Formerly known as the “Noli Block”, Sheoak Ridge was sold as useless land because it’s topography and vegetation cover were not conducive to agriculture.
One man’s Trash is another man’s Treasure
Since its purchase in 2000 Sheoak Ridge is seen in a very different light and is now highly valued for its ecological diversity. In its 164 acres you’ll find Open Eucalyptus Woodlands, Riparian Rainforest, Melaleuca Wetlands, Billabongs and Complex Ecotones. Needless to say, with this much diversity in habitats, there is also great diversity in wildlife.
Two national parks adjoin Sheoak Ridge. The Mowbray National Park to the North and the Kuranda National Park to the South. The presence of sugar cane fields on either side means that Sheoak Ridge is a wildlife corridor between the two national parks.
Good things come in small packages.
The rainforest may only be present as a narrow band within the valley, but it is classified by the Queensland Government as remnant endangered regional ecosystem and as essential habitat.
Hidden under the closed canopy of the rainforest, Rifle Creek snakes its way through the reserve. And many seasonal and permanent billabongs are found within the valley flats.
Wetlands make up only a small part of the reserve, but they make themselves noticed when the frogs start calling at the start of each wet season. It’s a sound that needs to be heard to be believed.
The ecotones present at Sheoak Ridge with be the focus of study in 2014. These enigmatic ecosystems represent the natural transformation of Open Woodland to Rainforest in the absence of fire.
For more information on the nature of Sheoak Ridge simply follow the links below or in the tabs above or in the side menus.
Links to:
Sheoak Ridge 