C4 is wrapping up a two-year Frogs Hollow Revegetation Project this month, funded by the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI). With the help of the community, scouts and schools, this project set out to restore part of this critical cassowary corridor and local community space at Frogs Hollow in South Mission Beach.
What’s been achieved
Over 2,000 native trees have gone into the ground across five planting beds. Four of these areas, closest to the Rainforest School, are now well established with high survival rates. Even in the lower, wetter, muddy section — which we expected might struggle — the selected species have shown real resilience. Together, these plantings are starting to create valuable food sources and safe passage for cassowaries and other wildlife.
How we did it
Due to the proximity to The Rainforest School, this project was delivered without herbicides, relying instead on mowing and hand-weeding. This took more time and effort, but it kept the site safe for students, volunteers, and wildlife, and it shows that chemical-free revegetation is achievable. Regular replanting and maintenance also helped the site recover from flooding and thick grass competition.
Who was involved
The strength of this project has been community involvement, with particular thanks to Ian Shankly and Sue Pearson who spearhead this project back in 2023.
Students and teachers from The Rainforest School planted more than 150 trees as part of their lessons.
The Mission Beach Scout Troop pitched in to improve the campfire area so it can be used safely.
And over the two years, C4 Volunteers have contributed more than 100 hours of weeding, mowing, and planting.
What it means for the future
Frogs Hollow is now better connected as a cassowary corridor and is on track to become a stronger patch of habitat in Mission Beach. It’s also a place where young people can see and take part in conservation first-hand.
We thank DETSI for funding the project, and everyone who turned up to lend a hand along the way. The trees planted at Frogs Hollow will keep growing, providing lasting benefits for both wildlife and the community.