When the chance to merge a passion for nature with enthusiasm for sharing his conservation journey came along, Pappinbarra landholder Jon van Beest seized the opportunity.
He joined Land Libraries and quickly became the program’s top contributor, recording more than 230 observations on NatureMapr.
He has logged wildlife observations ranging from the elusive Stephen’s banded snake to often overlooked small native fungi and is contributing to a deeper understanding of biodiversity in the region.
Jon has been working to restore and expand pockets of rainforest on his property for more than 15 years. Once widespread, these rainforests were devastated by decades of land clearing and logging. His conservation agreement site now supports species that don’t typically thrive in the valley’s dominant forests of grey gum, tallowwood, and she-oaks.
One of the most significant improvements to the conservation area has been the removal of lantana, an invasive weed that had taken over parts of his land and created patches of a dense monoculture.
The lantana’s removal has greatly improved habitat connectivity, allowing native species to return.
“Camera traps and Song Meters from the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust’s Land Libraries project have confirmed the presence of several rare and threatened species,” Jon said.
“These include long-nosed potoroo, brush-tailed phascogale and koalas.
“Their existence on my property highlights the critical importance of private land conservation, especially in a region where logging continues to degrade habitat,” he said.
Jon’s property was one of the few areas in the Pappinbarra Valley that escaped bushfire in November 2019. He attributes this to the mature, intact forest on his land, which had a lower fuel load compared to the dense eucalypt regrowth which, through decades of logging and land clearing dominates much of the valley.
“That contrast really highlights the role of old-growth forests in mitigating fire risk,” Jon said.
“It reinforces the urgent need to protect and restore these ecosystems before it’s too late.”
During Citizen Science Month Jon says he hopes to encourage other landholders to consider conservation on their property.
“When I share my findings through Land Libraries it’s showing everyone what’s thriving on my land, what could be on their land, and what’s possible with restoration efforts,” he said.
“I hope it gives people a little insight into what I’m about: my love of the Australian bush, my efforts to restore a small piece of it, my fears we’ll never stop destroying it, and my hope that others will ‘get it’ before it’s too late.”
NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust Education Team Leader Alice McGrath said Jon’s work was a powerful example of the impact citizen scientists have on conservation.
“His data collection on the NatureMapr Land Libraries hub is not just about numbers, it’s about telling a story,” Alice said.
“Every recorded species adds to a broader understanding of the delicate balance of Australia’s ecosystems and provides scientific evidence to support stronger environmental protections.
"Jon’s work serves as a reminder that conservation isn’t just for scientists—it’s for everyone.
“With dedicated citizen scientists like Jon leading the way, there is hope that more people will step up to protect and restore the wild places we still have left,” she said.
Want to get involved?
Citizen Science Month is the perfect time to start documenting the wildlife around you. Whether from the bush, your back yard, or even a city park, your observations can contribute to a growing database of biodiversity.
Check out the Land Libraries community on NatureMapr and see what has been recorded from citizen scientists across New South Wales.