Trust for Nature (Victoria)

Project specific

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West Gippsland Fund

West Gippsland is one of Victoria’s biodiversity hotspots and acutely vulnerable to climate change.

Protecting West Gippsland’s Natural Wonders

We all know that West Gippsland is special – a spectacularly beautiful, vast and varied terrain stretching from Warragul in Victoria’s east to Sale in its west, north to the Great Dividing Range and south to Wilsons Promontory, boasting sandy beaches, lakes, mountains and lush farmlands. It is an iconic wilderness area, home to many of the state’s most popular natural places and native animals.

The establishment of the West Gippsland Conservation Fund is an exciting initiative for Trust for Nature and the region.  It is not only a first for the Trust but a significant agent of change for conservation in West Gippsland. It transforms our ability to protect this wild, beautiful, richly biodiverse part of Victoria. It delivers security, sustainability and a game changing boost to our capacity to act on the ground to preserve and rehabilitate West Gippsland’s precious natural habitats.

Our initial goal was to establish a million-dollar endowment fund that will be invested, with the returns invested in our ongoing conservation efforts in West Gippsland. We are tremendously grateful for the generous lead donor who made this campaign possible by offering to match, dollar-for-dollar, up to $500,000. With your support we have now reached our first milestone of $1,000,000, allowing for funds to start flowing soon to the region for conservation projects. We are now looking to grow the fund further to enable us to provide increased support for covenantors over the coming years.

Now that we have reached our first goal of $1,000,000 we will begin using interest earned on the fund to provide on ground support and stewardship to advance conservation on the 146 covenants (protecting more than 6,000 ha) in West Gippsland.

Trust for Nature is asking all of our friends and supporters across our extensive networks to follow this inspirational lead. We won’t realise our vision for West Gippsland without you.

For more information or to make a contribution please call 8631 5888 and speak to our fundraising team.

Donate now
Here is the project prospectus

The West Gippsland Conservation Fund will transform our ability to protect this wild, beautiful, richly biodiverse part of Victoria.

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Plains-wanderers

You can help prevent the extinction of the critically endangered Plains-wanderer.

Help save Plains-wanderers

You can help prevent the extinction of the critically endangered Plains-wanderer.

With only one percent of native grassland remaining and less than 1,000 Plains-wanderers in the wild, the protection of its habitat is vital in the fight to save this unique species from the brink of extinction.

Plains-wanderers are ranked number one in Australia and fourth in the world on a list of 9,993 recognised bird species we can least afford to lose because of their evolutionary distinctness.

Trust for Nature is part of a National Recovery Team for the bird which has established a captive program to save it from extinction. The Team includes partners such as Zoos Victoria, Parks Victoria, the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, catchment management authorities and national partners.

The bird can only survive if it has safe places to be released – this is where our work is so important. Working with farmers we have protected about 540 ha in north-central Victoria with conservation covenants so far, and as a result of the work we’re doing to raise awareness of the birds’ plight in the area we have recently heard from many other farmers who are willing to protect this bird; but we can’t do this without more funds.

Main photo courtesy Chris Tzaros
Inset photo courtesy Mark Antos 

Donate to this project now
Here is more information about our work to save this species.

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DONATE NOW NEDS CORNER STATION

Neds Corner Station will be closed to all visitors from Friday 20 March until further notice. Our station managers will be in touch with groups who have upcoming visits or accommodation bookings on a rolling basis.

We apologies for any disappointment this may cause to our loyal community of supporters of Neds Corner, but we have taken this decision to protect the health of visitors and resident station managers. Trust for Nature staff will continue our important conservation work at Neds Corner until we are able to welcome you back.

Conserving Victoria’s outback jewel

Situated in the Mallee region and adjacent to the Murray-Sunset National Park, this 30,000 hectare property represents a unique opportunity for nature conservation in Victoria.

The property, purchased by Trust for Nature in 2002, is home to almost 1000 species, including 77 threatened plants, 24 reptiles and more than 120 types of birds. Researchers have also found 21 species not previously known to science. Among its many wonders is a new species of daisy for Victoria.  The Large Hard-head Daisy is symbolic of the rich diversity of plants and animals that call Neds Corner home. Other treasures include a population of the nationally threatened Growling Grass Frog and a new species of fungus.

Under the care of Trust for Nature, Neds Corner has shown dramatic recovery from a heavily grazed agricultural holding to a conservation reserve of national significance. What were bare sand hills and hard, compacted plains are now vegetated with saltbush and blue bush vegetation.

Donate to Neds

This work has been led by Trust for Nature’s field staff, supported by project partners, staff and volunteers. Stock have been removed, extensive rabbit and fox control implemented, and large-scale re-vegetation carried out across the property.

“It is a very special place and we hope to leave a legacy of best practice conservation management for forthcoming generations to enjoy” said Peter Barnes, Manager of Neds Corner Station.

Due to our work commitments and inclement weather, Neds Corner Station is closed for accommodation during the winter months of June and July and the summer months of January and February. Land management can be more challenging during the wettest and the hottest times of the year and conservation work on the property is a priority. We apologies for any inconvenience.