Online tools for accessing and sharing biodiversity information – Friday 22 March 2019

Posted on 7 March, 2019 by Ivan

Connecting Country is excited to host an interactive workshop in conjunction with the Centre for eResearch and Digital Innovation on Friday 22 of March in Castlemaine.

Hooded Robins are a key species for our monitoring program (photo by Geoff Park)

This interactive workshop is part of Connecting Country’s Habitat Health Check project (click here for more information), funded by the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust over the next two years. This project aims to review our long-term monitoring programs, to shift to a monitoring model that empowers our community to conduct robust biodiversity monitoring, and, importantly, to ensure that the data we collect is being shared and used appropriately.

To meet this third goal, we are working with the Centre for eResearch and Digital Innovation (CeRDI) at Federation University Australia. CeRDI has developed many award-winning web-based spatial information and knowledge portals that provide public access to data sets that are often hidden from view. The team at CeRDI have great resources that are relevant to us at Connecting Country and are well worth checking out.

The interactive workshop will cover two important databases in detail:

• State Wide Integrated Flora and Fauna Teams (SWIFFT) – a knowledge sharing network for biodiversity conservation and threatened species
• Visualising Victoria’s Biodiversity (VVB) – a web portal containing spatial information on environmental values, conservation activities and research

At the workshop we will:

• Showcase projects run by community groups and researchers
• Participate in an interactive session about sharing and accessing biodiversity data
• Explore ways to improve knowledge sharing through online platforms
• Network with other biodiversity organisations and community groups in your region

Please come and join us at the lovely Garden Room within the grounds of Buda Historic Home and Garden for this free workshop. Workshop numbers are limited, so please book.

Workshop: Online tools for accessing and sharing biodiversity information
When: Friday 22 March 2019 from 9.30 am to 2.30 pm
Where: Buda Garden Room, 42 Hunter St, Castlemaine VIC
Bookings: to book online please click here

For further details please contact Ivan Carter at Connecting Country on 03 5472 1594 or email ivan@connectingcountry.org.au

Monitoring and engagement staff update

Posted on 7 March, 2019 by Frances

Farewell Tanya

Last week we farewelled our much-loved colleague Tanya, who is moving on to pursue exciting ventures involving writing and birds. During her five years at Connecting Country Tanya generously shared her incredible knowledge of local ecology. Her enthusiasm for local woodland birds and other animals is infectious, and was the force behind our monitoring and engagement programs. We appreciate her warmth and patience in running engaging events, and openly sharing knowledge with beginners and experts alike. We wish Tanya all the best.

Scroll through to enjoy these pictures by Tanya and friends from Tanya’s delightful farewell picnic in the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens.

Introducing Jess and Ivan

It is with much pleasure that Connecting Country welcomes our brand new Monitoring and Engagement Coordinators, Jess and Ivan, who officially started last week with a handover from Tanya. Welcome Jess and Ivan – we are delighted to have you both on board!

Jess Lawton – Monitoring Coordinator

Jess will already be known to many through her previous hard work with Connecting Country’s nestbox program. Jess is now finishing her PhD on the conservation biology and landscape ecology of the Brush-tailed Phascogale. Her detailed research into this threatened species has included setting 354 camera traps for 14,160 trap nights across more than 20 public reserves and 40 private properties across the Mount Alexander region, resulting in over 350,000 camera trap images from 116 study sites! Jess has also worked as an Environmental Project Officer with Nillumbik Shire Council and Nillumbik Landcare Network, working on a forest health monitoring project in the north eastern suburbs of Melbourne.

Jess is based in Melbourne with her adorable dog Bunsen, and splits her time between Melbourne and Castlemaine. She will be working at Connecting Country on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Ivan Carter – Engagement Coordinator

Ivan has worked in environmental management and community engagement roles with state government and private enterprises over the past two decades. He brings a strong background in environmental science, community engagement, event management, reporting and project management. Ivan has run a small environmental consulting business and been Communications and Engagement Officer for a small environmental community group. He’s run stakeholder forums, workshops and field days, produced landowner and roadside signs, and prepared reports, media articles and communications products. Ivan manages social media pages for two other community groups, and a website for the Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party. You may have heard him interviewed on local radio and ABC Country Hour!

Ivan lives in the Daylesford area with his young family, and has a passion for soccer and food gardening. He will be based at Connecting Country on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Be on the lookout for declared noxious weed Orange Hawkweed

Posted on 7 March, 2019 by Frances

Orange Hawkweed

We recently became aware of the discovery of Orange Hawkweed (Hieracium aurantiacum) in the Trentham, Daylesford and Blackwood regions, and wanted to remind Connecting Country members about this highly invasive weed. Orange hawkweed is easily identified by its bright orange daisy-like flowers with square ended petals. The flowers are up to 15 mm across and arranged in clusters on the stem. It is a state prohibited weed in Victoria, the highest category in the noxious weed list and is very invasive and difficult to remove once established.

Locals Jenny and Euan have volunteered up in Victoria’s high country doing line searches for the three species of Hawkweed found there, and know how difficult it is to control once it gets established. We hope that any sightings in our region can be reported quickly and managed appropriately.

For more information on this weed visit the Agriculture Victoria website here: click here

For information about the three species of Hawkweed present in Victoria: click here

All sightings of orange hawkweed should be reported to Agriculture Victoria immediately by calling 136 186 or emailing weed.spotters@ecodev.vic.gov.au.

Remember that all our major weeds were once new and emerging weeds that weren’t addressed or controlled in a timely manner!

Farm fencing course – 31 March 2019

Posted on 26 February, 2019 by Frances

Beginner’s farm fencing: a hands-on course
Sunday 31 March 2019 from 8.30 am – 12.30 pm in Harcourt VIC

Good fences are an essential management tool for protecting large old trees, remnant habitat and revegetation from grazing damage.

Jarrod Coote, local farmer and experienced fence-builder, is running this course for anyone who wants to repair an old fence or learn to build a new one.

A flyer is available: click here

For bookings and further information please contact Jarrod by email via info@hillsideacres.com.au

Needle grasses and native grasses

Posted on 26 February, 2019 by Ivan

Distinguishing needle grasses from native grasses

Needle grasses, in particular, Chilean Needle Grass (Nassella neesiana), are becoming serious pasture and environmental weeds in south-eastern Australia, including around the Mount Alexander region. They are very invasive and form dense infestations in pastures, bushland and roadsides. They can tolerate drought and will seed prolifically, giving them a great potential to spread and over-run existing vegetation. It has been estimated that the potential distribution for Chilean Needle Grass alone exceeds 40 million hectares across Australia.

A large, dense infestation of needle grass near Malmsbury (photo by Connecting Country)

One of the biggest challenges facing successful treatment of needle grasses is identifying infestations before they become large and dominating in the landscape. Thankfully, a local community champion recently produced an information sheet on how to differentiate needle and native grasses, titled ‘Distinguishing between needle grasses and native grasses‘. The information sheet has useful photographs and identifying features of needle grasses, and compares these features to a variety of spear grasses (Austrostipa species), wallaby grasses (Rytidosperma species) and native tussock grass (Poa labillardieri). Grasses covered include Chilean, Texas and Cane Needle Grass (all members of Nassella genus), and the closely related Espartillo (Amelichloa caudata).

Landowners learning the finer points of needle grass identification at a field day (photo by Connecting Country)

During the warmer months, needle grasses produce large amounts of unpalatable flower stalks with little leaf material, resulting in a severe reduction of stock carrying capacity. A dense infestation of needle grass can carry  up to 15,000 seeds per square metre beneath infestations. These seeds can remain viable for over ten years, and can spread via livestock, machinery and disturbance.

Another helpful information sheet, ‘What to do if you find needle grass’ details first-hand experience in how best to manage these grassy weeds and prevent further spread.

Clean Up Australia Day – 3 March 2019

Posted on 26 February, 2019 by Asha

Join a Clean Up Australia Day working bee this weekend.

CLICK HERE to find an event near you, or see the map below.

Clean Up Australia Day 2019 working bees in the Mount Alexander region

Clean up Campbells Creek

Friends of Campbells Creek Landcare are also holding a Clean Up Australia Day working bee that isn’t on the map.

Date:               Sunday 3 March 2019 from 9.00 to 11.00 am, followed by morning tea

Meet:               Winters Flat Footbridge, Johnstone Street, (Midland Highway), Castlemaine VIC

Provided:        Collection bags, rubbish skip (courtesy of the Council), tea/coffee and biscuits

Please bring:  Hats, gloves, sturdy clothing, enclosed boots/shoes, sun protection, a rake if you have one, your own water, and a friend!

Visualising Victoria’s Biodiversity workshop

Posted on 21 February, 2019 by Tanya Loos

Connecting Country’s major monitoring project over the next two years is our Habitat Health Check (click here for more information), funded by the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust. This project aims to review our long-term monitoring programs, to shift to a monitoring model that empowers our community to conduct robust biodiversity monitoring, and, importantly, to ensure that the data we collect is being shared and used appropriately.

To meet this third goal, we will be working with Centre for eResearch and Digital Innovation (CeRDI) at Federation University Australia. CeRDI has developed many award-winning web-based spatial information and knowledge portals that provide public access to data sets that are often hidden from view. The team at CeRDI have two great resources that are relevant to us at Connecting Country and are well worth checking out.

State Wide Integrated Flora and Fauna Teams

Firstly, The State Wide Integrated Flora and Fauna Teams (SWIFFT) is a network for knowledge sharing and information exchange that supports conservation and management of threatened species, biodiversity and the natural environment across Victoria. You can explore a map displaying the range projects that are part of the network (click here), or see a list of their projects (click here). As part of Habitat Health Check we will be making sure that Connecting Country has a presence on this fantastic website.

Visualising Victoria’s Biodiversity

Secondly, CeRDI has developed the Visualising Victoria’s Biodiversity (VVB) tool (click here). VVB consolidates access to spatial environmental datasets and information – created and managed by government agencies, organisations, community groups and individuals – into a user friendly and interactive platform. You could use this platform to view, for example, records of mammals or birds near your property. CeRDI is one of many places for sharing and visualising nature data in Victoria – you can see a wonderful infographic on how these interact by clicking here.

Want to know more?  We’ll be running a workshop with CeRDI (Date to be confirmed) to learn about the power of the Visualising Victoria’s Biodiversity tool.

More information to come soon – watch this space!

Climate impacts for Maldon community – presentation 28 February 2019

Posted on 20 February, 2019 by Frances

Maldon Neigbourhood Centre is holding an event to help the community understand the local impacts of a changing climate.

Understanding climate impacts in our local community
When: Thursday 28 February 2019 from 7.00 – 8.30 pm
Where: Maldon Neighbourhood Centre hall, corner Church St and Edwards St, Maldon VIC
RSVP: (03) 5475 2093 or info@maldonnc.org.au

For further information please see the event flyer below.

Bird walk at Bald Hill – 2 March 2019

Posted on 20 February, 2019 by Frances

BirdLife Castlemaine District Branch, together with Friends of Bald Hill Reserve, are running a special bird walk at Bald Hill near Kyneton VIC. Bald Hill Reserve is a unique and beautiful place, with three distinct habitat types. The Friends group have achieved much through encouraging the public to appreciate its natural significance and on-ground works.

Carolyn from the Friends group will share her incredible local knowledge, making this an event not to be missed.

Bald Hill bird walk
When: 2 March 2019 from 8.30 am
Meet: 8.30 am at Bald Hill Reserve, or if car pooling from Castlemaine meet at 7.45 am at Castlemaine Community House (former Continuing Education building), 30 Templeton St, Castlemaine VIC
Where: Bald Hill Reserve, Mt St Marys Lane, Kyneton VIC (approach Mt St Marys Lane from the south, off Pipers Creek St, and Bald Hill Reserve is well sign posted on your left)
Bring: Please wear long trousers and sturdy shoes as snakes may be out and about. Bring sun protection including a hat, and plenty of water.

Walk leaders will be Jane Rusden and Carolyn Robb.

Find out more about Bald Hill Reserve here: http://www.friendsofbaldhillreserve.com.au/

New Landcare stories booklet available

Posted on 20 February, 2019 by Asha

Readers of our local Midland Express newspaper in 2018 were treated to a series of ‘Landcare stories’, published each month as part of Connecting Country’s ‘Nature News’ series. These stories are now available to read in electronic format (as pdf file), or as a printed booklet. Click here to download the file, or drop in to the Connecting Country office for a hard copy.

Taradale Landcare members at Barkly Park in Taradale (Photo by Brian Bainbridge)

There are nine stories, titled:

• Historic gum trees of Maldon
• The birth of the Cactus Warriors!
• A tiny frog inspires land restoration
• Barkers Creek gets beautiful
• From tip to bushland: Sandy Creek Landcare success
• Helicopters to the rescue
• A cup of tea to care for Jim Crow Creek
• A community cares for Campbells Creek
• The restoration of Taradale Landcare

The stories were jointly written by Sarah Edwards and Landcare volunteers between 2017 and 2018, and edited by Connecting Country. This followed a series of interviews between Sarah and local Landcarers, who included Bev Phillips, Lee Mead, Christine Kilmartin, Daryl Colless, Lois Larkman, Christine Brooke, Maurie Dynon, Thea King and Brian Bainbridge. They cover a small portion of the work done by Landcare and Friends groups in the Mount Alexander region of central Victoria.

Thank you to all who dedicated time to put these together and help share some of the many Landcare stories out there.

Australia’s great wildlife migrations talk – 31 March 2019

Posted on 20 February, 2019 by Frances

Australia’s great wildlife migrations: restoring habitats for nomadic nectar-feeding birds and bats

Biolinks Alliance is excited to be hosting leading conservation biologist, Dr Peggy Eby for her public address in Bendigo. Her ground-breaking research reveals the story of Australia’s unique, but little-known, wildlife migrations of nectar-feeding birds and bats. These animals fly vast distances tracking nectar-rich bushlands as they flower.

Hear why Grey-headed Flying foxes have come to take up residence in cities like Bendigo and Melbourne, why one in four of our woodland bird species are threatened, and how you can be part of the solution in central Victoria.

When: Sunday 31 March 2019 at 2.30-3.30 pm, doors open 2.00 pm
Where: Banquet Room, The Capital, 50 View St, Bendigo VIC
Tickets: $10 for non-members OR free for members of Biolinks Alliance member organisations (which includes Connecting Country members) and Biolinks Alliance Associate Members

To book or find out more visit: www.biolinksalliance.org.au/peggyeby

Camp Out on the Mount 2019

Posted on 14 February, 2019 by Asha

It’s that time of year again! Details of the sixth Camp Out on the Mount are now available and registrations are open. Please join Connecting Country, Little Habitat Heroes and local Landcare groups to celebrate the beautiful Leanganook (Mount Alexander) and the fabulous work that Landcare and Friends groups do all year round.

This free event is supported by funding from the North Central Catchment Management Authority through the Victorian Landcare Program, as well as Mount Alexander Shire Council, Friends of the Box-Ironbark Forests, and Little Habitat Heroes. We will have guest presenters from Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, Parks Victoria and Bendigo TAFE, along with local authors and artists. Yummy food will also be provided by the Harcourt Lions Club, Murnong Mummas, and the Camp Out Damper Team.

Camp Out on the Mount 2018 (photo by Tegan Benham-Bannon)

CLICK HERE to visit the booking website

CLICK HERE to download the flier

When: Saturday 6 – Sunday 7 April 2019
Where: Leanganook Camping Ground, Joseph Young Drive, Mount Alexander Regional Park, Faraday VIC
What to bring: Camping gear and supplies, food for Sunday breakfast, gold coin donation or Saturday night BBQ, weather-appropriate clothes, sturdy shoes and sun protection.

Below is a run-down of the Camp Out on the Mount 2019 program. You are more than welcome to attend some or all of the activities. Please let us know through the booking website which activities you plan to attend, as this will help us in planning how many people to cater for.

If you have any questions, please call Asha on (03) 5472 1594 or email asha@connectingcountry.org.au

Please note: activities will be cancelled in the case of severe weather.

SATURDAY 6 APRIL

5:30 pm  Welcome to Country

6:00 pm  Lions Club BBQ and damper (gold coin donation)

7:30 pm  Night walk with Parks Victoria ranger

OVERNIGHT CAMP OUT (BYO camping gear and supplies)

SUNDAY 7 APRIL

9:30 am   Bus down to Old Silk Worm Farm site

10:00 am Welcome and morning tea

10:30 am  Panel of local experts talk about the Mount, including Rebecca Phillips (Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation), Terri Williams (Bendigo TAFE), and Ian Braybrook and Marilyn Bennet (authors of ‘Sarah’s search – A silk odyssey’), facilitated by George Milford

11:30 am  ‘Seeds that grow’ song performed by Eva Popov

11:45 am  ‘Make you own native seed balls’ activity

12:30 pm  Bus back to camp site

Gathered around the fire at the 2018 Camp Out on the Mount (photo by Asha Bannon)

Hazard to cyclists – Caltrop weed

Posted on 13 February, 2019 by Frances

Caltrop (Tribulus terrestris) is a Regionally controlled weed in the North Central Catchment.  It is also known as bindii, cat’s head, goat’s head or yellow vine. It is a flat, summer-growing, annual herb with yellow flowers.

Caltrop (photo by Ern Perkins)

The fruit of caltrop is a woody burr with sharp spines. This burr can puncture bike tires, making it particularly annoying for cyclists.  It can also puncture human skin, and injure the feet, mouth and digestive system of animals. Burrs are easily picked up and spread by vehicle tyres, shoes, animal feet and other objects.

Caltrop has been observed growing in Castlemaine.  A small and committed band of volunteers are helping to keep it under control. Margaret Panter developed a poster (click here) to raise awareness about this prickly weed.

How to prevent Caltrop becoming widespread in Castlemaine:

• Avoid infested areas (see map here), as walking, riding or driving through them spreads seeds to other areas.
• Pull or cut out plants before they drop their prickles.
• Report new infestations to Mount Alexander Shire Council.
• Check shoes and tyres for prickles before leaving an infested area.
• Destroy seeds or put in a secure bag in the bin.

The Wombat Forest’s Owls and Gliders – 8 February 2019

Posted on 6 February, 2019 by Tanya Loos

Greater Glider (photo by Gayle Osborne)

The first speaker for the Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club in 2019 is Gayle Osborne.

Gayle has been involved with Wombat Forestcare for many years and will present a talk titled ‘Fauna surveys in the Wombat Forest’. Gayle will describe the group’s motion-sensing camera projects, searches for Powerful Owls and spotlighting for Greater Gliders. She will explain why entering data on the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas is essential for conservation. Gayle will also mention the new fungi app and who to contact for more information.

For a preview of the Wombat Forest Greater Gliders, read the latest issue of the Wombat Forestcare newsletter here.

Fauna surveys in the Wombat Forest – talk by Gayle Osborne
When: Friday 8 February 2019 at 7.30 pm
Where: Fellowship Room behind the Uniting Church Hall on Lyttleton St, Castlemaine VIC (next door to the Castlemaine Art Museum)

Members and visitors are all welcome and there is no cost for entry.

Everyone is also welcome to attend an excursion on the following day (Saturday 9 February 2019).  Meet at the Octopus building on Duke St, Castlemaine VIC (opposite the Castle Motel) ready for a 1.30 pm departure. Please bring afternoon tea. Car-pooling will be available.

Act now for Rabbit Buster Month

Posted on 5 February, 2019 by Asha

February marks ‘Rabbit Buster Month’. This successful campaign began in the 1990s and continues to serve as a reminder to plan for and act on rabbit control.

Rabbit monitoring

It’s easy to observe when rabbit populations are high as damage is noticeable, but it can be hard to know when populations are building. Ensuring rabbits have minimal impact within a specific area requires regular monitoring. If rabbit numbers reach unacceptable levels, immediate control actions are required.

Useful rabbit monitoring techniques that landholders can implement on their own properties are described in the following documents:

• Pestsmart: Rabbit action
• Rabbits: How to rapidly assess a rabbit problem and take action

Rabbit control

If rabbit numbers reach levels which require control, an integrated approach using a range of techniques usually works best. Methods can include fumigation, shooting, baiting using pindone, ferrets, warren ripping and netting. Most of these techniques require specialist practitioners with appropriate licences and accreditation, with their associated equipment and other costs.

A cost-effective way for landholders to get started with rabbit control is to establish one or more rabbit bait stations, using an oat bait with pindone poison as the active ingredient. Your local rural supply merchant can supply this product and advice.

Click on these links for useful information for setting up your own bait station:

• Connecting Country Instructional Video 1: How to make a rabbit bait station
• How to use rabbit bait stations effectively
• Bait stations and rabbit control

However, the most effective rabbit control uses a range of techniques and constant vigilance. The good news is that even the most rabbit-affected properties can be brought under control, and the rabbit numbers maintained at very low levels.

Rabbit biocontrol

Rabbit biocontrol, such as introduction of a rabbit virus, can be most beneficial if applied as part of an integrated and complementary pest management approach. Here are some statistics about the release of a new rabbit virus (from the February 2019 North Central Chat newsletter):

• The RHDV1 K5 rabbit virus was officially released at 382 locations nationwide.
• Sites included 373 community-run release sites and nine intensively monitored releases sites.
• Some sites did not progress due to low rabbit numbers, timing or poor weather conditions.
• 42% of sites recorded a reduction in rabbit numbers post-release (based on data from 191 release sites).
• Through laboratory analysis, RHDV1 K5 rabbit deaths were confirmed in every state and territory, except the Northern Territory.

Further information

If you would like a hard copy of Connecting Country’s  ‘Ute Guide to Rabbit Control’, contact our office on (03) 5472 1594 or email info@connectingcountry.org.au

To visit the Victorian Rabbit Action Network website, click here

To download the February 2019 North central Chat, which includes a Rabbit Buster Month feature, click here

To download a copy of Connecting Country approved contractor list, click here

Rabbit warrens scattered across paddocks in Muckleford Gorge (photo by Tanya Loos)

Climate Change Adaptation grant opportunity for groups

Posted on 31 January, 2019 by Tanya Loos

Community Climate Change Adaptation (3CA) Grants now open

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning is delivering a small grants program to build resilience to climate change impacts through community-driven adaptation activities that address identified gaps and priorities in Victoria’s regions.

Applications close on Sunday 31 March 2019 and projects must be completed by 31 December 2020. Grants will be between $25,000 to $75,000.

Eligible projects must either be led by, or implemented in partnership with, a local council, traditional owner corporation, community group, or not-for-profit organisation.

This program will fund two categories of projects:

• Building Adaptive Capacity: these projects will build the capacity of communities or regions to better plan for, coordinate and deliver actions that support communities to adapt to current or future climate change impacts.

• Delivering Adaptation Action: delivering adaptation action projects will implement practical actions that will support communities and regions to adapt to current or future climate change impacts

For more detailed information about the grant opportunity, including guidelines on project eligibility, grant assessment criteria, application process and funding conditions, and FAQs go to https://www.climatechange.vic.gov.au/adapting-to-climate-change-impacts/community-climate-change-adaptation-3ca-grants-program

To apply online via DELWP’s online portal click here.

For more information on climate change impacts and climate change adaptation priorities and gaps in your region of Victoria please refer to the relevant Regional Climate Change Adaptation Snapshot Report.

Snake and reptile workshop success

Posted on 24 January, 2019 by Tanya Loos

The weather was kind to us at our snake workshop on Saturday 19 January 2019 – sunny but not too hot. Over fifty participants were able to give the presenter and his reptiles their full attention. The event was run by Connecting Country in partnership with Muckleford Catchment Landcare, and supported by funding from North Central Catchment Management Authority.

Stu from Snakehandler gave us a fascinating full hour presentation, including plenty of myth busting, introduction to different snake species and their ecology, and hints on snake safety and snake bite first aid. We all learned so much from Stu! Stu has many years of experience and a great love for snakes and other reptiles. He helped us understand the importance of snakes to our local ecosystems, why snakes behave the way they do, and how we can all live safely with snakes. Frances took notes during Stu’s talk, which are well worth a read here.

After the presentation, Stu introduced us to some real live reptiles! Those who wished were able to hold a very sweet Eastern Bearded Dragon, a Common Blue-tongue Lizard and a large Murray Darling Carpet Python, and also see some local venomous snakes housed in special terrariums. All species were native to central or northern Victoria. All the animals used for the presentations are selected for their temperament and ability to handle stress, and will be rested for weeks before being used again, as Stu and his team have plenty of reptiles.

Many thanks to Stu from Snakehandler, Jacqui for organising this wonderful event, and to all those that assisted with set-up and pack-up. Special thanks to the Mellick-Cooper family who hosted the event on their beautiful property, and to Muckleford Catchment Landcare for the delicious morning tea. We hope all participants enjoyed the workshop as much as we did!

Please enjoy this gallery of photos from the day – scroll through by hovering your mouse on the right of the picture.

Bountiful bird baths

Posted on 23 January, 2019 by Tanya Loos

It is true, we have previously written about the wonders of bird baths for birds and other fauna. But with another heat wave hitting this week, we are sharing a new gallery of pics of animals using local bird baths during our recent hot weather. On a 40 degree day, fresh cool water can be literally a life saver!

Thirsty wallaby drinks from a bird bath (photo by Jane Rusden)

However, avian visitors are more common. How many bird species can you identify visiting this bird bath? Hover your mouse over the right hand side of the gallery to click on the arrow and move through these photos taken by Frances Howe…

Breakfast with the Birds – Saturday 2 February 2019

Posted on 22 January, 2019 by Tanya Loos

Enjoy a picnic brekky with Brown Treecreepers, Eastern Yellow Robins and maybe even a Diamond Firetail or two. And some nice friendly humans of course, with BirdLife Castlemaine District Branch friends and members.

The beautiful Loddon River, with great bird habitat lining the banks

BYO picnic breakfast followed by a bird walk
When: Saturday 2 February 2019 at 8.30 am
Where: Warburtons Bridge picnic ground, on the Loddon River, Drummond-Vaughan Rd, Glenluce VIC
Bring: Food to share, your own drinks, Thermos, cutlery, etc. Binoculars, hat, sunscreen and sturdy shoes.

Long pants are also recommended during snake season.

Meet at Warburtons Bridge picnic ground at  8.15 am, or to carpool from Castlemaine: meet outside 30 Templeton St, Castlemaine VIC at 8.00 am.

All welcome! Please contact Jane Rusden of Birdlife Castlemaine District (ph: 0448 900 896) for further information about this event.

Please note walks will be cancelled if the temperature is forecast to be 35 degrees or more during the walk period and/or if the day has been declared a Total Fire Ban day.

Tussock hitches a ride across Victoria

Posted on 16 January, 2019 by Asha

The year 2018 saw perfect conditions for Serrated Tussock, allowing this weed of national significance to seed prolifically and contaminate stock feed.

Here is a message from the Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party:

The Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party (VSTWP) would like to advise landowners to ensure fodder and hay purchased this summer and autumn is free of noxious weeds, and in particular, serrated tussock (Nassella trichotoma). The previous year has seen perfect conditions for this weed of national significance to seed prolifically, resulting in many paddocks being infested prior to baling for fodder. Drier conditions also result in more fodder being transported around the state and interstate.

Whilst it can be difficult to inspect all fodder purchased for noxious weeds, VSTWP Executive Officer Doug May suggests that ‘Landowners should attempt to purchase stockfeed from reputable outlets that can verify the absence of declared noxious weeds and from areas outside of the serrated tussock core infestations around the fringes of northern and western Melbourne’. ‘Landowners are often unaware of the grassy weed in their paddocks, especially during a decent spring like the one we just had and may bale paddocks unaware of the viable seeds in the fodder,’ noted Mr May.

The VSTWP recommends that landowners set aside designated feed-out area, which allows the landowner to monitor this area regularly for the germination of weeds particularly after periods of rain. Landowners should keep an eye out for Serrated Tussock or any new or unusual plants in these feed-out areas and undertake control measures early before they flower and set seed.

Long standing member and current chairperson of the VSTWP, John Burgess, stated that the VSTWP ‘advocates that best practice management is to control and treat mature serrated tussock plants prior to flowering and seeding each season with a registered herbicide, manual removal or cultivation’.

Serrated tussock is an introduced invasive plant from South America that has the potential to rapidly decrease the biodiversity of native grasslands and seriously reduce the agricultural capacity of properties.

For further information, please visit www.serratedtussock.com or email info@serratedtussock.com.

Serrated tussock seeds are small and numerous, and can travel via fodder and stock-feed