Nature News October 2016 – Make it and wildlife will come
Posted on 4 October, 2016 by Connecting Country
For this month’s Nature News, on page 26 in this week’s Midland Express (4th October 2016) local ecologist and garden designer, Cassia Read shares come of her insights from creating a wildlife friendly garden. While Connecting Country encourages you to use locally native plants where possible, Cassia has found that all sorts of flowering plants can provide useful habitat.
Cassia’s garden plays host to a range of local wildlife and plant species.
Striding around the corner of a friend’s Newstead house today my eyes suddenly met the steady gaze of a Grey Shrike-thrush sitting on her eggs. She’d made her home in a basket nailed to the wall, within arms-reach from where I stood. She wasn’t bothered by comings and goings of her human neighbours.
Thrush’ sing exquisite songs in my own Castlemaine garden. I was instantly inspired to hang baskets around my house to encourage more of these birds.
I am fascinated by the possibilities of gardens that meet both needs of the people and the local birds, lizards and butterflies. In these days of a changing climate, urban gardeners can support a host of local wildlife with food, shelter and water. It just takes some thought and a little time spent pottering in the garden.
In my own garden, I’m not aiming to restore bushland or even to create a picturesque bush garden. I grow fruit, veggies and some nostalgic flowers from my childhood. I welcome cool summer shade from deciduous trees. How do I balance my needs with those of wildlife?
I find comfort and direction in considering the spectrum of home garden styles in Castlemaine, ranging between easy-care concrete and bushland gardens that meld with local Box Ironbark Forest. Wherever a garden is positioned on this pavement-to-bushland spectrum, it can be nudged in a more wildlife friendly direction.
For instance, some grass provides a place for magpies to fossick where a pavement is void of life; old style flowers provide nectar for butterflies while ornamental cultivars bred for show are nectarless; a corner planting of dense shrubs is better for Blue Wrens and Thornbills than a park-like lawn that stretches from house to fence; a dry stone wall provides shelter for hibernating Marble Geckos where cemented walls are pure architecture.
Nudge, nudge, wink, wink…. Make it and wildlife will come.
Gardens with wildlife hum with energy and interest. Spotted Pardalotes dipping in a bird bath and Blue Banded Bees darting amongst the Rosemary flowers bring spontaneous joy. Today I’m planting colourful salvias for my girls to pick and Eastern Spinebills to feed on. Tomorrow I’ll scatter basking rocks for lizards. Not big steps, but nudges in a wildlife direction.
Cassia will be showcasing her garden as part of Connecting Country’s Education Program and the Mount Alexander Sustainable Living Workshop Series on Saturday the 22nd of October at 10.30am (Please note this as a correction to starting time information published in the Midland Express on October 4th).
For more information about attracting wildlife to your garden visit the “Wildlife Friendly Gardens” page of our resources section (click here).
Connecting Country supporter survey – Have your say!
Posted on 3 October, 2016 by Connecting Country
Ahead of our AGM next Tuesday (11th October 2016), Connecting Country is encouraging people to be involved in shaping our future direction by filling out our Supporter Survey. To participate, please CLICK HERE. There are a relatively small number of questions, and will take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete.
To find out more about the AGM, please see our earlier post or see our invitation below.
Last chance for direct seeding through Connecting Landscapes
Posted on 29 September, 2016 by Connecting Country
Direct seeding success at a property in Taradale
For the past five years Connecting Country has been incredibly fortunate to be running our Connecting Landscapes Across the Mount Alexander Region program. Funded through the Federal Government, it has allowed us to support 75 landholders undertake revegetation across 357 ha and the control of weeds and rabbits across an additional 1,349 hectares, plus additional bushland enhancement measures such as protective fencing and grazing change within all areas. We’ve also coordinated dozens of education events and continued our biodiversity monitoring surveys for birds and phascogales. Now is your last chance to get involved with the on-ground works aspect of this fabulous program. To meet our targets, we are looking for one or two new properties to undertake revegetation projects of at least 5 hectares (12 acres).
These subsidized revegetation projects would be organised and implemented by Connecting Country and its works crew. The plants used would comprise locally occurring wattles, eucalypts and other understory species. Using a process called direct seeding, they are planted as seed with our specialised equipment. We encourage all expressions of interest from landholders within the target area (see map below). If we cannot help you this year or through this program, we will keep your details on a database in case of future opportunities.
Bonnie explaining how direct seeding works to landholders.
Contact us now to get involved! Alternatively, talk to your neighbours if you think they might benefit. To find out more about our on-ground works process and to access an expression of interest form, CLICK HERE. For more information contact Jarrod or Bonnie on 5472 1594 or email jarrod@connectingountry.org.au.
Landholders who have already undertaken projects can expect Jarrod and Bonnie to be undertaking some follow up visits in the coming months to see how things are going.
‘Connecting Landscapes’ is just one of several, although the largest, projects that Connecting Country currently runs. While this particular program finishes up mid next year, our other programs such as hosting Asha (our landcare facilitator) and stewards for woodland birds will continue and there are many other exciting opportunities in the pipeline.
We are currently in the process of considering the future direction of Connecting Country and we encourage you to attend our AGM to help us explore the possibilities. Click here to find out more about the AGM. We are also currently running an on-line survey at the moment and would appreciate your input, click here to complete our on-line survey.
The target area for our Connecting Landscapes revegetation program is shown in blue.
Following in footsteps of Major Mitchell – 180 years later
Posted on 29 September, 2016 by Connecting Country
Local artist and historian Eliza Tree has been fascinated by the exploratory journeys of Major Mitchell across parts of south-eastern Australia, including through the Dja Dja Wurrung country in Castlemaine and surrounds. Mitchell’s expedition first traveled through this part of central Victoria in 1836. To recognize this journey 180 years ago, and ‘the avalanche of events that followed’, Eliza Tree is coordinating three events over the weekend of the 30 September to 2 October 2016.
Friday, 30th September, 11 am – 1 pm: Forest Creek walk – through Castlemaine Landcare Rehabilitation area, retracing Mitchell’s steps with references to his Journal and maps.
Saturday, 1st October, 1pm – 6 pm: Exhibition of paintings by Eliza Tree. Launch at 4 pm.
Sunday, 2nd October, 10am– 4 pm: Retracing Major Mitchell’s 1836 Expedition by Road, from Newstead to Redesdale, Revisiting descriptions from Mitchell’s Journals and maps. Ecology, Geology, Australia Felix. Bookings required to be made to Eliza.
For more information on each of these events, see attached flyer from Eliza (CLICK HERE) or visit her website (http://majormitchellexpedition.com/).
Eliza Tree’s painting of Castlemaine and surrounds at the time of Mitchell’s expedition
Mount Alexander Schools Landcare Days 2016
Posted on 28 September, 2016 by Asha
There were students as far as the eye could see; sorting through macro invertebrates, feeling the soil, looking for birds and building nests. Over three Tuesdays in September 2016, close to 380 Grade 5/6 students from 15 primary schools in the Mount Alexander region attended Connecting Country’s Schools Landcare Days. The idea developed at a Landcare Link-up last year, as a way to engage kids and their families with the environment around them. As all the locals know, we’ve had an amazing amount of wet weather lately, which meant that two out of three of our Schools Landcare Days were held at the Harcourt Leisure Centre, and one at Vaughan Springs on a rare sunny day.
Students learning about different soil types with Brendan Smith
The activities each day were designed to teach students about natural processes and cultural heritage, and to encourage them to think of ways they can apply this knowledge to look after their local area. The wonderful Patrick Wilson from Doxa Youth Camp in Malmsbury came to all of the days, and maintained an infectious energy for aquatic ecosystems and macro invertebrates. Brendan Smith from Parks Victora had students laughing and getting their hands dirty while he talked about the importance of soil structure and health. They also transferred some young grasses into trays for planting out later, which for some students meant ducking out of the warm Leisure Centre and braving the icy wind outside!
On August 30th Jida Gulbil kindly came along and discussed Dja Dja Wurrung culture with students, helped by his beautiful didgeridoo (or, as Jida joked, his “telescope to see the stars”). That day we were also treated to an activity run by students from Chewton Primary School. Supported by Naomi Raftery, Marie Jones, and Julie Holden; Jet, Scout, Max, Amara and Emma ran an activity looking at food webs and thinking about what happens if you take elements out of a food web.
Looking for aquatic macro invertebrates with Patrick Wilson
Our second Schools Landcare Day was held at Vaughan Springs, so Krista Patterson-Majoor was able to take students for a walk in the bush to learn about our local ecosystems and what has influenced the landscape we see today. Colin Lyons from Parks Victoria joined Krista to give his insights into the heritage aspects of the area. Meanwhile, Cathy McCallum and Graeme Harris from Baringhup Landcare were helping students to find and identify some mysterious bird cut-outs that were hidden in some very tricky places. In a quiet spot down the track, Asha Bannon and students were talking about Landcare and drawing soundscapes of what could be heard around them, which included lots of birds, lots of water, and lots of people!
On the last day, we had Aunty Julie and her students from Castlemaine Secondary College: Shakira, Grace, Cohen, Zeppelin, and Bailey. With help from the secondary students, the Grade 5/6s tried to match cards with seasonal events (e.g. “Wedge-tailed Eagles are breeding”) to the correct Dja Dja Wurrung season. This proved to be quite a challenge, but a great way to get everyone thinking. At the end of the day, all of the students had a nest to take home built at Nicole Howie’s birds nest activity. As Nicole said, it’s hard enough to make a nest with your hands, imagine how difficult it must be to make one with your beak while on the look out for predators.
A huge thank you to all of the amazing presenters who came along and gave it their all. The feedback from schools on the activities has all been extremely positive, and it was easy to see how engaged the students were with what they were learning. Thank you also to the teachers for being so supportive, the students for your patience and interest, and the Landcare members who came along to chat with schools and join in. Finally, we thank Nicole Howie for her hard work putting the days together.
The Mount Alexander School Landcare Days were made possible with funding from the North Central Catchment Management Authority Community Grants Program.
50 Years with Kaweka
Posted on 28 September, 2016 by Asha
The Friends of Kaweka Sanctuary invite you to an afternoon tea to celebrate our 50 years with Kaweka.
Kaweka Sanctuary was donated to the people of Castlemaine and in 1966 a public meeting formed a community management group. Come and help celebrate this milestone anniversary. All welcome!
When: Sunday 2nd October 2016, 2pm
Where: Corner of Hargraves and Turner Streets, Castlemaine
RSVP: For catering purposes, please contact Secretary Lyndell Green:
Email: lyndellgreen@me.com or Phone: 0448 190 444
Bees in nest boxes – Campaign underway to re-home them
Posted on 27 September, 2016 by Connecting Country
In 2010 and 2011, Connecting Country assisted approximately 100 landholders to install 450 nest boxes across the Mount Alexander Shire and surrounds. These boxes were designed and installed specifically for the endangered Brush-tailed Phascogale – also know as the Tuan. Each year of so, we have gone back to check on the contents of the boxes (see our recent blog about this – CLICK HERE). At a good proportion of the sites, we find Tuans using the boxes. Much more commonly, we find Sugar Gliders or their nests in them – another native species, but not listed as threatened. On increasingly rare occasions, we find unwanted occupants that have set up a colony in the nest boxes – European Honeybees (Apis mellifera). In autumn 2016, 15 of the 450 nest boxes had active bee colonies, while many others had evidence of past colonies. In past years we have attempted to discourage wild bees from taking over these Tuan-targeted nest boxes through methods such as colony destruction and by retro-fitting the boxes to make them less attractive to bees.
Carpet under the nest box lid had a poor success rate in discouraging bees (as seen from the residual bee wax).
Earlier in 2016, Connecting Country was approached by Daniel BeeShepherd of the Castlemaine Bee Sanctuary. This organization’s aim is to ‘catch and lure swarms of honeybees and remove wild colonies …..These bees are then re-homed in responsibly managed hives and adopted out to hosts within the community.’ We accepted their offer to remove and responsibly re-home and manage the wild bee colonies that had taken over these boxes. With the permission of the relevant landholders, this is currently underway.
The Castlemaine Bee Sanctuary is currently running a crowd-funding campaign to help cover the cost of purchasing and maintaining bee hives to house the translocated bee colonies. If you would like to learn more about this organization, and to possibly make a contribution towards the costs of their managed hives, follow this link for more information (CLICK HERE).
Smoke is used to calm the bees during nest box removal.
Daniel removing a bee-filled nest box.
2016 nest box surveys – what’s a Tuan?
Posted on 26 September, 2016 by Connecting Country
Tuan covering body with tail.
Connecting Country undertook its biennial nest-box monitoring surveys in autumn 2016. The very exciting news is that the target of this program, the threatened marsupial known variously as the Brush-tailed Phascogale and the Tuan, significantly increased its occurrence compared to the 2012 and 2014 surveys.
There is so much else to report that its hard to know where to start. As a brief summary:
- In all previous surveys, we had monitored only a sample of the 450 nest boxes located across 150 sites. This year, we managed to visit all of them (bar one site). Many boxes had not been checked since they were installed back in 2010. Most boxes remain in very good condition. Landholder interest in the boxes and their contents was very high.
- There are Tuan scattered across all parts of the shire and immediate surrounds. In particular, they considerably in increased in occurrence in the north-east where there had been few previous records.
- Sugar Gliders remained the most abundant species, with evidence of their occurrence at more than 80% of sites.
- Colonisation of the nest boxes by feral honeybees was low again (15 boxes or 3% of the total). As we’ll describe in another blog soon, we have been working with a local apiarist to move the bees out of our boxes and into carefully managed hives in urban settings. The boxes can then be reused for tuans and gliders.
A more detailed report on our findings is available for download (CLICK HERE).
A copy of this report is provided to each landholder, as well as a more detailed report on the findings from the boxes on their particular property. We are so very appreciative of all of the landholders that have taken on the responsibility of having boxes on their properties, and for allowing us to return to check them every year or so.
Volunteer helping with data collection.
La Trobe university PhD student Jess Lawton also undertook a complementary study on tuans at a sample of the nest box sites. She temporarily installed wildlife surveillance cameras at these locations, and also collected extensive habitat data. Her results are not yet available, but she has produced a short video compiled from the wildlife recordings made at one particular nest box location near Axe Creek. The link to this video is provided here if you are interested (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTklMGskLyY). We’ll prepare another blog about Jess’s findings soon. It was a great experience having her work with us and local landholders.
CC staff members (Chris, Asha and Max) are also incredible grateful to all of the volunteers that supported us in various ways through the intense nest box monitoring period (Brandie, Brent, Damian, Daniele, Eva, Fritz, Greg, Hannah, Jan, Jane, Jeremy, Josie, Kerrie, Lisa, Mal, Naomi, Phil, Sean, Thea, Tim, numerous landholders, and the Maldon Urban Landcare groups. Apologies to anyone that we have forgotten – there were a lot to remember!).
Typical nest box in a tree.
Family of gilders (5) in a box
Saturday 15 Oct 2016 – 30th Anniversary of Landcare Celebration event
Posted on 26 September, 2016 by Connecting Country
The North Central CMA Landcare team have asked Connecting Country to extend an invitation to our supporters and local Landcare group members to the ‘30th Anniversary of Landcare Celebration event’ on Saturday October 15 2016 in St Arnaud.
Please find the event details and RSVP information on the invite here. A hardcopy invitation is also on its way in the mail to each Landcare group contact.
Sunday 25 Sept 2016 – Final three Landcare Open Day events
Posted on 21 September, 2016 by Connecting Country
As part of Connecting Country’s Landcare Open Day several local Landcare and Friends groups are hosting public events. Here are the details of this weekend’s events to be held on Sunday the 25th September 2016, in Harcourt, Maldon, and Castlemaine.
Barkers Creek Landcare & Wildlife Group and Harcourt Valley Landcare Group
WHEN: Sunday 25th September, 9:30am-1pm
WHERE: Flora Reserve in Harcourt (off Binghams Rd behind the Harcourt recreational reserve)
DESCRIPTION: A flora walk followed by BBQ lunch
Barkers Creek Landcare Group after a working bee.
Tarrengower Cactus Control Group
Come and help get rid of cactus in the Maldon area on Sunday.
WHERE: Opposite Chapel’s winery on Seers Road, Welshman’s Reef. Follow the signs from the Maldon-Newstead Road.
WHEN: Sunday 25th September, 10:30 am – lunchtime
DESCRIPTION: Tarrangower Cactus Control Group will demonstrate the most effective ways to control Wheel Cactus. They’ll provide all the equipment and protective gear required, so just come along dressed in warm clothing and sturdy footwear and gets some hands-on experience at being a ‘cactus warrior’. The morning will start at 10:30am and finish with a delicious and friendly BBQ lunch. More information: www.cactuswarriors.org
Castlemaine Landcare
WHERE: Park on Montgomery St.
WHEN: Sunday 25 September, 10am with morning tea at 11.30am.
DESCRIPTION: Castkemaine Landcare have an exciting plan – do some weeding in the Montgomery St grasslands (see map below). There are some unique plants there, but also plenty of weeds that shouldn’t be there. We have chosen this site as it is well above creek level, so even if there is some rain it should be OK working conditions. Bring weeding tools, mattocks, brush cutters, gum boots and gloves.
See Castlemaine Landcare’s website (CLICK HERE) or Facebook page (CLICK HERE) for more details.
Sunday 25 Sept 2016 – Cactus control working bee near Maldon
Posted on 21 September, 2016 by Connecting Country
Instruction on how to control wheel cactus will be followed up with practical experience on the ground.
Tony Kane from the Tarrangower Cactus Control Group has asked Connecting Country to spread the word that their next Cactus Field Day will be held on Sunday 25th September 2016. This event is also part of our Landcare Open Day program.
The location is opposite Chapel’s winery on Seers Road, Welshman’s Reef. Follow the signs from the Maldon-Newstead Road.
As per usual, the start is at 10.30 am, followed by a free community barbeque at 12.30pm.
Our Federal Member of Parliament, Lisa Chesters, has emailed to say that she will be coming along to help out. Lisa opened their 2014 cactus season and since then has taken a keen interest in the group.
Spring 2016 – CFNC Wednesday Wildflower Walks
Posted on 21 September, 2016 by Connecting Country
Scented Sundew, one of the many local species you’re likely to see on a walk with the Castlemaine Field Naturalists.
Each Spring, the Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club hosts a series of Wednesday afternoon wildflower walks. With all of the rain over recent weeks and months, this is shaping up as being one of the best wildflower seasons in many years.
There are two more walks being held this year, both departing at 4pm sharp from the Octopus building car-park (Duke St, opposite the Castle Motel). Members and visitors are welcome.
Wednesday 28 September – Location: TBD. Leader: George Broadway
Wednesday 5 October – Location: TBD. Leaders: Peter and Rosemary Turner
Friday Sept 23rd 2016 – Newham Landcare talk about frogs
Posted on 21 September, 2016 by Connecting Country
A young tree frog pops up to say hello.
If you’ve wondered what all the noise is about following the recent rainfall, on Friday September 23rd 2016 the Newham and District Landcare Group will be hosting a talk about frogs by Richard Akers.
Richard will talk about the importance of frogs in the ecosystem, frog identification, sounds, the frog census and what we need to do to maintain a frog-friendly environment.
Learn also how to identify frogs in our area, what they sound like, the biology of frog life cycles, food chains, the impacts of fire 
and climate change and more.
The talk will be held at Newham Mechanics Institute Hall.
7pm drinks & nibblies
7.30 presentation
Supper to follow
RSVP appreciated: Helen Scott at orseda@bigpond.com or
0412 582 526
Have input into the future of Parks Victoria.
Posted on 21 September, 2016 by Connecting Country
As they look towards their 20th anniversary in December 2016, Parks Victoria are preparing a report on how they can strengthen Parks Victoria for the coming decades.
To help them do this, the Strengthening Parks Victoria project team has asked Connecting Country to spread the word about conversations they are having with community groups and community members; about what they value about parks and what they can do to help all Victorians enjoy our diverse and incredible places more!
There are a number of ways people can contribute to this project:
- Through their online engagement platform – http://lets-talk.parks.vic.gov.au
- By accessing their project information and conversation workbook and completing this workbook by 07 October 2016
CLICK HERE for more information about this effort to strengthen parks in Victoria .
Maldon Open Landcare Day: Boneseed and birds
Posted on 19 September, 2016 by Tanya Loos
On the look out for birds. Photo by Jane Mitchell
As part of the Landcare Open Day events on 11 September 2016, the Nuggetty Land Protection Group and Maldon Urban Landcare Group (MULGA) joined with Connecting Country for a woodland bird walk and boneseed pull.
Despite the grey and glary day, we were treated to views of some thirty bird species as we walked from the Maldon Cemetery to the rock covered hillside known as The Common. We had some very experienced birdwatchers in attendance who spotted for the group some usually hard-to-see birds such as the Fan-tailed Cuckoo and the Shining Bronze-cuckoo. Small birds such as Striated Pardalotes, Thornbills and Grey Fantails were in great numbers, and the Scarlet Robin pairs we saw gave everyone great views, with or without binoculars. A Little Eagle soaring overhead went into a dramatic hunting dive at one point! Whilst walking the Common, many young Boneseed plants were located and pulled out, as were small Wheel Cactus. Luckily, staff from Parks Victoria have recently pulled out many of the larger Boneseed plants, as the flowering period has begun.
Small Boneseed plants were pulled along the way. Prevention is better than cure! Photo: Jane Mitchell
Jane Mitchell from Nuggetty Landcare shared some of the history of the Common, and Ian Grenda from MULGA gave a short talk on the weed known as Boneseed, and how to recognise its distinctive leaf. Ian also provided some samples of Bridal Creeper with a biological control known as ‘rust’ to take home for any home infestations.
Tanya, the Woodland Bird Project Coordinator from Connecting Country, explained that weeds such as Boneseed and Bridal Creeper grow prolifically and smother the leaf litter and branches where small birds such as Hooded Robins and Painted Button-quails nest and feed. This is one of the reasons why weed control is so very important for protecting Woodland Birds.
Tanya talks about why weed control is important. Photo: Jane Mitchell
After our walk we were treated to a fantastic barbecue and sandwiches – thanks to Ian and Bev for cooking! Tanya then distributed a short survey about the values and threats of the bird habitats in the region. These surveys will be used to generate some project ideas for future funding opportunities in the region.
Thirty-five people attended, and many of these people had not previously been to a Landcare event. Many thanks to all those that helped organise this enjoyable and informative event!
Tues 11 October 2016 – CC’s AGM: An invitation to think big!
Posted on 15 September, 2016 by Connecting Country
Connecting Country members and supporters are encouraged to help us to think big on the evening of Tuesday 11th October 2016! We are holding our 2016 Annual General Meeting, and as part of this we have also invited six local experts to share their vision for the Mount Alexander landscape. Please join us as we work together to consider the future directions for Connecting Country. It’s also a great chance to catch up with Connecting Country staff, committee and other friends.
The AGM will be held at the Campbells Creek Community Centre (Elizabeth Street, Campbells Creek) with the formalities taking place from 6pm until 6.30pm. CLICK HERE to view a copy of the agenda.
If you are a Connecting Country member, then:
- You are entitled to vote on any and all relevant agenda items. If you are unable to make it to the AGM, but still wish to vote, then proxy forms are available. These must be received at least 24 hours before the AGM is held.
- You are also able to nominate to join the Connecting Country committee. If you are interested in applying to join the committee, you are encouraged to contact the current president – Brendan Sydes – to talk more about what is involved in being on the committee, and the opportunities that are available (president@connectingcountry.org.au). A copy of the CC committee nomination form can be downloaded (CLICK HERE).
Please contact Chris (chris@connectingcountry.org.au) if you are unsure if you are a member; if you’d like a proxy form; or if you’d like a copy of the 2015 AGM Minutes or 2015-16 Financial Statements to read before the meeting.
From 6.30pm until 7pm, a light meal will be provided including locally made vegetarian soups and bread, along with tea, coffee and other drinks. There are no costs for the meal, but gold coin donations are appreciated.
At 7pm, six local experts share their vision for the Mount Alexander landscape. Geoff Park, Beth Mellick, Ian Higgins, Paul Foreman, Carla Meurs and Ann-Marie Monda have five minutes each to provide their ‘think big’ vision, which explores the possibilities for this region into the future. This will be followed by group discussions around how we could turn these visions into a reality.
In the lead up to the AGM we are conducting a survey which will also help inform our future direction. To participate in this survey please CLICK HERE.
To ensure sufficient catering and seating, please RSVP to Naomi by email to naomi@connectingcountry.org.au or call 5472 1594.
Saturday 24 Sept 2016 – Launch of identification guide to local eucalypts
Posted on 14 September, 2016 by Connecting Country
Have you ever had trouble seeing the forest for the trees? That is probably because there has never before been an easy-to-use guide to identify the local tree species. But all this is about change. On Saturday 24 September, the Friends of the Box-Ironbark Forest (FOBIF) are launching their latest publication, Eucalypts of the Mount Alexander Region. Guest speaker, and the official launcher, will be Geoff Park, a well known local environmentalist and author of the Natural Newstead blog.
This 90 page guide by FOBIF members’ Bernard Slattery, Ern Perkins and Bronwyn Silver aims to help the beginner train the eye to see the differences between eucalypts – and to appreciate how spectacular they sometimes are. It presents the commonest species of the Mount Alexander Region, generously illustrated, and clearly described in plain language. Though firmly based on one local area (the forests and reserves around the town of Castlemaine – within the shire of Mount Alexander and immediate surrounds), it describes species common to the whole Box-Ironbark region of central Victoria, and would be useful to any enthusiast in that region, from Ararat to Chiltern.
For those that all ready have a copy of FOBIFs guide to mosses and lichens, this new publication is of the same high standard and with a broadly similar layout.
The publication of this book has been made possible by a generous grant from the Worrowing Fund through the Norman Wettenhall Foundation. Connecting Country has been a supporter of this publication from near its earliest days of development, and is thrilled with the final product. Other supporters have included the Castlemaine Field Naturalists’ Club.
The book’s cost is $10 and people buying it at the launch will receive a selection of free tree-related bookmarks and a FOBIF fungi poster. Proceedings will start at 10.30am in the Castlemaine library foyer. Refreshments will be served. No RSVPs required, and everyone is welcome.
Sunday 18th September 2016 – Muckleford Landcare Open Day event
Posted on 12 September, 2016 by Connecting Country
As part of Connecting Country’s Landcare Open Day several local Landcare and Friends groups are hosting public events. Here are the details of this weekend’s event to be held this Sunday the 18th September 2016, in Muckleford.
Muckleford Catchment Landcare
A bundle of fun, sweet sugar gliders at home in their nestbox.
WHERE: starting at the Muckleford Community Centre, then onto Walmer Conservation Reserve
WHEN: Sunday 18th September, 10am -12.30pm
DESCRIPTION: Muckleford Landcare is happy to invite you to attend a “Public Reserves Bus Tour and Field Day” on Sunday 18th September. There are a number of ‘mysterious’ and interesting parcels of public land in Muckleford that are termed public reserves – some are hidden away and this short bus tour will allow participants to find out about their story. The tour will end up at the Walmer Conservation Reserve at midday where we will work with local fauna expert expert, Miles Geldard, to check the wildlife nest boxes.
A free BBQ lunch is provided. Please RSVP to bethmellick@gmail.com or text 0431 219 980.
A Connecting Country nest box in the field
Farewell and HUGE thanks to the Green Army Team
Posted on 12 September, 2016 by Connecting Country
We recently said ‘good bye’ to our first Green Army team of 2016. During their six months, the team worked on projects for ten Landcare groups, including doing weed control, track maintenance, and planting. You can now see signs of their fantastic work all over the region.
The team asked Asha to pass on their thanks to all the Landcare members who took time to encourage them and assure them that their efforts will make a huge difference to the landscape and the community. Team member, Rachel, expressed that they have learned a lot during the six months, and that their time on the team has helped her career move forward. Most of the team will still be working locally, so keep an eye out for their friendly faces.
We had a short but sweet morning tea to see the team off and wish them well into the future. Thanks to all of the Landcare members who have worked alongside the team in the last six months. A big thank you to Liam, Mitch, Paige, Kirra, James, Rachel, Melissa, Josh, Cindy, and Peter for all your hard work.
Sunday 11th September 2016 – Three Landcare Open Day events
Posted on 7 September, 2016 by Connecting Country
Join in on the fun at one of this weekends Landcare Open Days held across the shire.
Over the next few weekends in September, several local Landcare and Friends groups will be holding public events as part of Connecting Country’s Landcare Open Day. Here are the details of three events to be held this Sunday the 11th September 2016, in Sutton Grange, Chewton, and Maldon .
While everyone is always welcome to attend the regular working bees run by their local groups, these events will be specifically suitable for families and people new to Landcare. For further details on all events, including those to be held the following weekend, visit our landcare webpage. This page will be updated as new events are added. If you have any questions, contact Asha on 5472 1594 or asha@connectingcountry.org.au.
Sutton Grange Landcare
WHERE: 893 Coliban Park Road, Sutton Grange
WHEN: Sunday 11th September 2016, 10:30am – 3pm
DESCRIPTION: Tree planting in Sutton Grange
Sutton Grange Landcare Group in conjunction with Connecting Country are participating in the Federal Government 20 million trees program by planting approximately 200 trees at Mike Abramowski’s property. We would like to make this an enjoyable group/family get together and plant a few trees. A BBQ and refreshments will be provided. If you can provide an hour or more of your time on this day, please RSVP to sglg@live.com as soon as possible. Further details will be provided once Sutton Grange Landcare has confirmed numbers.
This project is supported by the 20 Million Trees Programme, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme
Post Office Hill Action Group, Chewton Primary School, Chewton Landcare and, Golden Point Landcare
WHERE: Railway Street, Chewton (between Hunter Street and the railway line)
WHEN: Sunday 11th September 2016, 1.30 p.m.
DESCRIPTION: Discover the secrets of Chewton’s Post Office Hill
A free fun family orienteering event to celebrate the Landcare Open Day. Join Post Office Hill Action Group, Chewton Primary School, Chewton Landcare and Golden Point Landcare for this event followed by afternoon tea in the school grounds. Information about the groups and their activities, plant giveaways and prizes for the most interesting “discoveries”!! Register on the day at 1.30 p.m. at Chewton Primary School. For more details contact Jennifer Pryce; 0423 900 590 or j.pryce@bigpond.com
Maldon Urban Landcare Group (Mulga) and Nuggetty Landcare Group
Tanya leads a group of keen birdwatchers through the basics of how to watch and ID birds through behaviour, habitat and appearance
WHERE: Meet at the Maldon Cemetery, Maldon-Shelbourne Rd, Maldon
WHEN: Sunday 11th September 2016, 10am to 1pm
DESCRIPTION: Woodland birds and boneseed weed walk and talk
Join Tanya Loos, the Woodland Birds Project Coordinator at Connecting Country, in a walk along Back Cemetery Rd. and onto the area known as ‘The Commons’, observing the habitat for birds, and pulling out small bone seed plants along the way. BBQ lunch provided. For more details contact Bev Phillips; 0407 770 350 or phillips1bev@gmail.com