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“We have a continent to learn.
If we are to survive, let alone feel at home,
we must begin to understand our country.
If we succeed, one day we might become Australian.”
Bill Gammage (2011) The Biggest Estate on Earth. How Aborigines Made Australia.
Allen & Unwin, Sydney. p.323
[Used with permission from the publishers]
Please respect the copyright of the documents made available to be downloaded from this page.
If you wish to reproduce any content from these documents, please contact Trish on 0409 065 302
Since 2009, a body of knowledge relating to the natural history of Grasstrees has been accumulating at a steady pace. By its very nature (!), this task is ongoing and continuously under review. The information on this page is provided in the spirit of collaborative effort.
Since 2013, the tireless and meticulous work of Dr. Ross McKenzie in documenting the flora of Grasstrees has been outstanding. In 2016, Ross prepared a series of seven photo guides to the plants of Grasstrees; and since that time, new plant species discoveries have been added to the list: Plants of Grasstrees.
Other lists (for example, birds) are fairly comprehensive; but most lists are only just beginning to be assembled. Some may contain images and field notes without identification; this information is provided in the hope that a reader will give that creature a name – please!
Photo Guide 01 Trees & Mistletoes
Photo Guide 02 Shrubs
Photo Guide 03 Ferns
Photo Guide 04 Forbs
Photo Guide 05 Vines
Photo Guide 06 Grasses Sedges
Photo Guide 07 Orchids
Knowledge of the geological history of Grasstrees is central to understanding its natural history.
Thanks to geologist and friend of Grasstrees, Peter Green, for his contribution on this topic.
Bolivia Hill Geological Setting
Birdwatching on Grasstrees is both an unavoidable delight and an eternal frustration. This bird list was commenced during irregular visits to the property in 2009 and was last updated in December 2023.
Birds of Grasstrees
Empty dams, dry creeks and bushfire have played havoc with our frog populations. This list is a recent effort to capture what we know so far.
Frogs of Grasstrees
From the beautiful Southern Spotted Velvet Gecko to the scary Eastern Brown, here are the reptiles that have been observed thus far. Two species not yet identified.
Reptiles of Grasstrees
Watch this space !!
Lists of our observations of Placental Mammals, Marsupials, and Monotremes; Butterflies and Moths; Arachnids; and Other Insects are in preparation. As they are completed and ready for publication, those lists will be posted on this page.