Nature News September 2016 – The pleasures of crawling around in the damp

Posted on 6 September, 2016 by Connecting Country

On page 12 in this week’s Midland Express (6 September 2016) there is a great Nature News piece by local naturalist and co-author of the soon to be released local Eucalyptus guide, Bernard Slattery, about the wonder of those tiny and important life-forms – the mosses.

Moss on Mount Alexander… a world you can get lost in. Photo by Bernard Slattery

This year we can celebrate a goodish winter: cold, grey, and—most importantly—wet.

And, apart from replenished dams, this wet winter is good because it gives us a reason to go out into the bush, get down on our knees, and become completely absorbed in looking at the micro universe of…MOSS.

Moss isn’t just a green monotonous smudge. It’s beautiful and very variable. To appreciate this fully, you have to get right down close with a hand lens, or a camera with macro lens. You do risk embarrassment by doing this. A few times I’ve been lying flat on my stomach checking out the moss, and concerned passers-by have stopped to ask after my health so it does help if you can wave a camera or a hand lens to reassure people you’re OK.

The wet winter has created great beds of moss in our forests. Moss has repopulated crevices in walls and appeared in patches in lawns and corners of garden beds.

Mosses are tiny and simple. Unlike more familiar plants like grasses, they don’t have roots: they absorb water and nutrients directly into their leaves. They also reproduce via fine, dust-like spores, not seeds.

They’re ancient plants, maybe the first to have colonised the land. There’s a theory that early mosses, over 400 million years ago, played a big part in boosting oxygen in the atmosphere, laying the foundations for all sorts of future evolutions.

Mosses are useful. They’re amazingly hardy and can colonize bare land so they’re good at helping the recovery of eroded landscapes. They can tolerate long dry periods:  seemingly dead crusts spring to life at the first shower of rain.

Seen up close, mosses are intricate, colourful and enormously various. Although some are so tiny as to be hard to make out without a microscope, there are plenty of species noticeable to the naked eye. Some leaves are rounded, some are thin as wisps; colours are every shade of green; and spore head stalks can be red, orange, green or yellow.

A great resource for finding out more is Bernard Slattery and Cassia Read’s Mosses of dry forests in south eastern Australia. To purchase a copy visit the Friends of the Box Ironbark Forests webpage www.fobif.org.au.

Friday 9th Sept 2016 – Australian Ants in roadside and remnants

Posted on 4 September, 2016 by Connecting Country

The guest speaker for the next Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club on Friday 9th September is Ballarat-based entomologist Peter Muller.  Peter’s presentation will be about the great variety of interesting ants that occur in the local area and beyond.  Peter has provided the following text about himself and the talk:

Early life; lived, trained/educated/qualified in agriculture. Changed direction and pursued a career in natural land management. Worked for various environmental organisation, Parks Victoria and Conservation and land management, and the various forms that it has morphed into over the years. Have gained substantial land management experience in a variety disciplines and responsibilities. Over 30 years have worked in conservation in most areas in Victoria.

Nest mound of Rhytidoponera spp. Photo by Peter Muller.

For the last 15 years, until recently retired, I have worked in environmental education with Ballarat/Federation University, a challenging but rewarding profession. Now with a bit of time on my hands, I am devoting some of it researching ants and, hopefully, to answering some question about ants that I have had for many years. I hope, along the way, I can add a little bit to our environmental knowledge, and add value to natural areas particularly, roadside and remnants.

 I live at Enfield south of Ballarat, and have three daughters in various parts of the world.

Peter will also lead the club’s excursion on the following day, which will be a search for nests of sugar ants and other ants.  The following link provides some further information to assist with ant nest identification during the excursion (CLICK HERE).

Peter’s presentation will commence from 7.30pm in the Fellowship Room behind the Castlemaine Uniting Church (on Lyttleton St, next door to the Art Gallery and Museum) on Friday 9 September.  The excursion will depart from the Octopus building car-park on Duke St (opposite the Castle Motel) at 1.30pm sharp on Saturday 10 September.  Members and visitors are welcome to attend both, and there is no cost for attendance.

Winter bird survey highlights

Posted on 1 September, 2016 by Tanya Loos

Tanya has just completed our 2016 winter bird surveys – a grand total of 100 individual 20-minute surveys – with some interesting results.

After our very dry Spring in 2015 we have had a very wet winter in 2016 – what a relief! Bird activity this winter has seemed to mirror the strange weather patterns – with large numbers of some species, unusual breeding behaviour, and increased numbers of ‘out-of-towner’ visitors!

For the Winter bird survey, I visit our fifty sites in both morning and afternoon which we have been monitoring since 2010. These sites are a mix of paddock sites, restoration sites and intact sites in bushland areas. For more on this monitoring program, follow this link HERE. The sites are located on both public and private land, however I have also included some observations of species seen whilst traveling around from site to site.

The numbers and distribution of our ‘Feathered Five’ seem to be unchanged this winter, with our Hooded Robins of Muckleford and Blue Hills remaining steady, Diamond Firetails in small numbers around Yapeen, Newstead and Clydesdale, and not a single Painted Button-quail observed during surveys! One of these elusive button-quails was  recorded and photographed by a local birdwatcher – great shot David Adam and thanks for permission to use the pic.  Happily, Brown Treecreepers were recorded in the southerly farmland areas of Metcalfe for the first time – a thrilling result as there are no database records for them in the Metcalfe or Taradale Conservation Reserves. With new areas of private land being enhanced for conservation, we may see more of these birds on this eastern side of Castlemaine.

A Painted Button-quail on Mia Mia Track, 23/07/2016, by Victorian Birders Group member David Adam.

Silvereyes have been around this winter in big numbers – I have seen flocks of thirty birds!  There are two populations of these lovely little birds – our locals with silvery buff and light rufous underparts, and some winter visitors from Tasmania with a deeper richer version of this lovely reddish colour on their flanks. Geoff’s blog Natural Newstead has more on these attractive birds (CLICK HERE).

I noted large flocks of the brightly coloured European Goldfinch in the Harcourt area, and flocks of about thirty Common Mynas (also known as Indian Mynas) just west of Newstead. Happily, I also noticed a LOT of small native birds, with large numbers of Spotted Pardalotes, Striated Pardalotes and Weebills busily feeding on the flowering Yellow Box.

The Little Corella, a smaller cousin of the Long-billed Corella with a little more blue and less pink around the face, is moving southwards with sightings in Sutton Grange and Baringhup. Pied Currawongs are in greater numbers this year, and not only in town. For the first time since surveys began, Pied Currawongs have been recorded in bushland during surveys. Another bird that is increasing  locally is the Grey Butcherbird, with a few sightings in Castlemaine and also in Walmer. A large  honeyeater may also be increasing locally – the Blue-faced Honeyeater, with sightings around town (including the Castlemaine Botanic Gardens) and in Maldon. Again, check out Geoff’s blog here for more on this species.

I observed Noisy Miners mating in Maldon in May which is quite late in Autumn to commence breeding! But after a poor spring in 2015, perhaps it seemed like a good idea. These aggressive native birds do not seem to be at the high numbers that they are elsewhere such as Bendigo and outer Melbourne, but their local populations are definitely worth keeping an eye on if we are to keep all our abundant bush birds.

I was surprised to see a pair of Scarlet Robins busily building a nest in Barkers Creek in late July, as it was still a very fresh 5 degrees celcius at 10:44am! Getting in early for a good Spring, I suspect. I would have to say though that the highlight of the Winter Bird Surveys was a most unusual visitor – a very confiding and lovely Olive Whistler. The Whistler was recorded by myself and volunteer Jane Rusden on the first survey of Winter at the magnificently regenerating Forest Creek in Golden Point. He or she hopped along the transect for nearly the whole twenty minutes, affording us excellent views.

A special winter visitor: an Olive Whistler. Pic by Francesco Veronesi (Olive Whistler – Victoria_S4E5352) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

If you have noticed unusually high numbers of certain species, or new species visiting your area – we would love to hear from you!

Email tanya@connectingcountry.org.au or call me at the office 5472 1594

Our Woodland Bird Monitoring program is supported by Connecting Country’s Connecting Landscapes program, through funding from the Australian Government.

By Tanya Loos, Woodland Birds Coordinator.

Celebrating Mount Alexander Landcare with the Landcare Open Day events

Posted on 29 August, 2016 by Connecting Country

Over the next few weekends in September, several groups will be holding public events for Connecting Country’s Landcare Open Day. 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.

Archer helping out at a local landcare event in readiness for the upcoming Landcare Open Day events.

Maldon Urban Landcare and Nuggetty Landcare are banding together to run a bird walk with Tanya Loos.  Barkers Creek Landcare & Wildlife Group and Harcourt Valley Landcare Group are holding a flora walk to look for some of the exciting plants that are starting to flower. Golden Point Landcare, Post Office Hill Action Group, and Chewton Landcare are all joining forces for an afternoon of orienteering, and the Tarrengower Cactus Control Group will be holding a community field day where you can learn how to control Wheel Cactus. For more details on these and other Landcare Open Day events, CLICK HERE or contact asha@connectingcountry.org.au.

Landcare in the Mount Alexander region has been incredibly busy in the past year. Our biannual Landcare Link-ups provide opportunities for landcare members to share stories and experiences.  Two Green Army teams have been working on numerous projects, with a third team just started. Funding through the Federal Government’s 20 Million Trees Programme has created opportunities for four local groups to begin planting 6300 plants.

We are also very excited about the Mount Alexander Schools Landcare Days coming up. Grade five and six students from all local primary schools will attend a day of environmental-based activities at Vaughan Springs, hopefully fostering a new generation of Landcarers.

For more information about Landcare in this region and to find out how you can get involved, visit: http://connectingcountry.org.au/landcare/

Sustainable and Biodiverse Farm Field Day makes a splash

Posted on 25 August, 2016 by Connecting Country

Friday the 19th August 2016 was forecast to be wet in Sutton Grange, and it really was! However, around sixty local people braved the weather to attend the morning session at our recent Field Day at the Holy Goat Cheese farm.

Participants see sustainable dairying in action at the Holy Goat Cheese farm.

Participants listening to Ian Higgins explaining biodiversity values at the Holy Goat Cheese farm in Sutton Grange

Whilst on the farm, these hardy souls learnt about sustainable property management, goat farming and cheese production with Carla Meurs and Ann-Marie Monda. They also explored the values of biodiversity, birds and cultural heritage with Ian Higgins from Campbells Creek Landcare group, Tanya Loos from Connecting Country, and Gerry Gill from La Trobe University.

People were revived at lunch time in the warm and dry Sutton Grange Hall with hot drinks and delicious food from Growing Abundance.

The morning group were joined by an extra crowd of around thirty people who enjoyed the afternoon session listening to six local producers –  Katie Finlay  (Mount Alexander Fruit Gardens), Mandy Jean (Guildford Winery), John Cable (JCBee Honey), Ben Boxshall (Farm Forest Growers of Victoria), Sam White (Sidonia Road Organics), and Clare de Kok (Pig in a Box) – talk about viability, sustainability and biodiversity on their farms.

To quote one participant: “Thanks for putting together such a great and inspiring day. It was really beyond expectation and I got a lot out of it.”

A huge thanks to all the presenters and participants for their good will and endurance in attending this event. It is amazing how much can be gained from other farmers and producers sharing their experiences and knowledge.

Thanks also to Mandy Coulson and the North Central Catchment Management Authority for their support in  planning and running the day. This event was part our Connecting Landscapes Education Program with funding from the Australian Government.

Taking a closer look at conservation covenants

Posted on 25 August, 2016 by Connecting Country

One of the most inspiring aspects of the Sutton Grange Organic Farm (home of Holy Goat Cheese which we visited as part of our Farm Field Day) is how Carla and Ann-Marie have protected their remnant vegetation with a Trust For Nature Conservation Covenant.

Connecting Country would like to share an article by Mat Hardy from the August 2016 edition of Decision Point magazine about conservation covenants. This piece discusses their strengths as a mechanism for protecting nature and recommendations for ensuring their benefits are maintained into the future. To read the article click here.

For more information about conservation covenants check out Trust For Nature’s website.

Tarrengower Cactus Control Group thanks local landholders

Posted on 23 August, 2016 by Connecting Country

The Tarrengower Cactus Control Group have asked Connecting Country to share a hearty thanks to local landholders who are working to control cactus on their properties and to promote their next community field day.

Tarrangower Cactus Control Committee and volunteers at a community field day in April 2011 (Photo from TCCC)

“Tarrangower Cactus Control Group (TCCG) would like to say thanks very much to all our local landowners who continue to control Wheel Cactus plants on their property. Very importantly, this also helps to stop the spread of seeds to their neighbours and other properties and parks nearby.

Have you noticed some Wheel cactus on your property but don’t know what to do with it? Tarrangower Cactus Control Group can show you how to kill it, and can even loan you the equipment to do it.

Local property owners Robyn and David McPhee contacted us for help and are now well on their way to controlling their wheel cactus infestation. “The Cactus Warriors came out to our property for a field day, brought all the equipment needed, and taught us all we need to know about killing this terrible weed” said David. “And they killed lots of plants which really gave us a boost to get into it” added Robyn. “The group has lots of experience and knowledge, we’re really glad we contacted them”, David commented, “plus they even fed us all”.

Wheel Cactus from the Tarrengower area (Photo from DELWP).

TCCG, with Parks Victoria, have regular Community Field Days when we’re happy to bring our team of ‘cactus warriors’ volunteers to give you a hand to get started with treating Wheel Cactus. Contact us via our website at www.cactuswarriors.org

Our next Community Field Day will be on Sunday 28^th August 2016 in our Historic Park, along Mount Back Road. Follow the signs along South Parkin’s Reef Road. The morning’s activities will begin at 10:30 am and end with an enjoyable BBQ and friendly chat.”  CLICK HERE for a flyer.

Nature News – July 2016: Nature Recovering in the Muckleford Valley

Posted on 22 August, 2016 by Connecting Country

In July’s installment of the Nature News in the Midland Express (pg 26, 2 July 2016 edition), renowned local ecologist, Paul Foreman shared his insights from getting to know his new property in the Muckleford valley – encouraging us to think about how the landscape works in both space and time.

In January this year our family moved from Castlemaine to a 46 ha property on the margins of the Muckleford Creek valley, Walmer. Though our initial focus has been settling into the house and establishing a garden, it has been interesting starting to get know the land we now own and its surrounds.

I automatically think about landscape in terms of how it all works in both space and time. One the earliest records for this area is found in Major Mitchell’s 1836 journal. Between Newstead and Castlemaine, on September 28 he fleetingly notes: “we passed alternately through strips of forest and over open flats well watered, the streams flowing southward; the country….. at least as fine as that we had left”. Although Mitchell tended to ‘gild the lily’, one of Australia’s first travel writers, William Howitt, who sailed from England to the Victorian goldfields in 1852, had a similar opinion of Muckleford valley: “[the township of Muckleford] lies in a splendid expanse of the richest meadow land imaginable, on the banks of a good creek.” Given these descriptions, it isn’t hard to image Aboriginal people long occupied and exerted an influence over this area.

Aerial photography from 1946 (above) and today (below) shows a landscape in recovery.

Fine country indeed! A landscape that has fared relatively well since the arrival of Europeans; avoiding the worst of the rapacious diggers with a terrain mostly suited to pastoralism. In view of both Mt Alexander and Tarrengower, our place has a mix of habitats: box-ironbark forest on the low sedimentary rises and a strip of what was once open grassy woodland on the margins of an unnamed side valley. (Perhaps being a ‘blow in’ I could be forgiven if I referred to said valley as Ottrey’s Creek, on account of the nearby ‘scrub’ from which it substantially drains. But I digress.) Although the hill country is entirely regrowth and the lower slopes only support fragments of the original bush, the last few decades has seen rapid ecological recovery, documented by aerial photography.

The constrained land use history has bequeathed us a surprisingly resilient landscape. The drainage lines are intact and there is little sheet erosion; the ground layer in the regrowth is diverse and abundant; and we are surrounded by a large expanse of remnant bushland. There is even widespread Buloke (Allocasuarina luehmannii) regrowth (literally thousands of them) and a few Blue Devils (Eryngium ovinum) coming back!  Along the roadsides and scattered across paddocks throughout the catchment there are still quite a lot of large habitat trees. I’ve already heard of numerous Tuan sightings since arriving and I’m told Swift Parrots can be ‘twitched’ at Muckleford Station most years. And on top of all that, amazingly, we are also blessed with no rabbits (our neighbour reckons the paddocks literally moved with them before calicivirus).

It is a privilege to be part of nature recovering, but not in a passive way. There is much we can do to make sure the environmental healing process endures. Connecting Country’s resources pages offer ideas on how you can better understand your land and take action to help its recovery: visit http://connectingcountry.org.au/education-resources/.

What is in a name? Murnong or Yam Daisy now known as Microseris walteri

Posted on 17 August, 2016 by Connecting Country

The local Murnong or Yam Daisy now also has another name being Microseris walteri. All these names reflect the changes in different human connections to this plant.

You could be easily confused thinking that this is a weed but the distinctive drooping flower bud gives it away as a Murnong.

You might be familiar with the pretty yellow flower, long skinny stem and rosette basal leaves, it could also be easily mistaken for a dandelion but it’s not.  It has a radish-shaped tuber, which is renewed each year and a distinctive dropping flower bud. In the spring the plant forms a yellow flower-head, and in the summer the leaves die off and the tuber becomes dormant.

These enduring plants were staple food for indigenous people in Western and Central Victoria before European colonisation. The tubers were cooked in baskets in an earth oven, producing a dark sweet juice which was much liked. Once a common plant, Murnong became scarce due to grazing by sheep, remain a lasting reminder of the first peoples adaptability and resilience in what white settlers found pretty hard country.

For more information about this special little plant from the Herbarium Flora of Victoria website click here.

For more information about indigenous food plants a great reference is by Nelly Zola and Beth Gott, Koorie Plants Koorie People: Traditional food, fibre and Healing Plants of Victoria

Extension for submissions into invasive animal inquiry

Posted on 17 August, 2016 by Connecting Country

Rabbits and other invasive animal species are a threat to productivity and biodiversity values in our area.

Connecting Country has been made aware that the date for submissions to the Victorian parliamentary committee inquiry into invasive animals on Crown land was extended until Monday 5 September 2016.

The Environment, Natural Resources and Regional Development Committee is inviting community input to the inquiry so that it can identify the scale of the invasive animal problem in Victoria and hear the public’s views on how best to deal with it.

To have your say and make a submission please click here

27 Aug 2016 – Castlemaine Community Science Project: Part 2

Posted on 15 August, 2016 by Connecting Country

Back in March 2016, researchers from the University of Melbourne encouraged local residents from Castlemaine and surrounds to get involved in an ecological assessment of a site at 21 Reckleben St (CLICK HERE to see the earlier blog).  The question being posed by the researchers is ‘can human and natural development happen in a manner that is mutually beneficial?’.

One of the researchers has asked us to spread the word about the next set of surveys at the site.  She writes:

Photo from Reckleben St Survey Facebook page

I’m Andreanne Doyon, a researcher at the University of Melbourne, writing to you on behalf of Dominique Hes. We are currently working with Geoff Crosby on a development at 21 Reckelben St, Castlemaine, which we are designing to the living community standard (http://living-future.org/lcc). This stipulates that any human community needs to be designed to provide net eco system service benefits.

As such, we have begun doing an ecological assessment of the site as a community science project. The first assessment session took place in March, and we are now gearing up to conduct a second one on the 27^th of August.

We plan to put on some great local food for morning tea lunch and afternoon tea. We draw up a grid and people from the community help up with the ecological assessment. We are contacting you as we are sure you have many contacts through Connecting Country who might be interested in being involved and/or have experience that could support the data collection.

We have created a Facebook event through the Reckleben ecological assessment page, here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/events/624158704416948/“.

If you are interested in being part of this, you can indicate your attendance through their Facebook event invitation.

Its been raining, and that’s great for direct seeding!

Posted on 11 August, 2016 by Connecting Country

Bonnie checks the seed boxes on the direct seeder with the buggy out front ready to go.

Jarrod and Bonnie have just finished the direct seeding component of this year’s Connecting Landscapes program. Under these wet conditions, they had to try a novel approach. They have carried out direct seeding across 24 properties in the local area, covering some 130 hectares and used up 76 kg of seed including 51kg of acacia and and 25kg of eucalyptus species.

Happily, the amount of rainfall this year has required the hire of a buggy to help contend with very wet conditions in many paddocks and very slippery slopes on the steeper hills. We’ve uploaded a video of our direct seeder in action; click here to view.

The Connecting Landscapes works crew have also planted over 6,000 tube stock this year. A great effort! No doubt all this favorable weather will see these tiny plants well into the future.

For more information on our on ground works program click here.

Mapping Wheel Cactus Infestations in Victoria

Posted on 10 August, 2016 by Connecting Country

Wheel cactus infestations can reduce productivity and biodiversity.

The Tarrangower Cactus Control Group Inc. (TCCG) are attempting to map wheel cactus (Opuntia robusta) infestations within Victoria. The results of this project will show the gravity and significance of the invasion of this noxious weed within our state.

Wheel cactus is classified as a Weed of National Significance due to the very serious threat it poses to our primary industries and natural environment. It spreads very quickly and is costly and difficult to effectively destroy and control.

You can help the TCCG map existing infestations. If any community member finds an infestation of cactus they believe is wheel cactus, please take a photo of it and record its location (GPS if possible) and email these to Max, at mschlachter@outlook.com.au. He’ll confirm that the plant is wheel cactus and use this very helpful information on the map.

Wheel cactus has very round and flat lobes, is covered in long spines and is a dull, green colour.

Wheel cactus is not Prickly Pear, although it is a close cousin and is often mistaken as the same cactus. Wheel cactus has very round and flat lobes, is covered in long spines and is a dull, green colour. Please check out the Tarrangower Cactus Control Group website at www.cactuswarriors.org for more pictures and information.

Banksia Bylines – July 2016

Posted on 10 August, 2016 by Connecting Country

Silver Banksia in flower. Photo: Bonnie Humphreys

Connecting Country has been involved in Silver Banksia conservation in the Mount Alexander Region. We thought our followers might be interested in the July 2016 project newsletter – Banksia Bylines. The Banksia Bylines aims to keep you up to date on all things happening with Silver Banksia (Banksia marginata).

Hi all Banksia enthusiasts out there,
We thank you for all your recent expressions of interest in Banksia marginata conservation or restoration, or for providing some distribution data for the ‘Bring Back the Banksias’ project funded by the Wettenhall Foundation and any other Banksia projects operating out there. This is a quick update on how this and other projects, under the umbrella project, is progressing and to get any new information on what you may have to share.
A database of known Banksia marginata populations has been assembled from your feedback and expressions of interest. This important data will help provide the basis from which sampling strategies for genetic studies will be taken when funding is available. The proposed genetic studies and associated taxonomic review will improve our understanding of how closely related the sampled populations are.

It will also be important to clarify whether the current classification of Banksia marginata across its entire range is appropriate as a single species or reclassification is warranted into subspecies or even new species. Ultimately, this information will provide the guidance into what seed sources are declining populations.

Banksia Database
A database of known Banksia marginata populations has been assembled from your feedback and expressions of interest. This important data will help provide the basis from which sampling strategies for genetic studies will be taken when funding is available. The proposed genetic studies and associated taxonomic review will improve our understanding of how closely related the sampled populations are.

It will also be important to clarify whether the current classification of Banksia marginata across its entire range is appropriate as a single species or reclassification is warranted into subspecies or even new species. Ultimately, this information will provide the guidance into what seed sources are best to bring together into Seed Production Areas (SPAs) to protect the genetics of our declining populations.

Genetic Research Funding
The research network partners, lead by CSIRO, interested in undertaking this genetic analysis has not yet been successful in securing funding for this research over the whole target area of western Victoria / south western NSW. A research factsheet flyer has been prepared to promote the research background needs and support funding and sponsorship applications. New funding applications are being developed and submitted as they become available.

Other related taxonomic research is also being undertaken to determine the current classification of Banksia marginata across its range. However, on a positive note, Glenelg Hopkins CMA has been successful in initial funding to address these genetic questions for the Victorian Volcanic Plains and some of its immediate adjacent areas. Approaches to other adjoining CMAs are also progressing to provide efficiencies and extend the area of coverage of this work. Aggie Stevenson sets the scene in her following contribution.

Friends of the Forgotten Woodlands
Aggie Stevenson, Glenelg Hopkins CMA

How far have we come in our endeavour to establish viable populations of trees and shrubs native to the Victorian Volcanic Plains? In recent years we have paid considerable attention to the conservation and restoration of grassland habitats on the Victorian Volcanic Plains (VVP). However, the tree and shrub species that provide critical ecosystem services across the region have been almost totally neglected. A number of these species have drifted into a perilous state and very few viable populations remain.

To date, this project has focussed on mapping known populations of three key species: Silver Banksia (Banksia marginata), Sheoak (Allocasuarina verticillata) and Sweet Bursaria (Bursaria spinosa). These species have a wide distribution and are technically not endangered. However, there is evidence that the VVP forms are genetically different, adapted to the region, and close to extinction. It is a matter of great urgency to immediately locate and propagate from survivors from scattered remnants, and establish seed orchards that will act as security populations through the preservation of local genetic diversity. These orchards will provide the seed for future revegetation activities aimed at establishing long-term viable populations.

However, to be able to do this effectively, we need to understand the genetics of the remaining VVP populations and individuals so that we propagate from the most suitable sources. There is evidence that population decline and fragmentation has resulted in significant reductions in genetic diversity and reproductive fitness. It may even prove necessary to bring in genetics from other genetically superior populations to preserve our remnant VVP populations. That is why it is so vital to understand the genetics of our VVP populations – to allow us to rebuild sufficient genetic diversity so that the species can survive and adapt in a changed and changing environment.

Funding has been provided through the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme, to undertake a genetic study of Banksia marginata in the VVP bioregion. Genetic comparisons will be made between the VVP form and Banksia marginata from other bioregions. This knowledge will also tell us how to arrange planting most effectively. When coupled with understanding of critical biological and ecological factors underpinning population viability we can build an effective strategy for rebuilding the populations and restoring this important part of the original ecology of the VVP.

This is a project with a long-term vision. The Friends of the Forgotten Woodlands are in the process of becoming incorporated, which will allow flexibility and a strong community driven approach to the project. The project has already attracted great support from community, science, conservation and land management agencies. It will rely on a multidisciplinary team, and high levels of community engagement and land-user involvement. This project partners with a much broader project called ‘Bringing back the Banksias’ which is investigating the genetic security of Banksia marginata throughout all of south-east Australia.

12 Aug 2016 – Talk about Biodiversity Monitoring by Alan Reid

Posted on 3 August, 2016 by Connecting Country

The guest speaker for the Castlemaine Field Naturalist Club’s August 2016 general meeting is renowned naturalist Alan Reid.  The title of his presentation is “A Regional Model for Community Environmental Monitoring’, and will be largely based on his research from Flinders Island between 2003 and 2016.  There will be much in the talk that is relevant to monitoring that is undertaken by many birdwatchers, plant surveyors, nest box checkers and others with an interest in documenting changes in local flora and fauna populations.

The presentation is to be held on Friday 12 August 2016, commencing from 7.30pm.  As per usual, the talk will be held in the Fellowship Room, behind the Uniting Church on Lyttleton St, Castlemaine (next door to the Art Gallery).  Guests are welcome, and their is no cost for entry.

A summary of Alan’s extensive background is provided below:

• Alan Reid is a retired teacher, naturalist and environmental writer who began his nature event recording in 1954.
• He was co-founder of the Colac Field Naturalists Club whilst teaching at Colac  from 1954 to 1959 and from 1959 to 1966  he taught Natural History at the Childrens’ School Camp at Somers.
• He taught Ecology and Field Studies at Burwood Teachers’ College from 1967 to 1973, and was Education Officer for both  the Australian Conservation Foundation and the Gould League between1970 and 1985 where he produced many conservation  and natural history publications.
• From 1990 to 2000 he was President of the Gould League and a regular commentator on ABC radio.
• In 1993 he established the Timelines Australia Project, which is still devoted to producing environmental event calendars and predictive materials for bio-regions around Australia.
• Alan has been a qualified bird-bander for over 60 years and has been involved in developing and monitoring wildlife corridors on the family farm at Glenburn and on Flinders Island.
• In 1985 he was awarded the inaugural Victorian Environmental Award; in 1993 the Australian Natural History Medallion, in 1988 a Banksia Foundation Award, and in 2006 an OAM for service to  Environmental Education

August edition of the North Central Chat

Posted on 3 August, 2016 by Connecting Country

Our Regional Landcare Coordinator, Tess Grieves sent through a link to the August 2016 edition of the North Central Chat. Inside you’ll find plenty of great news stories and courses coming up which may be of interest. CLICK HERE to view the newsletter.

Nature News – August 2016: Brown Treecreeper Super-Group

Posted on 2 August, 2016 by Connecting Country

For this month’s Nature News, Connecting Country’s Woodland Birds Coordinator, Tanya Loos, celebrates the cooperative spirit of the Brown Treecreeper. You can read it in print on page 34 in the August 2nd 2016 edition of the Midland Express.

Some birds are so rare and hard to find that it is a delight to catch a glimpse of them, such as the Painted Button-quail or Powerful Owl. Other birds are classified as rare, but where they occur they are noisy and noticeable, and present in good numbers. A good example of this is the locally abundant, but threatened, Brown Treecreeper.

The social Brown Treecreeper can be spotted in the forests around Castlemaine. Photo by Geoff Park

Brown Treecreepers may be seen in most patches of forest and woodland in the Castlemaine region, especially in Muckleford and Newstead. They are tubby brown birds which hop along the ground, scamper along fallen logs, and creep up trees in the manner of treecreepers. Their call is a strident ‘spink spink’ and as the treecreepers are very social, you may hear lots of calls and see wing-fluttering as the birds sort out who is who in the flock.

Brown Treecreepers are particularly frisky at the moment, as the year’s breeding has begun! This species breeds cooperatively, that is, the young from previous years help the parents raise the young. These family groups usually number from three to eight birds. And then, in a totally cool twist – these family groups will team up with neighbouring family groups to form a super-group! A super-group or clan is a large group where most males from any group will help at any of the nests of the super-group.

If you are lucky enough to have a super-group on your bush block, you might wonder why these birds are considered rare! Brown Treecreepers are widespread across our region, but in neighbouring areas such as the Ballarat region, they have become locally extinct. Their habitat needs are quite specific, and if the changes in the landscape are too great, they simply disappear from that area.

Brown Treecreeper families have home ranges that may be as large as twelve hectares, and they need this patch to be continuous, good quality habitat. Even a gap of one kilometre is too far for them to cross!  Their patch needs to have plenty of large old trees, logs on the ground, an abundance of fallen timber and leaf litter, and grass tussocks.  Heavily burnt public land or very sparse cleared private land does not have the habitat complexity these birds need to find food and raise their young.

To find out more about Brown Treecreepers and the other members of the Feathered Five, see Connecting Country’s woodland birds section on our website (CLICK HERE).

Recent Changes to the Connecting Country Team

Posted on 1 August, 2016 by Connecting Country

There have been a few comings, goings and changes to the Connecting Country team over the recent weeks that we would like to share. We bid farewell to Alex, Mel and Rachel, welcome Fritz and Scott, and share the details about Chris, Krista and Naomi’s new roles.

Alex introduces education program participants to the tools of the fencing trade.

Alex Schipperen has ably led our work crew for four years. He has done everything from trained and mentored more than twelve new team members, built kilometres of fences for conservation protection, developed and implemented OH&S systems, educated landholders at our workshops, and made engaging land management videos (click here to see Alex star in the ‘how to install a rabbit bait station’ video).  He has built excellent relationships with landholders and staff and ensured that our work on-ground is first rate. Although we’ll miss him, we are thrilled for Alex to have landed his dream job as a Park Ranger based in Creswick and we wish him all the best.

Replacing Alex as our new Works Crew Team Leader is Fritz Hammersley. Fritz is well known to many of us involved in Connecting Country and Landcare in the area. He has volunteered for many years on a number of our programs and brings excellent natural resource management knowledge to the team. More recently Fritz has been working with the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation.

Fritz Hammersley inspecting a nest box in Walmer.

We are sorry that works crew member Rachael Campbell needed to resign for personal reasons. She has been a delightful presence in our works crew.  We pleased, however, to have Scott Woodman join the crew. A Castlemaine local, Scott has been working recently with the Conservation Volunteers Green Army team.

We also bid farewell to Melanie Marshall who has been working on our Connecting Landscapes program for the past year. Mel has been a brilliant member of the team assisting with our project reporting, community engagement and management plans. She brought a valuable fresh insight to our program. We are thrilled that we will continue to work closely with Mel in her new role as the Natural Environment Officer at Mount Alexander Shire Council.

Finally, Chris Timewell and Krista Patterson-Majoor have commenced new roles this week as co-Directors of Connecting Country. They will be working collaboratively to cover all of the tasks that were previously covered by the single Director role (Chris’s previous role).

• Krista’s new title is Director (Project Management).  She will be working 3 days per week – Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.  The main features of her role are to oversee Connecting Country’s programs and strategic planning.

• Chris’s new title is Director (Business Administration).  He will also be working 3 days per week – Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. The main features of his role are to manage the business and administrative aspects of the organisation.

Naomi Raftery has taken over Krista’s previous role as Engagement Officer. Naomi will be coordinating our education program, publicity, and assisting with Connecting Country’s strategic development and future funding proposals.

It’s a lot of changes, but it’s also exciting times as Connecting Country prepares for our future.

Connecting Country in the national birding news

Posted on 27 July, 2016 by Connecting Country

In 2015, Connecting Country signed a ‘affiliated organisation’ agreement with Birdlife Australia, which is Australia’s largest organisation devoted to the future of native birdlife.  This agreement formalises an existing working relationship between our two organisations to cross-promote relevant events and activities, to share bird survey data and generally to provide on-going support for each other in efforts to conserve and study birds of central Victoria.

Brendan Sydes, Connecting Country’s president, has a long standing support role on two of Birdlife Australia’s committees.  In the June 2016 edition of the ‘Australian Birdlife’ magazine, there is an extensive interview with Brendan, where he talks about his role with Birdlife, his profession (as a lawyer with Environmental Justice Australia) and the importance of community-based approaches to landscape restoration – such as Connecting Country.  This magazine is sent to the 12,000 plus members of Birdlife Australia and is also available for sale in most newsagencies.  Connecting Country has already been contacted by people from elsewhere in Australia wanting to know more about what we do.

To read a scanned copy of the full article, follow this link (CLICK HERE).  For those out there with an interest and/or concern for our local birds, we encourage you to consider buying a copy of this magazine or joining up with Birdlife Australia as a member.

Local scientist causing a flap on ABC news

Posted on 25 July, 2016 by Connecting Country

In 2015, Newstead/Castlemaine-based ecologist Emmi Scherlies assisted Connecting Country with research into factors affecting success rates of different approaches to revegetation.  Connecting Country really appreciated her support and insights, and we have maintained contact with her as she has continued her PhD studies at La Trobe University.

Twice this year already, the ABC news website has run stories about the findings of Emmi’s university studies.

This first one is about the prime focus of her PhD – the ecology and behaviour of the threatened Southern Bentwing Bat (CLICK HERE).

The second one describes her role in the finding of Australia’s oldest bird (CLICK HERE).

We hope you enjoy reading them as much as we did.  Well done Emmi!  We look forward to reading or hearing about your next discovery.

A Southern Bentwing Bat. Photo by Rick Hammond, Zoos Victoria