Breathing Life Back into the Old Airstrip at Cow Bay

Support for our project to restore habitat in the Daintree Rainforest for the endangered Southern Cassowary has been incredible — so much so, it was fully-funded before we even had the chance to share it with you, our FAME community. Thanks to your generosity, the airstrip restoration project is already thriving, bringing new life to this vital ecosystem. In partnership with Rainforest Rescue, this initiative is rebuilding safe habitat for the endangered Southern Cassowary while creating a haven for countless other native species that call this iconic rainforest home.
 
Through the relentless heat and tropical rains of January, the nursery and land teams have poured their energy into the project. Young trees are sun-hardening, growing strong and resilient and ready to take their place in the restored landscape. These are more than just trees – they are the future lifelines of a flourishing rainforest.
 
Over the past year, the nursery team has dedicated their efforts to carefully cultivating over 59,000 seedlings for the project, comprising 147 native species selected to restore biodiversity to this unique region.

On the airstrip site itself, preparation is underway for planting. The invasive Guinea Grass has been cleared, laying down a rich, protective mulch for the seedlings to thrive in.
 
Another exciting aspect of this project is the research being undertaking to ensure the rainforest thrives for generations to come. In collaboration with James Cook University, research is underway to examine how seed origins and tree planting density impact the creation of rainforests resilient to a changing climate.
 
This project is more than planting trees; it’s about creating a sanctuary: restoring the land to its former glory and giving Southern Cassowaries a safe habitat with the food they need to survive.
 
For more on the project or to make a donation, click the link below to visit the project page.