and Nick Nicholls along with Kellie Saint from GumFlat Native Plants.

Last month we ran two free Coastal Gardens workshops on Yorke Peninsula, working through these challenges with local community members and exploring how local native plants, adapted to local conditions over thousands of years, can work across every garden style, from formal to cottage to contemporary.

Part of that conversation covered what to avoid: species like boneseed, ice plant and bridal creeper spread beyond garden fences, outcompete local native vegetation and are costly to control once established.

One tip worth taking away: when buying natives, ask your nursery for plants of local provenance, meaning grown from seed collected in your specific area. They will establish faster and perform better than generic natives because they have already adapted to your exact conditions.

Couldn't make it to a workshop?
>> Download a free copy of Coastal Gardens: A Planting Guide

A great turnout at the first Clare Sustainability Festival, with the community coming together to share ideas and practical sustainability solutions.

Led by local volunteers, the day focused on simple, achievable actions people can take at home or on farm, with a strong emphasis on sharing knowledge and building confidence across the community.

Northern and Yorke Landscape Board contributed to the program through a series of workshops, alongside a diverse lineup of demonstrations and speakers covering soil health, regenerative agriculture, waste reduction and energy.

The strong turnout highlighted growing interest in sustainability, with momentum already building for what comes next.

>> Get involved with landscape management at home

Community-led efforts are helping restore native habitat along the South Para River.

With $10,000 in Grassroots Grants funding and more than 135 volunteer hours, the group tackled a rugged 1.5-kilometre stretch of the South Para Gorge, working methodically downstream from a key control point near the South Para Reservoir.

Watsonia once dominated large sections of the park, outcompeting native grasses, altering water flows and degrading habitat. Where it has been cleared, kangaroo grass and lemon grass are returning, along with riparian herbs and the SA-rare annual fern Anogramma leptophylla.

Watsonia is persistent, but so is the volunteer group committed to restoring this landscape.

>> Read full case study

Find the latest information and opportunities for people working in agriculture in the Northern and Yorke region, via our Sustainable Ag Update. Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator, Molly O'Dea keeps her finger on the pulse and updates this page regularly to help keep you informed.

>> Sign up to receive the Sustainable Ag Update to be the first in-the-know.

JULY

05-12 | NAIDOC week
07-10 | LambEx, Adelaide Convention Centre
08 | NextGen Producers Mixer, 5:00pm - 06:30pm, Adelaide
15 | Megafauna of the Great Southern Reef, 4:00pm - 6:00pm, Nuriootpa
16 | Tide together: Why every ocean creature counts, 3:30pm - 04:30pm, Nuriootpa
21 | Hart Winter Walk, 9:00am - 12:00pm, Hart Field Site
26 | National Tree Day

Algal bloom support packages
As the state battles with algal bloom along its coastlines, the South Australian and Australian governments have announced algal bloom support packages, including financial relief payments for impacted commercial fisheries, licenced aquaculture businesses and eligible marine industry businesses. Counselling and other resources are also available.

Making the moo-st of it in the Northern and Yorke region.

Do you have a landscape or nature photo to share? If you've taken a striking photo somewhere in the Northern and Yorke region, we'd love to share it in an upcoming edition of the Yakka.

>> Email Anna with your images