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We did it! Lot 8 Idriess Close is protected.

Thank you for being the force for Nature we need.

Thanks to your support we added almost 12 hectares of intact, high-conservation value Wet Tropics Rainforest habitat to our growing portfolio of protection.

There is nothing as sublime nor as beautiful as Nature.

From the perfect form of a fern leaf and the languid yet purposeful journey of the liana vine, to the sound of pure water as it flows over rocks—the natural world of Far North Queensland has existed for a very, very long time and is now the oldest rainforest on the planet.

And yet, all it takes is one impulsive decision—one moment of short-sighted development—to catastrophically change this place forever.

Lot 8 Idriess Close, Degarra is an almost pristine tract of rainforest that must be seen to be believed.

The property is ideal habitat for rare and threatened species such as the Spectacled Flying Fox, Spotted-Tail Quoll, Bare-Rumped Sheathtail Bat and the iconic Southern Cassowary.

To purchase, protect and maintain Lot 8 we needed to raise $100,000—and this appeal we were very fortunate to have a business partner match every donation up to $50,000!

We extend a massive thank you to The Travel Corporation and the Tread Right Foundation for their incredible generosity in helping us to reach our fundraising target. Having their ongoing support as a Rainforest Rescue Business Partner makes a tangible difference to the future of the Australian Wet Tropics Rainforest.

The site is adjacent to the Wet Tropics World Heritage area and the Bloomfield River in a rural coastal locality called Degarra. Renowned for its remoteness and saltwater crocodiles, it’s here that this beautiful, natural property has been held in its natural state for many years. This is also the farthest north we’ve ever ventured.

We will now protect it forever and work towards achieving a Nature Refuge status for this special place.

Lot 8 Image Gallery

Lot 8 ECOLOGICAL Significance

  • Protecting this lot strengthens the ecological buffer around the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics Rainforest
  • The lot contributes to a critical wildlife corridor, enabling movement of species like the cassowary across lowland and upland habitat mosaics
  • Enhances regional climate resilience by maintaining intact forest cover and stream function
  • Contains threatened ecological communities:
    Lowland Tropical Rainforest of the Wet Tropics (Endangered)
  • Adjacent Land: Directly borders the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, stewarded by the Eastern Kuku Yalanji Traditional Owners through Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation
  • In December 2023, Cyclone Jasper caused severe flooding, damaging the property’s creek system and destroying old-growth keystone species such as Ficus albipila. Despite the intensity of the event, regeneration is occurring via native pioneer species without any observed weed incursion—evidence of the property’s exceptional ecological resilience and integrity
Satellite view of Lot 8 Idriess Close, Degarra. Located on the edge of the Wet Tropics World Heritage area, in close proximity to the Bloomfield River. This land is a vital buffer between highland old-growth rainforest and the lowland mix of habitats and developed areas.

One thing is certain: once land is developed, it is almost never returned to Nature. It becomes part of the ever-consuming mindset that feeds an endless appetite for more.

When we consider the age of the Daintree Rainforest and Wet Tropics World Heritage area—the many millions of years—we must realise both the enormity of those timescales and the unparalleled ecological richness that has resulted. But these rich ecosystems are also incredibly fragile and vulnerable to the impacts that humans make.

We know we have said this before, and we’ll say it again—the Daintree and more broadly, the Wet Tropics World Heritage area are stunning examples of evolution on so many levels. From the amazing rainforest gardener that is the Southern Cassowary to the Daintree Rainbow Fish—from the Daintree River to Cape Tribulation, the Wet Tropics are a masterpiece of evolution and Nature’s intelligence.

That is one of the reasons it’s so important to protect it: there are lifeforms and ecosystems here that exist nowhere else on earth.

When we visited the rainforest at Lot 8, we were captivated by its richness—huge native mahogany trees soared above us, with crowns of bird’s nest ferns and snaking lianas wrapped around the thick lower trunks. Beneath our feet the forest floor was alive with fungi, invertebrates and scurrying reptiles. The previous custodian was keen to keep it this way. As we will.

Lot 8’s terrain is tricky to navigate, quickly rising up into the higher areas within the Wet Tropics World Heritage boundary. Seasonal creek beds indicate that adverse weather will move through here at speed–cleared top soil easily could end up in the Bloomfield River. This is a fragile area, sandwiched between the edge of the World Heritage area and a developed site where the rainforest has been cleared. In fact, the clearing resulted in a landslip on both properties, hence why Lot 8 is ‘almost’ pristine rainforest. Now that we are successful in protecting this property we will restore the damaged areas back into natural habitat.

You know that Nature needs all the help it can get right now—and thanks to you and your support, we’re protecting an additional stretch of intact, precious rainforest, covering almost 12 hectares.

You are a part of Rainforest Rescue, and you are the force for Nature that we depend on. Thank you for your support.

PROTECTED – Lot 8 Idriess Close, Degarra

PURCHASED PROPERTIES

It’s in our nature to protect. With the help of Rainforest Rescuers – people like you – we are significantly protecting pristine habitat for Nature and achieving strong wins for biodiversity. Visit our Protection Portfolio page for a full list of properties protected by Rainforest Rescue since 1999.

Rainforest Rescue on Instagram

Have you watched The Big Scrub yet 🌿⁠?

Only 1% of the original Big Scrub rainforest remains - but a passionate community of locals, backed by science, is working hard to bring it back.⁠

This inspiring documentary dives deep into the story of the Big Scrub, what’s being done to protect and restore it, and how the challenge of low genetic diversity in native tree species is being tackled.⁠

If you’re in need of a hopeful conservation story today, this one’s for you 💚⁠

Watch it online: ⁠
👉️ https://bit.ly/bsrc_doco (link in bio)⁠
Not a sponsored post, just a great watch 👀💚 ⁠

@bigscrubrainforest @abcaustralia #Conservation #ConservationGoals #ProtectForests #AustralianForest #Rainforest #AustralianRainforest #ABCStory
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We’re on a mission to increase connectivity, preserve biodiversity and protect rainforests forever 🌏️💚.⁠

Want to know how we do it?⁠

🌳 Our Protect a Rainforest project purchases rainforest blocks to safeguard them forever - increasing connectivity and defending biodiversity.⁠

🌱 Our Plant a Rainforest projects restore damaged land and re-establish vital habitat for the unique plants and animals of the Daintree. We believe that #TreesAreTheAnswer ⁠

And that’s just the beginning...⁠

Discover how we’re helping to preserve the Daintree - and how you can make a difference too:⁠
🌿 www.rainforestrescue.org.au (link in bio)⁠ 🌿

📷: Martin Stringer⁠

#ProtectRainforestsForever #FNQ #Daintree #DaintreeRainforest #PlantARainforest #PlantTrees #MoreTrees #Conservation #Biodiversity #RainforestRescue
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The Daintree is Australia’s largest and most biodiverse rainforest, and it’s existed far longer than any other rainforest on the planet. ⁠

Continuously evolving and growing, living and breathing for over 180 million years, the Daintree is a unique and remarkable wonder 🌳🌳🌳.⁠

This tropical rainforest ecosystem is one of the most complex on earth.⁠

⁠We need your help to preserve the Daintree with all the life within - we know we can do this together: ⁠
www.rainforestrescue.org.au/make-an-impact/rainforest-guardians (link in bio) 💚⁠

📷: Martin Stringer ⁠

#RainforestGuardian #DaintreeRainforest #AncientRainforest #AustralianRainforest #LoveDaintree #ProtectRainforest #ProtectDaintree #DaintreeFlora #DaintreeFauna #Biodiversity ⁠#FarNorthQueensland #FNQ
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#ForestFlora: Fan Palms (Licuala ramsayi) are one of the most iconic sights in Queensland’s northern rainforests - and for good reason. They can reach up to 20 metres tall, with slender trunks topped by enormous, fan-shaped leaves 🌿.⁠

These stunning trees play a vital role in the sub-canopy of tropical rainforests, mangroves, littoral and vine forests, and riverine areas.⁠

For First Nations peoples of north Queensland, fan palms hold deep cultural significance. Their broad leaves are used for thatching - providing shelter from rain - and for wrapping food.⁠

Want to learn more? Discover the fascinating world of fan palms here:⁠
🌴 www.rainforestrescue.org.au/forest-flora-fan-palm (link in bio)⁠

📷: Ben Reddy Photography⁠

#DaintreeRainforest #Daintree #AustralianRainforest #AboriginalAustralia #FanPalms #DaintreeTrees #ForestRestoration #TreesAreTheAnswer #DaintreeNature #FNQ #FarNorthQueensland #Conservation #DaintreeFlora
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NAIDOC Week 2025 has begun 🖤💛❤️💙💚⁠

This year’s theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy”, is a powerful call to celebrate and support the young leaders who are shaping the future of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. It invites all of us to listen deeply, invest meaningfully, and honour the legacy carried forward by emerging generations.⁠

Featured as this year’s official NAIDOC artwork, ‘Ancestral Lines’ by Jeremy Morgan Worrall beautifully captures this message. Set under the moonlit skies of Tenterfield, the painting shows young people gathered around the fire - a symbol of culture, story and continuity.⁠

Through his work, Jeremy pays tribute to the enduring strength and knowledge passed down through generations - from his Ancestors Lucy, Enoch and Nonie Wright, to his Nanna Audrie and his mother Vanessa. Their legacy lives on in the next generation: strong, visionary, and deeply connected.⁠

Let’s come together this week to celebrate culture, history, and the leaders of tomorrow.⁠

👉 Learn more and get involved: naidoc.org.au (link in bio)⁠

@naidocweek #NAIDOC2025 #NAIDOCWeek #StrengthVisionLegacy #FirstNations #AlwaysWasAlwaysWillBe
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Make it your business to protect rainforests FOREVER 💚. ⁠

Your business can support our Partners for Protection program in a variety of ways with tier partnerships, sponsorships, company events, workplace giving, monthly gifts and direct donations.⁠

🌏 Make preserving rainforests part of your business legacy:⁠
👉 www.rainforestrescue.org.au/make-an-impact/businesses (link in bio)⁠

Together, we are a powerhouse of positive and large-scale conservation change ✊. ⁠

Know a business that would love to be involved? Tag them below 👇⁠

📷: Martin Stringer ⁠

#PartnersForProtection #BusinessImpact #ConservationGoals #DaintreeRainforest #Daintree #Conservation #Partnership #WorkplaceGiving #Restoration #PlantTrees #GrowTrees #AustralianRainforest @smallbusinessqueensland
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Turns out planting a rainforest can be against the rules 🙃🌿.⁠
Current zoning laws classify restoration as “inconsistent” use of rural zoned land… but, we’re working with Council to change that, and we need your help 💚. ⁠

👉 Learn more: www.rainforestrescue.org.au/red-tape⁠ (link in bio)⁠

📸: Martin Stringer⁠
🎵: `Escape` by ‪Sappheiros (under a Creative Commons by 3.0 license - music powered by BreakingCopyright)⁠

#RainforestRescue #RestoreNature #CutTheRedTape #ForTheRainforests #ForThePlanet #PlantARainforest #Daintree #FarNorthQueensland #TreesAreTheAnswer
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#CritterCorner: If you love the Southern Cassowary as much as we do, you may have a few questions about this beautiful, flightless bird 💚. ⁠

Over the years, we`ve compiled a list of FAQs and answers to help us all understand #cassowaries better: www.rainforestrescue.org.au/explore-the-rainforest/save-the-cassowary/faqs (link in bio) 💚.⁠

How do you report a sighting? What`s that thing on its head? How many eggs do cassowaries lay? And, of course, how can you help protect these dino-birds and their habitat... and so much more!⁠

If you have more questions, we`d love to hear from you!⁠
💌 info@rainforestrescue.org.au ⁠

📷: Martin Stringer⁠

⁠#SouthernCassowary #Daintree #DaintreeRainforest #DaintreeBirds #RainforestGardener #FarNorthQueensland #RainforestGuardian #Cassowary #FNQ #TropicalRainforest #AustralianRainforest #AncientRainforest #ProtectRainforestsForever #SupportNotForProfits #Donate #DinoBirds
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#NextGenRainforestRescuers are a passionate community of young conservation heroes who are raising funds, planting trees, making documentaries, educating themselves (and others), and driving change in countless creative and impactful ways. They’re the future of our planet 🌍.⁠

Know a #NextGenRainforestRescuer who deserves to be featured?⁠ ⁠
⁠⁠Send us an email at info@rainforestrescue.org.au⁠ 💌. ⁠

Want to organise your own #ForestFundraiser? Visit our website for ideas on how to get started: www.rainforestrescue.org.au/make-an-impact/forest-fundraisers (link in bio) 💚.⁠

📷: Silvia Di Domenicantonio⁠

#PlantTrees #DaintreeRainforest #RainforestGuardian #YoungPeople #Youth #LoveTrees #RainforestJourney #AustralianRainforest #Conservation #Environment #TreesAreTheAnswer #Daintree #DaintreeNationalPark #MoreTrees #Donate #SupportNotForProfits
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Today it feels like a lifetime ago since @douglasshirecouncil granted planning approval for the Native Nursery to be constructed on the Cow Bay site. In that time, tens of thousands of healthy, resilient young trees have been propagated within the Nursery before heading out to be planted in restoration sites nearby 🌱🌱🌱.⁠

Last month, Mayor Lisa Scomazzon and Councillors Damien Meadows, Abigail Noli, Michael Rees and Roy Zammataro visited the Nursery keen to gain a deeper understanding of Rainforest Rescue’s projects and strategies for restoration. ⁠

Many different conversations took place; and especially discussing our team`s shifting focus towards the Daintree riparian and flood plain restoration to help increase resilience of the area, especially against adverse weather conditions and catastrophic flooding events.

Read more online: www.rainforestrescue.org.au/douglas-shire-council-visit-our-native-nursery (link in bio) 💚. ⁠

Discover more: www.rainforestrescue.org.au/our-impact/plant-a-rainforest/native-nursery-cow-bay (link in bio) 💚. ⁠

#Daintree #DaintreeRainforest #DaintreePlants #DaintreeTrees #DaintreeNursery #ProtectRainforest #AncientRainforest #NativePlantNursery #NativeTreeNursery #NativeNursery #FNQ #DouglasShireCouncil #AustralianRainforest #AustralianFauna #AustralianTrees
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According to Queensland’s Cassowary Recovery Plan (EPA, 2007), the population of Southern Cassowaries in the Wet Tropics was estimated at 2,500–4,000 adults in 1988 (Crome & Moore, 1990). By 2001, that number had dropped to fewer than 1,500 (Moore & Moore, 2001).⁠

Today, it’s estimated that around 4,600 Australian Southern Cassowaries remain in the wild - an encouraging sign that the population may be stabilising.⁠

But we can’t stop now. These magnificent birds still face serious threats and we must ensure their rainforest habitat is protected, restored, and preserved forever.⁠

🌿 Become a #RainforestGuardian today:⁠
www.rainforestrescue.org.au/make-an-impact/rainforest-guardians (link in bio) 💚⁠

📷: Visit Daintree Rainforest ⁠

#RainforestGuardians #DaintreeRainforest #Daintree #Conservation #ProtectARainforest #AncientRainforest #FarNorthQueensland #Community #TropicalRainforest #FNQ #Restoration #RainforestRestoration #ProtectRainforestsForever #SouthernCassowary #Cassowary #DaintreeBirds #DaintreeWildlife #DaintreeFauna
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#ForestFlora: Blue Quandong (Elaeocarpus angustifolius) is one of Australia’s fastest-growing rainforest trees 🌳🌳🌳⁠

The bright blue fruit has long been used by First Nations Peoples. While tart and slightly bitter, it was traditionally eaten raw, or sometimes crushed and mixed with water to form an edible paste. In some regions, the fruit was picked green and buried in sand to help soften and sweeten it.⁠

Today, its bold, tangy flavour is often captured in jams and preserves. Have you tasted it?⁠

Want to learn more about some of the important seeds of the Daintree? Grab a cuppa & join us for a `Significant Seeds Smoko` break: www.rainforestrescue.org.au/join-us-for-a-significant-seeds-smoko (link in bio) ☕️🤓.⁠

📷: Martin Stringer⁠

#BlueQuandong #BushTucker #RainforestFood #RainforestTrees #NativePlants #DaintreeRainforest #AncientFood #EdibleNativePlants #RainforestBerry #QuandongLove
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We believe restoring rainforest should be simple.⁠
But right now, it’s considered a “development” under the current planning scheme. That’s why we’re working with Council to rethink what land use means when it’s for the planet.⁠

🌳 Be part of the change: www.rainforestrescue.org.au/red-tape (link in bio)⁠

📸: Martin Stringer⁠
🎵: `Escape` by ‪Sappheiros (under a Creative Commons by 3.0 license - music powered by BreakingCopyright)⁠

#ForTheRainforests #CutTheRedTape #TreesAreTheAnswer #FarNorthQueensland #RainforestRescue #PlantARainforest #Daintree #ForThePlanet #RestoreNature
...

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