In the heart of West Pymble, NSW, a dedicated volunteer is helping to restore one of Australia’s most critically endangered ecosystems. Dom, a local resident with a background in ecology, is playing a vital role in the care and monitoring of the Ku-ring-gai Tiny Forest—a community-driven initiative led by Earthwatch Australia, in partnership with Ku-ring-gai Council and a passionate team of local Tree Keeper volunteers.
Planted in June 2024, the Ku-ring-gai Tiny Forest is composed of species from the critically endangered indigenous ecology, the Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest—a vegetation community of which less than 2% remains in the Greater Sydney region. The importance of revegetating this rare ecosystem is crucial. These small but powerful pockets of biodiversity provide much-needed habitat for native wildlife, including threatened species such as the Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua) and the Glossy Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami).
Scientific Engagement and Local Leadership
Since the forest was established, Dom has been actively involved in its monitoring and maintenance, contributing scientific knowledge, hands-on care, and community leadership. Over the past seven months, his ongoing commitment has helped ensure the young forest’s successful establishment—contributing not only to local biodiversity, but also to building community resilience and environmental awareness.
Reflecting on his experience, Dom shared:
There are so many benefits! Helping to establish a patch of a rare and depleted ecosystem is a great joy. Meeting new members of my local community has been a buzz. Having the opportunity to spread positive stories is a great thing. Also, this spread of information constitutes a real community benefit; people get to see positive change at a local level and in their community!
Dom’s experience highlights the powerful intersection between citizen science, ecological restoration, and community engagement. His contributions are part of a broader movement to restore native vegetation in urban areas, guided by scientific knowledge and community action.
Get involved
Tiny Forests may be small in size, but they are high-impact tools for urban biodiversity, climate resilience, and community education. Through volunteer stewardship and ongoing ecological monitoring, these forests offer living laboratories for learning, conservation, and reconnection with nature.
If you’re passionate about creating positive change in your community and would like to be part of an initiative like the Ku-ring-gai Tiny Forest, we invite you to get involved. You can make a difference just like Dom!
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