Many hands make a turtle island. This is the first turtle project of its kind in our region, and it's just the start.

Two types of islands are now in the water, each doing a different job. The Biohaven (nesting) Island gives turtles a fox-free spot to lay their eggs. The Basking Islands give them somewhere safe to climb out, dry off, and warm up in the sun.

Eastern long-necked females lay 10-12 eggs per nest, with peak nesting from November through January. Foxes and cats can destroy up to 95% of those nests. A May install gives the Biohaven's vegetation time to take root before peak nesting season.

Led by our Planning Officer, Jennifer Munro, the work has brought together Barossa TAFE students, wine industry staff, Mid North primary school students, landholders and councils. Professors, Ricky Spencer and Mike Thompson, were out in the field with us as part of the national 1 Million Turtles Community Conservation Program.

The project is more than just habitiat. Observations from the project will contribute to state and national databases, helping us understand the health of permanent pools and dams across the region. TURTLE is a state-wide effort with the Murraylands and Riverland and Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Boards, running through to 2027.

>> Spotted a turtle? Log it on TurtleSAT
>> Learn more about the TURTLE project

The TURTLE project is funded by the SA Government's Landscape Priorities Fund.

House mouse (Mus musculus). The introduced species is most common in agricultural and urban areas, and is distinct from Australia's native rodents and marsupial mice. Image credit: PIRSA

PIRSA reports that mouse plagues hit South Australia every four to six years, and when they do, the impact runs well beyond the paddock. Low-rainfall cereal areas tend to feel it first, but mice also chew through machinery and wiring, raid stored feed for pig and poultry producers, and can pass disease on to humans and livestock.

Grain Producers Australia has secured an emergency APVMA permit for double-strength zinc phosphide bait (ZnP50), available  until 15 December 2026. The product offers a stronger control option than the standard product, subject to a short online training course. For grain growers, the advice is to Watch and Act at Sowing.

>> PIRSA resource

>> Permit announcement

Wild artichoke, one of the weeds to watch out for this season. Acting early while plants are young makes management easier and helps stop the spread.

For agriculture alone, weeds cost Australia around $4–5 billion a year in lost production and control. Fresh growth makes weeds easier to spot after the autumn rains, and younger plants take less work to control before they set seed in spring. Locally, a few usual suspects to keep an eye on are horehound, wild artichoke and African boxthorn, though it's often the easy-miss corners that matter most. Fence lines, creek beds, garden beds, driveways, sheds and roadsides are where things sneak up on you.

A bit of hygiene helps too. Cleaning down boots, tools, machinery and vehicles between properties stops weeds hitching rides where they don't belong.

>> Learn more about weeds in the region

Caring for Country Officer, Josh Strangways and Marna Bangarra Predator Control Officer, Jack Hall, and Aaron Smith from Innes National Park at Nharangga Cultural Day. A full day of culture, community and connection at Dudley Flat Reserve.

Northern and Yorke Landscape Board team members Josh Strangways and Jack Hall were on site throughout the day, chatting with visitors and sharing information about pest management, Marna Banggara and native species. The taxidermy animals proved a crowd favourite and a great conversation starter.

Across the day, people moved between art, food, performances and guided experiences, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere throughout the reserve. It was a great day out, with plenty of positive feedback and a strong sense of community on display. Well done to everyone who helped bring the day together.

Marna Bangarra Project Ecologist, Claire Hartvigsen-Power, out in the field at Marna Banggara, where bettong monitoring and research is helping track how these animals are settling back into the landscape.

University students and researchers have been out in the field supporting predator monitoring and yalgi research. This includes camera surveys as well as work on diet, genetics and gut health, helping build a clearer picture of how yalgi are re-establishing across the landscape.

Aerial feral cat baiting is also underway as part of ongoing efforts to manage predators and give native species the best chance to establish. Together, this work reflects what Marna Banggara is aiming to do: restore the natural processes that keep landscapes healthy while working alongside agriculture and the community.

There is more to come. Later this month, the team will launch the Marna Banggara Rewilding Prospectus, marking the project’s next chapter and opening the door for businesses and investors to back real environmental outcomes alongside their sustainability and ESG commitments.

>> Find out more about Marna Banggara

>> Rewilding prospectus launch

Boots on, plants loaded. Free planting day at the Hart Field Site on 10 June. We'll see you there.

From grasses and understory species through to large trees, there's plenty going in across the day, starting at 10:00am. Our ecologists will be on the ground too, running a free 45-minute session at 11:00am on native plant ID and on-farm revegetation, with tips on planning, establishing and maintaining your own reveg area. A BBQ lunch follows at midday. We'll keep going until the last plant's in the ground. Extra hands always welcome.

10 June | 10:00am-3:00pm | Hart Field Site 

>> Register here

Meet the crew bringing Clare's first Sustainability Festival to life. Expect conversations on soil health, food waste, First Nations perspectives and more. 20 June.

Held in Clare, the program covers regenerative agriculture, soil health, food waste and First Nations perspectives on sustainability. There's hands-on workshops on worm farming, native gardens, bike maintenance and clothing repair, plus market stalls and a recycled fashion parade to round out the day.

From reducing waste and saving money to better managing soil, water and energy, everything is designed to be practical, local and easy to apply at home.

A great opportunity to connect with others, pick up new ideas and see what's happening across the region.

20 June | 9:00am - 3:00pm | Clare Town Hall

>> Learn more

Landscape Officer, Philly Wilkinson, with bat expert, Terry Reardon and bird specialist, John Gitsham, wrapping up a full house at Barossa Bush Gardens with a bat handshake.

Bat expert, Terry Reardon, and bird specialist, John Gitsham, shared their knowledge of these nocturnal neighbours, from how they live and where they shelter through to the role they play in keeping landscapes healthy. A key part of the conversation was how bats and birds of prey can support vineyards by helping to manage insect pests and rodents naturally.

It's always a good sign when a room fills with people curious about what’s right outside their door. Thanks to everyone who came out and our amazing staff, Philippa Wilkinson and Jamie Pook, for bringing it all together.

More workshops are on the way this winter. To get involved or find out how you can work alongside the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board to support healthy landscapes, visit the events page or get in touch.

>> Explore upcoming events and workshops

Interactive by design. The Price Progress Association installed the panel at the community play space to bring local birdlife into clearer view.

You might have spotted somthing new at the Price community play space. A new wingspan sign invites you to stretch out your arms and see how you measure up against local bird species. It’s simple, a bit of fun, and a feature that’s adding something new for visitors passing through.

The project was supported by $7,945 through the Grassroots Grants program and shines a light on what’s just nearby. Price sits alongside the saltmarsh and mangroves of Wills Creek, an area known for its rich birdlife, with between 60 and 130 species recorded.

The end result, an engaging feature that connects people to place and highlights the value of local knowledge and community effort.

>> 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.

JUNE

10 | Hart planting day, 10:00am - 3:00pm, Hart
17 | Dams with benefits, 9:00am - 12:00pm, Mintaro
20 | Gawler Repair Cafe, 9:30am - 12:00pm, Gawler
20 | Clare Sustainability Festival, 9:00am - 3:00pm, Clare
23 | Nitrogen fertiliser workshop, 2:00pm - 04:00pm, Minlaton
24 | Nitrogen fertiliser workshop, 2:00pm - 04:00pm, Maitland
25 | Nitrogen fertiliser workshop, 2:00pm - 04:00pm, Paskeville
25 | Rewilding prospectus launch, 5:00pm - 07:00pm, Adelaide
29 | Nitrogen fertiliser workshop, 2:00pm - 04:00pm, Freeling

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.

Out there everywhere. Our team works across the Northern and Yorke region's 38,500 sq km, from the Flinders Ranges to the Yorke Peninsula coastline.

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