Private Nature Reserve

Grasstrees Private Nature Reserve is a 115ha conservation area on the northern slopes of Bolivia Hill, NSW. This small patch of granite outcrops and dry sclerophyll forest is managed under a Conservation Agreement In Perpetuity with the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust. Grasstrees assists also with the work of the Biodiversity and Conservation Division of the NSW Department of Planning and Environment in its conservation efforts for several threatened and endangered plant species found on Bolivia Hill. Reports of Little Eagle sightings at Grasstrees are submitted to the Northern Tablelands Threatened Birds of Prey Recovery Strategy. And Granite Borders Land Care’s Cool Country Koala Project has provided hundreds of trees for planting to assist in rebuilding koala habitat in the nature reserve. Since 2009, the flora and fauna of this property have been observed and documented. Much work has been done. Lists containing upward of 90 bird species and 208 plant species are well established. Other lists of our observations are in various stages of development: frogs; reptiles; placental mammals, marsupials, and monotremes; arachnids; butterflies and moths; and other insects. Grasstrees can be observed and explored via a network of mowed walking tracks, GPS-guided walks, 4WD tracks and free roaming. A current focus is observing the process and patterns of recovery following drought (2017 – 2019, bushfire (November 2019), La Nina rains (2020 – late 2022) and another extended dry period from May to November 2023, including the driest September and October on record. Our visitors share a passion for nature and an interest in the complexity, challenges and delights of the unique Australian bush. Visitors with a professional, research or personal interest relevant to understanding the biodiversity of Grasstrees are welcome. Contributions to the Grasstrees natural history knowledge bank are highly valued.