How community-driven efforts are revitalizing ecosystems
Nestled in the heart of the Gondwana Link, amidst the Wandoo and Jarrah woodlands, lies a sanctuary of hope and revival. The Balijup feral predator-free enclosure, known as “The Sanctuary,” is a testament to the transformative power of landcare and citizen science. Established in 2015 on Balijup Farm, the Hordacre/Vanderbyl family’s private property in Western Australia, this 111-hectare fenced haven is a beacon for the re-establishment of native fauna like the Quenda, bats, and birds—species integral to the health of local ecosystems.
Seven years after its inception, the Sanctuary buzzes with activity. Volunteers, wildlife enthusiasts, and researchers gather as part of the Balijup Citizen Science Program, an initiative that combines ecological restoration with community engagement. Coordinated through Western Australia Landcare Network (WALN) Member Groups, Green Skills and the Conservation Council of WA this program is highlighting the great work done by Quenda as ecosystem engineers, altering soil structure and enhancing ecosystem processes such as nutrient cycling and plant regeneration. In January 2025, an eco-camp was held over several days, offering participants hands-on opportunities to monitor and study the behavior of native species, including the charismatic Quenda—otherwise known as the Southern Brown Bandicoot.
The Quenda: Unsung Heroes of the Soil
Few know the remarkable impact that Quenda have on their environments. These small marsupials, with their long pointed noses and energetic digging, are nature’s soil architects. Through their foraging behavior, Quenda disturb the soil, creating pits that enhance nutrient cycling, foster plant regeneration, and provide mini-habitats for other organisms. Citizen scientists were astounded during the 2025 surveys when they recorded 115 foraging pits within the Sanctuary, amounting to over 49,000 cubic centimeters of soil being excavated. Extrapolated to the entire enclosure, this activity suggests that these tiny creatures had disturbed an astonishing 2,000 cubic meters of soil—equivalent to a small hill reshaped in the name of ecosystem health! This groundbreaking data, coordinated by wildlife biologists Joe Porter and Ruby Albury, underscores the Quenda’s pivotal ecological role.
Citizen Science in Action
The eco-camp wasn’t solely about Quenda. Participants also lent their efforts to acoustic surveys of bats and bushland bird monitoring, showcasing how diverse ecosystems interconnect. Each activity drew volunteers into the vibrant rhythm of conservation work, fostering knowledge and appreciation for Western Australia’s unique biodiversity.
The program’s citizen science approach is a masterstroke in conservation. By engaging community members directly in research, it not only fills critical gaps in data collection but also empowers individuals to become stewards of the natural world.
The Sanctuary’s Ripple Effect
Balijup Sanctuary is more than a fenced enclosure—it is a living example of what’s possible when landcare meets community-driven science. Supported by Green Skills Inc. and the Conservation Council of WA, the Sanctuary demonstrates how collaborative efforts can tackle challenges like habitat loss and declining native populations. It also challenges public perceptions of wildlife, encouraging people to see species like the Quenda not as pests but as allies.
Beyond its immediate impact, the Sanctuary fuels hope that similar initiatives can be replicated elsewhere, creating networks of fauna-friendly havens throughout the region. With every survey, every ecological breakthrough, Balijup proves one simple truth: conservation thrives when communities come together.
Looking Ahead
The story of Balijup is far from over. While the 2025 eco-camp marked a milestone, the future holds exciting possibilities for further restoration and research. For those involved, the Sanctuary isn’t just a project—it’s a movement, a family, and a vision for a healthier planet. Together, citizen scientists and landcare advocates are rewriting the story of conservation, one dig, one survey, and one sanctuary at a time.
(Feature image credit: Basil Schur, Green Skills)
The Green Skills and Conservation Council of WA’s Balijup Citizen Science program was supported by funding from the WA Government’s State Natural Resource Management program, the Koorabup Trust, with help from UWA Albany, Parks and Wildlife ( DCBA), lots of volunteers, the Balijup owners and family. More info and videos on Balijup can be found at the Heartland Journeys site: https://heartlandjourneys.com.au/places/balijup-farm-and-fauna-sanctuary/.