There Goes the Neighbourhood

Adelaide's very first mob of Grey-headed Flying Foxes - AKA Fruit Bats - have moved into the eastern suburbs. It started with an advance party of 50 or so. Two weeks later the 'camp' numbered more than a 1000. Stay tuned for the 'reaction' of local residents!

The Simpson Re-Loaded

If you didn't catch up with the Australian Geographic story about last year's flood event in Simpson Desert, it's now available in online form here thanks to AG's new website.

More research into the bleedin' obvious . . .

Amazing - who would have thought getting among trees and green things would be a good idea?

"There is growing evidence that combining activities such as walking or cycling with nature boosts well-being. In the latest analysis, UK researchers looked at evidence from 1,250 people in 10 studies and found fast improvements in mood and self-esteem." See the full news story here.

In Praise of Narrow Leaves

They are the trees of Kangaroo Island, the Narrow-leaf Mallee - Eucalyptus cneorifolia. As ubiquitous as they may seem, less than 11% of their original cover remains on the island, often in thin wind breaks like these. For all their apparent mop-headed vigour, they and their understorey plants are at risk - often from senescence. See here for more info. The trees will be a feature in an exhibition by Janine Mackintosh and other KI artists at the National Wine Centre 27 July - 29 August.

VALE CHRIS BAXTER 1946 - 2010

Australia's wild places lost a stout-hearted friend with the recent passing of Chris Baxter. A prolific rock climber and life-long bushwalker, Chris is best known for his work as co-founder of Wild and Rock magazines. But he was much more than a climbing legend turned self-made publisher. His passion for the bush whirled from deep within. He took nature seriously and was fearless in defending its freedoms. Yet for all his imposing presence Chris was also a steadfast and encouraging spirit. For nearly 30 years - and through thick and thin - he remained a loyal supporter of my writing. I owe him a lot and I'll miss the phone calls out of the blue - calls full of news, declarations, gossip, flights of rhetoric and that wonderful booming voice on the other end of the line.

Chris Baxter at Hanging Rock in 2006 - with the kind of sign that inflames the ire of free spirits everywhere.

HERE COMES THE COOPER

Floodwaters passing Innamincka on March 10.

HANSON SANDS

Every year the dunes of Hanson Bay on KI's south coast edge further across the boardwalk. Another little reminder of restless nature - not to mention Mother N's habit of eclipsing our efforts to protect it.