The Candelo and Districts Landcare Group (CDLG) has highlighted its major projects over the past three years with an ecotour of Candelo Creek.
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The tour was lead by principal ecologist with local environmental consultants EnviroKey, Steve Sass.
Mr Sass spoke about the ecology of the creek and the use of bird watching apps before discussing the inappropriate use of many apps bird call functions.
According to Mr Sass, bird calls can change the behavior of nesting birds, leading to the possible death of chicks.
During the tour, the crowd was lucky to see the dozens of threatened grey-headed flying fox in trees, with Mr Sass explaining the behavior and challenges the species are currently facing.
According to the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, the grey-heaed flying fox is the most vulnerable species due to competition with humans for prime coastal habitat along the south-east Queensland, NSW and Victorian coasts.
After the tour Mr Sass discussed three types of nesting boxes for micro-bats and birds, their construction and placement within their habitat.
Over the past three years, CDLG has been striving to further engage the local community with the creek and surrounding areas, and the fully booked ecotour has been labelled a success.
CDLG secretary Nikki Wagner said over 50 people had taken part in the tour.
With funding help from the Candelo Market Committee, BVSC, Bendigo Bank and Landcare, the CDLG has organized a photo muster, brochure of the Candelo village, flora and fauna survey of the creek and surrounding areas, a plan of management and a new local ecosystem information sign.
The new sign has been the ongoing project of local Landcare president Philippa Street.
The sign is the product of three years of researching the community, gathering photographs, engaging local historians, flora and fauna surveys and stream hydrology.
Ms Street was delighted with the community interest and response to the event, and said she is looking forward to continuing engaging the community with the natural environment.