Welcome to Iris Lodge Alpacas
Our Story: A Journey of Sustainability and Conservation
Enhancing Nature, One Step at a Time
At Iris Lodge, our journey began with a commitment to sustainability, stewardship, and the restoration of our beautiful land. As former grazing land, our property lacked the lush greenery that supports thriving ecosystems. However, our dedication has led to remarkable transformations, making Iris Lodge a haven for both wildlife and nature enthusiasts.
Reviving the Land:
With a passion for conservation, we embarked on an ambitious journey of reforestation. Over 13,000 trees and grasses have been carefully planted to create vibrant habitats for wildlife to flourish. Our choice of trees has been intentional, aimed at providing essential shelter and sustenance for the critically endangered swift parrot. This endeavor has not only beautified our landscape but also contributed to the preservation of a precious species.
Protecting Our Waters: Caring for Jilliby Jilliby Creek
Fronting the serene Jilliby Jilliby Creek, we take our responsibility as stewards of the land seriously. Significant resources have been dedicated to erosion control measures, safeguarding the health of the creek, and ensuring its integral role in the local water catchment.
A Holistic Sustainable Approach:
Our commitment to sustainability is ingrained in every aspect of our operations:
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Preserving Tree Diversity: We have upheld a policy of retaining all large trees, recognizing their vital role in the ecosystem.
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Revitalizing the Land: Areas impacted by previous farming practices have undergone revegetation efforts, restoring their natural vitality.
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Removing Invasive Species: Our land is continually cleared of invasive species, including the diligent removal of blackberry and lantana.
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Community Collaboration: We actively participate in local Council recycling programs, contributing to a cleaner environment.
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Harnessing Rainwater: Rainwater is thoughtfully collected and utilized, minimizing our ecological footprint.
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Eco-Friendly Cleaning: Biodegradable cleaning agents are used, promoting a healthier ecosystem.
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Wildlife Respect: We believe in allowing wildlife to thrive naturally, refraining from intentional feeding.
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Solar-Powered Progress: We harness the power of solar energy, reducing our reliance on traditional power sources.
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Energy efficiency: All energy inefficient appliances have been replaced with energy efficient appliances.
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Smart Chemical Use: Through innovative technology, our chemical usage has been reduced by an impressive 90%, minimizing environmental impact.
Green Purchasing Policy
Our green purchasing policy prioritises biodegradable and recyclable products with minimal packaging, locally made and produced items. All recurring purchases are sourced locally.
Join Us in Our Sustainable Journey
At Iris Lodge, our story is one of dedication, restoration, and harmony with nature. Every step we take is a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainability. As you explore our sanctuary, you become a part of this meaningful journey, embracing the beauty and vitality of our precious environment.
Carbon Sequestration
Sustainability is at the core of every business decision we make, including sequestering 100,000 kg of carbon through tree planting each year. We have moved beyond being carbon neutral to being carbon negative.
ECOTOURISM AUSTRALIA WELCOMES IRIS LODGE ALPACAS TO THE FAMILY
Posted by Jithmi Gammanpila on 10 August 2021
We are so excited to announce that Iris Lodge Alpacas, a tourism business for only 18 months, has successfully achieved ECO Certification at the Nature Tourism level. Well done! The lodge offers a great opportunity for guests to experience real life on a working farm. Guests can choose to have either a farm stay or a breakfast/afternoon tea with alpacas and can engage with day-to-day farm activities depending on their schedules and seasons.
The full story is available at https://www.ecotourism.org.au/news/ecotourism-australia-welcomes-iris-lodge-alpacas-to-the-family/