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About the project
The Biodiversity Calendar
Welcome to New South Wales' first online biodiversity calendar!
This is an image-based atlas for the coastal communities of Pittwater, Hornsby and Gosford. It includes seasonal information on native plants, animals and birds found in these communities. The calendar also includes Indigenous content, information on weed species, weather patterns and community events.
The calendar is based on the traditional Aboriginal seasons defined by the D’harawal people of NSW and supported by information from the Guringai people. Stage 2 will expand to include information from the Darkinyung and Darug communities. The calendar covers the area from Palm Beach to Wiseman’s Ferry. Pittwater Council has coordinated the project after being awarded grant funding with the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority (HNCMA). The Council, through its Coastal Environment Centre, is working closely with Gosford and Hornsby Councils, the Indigenous representatives from the D’harawal community as well as all three local areas and the HNCMA Aboriginal Communities Project Officer.
The biodiversity calendar is being promoted by six complimentary events for residents in Pittwater, Gosford and Hornsby, presented with the assistance of local Aboriginal communities. The events are based on the idea of traditional seasons explained through traditional knowledge-holders. The events will engage people to see nature through ‘nature’s eyes’ ie, actual seasonal shifts and changes, rather than calendar months. These events will also promote local environmental groups, activities and events for people to become interested in.
As word spreads, we are hoping for contributions of images, information and events from across the three communities. We hope you enjoy browsing the calendar!