projects & Programs

Daangean turtle project

The turtle monitoring program at the Devilbend Natural Features Reserve started in November 2018, with an aim to investigate and provide practical solutions due the concerns around turtle nests that were being dug up by foxes.

Realising that there was no information at hand on how the turtles were faring, how many nests were being dug up, locations where nesting was taking place within the park, or if the turtles in the park have a healthy cross-section of age demographic. These were just some of the initial concerns that we needed to find the answers to.

header photo: Hansi wegner.
Tank Art by: Adam magennis.

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murnong / grassland project

The Murnong / Native Grassland project is an exciting initiative. In 1993 it was recorded that 99.5% of our native grasslands within Victoria had been destroyed. Working with Parks Victoria to bring the Murnong / Grassland project to fruition, we have identified areas within Devilbend that are ideally suited to be restored back to its traditional values by reinstating native grassland species.

Native Murnong – Microseris walteri (Yam Daisy) is one species of many that has been identified in the area and we are keen to re-establish. Small trial planting areas have been started where we are monitoring  outcomes, and working towards establishing best adaptive management practices before rolling the project out on a larger scale.  

There are lots of different aspects to the project and everyone is welcome no matter what your skill set. Please contact us if you would like to help. 

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School ambassador program

The school ambassador program started in January 2018. The aim is to provide a practical hands-on, field-based learning experience for year 6 students that have a passion and wonderment for nature and environmental science. 

Students come out to Devilbend Natural Features Reserve three to four times a term to participate in a range of activities.

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shoreline habitat project

A view from above one of the newly planted shoreline areas. The overall aim of the project is to improve and add to shoreline plant diversity and structure. This will help to assist with safe basking areas for turtles and night roosting for water birds. It also provides opportunities for turtle stealth / ambush feeding, increases food sources for turtles, and increases opportunities for frogs, lizards and birds.

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Southern Toadlet Project

The Southern toadlet project is now in its second season.
Being early days, there is still a lot of ground to cover to fully understand the extent of the population within the reserve. Once we have a deeper understanding of existing population,  we can then develop a management strategy for the protection of this species.  If you would like to hop along and give us a hand,  please contact us to see how you can help.

Photo: Jodi Rowley

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Above photo: Sue brabender

Latham's Snipe Survey

Supporting The Latham’s Snipe Project by reporting local sightings all goes to helping with the bigger picture. Most importantly, it helps us understand more about our local population that visit annually. This information will be vital in making sure favourable conditions remain. 

If you have any interest in getting involved in the national Snipe survey at Devilbend, we would love to hear from you. To register your interest, please visit ParkConnect. Surveys are conducted three times a season – the dates for the coming season are Sept 9, Nov 11 and Jan 13. We always welcome new counters. 

Latham’s Snipe count instructions: Lathams snipe count instructions v3

Latham’s Snipe count sheet: Lathams snipe count sheet v3

To learn more about the amazing Latham’s Snipe project and the people running it, visit their website here.

Improving Habitat

One of the newly planted areas, aimed at increasing plant diversity

Impermanent Water Areas

Great place to look for Latham’s Snipe during migration times.

australasian bittern project

The project was started to provide a helping hand to the vulnerable  Australasian Bittern that is listed as Endangered. Still in its infancy, the initial aim for the project is to establish if the Bittern is still visiting the Reserve, as the last recorded sighting was quite some time ago. To achieve this, we are conducting selective regular  surveys in Bittern-preferred habitat within the Reserve.

Habitat assessment and improvement is also an essential part of the project so that the Australasian Bittern continues to visit now and into the future.

Photo by: Leigh Pieterse

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FAQ

A few basic questions and answers to get you started

To become a volunteer with us, you will need to register with ParkConnect and create your volunteer profile. More information can be found on our volunteer page, or feel free to contact us if have any questions.

Yes you do, details on how to apply can be found: Here 

We follow the Health & Safety guidelines provided by Parks Victoria.

At working bees, hats and sunscreen in the warmer months are to be worn along with sturdy boots or shoes, long pants and long sleeves to help minimise the risk of scratches bites and/or injury from tools.

Current Covid guidelines must be followed at all times, so please bring your own drinking water and snack.

No you don’t, just a willingness to help out and have some fun.

Depending on the weather, normally 2 – 3 hours. You can leave early if you need to.

Yes you can. To attend our activities, you just need to be registered on ParkConnect. However, if you do plan on attending more than two activities with us,  administration is much easier and a time saver if you join The Crew at Daangean.

Yes you can, but you will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.