Cane Toad In Dubbo: Dubbo residents have been urged to keep their eyes peeled for possible cane toad sightings after a male cane toad was positively identified in the area. The toad is believed to have been brought into the area on a moving truck and was quickly captured and reported through the NSW Department of Primary Industries exotic pest helpline. Cane toads are a serious biosecurity threat as they can cause devastating impacts on native wildlife and biodiversity, and pose serious threats to domestic animals. A suspected cane toad should be immediately reported to NSW Department of Primary Industries Biosecurity on 1800 680 244, online, or emailing a photo of the face and details to invasive.species@dpi.nsw.gov.au.
Frogs Return: Frogs are striking up a chorus in the Central West, taking advantage of wet weather and environmental flows to hatch a new generation. Breeding activity has been detected at multiple sites in the Macquarie Marshes near Coonamble following three years of drought, with frogs heard calling for mates throughout the wetland system. Scientists from the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment visited 14 sites and heard frogs calling at 12 of them. The species detected include the Barking marsh frog, Broad palmed frog, Eastern sign-bearing froglet, Peron’s tree frog, Salmon striped frog and the Spotted marsh frog. To find out where you can experience wetlands in NSW national parks, visit https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/environments/wetland-environments
Sport Clubs Champions Of Mental Wellbeing: The NSW Government is calling on sporting organisations to step up and serve some ace ideas for delivering mental health and wellbeing activities as part of a $2.8 million Mental Health Sports program. Clubs can apply for grants until 6th March for activities that provide mental health, resilience and wellbeing benefits to individuals and groups. All NSW-based sports bodies are encouraged to apply. To start your application, visit: https://bit.ly/34HgU1f
Zombies, Aliens, Vampires, Star Wars and Trekkies: An alternate festival is being planned for Parkes called ZAVSWAT -1 in 2023. ZAVSWAT stands for Zombies, Aliens, Vampires, Star Wars and Trekkies, and the festival aims to bring together groups from the acronym to come in their dress up and visit Parkes for a weekend of fun. The lead organiser, Conrad Mill, is looking to form a ZAVSWAT committee to plan the festival. If you would like to be on the inaugural commitee call 0481 472 845.
What do you grow in your garden? Send us photos of your home grown produce to editor@parkesphoenix.com.au