Rainforest Rescue

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveller, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference

...Robert Frost

In a little over a week I shall leave the little town of Kyogle to cross the border into Queensland and ride my bicycle 2,500km up into the World Heritage Wet-Tropics area.

This is a unique time of both personal and global change, and I'm feeling a great sense of joy to be alive, despite the challenges we all must confront.

Amongst the ever-increasing destruction and degradation of our life-support systems (ecological service providers), I feel that there has never been a time like this one, when the global community can come together in the spirit of co-operation and work together collectively as one unified whole in the battle against fear, inertia and ignorance.

The main intention for this bicycle adventure is to experience a Journey through both the inner and outer landscapes of my perception.

To meet different people and see new communities of plants, animals, birds, fish, reptiles and frogs (eco-systems). From the drier highlands of Central Queensland to the lush Rainforest Country east of the Great Dividing Range, up into the pristine Daintree and Cape Tribulation.

The aim is to learn, grow, expand and educate myself by observing and learning new ways of living more gently on the Earth.

I've joined WWOOF Australia (Willing Workers On Organic Farms) and hope to meet and experience a range of people who are "Walking the Talk" by creating sustainable living systems.

I also hope to make new connections for seeds of tropical Fruit & Nut Trees, especially anything rare or unusual, for my family to grow back home at Daleys Nursery.

Another aspect of this adventure is to Raise awareness of our need to appreciate and conserve our remaining Natural Eco-systems, which bind together the fabrics of all life on our planet.

One of the Earths oldest living communities is the Rainforest, which is home to over half of all species, yet now only covers less than 5% of the total land surface.


Experts estimate that we are losing 137 plant, animal and insect species every single day due to rainforest deforestation. That equates to 50,000 species a year.

Although this is a devastating reality, the only remedy is HOPE and ACTION

Together, collectively, we ALL have the power to make a real difference

So I've connected with a local environmental not-for-profit organisation RainforestRescue and aim to raise funds for their crucial Rainforest Conservation work.

If your feeling generous and ready to make a difference ~ please

Make a Tax-deductible online

or

Print, complete and return the Daintree Donation/Gift Card Order Form

Rainforest Rescue is involved with the Conservation of Rainforest eco-systems all over the Earth. From their local "Big Scrub" project in Northern NSW, to the ancient Forests of Borneo, Sri Lanka, South American Equador and up in the North Queensland Wet-tropics.

As I'll be riding to the Wet-tropics of Northern Queensland, Australia...

the focus will be on the Daintree Buy Back and Protect Forever Project

Two thirds of the lowland Daintree rainforest is currently at risk from rural residential development. Your donation will help buy back and protect forever this World Heritage value land which is habitat for over 100 threatened species.

Each $25 buys and protects 5 square metres of the Daintree.

HELP SAVE THE DAINTREE !

Although surrounded by the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area parts of the Coastal Lowland Tropical Rainforest from the Daintree River to Cape Tribulation still remain unprotected and endangered.

These rainforests are of international conservation importance as one of the most significant regional ecosystems in the world.

They record the eight major stages of the evolution of land plants and in particular the origin, evolution and dispersal of the flowering plants (angiosperms).

The Daintree rainforests possess one of the greatest concentrations of primitive flowering plants in the world and contain more plant taxa with primitive characteristics than any other tropical forest.

Of the 19 most primitive plant families world wide, 12 are found in the Daintree, a similar number of primitive families to that found in all the rainforest of South America.

The Daintree Rainforests are the last extensive areas of lowland rainforest still connected and linked as a continuum with the main upland rainforest massif to the west. This connectivity is integral to the long term integrity and sustainability of both these forests and their fauna. The Daintree Rainforests are critical habitat for the endangered Cassowary. They are also vital habitat for the primitive Musky Rat-kangaroo, the rare Bennett's Tree Kangaroo, endangered Spotted-tailed Quoll, and a myriad of smaller creatures little known to science. With the road to Cape Tribulation now bituminised settlement of the privately owned allotments within the Daintree is escalating, resulting in the on-going loss of habitat and forest connectivity.

Cassowary

The Daintree is the heart and soul of the Wet Tropics

Rainforest Rescue's Daintree Buy Back and Protect Forever Project has contributed to the purchase and protection of nine properties so far. The properties are being managed for their conservation values, which will be protected forever.

Please join us in saving our priceless rainforest heritage.

Increased residential settlement will lead to calls for reduction in Crocodile numbers.