Rainforest Rescue's Joe and Co have been very busy after their recent family holiday, having now completed the planting of another 1,200 trees on Jindalda Land in the Daintree (part of National Parks) for regeneration.

On Lot 96 the BioPak funded seedlings have grown so much that the fence that was erected back in June to stop cars and quad bikes coming through can’t even be seen clearly! Seedlings have grown approx 200mm since the planting day back in May – this makes Joe and his team extremely happy!

Seed collection is just starting now, and will continue up until Christmas time – these seeds will then be propagated in the Nursery for re-planting on Rainforest Rescue and National Parks land that needs to be regenerated. The planting will commence in the wet season – February to June 2016.

On Lot 46 and ‘BioPak’s Piece of Paradise’ the seedlings have grown approx. 300mm since the planting day! Spring has officially sprung and Joe has noticed that the ‘Peanut tree’ (Sterculia quadrifida) is flowering now, with brilliant red seeds (which taste like peanuts!). The land is looking just beautiful. Without BioPak’s support and Rainforest Rescue’s work on Lot 46, it would still be covered in weeds and a haven for pigs and other feral animals. The consequence of that would be an ongoing erosion of biodiversity, conservation, and World Heritage values and an active contribution to decline of surrounding lands including National Parks which Rainforest Rescue helps to regenerate.

The cassowary babies that were spotted near Joe’s house have moved on, probably because the fruit has run out for them to feed on however there have been lots of cassowary sightings at the Nursery. One particular juvenile cassowary is very taken to this area and loves to frequent the Nursery!

Metallic starling birds are back from New Guinea, as are the Torres Strait pied imperial pigeon so Joe and Co think that the stunning buff breasted paradise kingfishers will follow soon!

After a month on the road with Sandy and visiting family, Joe is right back into it and very happy with how the properties and all plantings are looking!

Thank you BioPak and your customers for your incredible and ongoing support!

By Kristin Canning, Rainforest Rescue

Seed image from Wikimedia Commons
Pigeon image © Wayne Branden
Joe in his element on the back of a ute in the Daintree!