The Oaklands diuris orchid was celebrated on Threatened Species Day last Thursday, September 7 at a special celebration at the Oaklands CWA rooms. Behind the efforts to save and protect the Oaklands orchid is a great team including Shanna Rogers (Murray Local Land Services), Anna Murphy (NSW Saving our Species program), Meredith Mitchell (Corowa District Landcare), Heather Kerr (Oaklands CWA), Judy Kirk (Corowa District Landcare), Tracey Micheal (Murray Local Land Services), and Shona Cowley (Crown Lands).
The Oaklands community recently came together to commemorate Threatened Species Day at a morning tea event dedicated to celebrating the extraordinary yet endangered Oaklands diuris orchid.
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The gathering, co-hosted by the local Saving our Species team, Oaklands Country Women’s Association, Corowa District Landcare, and Murray Local Land Services, saw passionate environmentalists, artists, and students joining forces to raise awareness about the Oaklands Orchid and the importance of preserving threatened species.
Volunteers pictured in front of the new educational signage outside of the CWA rooms in Oaklands.
At the morning tea, Anna Murphy, a plant ecologist from the NSW Government’s Saving our Species program shed light on the Oaklands Orchid and Threatened Species Day.
Speaking passionately about the orchid, she described it as a member of a unique group of orchids fondly known as ‘donkey orchids,’ distinguished by their tall, donkey ear-like petals and a spicy fragrance. The Oaklands diuris is an exceptional specimen that can only be found thriving in the Riverina’s white cypress pine woodland.
“This orchid truly is one-of-a-kind, and we can’t wait to get everyone together to celebrate this local species and hear what we can all do to help secure its future,” Ms Murphy said.
The Oaklands diuris is one of three species at the centre of Australia’s largest orchid translocation project, Wild Orchids. This initiative aims to rescue these orchids from the brink of extinction, offering a glimmer of hope for the survival of this unique species.
Oaklands Central School students with their projects.
September 7 marks National Threatened Species Day in Australia, dedicated to raising awareness about native plants and animals that face the risk of extinction.
The date holds special significance as it commemorates the death of the last known Tasmanian tiger (Thylacinus cynocephalus) at the Beaumaris Zoo, Hobart, in 1936.
Regrettably, since that time, Australia has witnessed the extinction of numerous animal and plant species, primarily due to factors such as habitat loss and invasive species. In New South Wales alone, nearly 1000 species are currently teetering on the brink of extinction.
The event was marked by the unveiling of new interpretive signs featuring the Oaklands diuris orchid, meticulously designed and crafted by local artists.
The Oaklands community also celebrated with a rejuvenation of the diuris orchid sculpture located in front of the CWA rooms, complemented by new signage at a nearby site.
One of the highlights of the gathering was the participation of students from Oaklands Central School, who passionately shared their projects related to the orchid.
Dayna Carter with her impressive artwork.
These projects included awe-inspiring artworks, intricate woodwork, and informative booklets, all designed to educate and inspire others about the significance of conserving this remarkable species.
Oaklands CWA’s Heather Kerr, who expressed her joy with the turnout for the event, and thanked the students for sharing their projects and those who had contributed to the preservation of the town’s orchid.
As the morning tea came to a close, attendees left with a heightened appreciation for the Oaklands diuris orchid and a deep sense of commitment to protect the unique biodiversity of their region.
Through collaborative efforts and community engagement, Oaklands continues to set an example for the conservation of threatened species and the preservation of their natural heritage.
