Seeding Our Future: Seed Collection Workshop with Seeding Victoria

Posted on 19 December, 2024 by Hadley Cole

On Saturday 9 November Connecting Country teamed up with Seeding Victoria to deliver a Seed Collection Workshop focussed on techniques for local indigenous plants. This workshop is part of a series of engagement events Connecting Country is coordinating through the Seeding Our Future project. This project aims to build the populations, and therefore resilience, of local flora species by engaging community members in the collection and growing of local species to build seed banks across the region ensuring seed security for future revegetation.

Dan Frost and Robert Hall from Seeding Victoria presented the workshop covering topics from seed collection permits, common and uncommon species worth collecting in terms of the price fetched per gram of seed, future projection of seed required for revegetation projects across the state (eg. for restoration projects as part of Victorian government BushBank program) followed by more practical aspects including collection techniques for various plant types.

Dan Frost has been collecting seed for almost two decades and brought a wealth of knowledge to the workshop. He talked us through the useful seed collecting equipment and talked about the increasing importance of creating seed orchards for collecting seed as weather patterns change significantly with climate change.

The second part of the workshop involved heading outside so Dan could talk us through identification of local flora species as well as recognising the various life stages plants move through and the optimum timing for collecting seed. We looked at a diversity of lifeforms including local everlasting daisies, shrubs, wattles, eucalypts, grasses and sheoaks. Dan also talked through the OH&S issues that can arise when collecting from trees. The most important message of the day was to always leave seed behind for the bush – as well as meeting permit requirements (only collecting 10% of seed from each plant) it is also critical seed remains in the bush for future growth for habitat and food for the local fauna.

Participants reported they enjoyed excellent presentations for Seeding Victoria staff, and many expressed their interest in getting involved in future seed collection and/or conservation projects.

“Thank you for the wonderful workshop. Dan was an excellent presenter with a huge amount of knowledge communicated really well. Thank you all! “

The Connecting Country team are pleased to kick the Seeding Our Future project off so successfully. We look forward to the next workshop: Propagation with Newstead Natives in February 2025.

The Seeding Our Future project is funded by the North Central Catchment Management Authority (NCCMA) through the 2024 Victorian Landcare Grants.

Weed of the Month: Gorse

Posted on 28 November, 2024 by Lori

As we move through spring into the hotter, drier, summer months you will no doubt notice many of the local weeds flowering and seeding. This month, keep an eye out for the invasive Gorse (Ulex europaeus) which is a Weed of National Significance (WONS) and a ‘Regionally Controlled’ weed in the North Central Catchment – meaning landholders have a legal responsibility to control it. Gorse can be found right across the Mount Alexander Shire. It is a prickly woody shrub growing to around 3 meters, producing abundant, pea-shaped yellow flowers followed by pods of seeds which are spread through ‘explosive dehiscence’ in summer or as the weather heats up and dries out. Germination mainly occurs after rain in Autumn and Spring. 

Seeds remain viable in the soil for over 30 years, making an integrated and annual control program necessary to keep on top of infestations. Plants can also regrow from stumps. To control, cut and paint isolated individuals, hand pull small seedlings or grub out (disturb soil with a hoe, to essentially dig them up) large quantities of newly germinated seedlings. Spraying herbicide can be used for established infestations. For large infestations you may require a mix of techniques to achieve the best results, such as slashing and then spraying regrowth. 

There is now also specialised machinery, called an Eco Blade, that can groom out and chemically treat plants simultaneously which can be ideal for large infestations where there is no other vegetation present. Click here for a list of local weed contractors, and here for the Managing Gorse Manual.

For more information on Gorse or other land management topics, visit the Connecting Country website or contact us via email info@connectingcountry.org.au or phone 0493 362 394.  Landcare Groups are also a great resource for learning about local weeds. You can find your local group on the Landcare page of the Connecting Country website.  

The Weed of Month article is a segment from Connecting Country’s ‘Partnerships Against Pests’ project funded by Agriculture Victoria in 2024-25. Through this program, Connecting Country is working closely with local community groups, such as Landcare, to raise awareness of local pest plant and animal issues, with the aim to empower community with the skills to address these threats.  The project includes seasonal awareness campaigns around key pest issues as well as workshops, and market stalls across the region. Keep an eye out for Connecting Country staff and Landcare volunteers holding weed information market stalls at Mount Alexander Shire markets over the coming months.  

Maldon Urban Landcare Group AGM & special event: Living with our Wild Neighbours with Tanya Loos

Posted on 11 November, 2024 by Hadley Cole

Maldon Urban Landcare Group (MULGA) is celebrating their Annual General Meeting (AGM) with special guest Tanya Loos who will be speaking about her most recent book ‘Living with Wildlife’ on Saturday 30 November 2024.

MULGA have provided the following information and details about this wonderful event.

Everyone is welcome to come along to this very interesting talk ‘Living with Wildlife’ – possums in the roof, an echidna in the garden, or perhaps a bird attacking your windows? Join Tanya Loos, author of Living with Wildlife: A Guide for Our Homes and Backyards, published by CSIRO Publishing, as she provides information, advice and solutions to encounters with wildlife, based on current guidance from wildlife rescue organisations and the latest research. Tanya loves drawing from ecological science to educate and inspire people to care about wildlife and wildlife habitat.

When: Saturday 30 November at 2.15pm

Where: Maldon Neighbourhood Centre, 1 Church St, Maldon VIC

Refreshments will be provided. Booking not required.

For further information, contact Bev Phillips, ph. 0407 770 350, email: maldonurbanlandcare@gmail.com

Seeding Our Future: Seed Collection Workshop

Posted on 23 October, 2024 by Hadley Cole

Connecting Country is pleased to announce an exciting new project; Seeding Our Future which is funded by the 2024 Victorian Landcare Grants. The Seeding Our Future project focuses on building the populations and connectivity of local flora species through community engagement and educational workshops. 

One of the key threats to local flora populations is seed security, particularly those species occurring in low numbers and fragmented populations that lack genetic diversity. Local plant populations are already highly fragmented and isolated. With this we are witnessing the reduction of genetic diversity across populations which will be exacerbated by severe weather patterns and could eventually lead to the extinction of rare indigenous plant species. This will have enormous repercussions for many local vertebrates and invertebrates who rely on specific plant species for habitat and food sources. 

To protect biodiversity from extinction, the Seeding Our Future project offers local community the opportunity to take direct action to increase flora populations across the region. Through the collection of seed and growing of indigenous plant species, particularly those that are rare, we can increase genetic diversity and population of local indigenous flora, creating resilient ecosystems and seed banks for our future.

To kick the project off we are hosting a Seed Collection workshop with Seeding Victoria, in Castlemaine on Saturday 9 November 2024. This workshop has also received funding support from Cassinia Environmental, Natural Resources Conservation Trust and the Victorian Government BushBank program.

The day will involve;

• The nuts and bolts to seed collecting: You will learn species identification, what permits you need to obtain for collecting seed, OH&S, collection techniques, extraction and storage.

• Field Trip: We will have a look at the OH&S components of seed collecting, observing what’s flowering and what will be ready to collect in the coming months.

• There will be an opportunity to order seed-collecting equipment on the day.

• Learn about how the NRCT Seed Bank Revolving Fund works and how to obtain a discount for seed-collecting equipment.
• Introduction to the BushBank Program: How to get involved in collecting seed for the $30M Government program and access funding to undertake biodiversity planting on your property.

When: Saturday 9 November 2024, 9.30am – 3.30pm

Where: Castlemaine Botanical Gardens Tea Rooms, Downes Rd. Castlemaine

Cost: $30.

For more information and bookings – click here

The Seeding Our Future project is funded by the North Central Catchment Management Authority through the 2024 Victorian Landcare Grants.

The Seed Collection Workshop with Seeding Victoria has received further support from, Cassinia Environmental, Victorian State Government BushBank program and the Natural Resource Conservation Trust.  

Bird of the Month: Yellow-faced Honeyeater

Posted on 21 October, 2024 by Anna

Welcome to Bird of the Month, a partnership between Connecting Country and BirdLife Castlemaine District. Each month we’re taking a close look at one special local bird species. We’re excited to join forces to deliver you a different bird each month, seasonally adjusted, and welcome suggestions from the community. We are blessed to have the brilliant Damian Kelly and Jane Rusden from BirdLife Castlemaine District writing about our next bird of the month, accompanied by their stunning photos.

Photo by Damian Kelly

Whilst doing quiet activities in the bush, like walking or bird surveys, it’s often possible to hear and maybe see, Yellow-faced Honeyeaters. Anecdotally, I often associate them with Fuscous Honeyeaters because they visit the bird bath together, but they are frequently to be found on their own or in twos and threes as well. You may find their call is quite familiar.

The Yellow-faced Honeyeater is possibly one of the most widespread of the honeyeaters. It ranges from far north Queensland along the east coast across to South Australia. There have also been occasional records in Tasmania and even vagrants on Lord Howe Island and in New Zealand. This species is partly migratory with significant movement northward in autumn and returning southwards in spring. Migration has been observed in daytime with both small and large flocks on the move. This migration does not include all birds, with some remaining resident and sedentary in parts of their range. They can be found all year in our local bush.

Long term studies of migration have not shed a lot of light on overall patterns. Banding studies have proved inconclusive and we still know little about their movements. This is interesting given that are a relatively common bird. You’d think we’d know more about them!

An active and noisy bird, they can be seen in local gardens feeding on pollen, nectar, fruit, seeds, manna and insects along with lerp. They occupy a wide range of habitats ranging from woodlands to heath, mangroves, parks and home gardens. In short a very adaptable species. Locally they can be seen in any of the Box-Ironbark forests and in gardens.

A Yellow-faced Honeyeater as it decides if the bird bath is safe to have a drink. Photo by Jane Rusden

Nesting usually occurs in spring-summer with 2-3 eggs being laid in a nest composed of bark and grass fibre held together with spider web. Generally this nest in placed in the fork of a tree. Young are fed by both parents.

Find our more about Yellow-faced honeyeater, including their call:

https://www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Lichenostomus-chrysops

The bright yellow gape of a young Yellow-faced Honeyeater begging for food from a parent. Photo by Damian Kelly

Talking weeds in Taradale – Weed ID and Control Workshop

Posted on 17 October, 2024 by Lori

On Sunday 13 October, Connecting Country partnered with North Central Catchment Management Authority, to host a Weed ID and Control Workshop in Taradale.

Connecting Country’s Bonnie Humphreys teamed up with natural resource management expert, former Connecting Country staff and local farmer Jarrod Coote, to bring a suite of information on some of our local weeds. Specimens of noxious and environmental weeds were on display and participants were invited to delve into the biology of weeds in order to understand the best timeframe and course of action for management. When thinking about controlling a particular species, participants were encouraged to research:

• When is the active growth cycle?
• When does it seed?
• How are the seeds distributed?
• How does the plant reproduce (i.e. does it regrow from stems, does it have bulbs, or a tap root)?

An understanding of the biology of a weedy plant will help participants to undertake control methods more effectively and efficiently.

The workshop also covered legislation around noxious weeds, and responsibilities for landholders, weed control techniques and planning for weed control. Participants also had the opportunity to see a practical demonstration of an Eco Blade destroying gorse!

                 Photos by Carmen Bunting

“…I know I expressed my appreciation on the day, but this is just to reinforce how much the weeds day at Taradale was appreciated.  It was well organised.  The speakers were realistic, informed & practical in their presentations and contributions.  The field component was accessible and, again, very practical – thoroughly worthwhile day…” (David Cheal)

More information on local weed control is available in Connecting Country’s Healthy Landscape Guide which is available electronically on the website or in hard copy for $15 through the Connecting Country office or at Stall #625 at The Mill.

This workshop was the first in a series of events that is part of Connecting Country’s new Partnerships Against Pests project funded by Agriculture Victoria in 2024-25, and was also supported by the North Central Catchment Management Authority.

Partnering against pests in the Mount Alexander Region 

Posted on 18 September, 2024 by Hadley Cole

Connecting Country is excited to announce our new ‘Partnerships Against Pests’ project funded by Agriculture Victoria in 2024-25. Through this program, Connecting Country will work with a range of stakeholders to raise awareness of local pest plant and animal issues, and empower community with the skills to address these threats.   The project will involve a series of field days, market stalls, a weed control video and training events alongside a seasonal communication campaign around key pest issues in the region. 

The first event will be a ‘Weed Identification and Control Workshop’ on Sunday 13th October from 10 -1pm in Taradale.  We will be focusing on a range of local noxious and environmental weeds, covering identification tips and control techniques with practical demonstrations. We are hoping to provide an opportunity for you to meet with local contractors from your area. 

This event is FREE but places are limited so please book your tickets HERE.  This secures a showbag of goodies to get you started and catering on the day. 

We are also currently updating our ‘Mount Alexander Region Contractors List’.  This list is available on our website as a connection for landholders looking for a local environmental contractor. If you work within the Mount Alexander Region and would like to be included on this list or involved with the above mentioned field day, please get in touch via email: info@connectingcountry.org.au 

The Weed Identification and Control Workshop is funded by the Victorian State Government Partnership Against Pests Program and the North Central Catchment Management Authority.

2024 Great Southern BioBlitz – 20-23 September

Posted on 10 September, 2024 by Anna

Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club is again hosting the Great Southern Bioblitz for the Castlemaine region. GSB24 runs from September 20 to 23 2024 with citizen scientists from across the Southern Hemisphere photographing and audio recording as many living species as possible within their regions.

Get involved and help showcase all the amazing forms of wildlife living in our own Castlemaine region and help build the scientific databases that increase knowledge and understanding of our bushlands. These annual Bioblitz surveys collect vast amounts of data on species and distribution that would otherwise be unavailable.

To join the fun take photographs or make sound recordings of flora, fauna and fungi between 20-23 September. You have until 7 October 2024 to upload them to iNaturalist from your phone app or computer. iNaturalist is a global databank for observations of biodiversity made by scientists, naturalists and citizen scientists. Then skilled naturalists, scientists and other citizen scientists will help you identify as many of your observations as possible.  If you’re unsure on how to use iNaturalist, the Field Nats will be running a Beginners Guide to iNaturalist on Wednesday 11^th Sept at 7pm (bookings required at  https://www.trybooking.com/CUPWG )

There are a series of events hosted by Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club, as part of the Bioblitz. See below for details.

Yellow-footed Antechinus. Photo: Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club

Friday 20th – Monday 23^rd September – make your observations and attend the following special events.  Observations must be from the Mt Alexander Shire or the eastern half of Hepburn Shire including Daylesford and Trentham.

Friday 20^th Sept from 7pm: Moth Night

Moths hold vital roles in ecosystem biodiversity. They are an important food source and great pollinators. The majority of species are nocturnal and most of these are attracted to light. Come along to watch these moths flying onto illuminated moth sheets and be amazed at the variation in sizes and colour of these beautiful creatures. A moth scientist will be on site to help with identification.

We will set up the lights and moth sheets at the southern end of the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens near the Walker St bridge (Opposite The Mill).

Sunday 22^nd Sept.  1:30-3:30pm, followed by afternoon tea. Bioblitz Afternoon in the Bush.  All Welcome

As part of Bioblitz 2024, we are offering the opportunity to spend a very special afternoon in the bush with four of our highly regarded local wildlife experts. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the bush and record what you see and hear with photos or audio.

Bring your phone, camera, binoculars, magnifying glass and unbridled, childlike curiosity! And a cup for afternoon tea. If you wish, bring something for afternoon tea to share afterwards.

Meet at the Red White and Blue Picnic Area in Muckleford Forest – click here for directions.

Friday 20^th Sept to Monday 7^th October.  Load and Identify

During this time, load your observations made between 20^th and 23^rd Sept to the iNaturalist platform.  They will be automatically included in our GSB24 project.  https://inaturalist.ala.org.au/projects/great-southern-bioblitz-2024-castlemaine-region. You can also help identify the observations that others have made.

Want a challenge?  Can you make and load more observations than our very own “Babblerboy” who in 2023 recorded 799 observations of 256 species – no. 17 globally!

Feathery Festival – September 2024

Posted on 21 August, 2024 by Anna

Connecting Country, Birdlife Castlemaine District and Barkers Creek Landcare and Wildlife Group are excited to present:

Join us for a series of events in celebration of woodland birds

September 2024 on Djaara Country

The Message of the Lyrebird Film Fundraiser

Thursday 5 September 7:30pm (doors open at 6pm for dinner and music)

Theatre Royal Castlemaine

Tickets $25/$20 concession HERE (tickets not available from the Theatre)

This is a special fundraising event also featuring live music by Joel Bloom and Hilary Blackshaw and a conversation with local Landcarers and ecologists.

All proceeds from ticket sales will go towards – Connecting Country’s Conservation Program and Balangara Films Education Distribution Program. 

Guided Birdwalk

Saturday 7 September 9am 

Rise and Shine Nature Conservation Reserve, Newstead 

Join expert bird watchers from Birdlife Castlemaine District on a free guided walk in one of the region’s bird watching hotspots, including a ‘how to identify birds’ session, followed by a delicious brunch in the outdoors with entertainment from the Chat Warblers. Kids welcome.

Reserve your spot HERE

Birds and Beers

Wednesday 11 September

Talk starts at 7pm (come down earlier for dinner)

Shedshaker, Castlemaine 

Enjoy a beer and some delicious grub, and Join Tanya Loos, author of forthcoming book Living with Wildlife: a guide for our homes and backyards, while she delves into the delights of our local bird fauna. As well as describing commonly seen birds of the Castlemaine region, Tanya will provide tips on how to make sure our homes and backyards are havens for birds.  

Practical advice will also include addressing some of the more maddening aspects of our feathery friends such as birds attacking windows and cockatoos destroying houses!

Bird of the Month: Blue-faced Honeyeater

Posted on 20 August, 2024 by Anna

Welcome to Bird of the Month, a partnership between Connecting Country and BirdLife Castlemaine District. Each month we’re taking a close look at one special local bird species. We’re excited to join forces to deliver you a different bird each month, seasonally adjusted, and welcome suggestions from the community. We are blessed to have the brilliant Damian Kelly from BirdLife Castlemaine District writing about our next bird of the month, accompanied by his stunning photos.

Adult Blue-faced Honeyeater. Photo by Damian Kelly

When we first moved to Castlemaine about 14 years ago, the Blue-faced Honeyeater was almost unknown in the local area. Fast-forward to the present day and now it is not unusual to hear and see these birds around town. They range from northern Australia along the east coast to South Australia. They can be found in a wide range of habitats from open forests to orchards, banana plantations, parks, golf courses and home gardens.  To me they are a bit of a ratbag of a bird – often in groups and always noisy, diving in and out of foliage in the quest for food, even right in the centre of town.

In the breeding season they rarely build their own nest, preferring to take over the abandoned nests of a variety of species ranging from Red Wattlebirds to Noisy Miners, Magpies and Magpie-Larks. In some areas Babbler and Friarbird nests are also used. Often they don’t bother modifying these nests but may re-line them if needed. Occasionally they will build their own nests. In this case it is a neat cup-shaped construction of bark and grass. Usually 2-3 eggs are laid.

Like several other Australian species the Blue-faced Honeyeater is a co-operative breeder and immature birds may help at the nest to feed the young.

In feeding they are quite adaptable, consuming insects and invertebrates along with nectar and fruit when available. This may be sourced from native and introduced species – as an adaptable species they get food wherever it is available. Occasionally they are known to be orchard pests and are not popular in this regard.

Identification of adults is easy with their distinctive blue face. Immature birds, however, lack the blue and instead have green around the eyes.

Immature Blue-faced Honeyeater with green around the eye, as it matures it will turn vibrant blue. Photo by Damian Kelly

Feathery Festival – September 2024

Posted on 14 August, 2024 by Anna

Connecting Country, Birdlife Castlemaine District and Barkers Creek Landcare and Wildlife Group are excited to present:

Join us for a series of events in celebration of woodland birds

September 2024 on Djaara Country

The Message of the Lyrebird Film Fundraiser

Thursday 5 September 7:30pm (doors open at 6pm for dinner and music)

Theatre Royal Castlemaine

Tickets $25/$20 concession HERE

This is a special fundraising event also featuring live music by Joel Bloom and Hilary Blackshaw and a conversation with local Landcarers and ecologists.

All proceeds from ticket sales will go towards – Connecting Country’s Conservation Program and Balangara Films Education Distribution Program. 

Guided Birdwalk

Saturday 7 September 9am 

Rise and Shine Nature Conservation Reserve, Newstead 

Join expert bird watchers from Birdlife Castlemaine District on a free guided walk in one of the region’s bird watching hotspots, including a ‘how to identify birds’ session, followed by a delicious brunch in the outdoors with entertainment from the Chat Warblers. Kids welcome.

Reserve your spot HERE

Birds and Beers

Wednesday 11 September

Talk starts at 7pm (come down earlier for dinner)

Shedshaker, Castlemaine 

Enjoy a beer and some delicious grub, and Join Tanya Loos, author of forthcoming book Living with Wildlife: a guide for our homes and backyards, while she delves into the delights of our local bird fauna. As well as describing commonly seen birds of the Castlemaine region, Tanya will provide tips on how to make sure our homes and backyards are havens for birds.  

Practical advice will include preventing window collision, owl friendly rodent control, how to stop birds attacking windows and why bird baths are a better option than feeding birds. 

Bird of the Month: Grey Currawong

Posted on 27 July, 2024 by Ivan

Welcome to Bird of the Month, a partnership between Connecting Country and BirdLife Castlemaine District. Each month we’re taking a close look at one special local bird species. We’re excited to join forces to deliver you a different bird each month, seasonally adjusted, and welcome suggestions from the community. We are blessed to have the brilliant Jane Rusden and Damian Kelly from BirdLife Castlemaine District writing about our next bird of the month, accompanied by Damian’s stunning photos.

Grey Currawong (Strepera versicolor)

At my home in Campbells Creek, I regularly see the imposing Grey Currawong. The individuals I see are likely to be the same pair I’ve been watching for years. The small birds are a bit scared of the Grey Currawong, with good reason as you’ll read below, but they are an important part of the forest ecosystem despite their small vertebrate munching habits. If you are lucky enough to see one up close, you’ll notice the bright yellow eye, so beautiful against the grey plumage and probably summing you up in a way that feels both intelligent and slightly intimidating.

Grey Currawong in full glory and piercing yellow eyes. Photo by Damian Kelly

Often heard before you see them with their distinctive “clink clink” call, Grey Currawongs are widespread throughout our area. They can be found in a wide variety of habitats ranging from home gardens in town to open forests and in treed areas on farms. They are very adaptable thanks to their omnivorous diet that includes invertebrates, small birds, lizards and small rodents as well as fruit when available. They are opportunistic and can be found foraging mainly on the ground as well as in foliage, often in small groups ranging from 3-11 individuals.

They build large and untidy open cup-shaped nests. Usually, 2-3 eggs are laid although more are sometimes recorded. Most of the brooding is done by the female but both parents feed the young. Occasionally Channel-billed Cuckoos have been recorded being fed by Currawongs.

In wide areas of southern Victoria including our local area, Grey Currawongs overlap with Pied Currawongs. They can be easily distinguished as the Pied Currawong is generally a much darker bird with a lot more white on the tail and wings. Calls are also quite distinct.

Grey Currawong attempting to drink from two bird baths at once. Photo by Damian Kelly

Banding studies have demonstrated that the Grey Currawong is largely sedentary with only limited movements based on food availability. Some studies have shown 99% of birds have moved less than 10km. They are quite long-lived birds with some banded birds that have been known to live 16-19 years.

To find out more about Grey Currawongs and listen to its call, click here.

To find out more about Pied Currawong and listen to its call, click here.

Community champions: Top honours to Marie and Tavish at Landcare Awards

Posted on 24 July, 2024 by Ivan

Local community champions Marie Jones and Tavish Bloom were awarded top honours at the recent Victorian Landcare Awards, highlighting the amazing passion and dedication in the central Victorian Landcare movement. We are very proud of both Marie and Tavish, who have shown countless hours of commitment and hard work in restoring our ‘upside down’ landscapes of the Mount Alexander region. Please raise a glass to toast our well-deserved awardees!

Marie Jones: Joan Kirner Landcare Award

Marie was a founding member of Golden Point Landcare Group and has clocked up 30 years with the local group, as well as stints on the North Central Catchment Management Board and Friends of the Box-Ironbark Forest (FOBIF). She is currently the president of FOBIF, which runs monthly walks, organises photographic exhibitions, and develops educational materials to promote and advocate for the Box-Ironbark Forests of the region.  Marie was a founding member of Connecting Country over 25 years ago and continues strong involvement as Secretary on the Committee of Management.

Marie Jones collecting seed. Photo by John Ellis.

Marie has worked tirelessly to ensure that Connecting Country is successful, serving for many years as secretary or president and being involved in multiple sub-committees. Under Marie’s guidance, the network has successfully protected, restored, and enhanced over 15,000 hectares of the region’s landscape.

Director of Connecting Country, Lori Arthur, said ‘We love the gentle way Marie brings our community together and raises awareness of the issues facing our biodiversity and wildlife. I enjoy working with Marie, learning from her wisdom, compassion and kindness through the Landcare movement’.

Marie features on Connecting Country’s Landcare promotion video below, where she is quoted as saying ‘Landcare is everybody’s, and it is our responsibility to look after our local landscapes.  It is an honour to volunteer in our community and contribute towards these things’. Well done Marie, very much deserved!

Tavish Bloom: Woolworths Junior Landcare Award

Tavish is an inspiration to the next generation of Landcarers in our region, and at the ripe age of 13 years old, has an enviable track record and passion for our landscape and wildlife. He lives next to the Post Office Hill Reserve at Chewton and has been part of a project installing and monitoring 28 nesting boxes in the Central Victorian reserve as a member of the Post Office Hill Action Group. This project has given Tavish a terrific platform to learn more about our marsupials and birds that call the nest boxes home and has inspired him to tell his story to other young Landcarers and school friends.

Tavish interviewed by Dr Ann Jones at Resource Smart Awards 2023. Photo by Castlemaine Steiner School.

The nest boxes have housed several occupants, including a female Brush-tailed Phascogale using one of the boxes to successfully raise eight joeys last summer. Nest boxes are vital for providing refuge for threatened species in the absence of their usual habitat, such as hollows in large old trees. Tavish has enjoyed the interactions and sharing of the reserve with the Brush-tailed Phascogale, which has enabled him to learn more about the threatened species and ensure they have the habitat to thrive in the future.

As a young child, he spent countless hours observing and recording flora and fauna in the reserve and two years ago joined the Post Office Hill Action Group (POHAG), which cares for the reserve. This reserve was turned upside down during the gold rush in the mid-1800s and then was later used as a rubbish dump and tip for the region. Tavish is inspired to continue restoring the degraded landscape with mid-storey shrubs and nest boxes, which will enable woodland birds and marsupials to thrive in their once-denuded landscape.

Tavish with Costa Georgiadis at the Victorian Landcare Awards. Photo by Joel Bloom.

Well done Tavish, we hope you continue the journey with your inquisitive nature and passion for the wildlife and biodiversity, that is often forgotten about in our busy lives. Landcare Facilitator at Connecting Country, Hadley Cole, said ‘Tavish is such an awesome inspiration for the future of Landcare in our region and has shown that younger members of our community are keen to be involved in land management for a better future. ‘I have seen Tavish educate and inspire others around him, which is such an important role to play in ensuring Landcare continues into the future.’

Tavish now goes on to represent Victoria in the National Landcare Awards later this year. Best of luck Tavish, we’re all cheering for you!

Connecting Country would like to congratulate and thank everyone who contributes to Landcare in our region, and in particular, give a big high five to Marie and Tavish for their extraordinary contributions.

To learn more about Marie and Tavish’s accomplishments head over to the Landcare Magazine’s website to read full articles dedicated to Marie and Tavish – click here

To find out more about Landcare in our region, or to get involved – click here.

Midweek Bird Walk – Wednesday 17 July 2024, Forest Creek Trail Castlemaine

Posted on 4 July, 2024 by Ivan

2024 National Tree Day community planting – Sunday July 28

Posted on 2 July, 2024 by Ivan

Planet Ark’s National Tree Day is coming up on Sunday 28 July 2024. National Tree Day is a call to action for all Australians to get their hands dirty and give back to the environment, by planting 1 million trees across Australia.  To celebrate, Connecting Country is co-hosting a community planting day with Mount Alexander Shire Council and McKenzie Hill Action and Landcare Group (MHALG).

The day offers an opportunity for the Mount Alexander/ Leanganook community to come together and take direct on-ground conservation action to restore and enhance our local biodiversity.

A big THANK YOU to Shedshaker Brewery (through their Keg for Good program), The Good Opp Shop, North Central Catchment Management Authority, Mount Alexander Shire Council in addition to private donors, who have generously funded and supported this event.

The day is answering a call from the younger generations of our community who, in a previous Council survey, asked for more opportunities to plant trees, make homes for wildlife and to undertake practical actions to address climate change. We’ve been working with our partners to shape a nature celebration event which caters for all ages including planting indigenous plants to restore habitat and interactive activities to learn about our local landscape and the wonderful critters that live amongst us.

Join us for a wonderful morning at the Old School Site on Langslow Street, McKenzie Hill VIC

When: Sunday 28 July 2024 10am-12pm

Where: Old School Site on Langslow Street, McKenzie Hill VIC. For google maps location please – click here

What to bring: All ages are welcome, with a supervising adult. Bring water, suitable clothes for cold weather and the desire to regenerate our bushland. We will provide a light lunch following the planting day, thanks to Rotary Castlemaine.

All plants have been sourced be from local nurseries that specialise in indigenous plants to this region. This is vital to ensure plants are adapted to local conditions, support local wildlife whilst supporting local businesses. Experienced volunteers from Landcare will be supporting the planting, making this an effective and highly efficient project.

The community planting day is a wonderful example of local organisations and community members coming together to take direct on ground conservation action to build resilient habitats across the region and promote local natural landscapes.

We look forward to seeing you there for the fun!

“The importance of invisible things” local event featuring Patrick Kavanagh

Posted on 1 July, 2024 by Ivan

Our friends and project partners at Newstead Landcare Group are delivering an exciting event featuring the wonderfully talented Patrick Kavanagh on Tuesday evening 16 July 2024 at Newstead Community Centre. The presentation will feature Patrick’s adventures into the secret works of invertebrates, tiny plants and fungi. It will surely be a wonderful evening from one of our region’s most talented photographers. Please find the details below, supplied by Newstead Landcare. 

Newstead Landcare July 2024 Presentation – “The importance of invisible things” by Patrick Kavanagh

Every day, we walk through another world hidden from our naked eye. A tiny world, on a scale of millimetres, best seen through a macrophotographer’s lens.

Join Newstead Landcare for a glimpse into this secret world, in the capable hands of our very own Patrick Kavanagh. Many will know Patrick from his blog posts on Natural Newstead, where he shares close-up photos of invertebrates, tiny plants and fungi, and breathtaking images of the starry night sky.

Mantis Fly in full colour and glory. Photo Patrick Kavanagh

Patrick’s talks are known as a journey of storytelling, getting to know the critters and moments in time captured through each photo. Understanding more about the intriguing lives of invertebrates and their interactions is a joyful, comedic, and yes sometimes horrifying experience akin to the drama of a soap opera!

Peeking into this micro-world underlines the importance of these tiny forms of life most of us know nothing about, some of which are completely unknown to modern science. They are the foundation food for many of our more visible wildlife that we know and love, such as birds and mammals. Their importance to our ecosystems is sometimes forgotten, due to a lack of knowledge and opportunities to connect. Here is your chance to learn just how charismatic they can be when aided by a macro lens.

Patrick has lived near Newstead in Strangways for over two decades and has been Newstead Landcare’s invaluable secretary for the same duration. Many of his photos are taken right at home on his bush block, showing how much biodiversity can be found in one well cared for patch.

 Tuesday 16 July at 7.30 pm

Newstead Community Centre

All are welcome to attend and gold coin donations would be appreciated

For more details on Newstead Landcare Group, please click here

Help us protect Large Old Trees: EOFY donation drive

Posted on 25 June, 2024 by Ivan

Looking for a great local cause to donate to at the end of this financial year? Over the next 12 months, we will be working to protect and enhance large old trees in our landscape, through our key project “Regenergeate before it’s too late“. Now is a great time to make a financial contribution to Connecting Country’s works as the end of the financial year approaches. Donating is easy – use our secure online service (click here), with all donations to Connecting Country being tax-deductible.

Thanks also to all our supporters for being part of the Connecting Country community in 2024, joining our shared vision for landscape restoration across the Mount Alexander region. The valuable work we do couldn’t happen without people like you – volunteering time to help with wildlife monitoring, joining our education events, participating in our on-ground projects, giving financial help or just being a member.

Funding for conservation is a constantly moving beast but we are determined to continue and maintain our core capacity and current projects until new project funding arrives. However, we need help to maintain the strong foundations essential to our success as a community-driven organisation and keep us focused on long-term plans. With enough support, the coming year will see us continue to help landholders with on-ground actions, prepare for climate change, maintain our long-term monitoring, and deliver events that inform, educate and inspire.

You can be assured that any financial support from you will be well spent, with 100% invested into our core work of supporting and implementing landscape restoration in our local area. We run a very lean operation and our small team of part-time staff attracts voluntary support that ensures every dollar goes a long way. We have produced a video below, which highlights the importance of caring for large on trees on farms, and why these landowners value their large old trees. 

As a Connecting Country supporter, you’ve already contributed to some amazing successes. Since beginning in 2007 we have:

• Helped protect and restore 15,000 ha of habitat across the Mount Alexander region, which equates to around 8.1% of the shire.
• Delivered more than 245 successful community education events.
• Installed more than 450 nestboxes for the threatened Brush-tailed Phascogale.
• Maintained a network of 50 long-term bird monitoring sites.
• Secured funding to deliver more than 65 landscape restoration projects.
• Supported an incredible network of over 30 Landcare and Friends groups.

Help us thrive in 2024/2025: EOFY donation drive

Posted on 17 June, 2024 by Ivan

Looking for a great local cause to donate to at the end of this financial year? Now is a great time to make a financial contribution to Connecting Country’s work, if you can afford to, as the end of the financial year approaches. Donating is easy – use our secure online service (click here), with all donations to Connecting Country being tax-deductible.

We appreciate all your financial support, whether large or small, one-off or regular.

Thanks also to all our supporters for being part of the Connecting Country community in 2024, joining our shared vision for landscape restoration across the Mount Alexander region. The valuable work we do couldn’t happen without people like you – volunteering time to help with wildlife monitoring, joining our education events, participating in our on-ground projects, giving financial help or just being a member.

We have a demonstrated track record of fifteen years of successful landscape restoration and strategic landscape planning for the future. However, in the current situation, it’s extremely difficult to secure funding for on-ground environmental projects. The post-COVID-19 pandemic has caused our government and many philanthropic organisations to freeze or delay grant opportunities.

We are determined to survive and maintain our core capacity and current projects until new project funding arrives. However, we need help to maintain the strong foundations essential to our success as a community-driven organisation and keep us focused on long-term plans. With enough support, the coming year will see us continue to help landholders with on-ground actions, prepare for climate change, maintain our long-term monitoring, and deliver events that inform, educate and inspire.

You can be assured that any financial support from you will be well spent, with 100% invested into our core work of supporting and implementing landscape restoration in our local area. We run a very lean operation and our small team of part-time staff attracts voluntary support that ensures every dollar goes a long way.

As a Connecting Country supporter, you’ve already contributed to some amazing successes. Since beginning in 2007 we have:

• Helped protect and restore 15,000 ha of habitat across the Mount Alexander region, which equates to around 8.1% of the shire.
• Delivered more than 245 successful community education events.
• Installed more than 450 nestboxes for the threatened Brush-tailed Phascogale.
• Maintained a network of 50 long-term bird monitoring sites.
• Secured funding to deliver more than 65 landscape restoration projects.
• Supported an incredible network of over 30 Landcare and Friends groups.

Thanks again for your support for Connecting Country. Making our vision a reality is only possible with strong community support. Please enjoy this gallery snapshot of some of our 2023-24 activities.

Central Victoria Community Deer Forum: Sunday June 30 Malmsbury

Posted on 4 June, 2024 by Ivan

Are deep impacting your property, project site or local reserve?  This Community Deer Forum coming up in Malmsbury VIC, on Sunday 30 June 2024 might be of interest to you. 

Central Victoria Community Deer Forum

The Victorian Deer Control Community Network, Biolinks Alliance and Malmsbury District Landcare invite you to a forum about tackling the emerging impacts of deer around your home, farm or nature reserve.

Sunday, June 30 · 10:30am – 3:30pm AEST

The forum aims to raise the awareness of private landowners and other community members to the emerging impacts of deer in Central Victoria and what options people have for control.

You will hear from experts and landowners, and have the chance to ask your questions, about:

• Deer species in your area
• Emerging impacts of deer in Central Victoria
• The law around deer
• Deer control plans and programs
• Deer control options for landowners
• Working together
• Meet people that can help
• Where to find out more

Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Click Here for a flyer with registration details. 

For more information contact Peter Jacobs

peterj@invasives.org.au

Confirm your support for Connecting Country’s work: EOFY

Posted on 4 June, 2024 by Ivan

A huge thank you to our many amazing supporters who have been generously donating via our online service over the past year. Now is a great time to make a financial contribution to Connecting Country’s work, if you can afford to, as the end of the financial year approaches. Donating is easy – use our secure online service (click here), with all donations to Connecting Country being tax-deductible.

We appreciate all your financial support, whether large or small, one-off or regular.

Thanks also to all our supporters for being part of the Connecting Country community in 2024, joining our shared vision for landscape restoration across the Mount Alexander region. The valuable work we do couldn’t happen without people like you – volunteering time to help with wildlife monitoring, joining our education events, participating in our on-ground projects, giving financial help or just being a member.

We have a demonstrated track record of fifteen years of successful landscape restoration and strategic landscape planing for the future. However, in the current situation, it’s extremely difficult to secure funding for on-ground environmental projects. The post-COVID-19 pandemic has caused our government and many philanthropic organisations to freeze or delay grant opportunities.

We are determined to survive, and maintain our core capacity and current projects until new project funding arrives. However, we need help to maintain the strong foundations essential to our success as a community-driven organisation and keep us focused on long-term plans. With enough support, the coming year will see us continue to help landholders with on-ground actions, prepare for climate change, maintain our long-term monitoring, and deliver events that inform, educate and inspire.

You can be assured that any financial support from you will be well spent, with 100% invested into our core work of supporting and implementing landscape restoration in our local area. We run a very lean operation and our small team of part-time staff attracts voluntary support that ensures every dollar goes a long way.

As a Connecting Country supporter, you’ve already contributed to some amazing successes. Since beginning in 2007 we have:

• • Helped protect and restore 15,000 ha of habitat across the Mount Alexander region, which equates to around 8.1% of the shire.
  • Delivered more than 245 successful community education events.
  • Installed more than 450 nestboxes for the threatened Brush-tailed Phascogale
  • Maintained a network of 50 long-term bird monitoring sites
  • Secured funding to deliver more than 65 landscape restoration projects.
  • Supported an incredible network of over 30 Landcare and Friends groups.

Thanks again for your support for Connecting Country. Making our vision a reality is only possible with strong community support. Please enjoy this gallery snapshot of some of our 2023-24 activities.