The green gem of Robertson - its rainforest - is in the spotlight.
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The stunning rainforest remnant has been preserved in a series of colour photographs, illustrations and aerial maps in the second edition of 'A Guide to the Yarrawa Brush: Trees, Shrubs and Vines of the Robertson Rainforest Remnants' which was put together by the Robertson Environment Protection Society (REPS).
The book launched on May 15 at St John's Anglican Church hall, with more than 100 people in attendance.
The inaugural presidents of REPS from more than 30 years ago, Dr Allen Stiles officially launched the book.
The first edition of 'A Guide to the Yarrawa Brush: Trees, Shrubs and Vines of the Robertson Rainforest Remnants' was first published in 1993.
REPS committee member Bob McInnes presented a small history of the organisation.
"I'm sure you'll agree that Robertson has always had a certain magic about it, that in no small part comes from the rainforest," he said.
"Remnants of the once expansive coverage, fostered by high rainfall, fog and rich volcanic soil.
"The area was cleared by settlers and used to produce berries, potatoes and more.
"In the late 1980s like minds came together to foster conservation of our unique environment and that was the start of REPS."
Mr McInnes said that in 1992 it was decided that a handbook was needed to help the conservation effort.
"Twenty-seven years later, president Peter Glass instigated a new edition," he said.
"The new book has upped the ante."
President Peter Glass said that the Robertson rainforest was unique in the Wingecarribee Shire and state and needed to be protected.
"The aim of REPS was to protect and enhance the Robertson environment and 31 years later, that's what we're trying to do," he said.
"They weren't idle words then and they aren't idle words now.
"I'm pleased to say that there are quite a few members from 1990 here today and still active in REPS."
Mr Glass said the book was the seminal book on the Robertson Rainforest, however, the REPS committee realised they needed another book two years ago.
"We asked Dr Cathryn Couttes to coordinate the printing of the second edition," he said.
"If we never asked Cathy, we would never have had a second edition. For the past two years, she has devoted a lot of time to this book.
"I can't thank her enough."
Dr Cathy Coutts thanked everyone for attending the book launch.
Dr Coutts said she had found the first edition helpful when she first moved to Robertson.
"I was happily pulling out plants that I shouldn't have been pulling out, thinking they were weeds when they weren't," she said.
"It wasn't until I was working in the nature reserve that I started to learn what was a rainforest plant and what wasn't."
It wasn't until I was working in the nature reserve that I started to learn what was a rainforest plant and what wasn't.
- Dr Cathryn Couttes
Dr Coutts said that book had several new features such as 81 new species described and illustrated, a new selection of ferns and other species, an updated weeds section and advice on weed control and a list of less common plants.
"The book is for people who don't know anything about the rainforest and who would like to learn," she said.
"It's a guide for plant lovers, landowners, home gardeners and visitors."
Member for Whitlam Stephen Jones said he welcomed the release of the new book.
"The Robertson Environment Protection Society has produced an important document. It reflects the ecological diversity that makes up the Robertson Rainforest, which was recently listed as critically endangered," he said.
"This book contains fascinating insights into the unique and diverse beauty of the Robertson Rainforest and its importance to residents of the Southern Highlands.
"I'm proud to support projects that like that showcase the incredible diversity of the Southern Highlands. REPS has done amazing work in highlighting the Robertson Rainforest, and I'll continue to support their efforts to conserve and restore this beautiful land in the heart of Whitlam."
Mr Stephens said that the book was much more than a table book.
"We can do so much with it," he said.
"We can take the knowledge for those who may not have the patience to read it and share it with them.
"I entreat you to become activists and pass that knowledge on to another generation of people because we cannot protect what we can't see."
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