Website brings local flora and fauna to life
A poster showcasing unique animals, birds and trees found in Baw Baw Shire has been turned into an interactive website.
The website, “Baw Baw Biodiversity”, is a creation of Friends of Drouin’s Trees and offers images, information and even the sounds of some 56 species that call the area home.
Easy to navigate for all ages, it is being rolled out to local schools as a learning tool to help promote knowledge of local flora and fauna.
Judy Farmer said FODT collaborated with local designer Helen Timbury to produce the Baw Baw Biodiversity poster in 2020. It was funded by Baw Baw Shire.
“These posters have been given away, used in education programs, and are very much loved by the community,” Ms Farmer said. “There are 56 species featured in the poster, both animals and plants. Just a glimpse of the extraordinary species at our back door.”
After feedback indicating the poster would be even better in an interactive form, the group began work with Warragul Church of Christ pastor Chris Rowney who recently moved to Warragul.
With 20 years experience in publishing and IT, Mr Rowney donated his time to bring the poster to life on the screen.
Ms Farmer said Baw Baw was home to Strzelecki gums, Warragul burrowing crayfish and Giant Gippsland Earthworm, to name just a few. She said the variety of plant and animal life was not just limited to the bush, with many to be found within our towns.
She said in Drouin townships, there had been 115 bird species identified in biannual bird surveys. Many of the Mountain Grey Gums of the town are giants, offering the hollows needed for bird and animal habitat.
In addition, the Baw Baw Biodiversity website has grown to link with other publications. These include “Birds of Drouin” and “Birds of Drouin and District” books, “Drouin Tree Walks” booklet, Baw Baw Shire’s Significant Tree Register, bird surveys and other biodiversity pages.
Working on computer, iPad and mobile devic
es, Ms Farmer said it was hoped community members, families and school classes would make use of the interactive poster and other website links.
Noting it’s still a work in process, Ms Farmer thanked Mr Rowney for his “huge amount of work”.
Mr Rowney played down his role, stating it had filled his time during COVID. He said the most difficult aspect was outlining the various plants and animals.
Check it out at bawbawbiodiversity.com and provide feedback to Friends of Drouin’s Trees.
“At a time when the state of the environment is so dismal, it is hoped this website celebrates the incredible biodiversity of the Baw Baw Shire and raises awareness of and hope for the environment,” Ms Farmer said.
Hard copies of the biodiversity poster are available at the Baw Baw Shire customer service centre in Drouin.