Hugo Hopton, CEO of Nature Foundation, has retired as of April 22, 2022, after over six years of service. During his tenure, Hugo was known for his work with communities and industries in various fields, including land conservation and water management, and for building relationships with stakeholders. The Nature Foundation community extends its best wishes to Hugo in his retirement.

Nature Foundation recently welcomed NAB CEO Ross McEwan and Regional Customer Executive SA/NT Joe Paparella at Prospect and Para Woodlands Nature Reserve to discuss biodiversity strategies. An NAB Foundation grant will allow the use of a remotely piloted aircraft equipped with thermal cameras to detect native and pest animals at Witchelina and Hiltaba Nature Reserves. This significant advancement enables larger scale surveys, providing precise data to improve management strategies and overall knowledge of animal distribution.

Last week marked a significant milestone for Nature Foundation as they initiated the recovery phase for the northern wetland at Murbpook Nature Reserve on Ngaiawang country, which has been dry for five years. By utilizing Commonwealth environmental water, they aim to restore the wetland's ecosystem, thereby improving the habitat for threatened species such as the Regent Parrot and Southern Bell Frog. Representatives from the First Peoples of the River Murray Mallee Native Title Claimant Group 2, Jenny Grace-Giles and Steve Clarke, were present to observe the commencement of this crucial recovery phase alongside Nature Foundation's Natalie Stalenberg and Lucy Clive.

Liam Crook our Nature Solutions Program Coordinator recently supported GreenCollar's assessment of Witchelina Nature Reserve as a potential Human Induced Regeneration carbon project, which increases carbon sequestration by adjusting land management practices.

Nature Foundation's Kids on Country (KoC) program is garnering positive recognition for its significant impact on young Aboriginal participants, as attested by Steve, a coach driver involved in several camps. Steve has observed first-hand the transformation of quiet, reserved kids who, over the course of the program, become more open, sociable, and engaged in conservation and land management activities. The program's success is attributed to the dedicated efforts of Katie Perry, the Youth Programs Coordinator, Warren Milera, and their team in creating transformative experiences and fostering employability skills for young Aboriginal individuals.