Desert Knowledge Landcare Group

About Desert Knowledge Landcare Group

The Desert Knowledge Precinct is located 9 minutes south of the Alice Springs CBD on Stuart Highway. Established as a Statutory Corporation of the NT in 2006, Desert Knowledge Australia (DKA) is the appointed property manager of the Precinct, with all activities at the site underpinned by an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA).

DKA, with its partner the Desert People’s Centre, work together to maintain the Precinct, which contains significant stands of ironwood and fork-leaved corkwood, identified for protection by the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority [AAPA].

The Precinct is open weekdays to the public from 8am until 5pm, and the onsite Irrarnte Cafe is open from 8am until 2pm, Monday to Friday. The Precinct may also be accessible on weekends for planned events.

Desert Knowledge Landcare Group’s Guiding Principles:

• Abide by the Indigenous Land Use Agreement [ILUA]
• Enrich and protect areas of remnant vegetation
• Create more habitat for native wildlife
• Control introduced species (buffelgrass, couch grass, feral cats, etc.)
• Develop practical learning activities for students, Precinct staff, and members of the community to engage directly with conservation and land management practises, including management of weeds and invasive species, establishing an interpretive nature walk, conducting regular biodiversity surveys, and implementing regeneration strategies
• Support educational, upskilling, and economic opportunities for Indigenous people at the Precinct.

Desert Knowledge Landcare Group Activities:

• Working Bees
• Precinct Open Days
• Conservation & Land Mgmt.
• Research & Education
• Weed Control
• Bustin’ the Grass Festival – an annual, free community buffel-busting event at the Precinct