A Haven for Nature, A Legacy of Protection
Nestled on the North Coast of New South Wales, The Bog is more than just a conservation area—it is a living testament to the power of nature, community, and dedication. Created by passionate conservationist Jimmy and his late partner Richard Reeg, The Bog lies within the heart of the Richmond River catchment.
Jimmy and Richard celebrate registering The Bog as protected habitat.
The land is a vital corridor connecting the Bundjalung State Conservation Area to the east and the Bungawalbin Nature Reserve to the west, making it a critical piece in the regional conservation puzzle. Through years of hard work and a deep commitment to preserving the environment, The Bog has become a sanctuary for a diverse range of species, from rare animals to ancient trees and unique wetland ecosystems.
A Unique Wetland
At 40 hectares, The Bog encompasses a variety of habitats, including low-lying floodplains and freshwater wetlands. This dynamic environment is subject to seasonal changes, with areas becoming covered in water when the water table rises—creating a truly magical, ever-changing landscape. Jimmy, who originally hails from the United States, often refers to it as Australia’s largest tidal pool.
The conservation area sits on land that has been continuously protected since 2010, when Jimmy and his partner Richard entered into a conservation agreement with the Nature Conservation Trust, which is now managed by the Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT).
Ecological Significance
The Bog is home to two endangered ecological communities listed under the NSW Threatened Species Act 1995:
- Swamp Sclerophyll Forest on Coastal Floodplains
- Freshwater Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains
These ecosystems support a wide range of native flora and fauna, including several threatened species. The area is a sanctuary for the brush-tailed phascogale, little lorikeet, squirrel glider, and the coastal emu that is listed as an endangered population. Other recorded species include eastern grey kangaroos, ringtail possums, bandicoots, and swamp wallabies, alongside many bird and frog species.
Meet Jimmy: A Passionate Guardian of the Land
Jimmy filming for the rural fire service Hotspots program in the Bungawalbyn
Jimmy’s connection to this land runs deep. As a photographer, filmmaker and conservationist, his infectious spirit has inspired countless individuals to appreciate and protect the natural world. For Jimmy, conservation is not just a passion—it’s a lifelong commitment.
“The Bog is a corridor—a link—between protected areas,” Jimmy explains. “It’s critical for the native wildlife that rely on these spaces to thrive. And that’s why we’re working to protect it.”
Jimmy’s dedication to The Bog is personal. When he lost his partner, Richard, he made the decision to bury him on the property, marking the spot within a small, peaceful clearing among the trees that Jimmy and Richard called a perfect camping spot. This act was a profound symbol of their shared love for the land, and of the deep bond they both had with The Bog.
Leading visitors through the conservation area, Jimmy stops often to point out key features of the landscape—an old habitat tree with a hollow where a glider might be nesting, or a special spot he refers to as Glider Flyway, where squirrel gliders have been spotted gliding through the trees. His enthusiasm and reverence for the land are evident in every word he speaks.
Squirrel glider coming out of a nest box at The Bog with barking owls calling in the distance.
A Rich History
The land that is now The Bog Conservation Area has a fascinating history. It was originally partially cleared for it’s timber and dairy cows were grazed here. It was then transformed into a commercial wild tea tree harvesting location, where oil was cut and distilled on-site. The wild tea tree oil produced here was once considered the best quality in the region. Remnants of this past still remain on the property, including the old distillation equipment—an unexpected but intriguing contrast to the surrounding natural beauty.
The Importance of Conservation
The conservation of this land is not just about preserving beauty—it’s about safeguarding the delicate balance of the local ecosystem and protecting the species that call it home. The Bog is an essential piece of the puzzle in maintaining connectivity between larger protected areas, which is crucial for the movement and survival of native wildlife.
In partnership with the Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT), Jimmy continues to engage in essential conservation work, including:
- Invasive Species Control: Managing the spread of invasive plants and animals to protect native species.
- Habitat Restoration: Replanting native vegetation and maintaining the health of the wetland ecosystems.
- Education and Outreach: Sharing knowledge about the importance of wetlands and the unique species of The Bog with local communities, schools, and visitors.
Visit The Bog
We invite you to visit The Bog and experience firsthand the wonders of this protected area. Whether you are an avid nature enthusiast, a budding conservationist, or simply someone looking to connect with the outdoors, there’s something special waiting for you.
Key Features:
- Guided Tours with Jimmy: Learn from Jimmy himself as he takes you on a tour through the Bog, sharing stories, insights, and knowledge about the wildlife and the conservation efforts that make The Bog a truly unique place.
- Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for the many species that call The Bog home, including the squirrel glider, brush-tailed phascogale, and even the endangered coastal emu.
- Photography Opportunities: Capture the beauty of The Bog’s dynamic landscape, its wildlife, and its extraordinary trees.
- Educational Displays: Explore our visitor center for more information on the history of the land, the species that thrive here, and the ongoing efforts to protect and restore the ecosystem.
Getting Involved
By visiting and supporting The Bog, you help contribute to its ongoing protection and restoration. Here are some ways you can get involved:
- Donations: Your contribution helps fund vital conservation work, including habitat restoration and species monitoring.
- Volunteering: Join Jimmy and our team of passionate volunteers in hands-on conservation activities and events.
- Spread the Word: Share your experience with others to raise awareness about the importance of wetland conservation and The Bog’s role in protecting local wildlife.
Plan Your Visit
Location: Richmond River Catchment, North Coast NSW
Contact: For more information, please reach out to us at info@thebogconservationarea.com
Fires and Floods Impacts
The Bog was impacted by the 2019 Black Summer Bush Fires on November 16th. Then on February 28, 2022, The Bog went a meter underwater in major flood event that created an 85 square kilometer inland sea all the way to Lismore, NSW. The Bog has proven resilient but contines on in recovery mode. There are still challenges at managing weeds that floated in with the floods and protecting what is left of our big old habitat trees from fires. Any contributions to the Bog and Jimmy will help ensure all the work to protect this precious habitat keeps going on into the future.
Thank you for supporting The Bog Conservation Area. Together, we can ensure this special landscape and its wildlife are preserved for generations to come.