Our Environment » Backyard Habitat Program   The Backyard Habitat Program is a new program funded through the Council’s Sustainability Levy. The program is designed to help Lane Cove residents create a welcome environment for local native animals in their garden, particularly by creating habitat havens and using native plants. Your garden can become a vital link and haven for our wildlife! Urban environments can have a negative impact on local wildlife, particularly as development reduces habitat necessary for their survival. Essential habitat can however be provided in your garden. Although Lane Cove has 90 hectares of bushland, it has been dissected into small pockets. By connecting these isolated pockets of bushland with fauna friendly backyards, wildlife corridors or pathways can be formed to attract native animals, birds and insects to help them survive. Benefits to participants Members of the Backyard Habitat Program will receive: An Information Pack about local wildlife and the environment, including information on: How to attract a variety of wildlife to your garden; Local native plants & animals; Noxious weeds; A4 ‘Birds in Backyards’ Poster(see website for some great information www.birdsinbackyards.net) Free Backyard Habitat sign for your gate or fence Invitations to attend information sessions (evening talks and day workshops) a variety of topics including: Birdscaping your garden Attracting wildlife to the garden Identifying & removing problem plants Members with their own personal garden space and who live within potential and existing wildlife corridors identified by Council, will also be eligible for: Free personal advice on making your garden more friendly for local fauna         (1/2 hour backyard consultation) Free native plants from Council’s Community Nursery Most residents who back onto bushland reserves will be eligible. To find out if you are eligible for the backyard consultation, please contact 9911 3629 or via email sustainability@lanecove.nsw.gov.au. Spaces are limited and bookings are essential. You must also complete and return the  Regsitration from and 5 minute Fauna Survey prior to receiving a consultation. How do I join the program? If you’re interested in joining or receiving more information about the Backyard Habitat program contact 9911 3629 or via email sustainability@lanecove.nsw.gov.au.   Upcoming Backyard Habitat Events: Caring for Trees Scientific research has demonstrated the restorative effect of nature and trees on our mental and physical health. But what about the health of our trees - can you tell if a tree is under stress? Expert Catriona McKenzie will show you how to detect the signs and changes in trees in your own garden. Discover the conservation value of trees, symptoms and signs of tree health and what can be done about it. Tuesday 17 March, 7.00 – 8.30pm Cove Room, Lane Cove Civic Centre, 48 Longueville Rd, Lane Cove Cost: Free. Supper provided. Bookings essential: Bushcare Co-ordinator Michelle Greenfield on 9911 3579.   Attracting Birds to your Garden Do you enjoy watching birds and having them visit or even nest in your garden? Would you like to be able to attract a greater variety of birds to your place? Learn about how to create a bird-friendly garden with expert Kate Ravich from the Birds in Backyards project. Discover what action can be taken to encourage small wrens and robins which have declined over the past decades in our suburbs. You will also pick up some native plant advice too! Thursday 7 May, 7.00 – 9.00pm Cove Room, Lane Cove Civic Centre, 48 Longueville Rd, Lane Cove Cost: Free. Supper provided. Bookings essential: Bushcare Co-ordinator Michelle Greenfield on 9911 3579.     Gardening information for residents     Bushcare in Lane Cove     Upcoming Bushcare events & activities         A Powerful Owl roosting in Greenwich. This bird is classified as vulnerable.         The harmless Golden Orb Weaving Spider, a useful pest controller in the garden!         Use native plants to encourage butterflies to visit your garden!