M'ROCKn' n'MOSS

12/02/2026

23/11/2025

Australians' surging appetite for berries has prompted the national farm chemical watchdog to suspend the use of the insecticide dimethoate.

Dimethoate has been used in Australia since the 1950s to control more than 80 pest insects in fruit, vegetables and grains.

Read more: https://ab.co/4id8LU1

14/11/2025

On Sunday 16 November, Landcare Illawarra is hosting a special event to celebrate our connection with the natural world at one of Kiama’s hidden gems: Jerrara Wetlands & Rainforest.

Once Kiama’s main water supply, this peaceful 54-hectare reserve has been transformed into a thriving wetland and rainforest habitat now home to over 179 bird species and a stunning arboretum of native plants.

Enjoy guided bird and plant walks, Citizen Science activities, and the launch of a new local Landcare group.

🔗 More info - https://bit.ly/49lk0r2

02/09/2025

Solar Trees Save Forests — Literally. 🌳⚡

Korean researchers have unveiled a breakthrough in renewable energy: tree-shaped solar arrays that generate as much power as traditional solar farms—while leaving almost all the forest intact.

👉 With flat solar panels, only about 2% of forest cover survives.
👉 With solar trees, 99% of the forest is preserved.

Here’s why it matters:

🌞 The solar trees are installed about 20 meters apart, rising above the forest canopy.
🌿 Sunlight still filters through to plants and wildlife below.
🚫 No large-scale deforestation is needed to make room for panels.

The timing is urgent. In South Korea, solar-related deforestation has quadrupled in just two years. These vertical systems offer a way to expand clean energy without destroying the very ecosystems that absorb carbon and fight climate change.

And the benefits don’t stop at forests. In cities, solar trees could also:
🔋 Power EV charging stations
🌡️ Cool overheated streets
🌳 Provide shade and comfort for pedestrians

Yes, the technology costs more upfront. But when weighed against the loss of forests—the lungs of our planet—the investment is priceless.

Solar trees show that the future of clean energy doesn’t have to come at nature’s expense. Instead, it can grow alongside it. 🌍✨

18/08/2025

Spending time in nature is more than just a peaceful escape—it has tangible benefits for our health. Studies have shown that just three days and two nights in a forest can boost cancer-fighting cells by up to 50%. 🌲 This reminder of the healing power of the natural world invites us to reconnect with the environment that sustains us, offering not just tranquility but revitalization for the body and mind.

In a world consumed by technology and fast-paced living, we often forget the simple yet profound impact nature can have on our well-being. The act of immersing ourselves in the green tranquility of the forest is not just about relaxation; it’s about a deeper connection with the earth. This moment in the woods can be a transformative experience for both our physical and emotional health.

How often do you take time to connect with nature and feel its healing effects? Let’s explore how we can incorporate more nature into our lives for a healthier, more balanced existence. 🌿🌍

12/08/2025

A single, mature Banyan tree can support a remarkable number of living beings.

A mature Banyan can host over 2,300 different species of wildlife.
This includes various birds, insects, fungi, and even mammals.

Here's why a tree can be such a biodiversity hotspot:
Variety of Habitats:
Different parts of the tree (bark, branches, leaves, roots) provide diverse habitats for different species.

Dependence on Age:
Older trees offer unique features like deep crevices and decaying wood, which are crucial for certain species.

Food Sources:
Trees provide food directly (like acorns from oaks) or indirectly by attracting insects that serve as food for other creatures.

Shelter and Nesting:
Trees offer shelter from the elements and suitable locations for nesting and roosting.

Long-term Support:
Even after a tree dies, it continues to provide food and shelter as it decomposes.