Q: What is Community Landcare?
A: Community Landcare, exemplified by Coastal Dry Tropics Landcare Inc. (CDTLI), is a volunteer-driven local group focused on habitat regeneration and operating a native seedling nursery. CDTLI has been working for over 20 years to nurture and restore native landscapes in the Townsville region. As an urban Landcare group, CDTLI is dedicated to the conservation and restoration of native vegetation around the Townsville region, actively managing revegetation sites. CDTLI formed in 2004 through the merging of the Townsville Thuringowa Landcare Association and the Tropical Urban Production and Landcare Group.
Q: How can I become a volunteer with CDTLI?
A: You can join our team of volunteers at our native plant nursery or at one of our many Landcare revegetation sites. We welcome volunteers of all skill levels and interests. Volunteering is a rewarding way to meet new friends, sharpen your skills, stay active, and deepen your knowledge of our unique dry tropics environment. To learn about current opportunities, please contact us.
Q: Where is the native plant nursery located and what are its opening hours?
A: Our Bush Garden Nursery is located in Rowes Bay, behind the wind turbine and beside the Townsville City Council Sustainability Centre. You can find parking on Cape Pallarenda Road, past the Sustainability Centre sign. We are open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Q: What types of native plants do you sell at your nursery?
A: We specialize in local provenance native plants perfect for home gardens and revegetation projects across the dry tropics. We offer a wide selection, and you can explore our stock by visiting us during opening hours. Our stock-lists are updated weekly and are available for download on the Nursery page. We also highlight a unique species as our Plant of the Month, which is available as tube stock at a special price while supplies last.
Q: Do you offer any guidance on which native plants are suitable for my garden?
A: Yes, we have crafted the ultimate Planting Guide to help you pick the perfect plant for your garden or revegetation project. You can explore over 24 tailored criteria, grouped by plant types, to find exactly what you need for your space, whether you’re looking to attract wildlife or need plants for specific soil conditions. This guide is available for download on the Nursery page.
Q: How can I become a member of CDTLI?
A: Joining Coastal Dry Tropics Landcare Inc. (CDTLI) is a fantastic way to support local landcare initiatives. We have different membership options available, including a basic annual membership for a small fee, as well as family and Frequent Planter memberships which offer discounts at our Bush Garden Nursery. As a member, you’ll play a key role in sustaining our dry tropics environment and connect with a passionate community. Your annual membership fee helps fund our local revegetation activities, and you’ll have the opportunity to participate in our general meetings and help shape the future of CDTLI. You’ll also receive a membership card to redeem your nursery discount, starting November 1st, 2024. You can join or renew your membership online.
Q: Can I make a donation to support CDTLI’s work?
A: Yes, as a not-for-profit, Coastal Dry Tropics Landcare Inc. (CDTLI) relies on your support to drive local revegetation efforts around Townsville. Your donation goes straight to work—restoring our bushland and growing a sustainable future. You can donate online through our secure payment system, in person at the nursery, or contact us to explore other giving options. Every bit helps us thrive locally.
Q: What is Junior Landcare?
A: Through our Junior Landcare initiatives, we offer children and young people exciting ways to connect with nature and play a vital role in caring for our unique local environment. Inspired by Landcare Australia’s national program, our activities and resources help kids make a tangible difference. We connect families, schools, and community groups with engaging educational materials, ideas for hands-on environmental projects, and opportunities to link with other environmental initiatives. By participating, children can develop awareness, feel empowered, and become active citizens. We help you access fantastic, age-appropriate learning resources suitable for various age groups, exploring topics like sustainable food growing and local biodiversity.
Q: Does CDTLI work on specific sites in Townsville?
A: Yes, CDTLI actively manages several revegetation sites across diverse ecosystems. These include sites like Rose Bay, where we are working to rehabilitate the beach dune community; Mundy Creek Natureway, focusing on grasslands, mangroves, and saltmarshes; Turtle Bridge along the Ross River; Ross Creek in Hermit Park; Mundingburra (Ross River); Goondaloo Creek next to the Townsville Hospital; Castle Hill; Bohle Wetlands; and the Bush Garden on the north-western bank of Ross River. We often hold community working bees at these sites.
Q: How can my business support CDTLI?
A: We offer Business Sponsorship as a way for local businesses to support our local revegetation activities. Benefits of business sponsorship include acknowledgment in our newsletter, logo placement on the CDTLI website homepage, a personalized certificate of appreciation, and a voucher for free plants from our Native Nursery. We are always seeking to develop new partnerships with local organisations and businesses who share our passion for environmental stewardship. This could involve staff volunteering, in-kind support, or direct sponsorship of a specific revegetation site.
Q: Does CDTLI have a Code of Conduct?
A: Yes, CDTLI has a Code of Conduct to help us all work together respectfully and safely. It outlines expected behavior regarding respect and inclusivity, honesty and integrity, confidentiality, safety, responsible use of mobile phones, and appropriate dress. We encourage everyone to read the full Code of Conduct to understand our expectations and commitment to a thriving community.
Q: How can I contact Coastal Dry Tropics Landcare Inc.?
A: You can get in touch with us via phone at 0428 428 542.
Our mailing address is PO Box 1390, Townsville QLD 4810. Our office is located at Rowes Bay Sustainability Centre, 56 Cape Pallarenda Road, Rowes Bay QLD 4810, but please phone or email in advance if you would like to arrange a time to visit. You can also contact us through the contact form on our website.
Q: Does CDTLI publish any resources about the local environment?
A: Yes, we have a Resources page with valuable information, guides, and tools to deepen your understanding of the local environment. These resources, crafted by experts and volunteers, include publications like “Native Grasses for Revegetation in the Townsville Region” by Dr. Nanette Hooker (available as a free PDF); a “Snake Poster” by Greg Calvert (available for a gold coin donation at our nursery); the “CDTLI Calendar” (available for a gold coin donation at our nursery); “From Seeds to Success – A Bush Regeneration Manual for Townsville, Thuringowa, and The Burdekin” (available for purchase at our nursery); “Grasses of the Burra Range” and “Grasses of Townsville” by Dr. Nanette Hooker (links provided); and “Rare and Threatened Plants of the Townsville-Thuringowa Region” by Dr. Greg Calvert (available for purchase at our nursery).
Q: Does CDTLI have a blog?
A: Yes, we have a CDTLI Blog: Stories from the Dry Tropics, where you can find insights, experiences, and perspectives from our volunteers and the Townsville community. It features stories of restoration, nursery insights, and dry tropics stewardship, rooted in the hands-on work of our members. Occasionally, our staff and committee also share updates.