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
31 July 2016 – Cactus control working bee near Maldon
Posted on 25 July, 2016 by Connecting Country
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, July 31st. The venue is a property on Cooks Lane near the intersection of the Maldon-Bridgewater and Baringhup Roads. As per usual, the start is at 10.30 am, followed by a free community barbeque at 12.30pm. Further details are in the attachment (click here).
19 August 2016 – Sustainable and Biodiverse Farms Field Day
Posted on 21 July, 2016 by Connecting Country
Enjoy an informative tour of the Sutton Grange Organic Farm with Holy Goat Cheese owners Anna-Marie Monda and Carla Meurs.
Making a dream of a sustainable and biodiverse farm a reality is hard work, but some of the region’s most successful producers are here to help. Connecting Country and the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) are bringing successful farmers together for a Farm Field Day on 19 August.
North Central CMA regional Landcare Facilitator Mandy Coulson said the field day is about learning from others and fully understanding the journey from idea to marketplace.
“It will be an opportunity to learn about local produce and the various journeys people are experiencing as they work towards achieving integrated sustainable land systems in the southern part of the region,” she said.
Carla Meurs and Anna-Marie Monda (Holy Goat Cheese), 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) will tell their stories of innovation, diversification and value adding.
“Over 200 landholders in the Mount Alexander Region have worked with Connecting Country to improve the sustainability and biodiversity of their properties,” Connecting Country’s Krista Patterson-Majoor said. “We are thrilled to provide this opportunity to see one of these inspiring farms in action and to learn from other local producers.”
The field day will be held at the Sutton Grange Community Hall and nearby Sutton Grange Organic Farm, the home of Holy Goat Cheese. The event is free and supported through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme and by Connecting Country, through funding from the Australian Government.
Click here to download a flyer and agenda for the day.
RSVP is essential by 8 August on info@nccma.vic.gov.au or 03 5448 7124.
Inspiring Woman in Agriculture Short Course 2016
Posted on 21 July, 2016 by Connecting Country
The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) has opened expressions of interest for its popular Inspiring Women in Agriculture short course. The course is delivered over four days in Bendigo, covering everything from networking, marketing and planning, to achieving balance and making money.
“If you have a passion for agriculture and are keen to take your farm business to the next level, learn new skills, build your networks and be inspired, then this is the course for you,” North Central CMA Regional Landcare Facilitator Mandy Coulson said.
Former course participants have used the skills gained at the course to reinvigorate their farming enterprises, or start new ones. “The Inspiring Women in Agriculture short course showed me that it was important to take ownership of our plan, see that it was flexible and change it as necessary,” pork producer Clare de Kok said.
The Inspiring Women in Agriculture short course will be run from 9am to 4pm on 1, 2 and 15 September 2016 and 20 October 2016, for a cost of $375. CLICK HERE to view the flyer. For further information or to submit an EOI, visit the North Central CMA website or phone (03) 5448 7124. EOIs close 5pm Monday 1 August 2016.
The course is supported by the North Central CMA, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme in partnership with Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE, Inspiring Excellence and Cynthia Mahoney and Associates.
24 July 2016 – Muckleford Landcare History Project
Posted on 20 July, 2016 by Connecting Country
The Muckleford Landcare Group will host a pleasant Sunday afternoon at 2 pm on July 24 2016 at the Muckleford Community Centre for people interested in contributing to a local history project.
There will be two special guest speakers:
Author of Footprints Across the Loddon Plains: a shared history, Paul Haw.
Paul Haw grew up on a family farm fronting the Loddon River at Yando, near Boort. Paul served as a National Servicemen in Vietnam where he almost lost his life. This experience and other factors inspired him to look more closely at the place where he lived, its history and its environment.
The result is an impressive book, Footprints Across the Loddon Plains: a shared history, co-written with Margaret Munro.
Paul will relate how he went about his research and what he learned. It is a fascinating and inspiring story.
Robyn Ballinger is an historian who lives in Maldon. Robyn has published an environmental history of the Victorian northern plains entitled An Inch of Rain: A water history of northern Victoria. Robyn undertakes writing, historical research, teaching, facilitation of community consultation, and preparation of heritage studies and significance assessments.
Robyn will introduce the meeting to the ways in which local history can be pursued and the resources available to the local historian.
There will be an afternoon tea followed by a chat about the particular interests of those attending, how they can be assisted in their endeavours and ways in which their stories can be shared and archived.
Members from other groups are most welcome to join us.
If you wish to attend or know more about the event, text or email Paul Hampton: paul.hampton46@gmail.com
Indigenous Planting & Cooking course – starts in early August 2016
Posted on 19 July, 2016 by Connecting Country
We’ve become aware that Castlemaine Continuing Education is hosting a 10 session course ‘Indigenous Planting and Cooking’, commencing from 1 August 2016.
It looks like it will be fantastic opportunity to be part of. From their website, the course involves ‘cultural awareness with Uncle Rick, cooking with the Murnong Mammas and tutors on Country with Uncle Rick and Aunty Julie. Learn about indigenous plants and their cultivation with Aunty Julie and others from the Aboriginal Community here in Mount Alexander Shire.‘
Follow this link to the registration website if you are interested in learning more (CLICK HERE).
Landcare Community Grants – now open
Posted on 19 July, 2016 by Connecting Country
Tess Grieves (Regional Landcare Coordinator from the North Central CMA) has let us know that the 2016-17 Community Grants program is now accepting applications from eligible individuals and groups. Applications are open until close of business on Friday 26 August 2016. The following information about the grant program has been provided by Tess:
A total pool of approximately $340,000 funding is available and will be allocated through a competitive grants process. (* Regional Riparian Action Plan funding will only fund the following on-ground riparian works: fencing, revegetation, weed control and minor engagement activities.)
For the first time, all Community Grant applications are to be completed online via the North Central CMA’s SmartyGrants webpage: https://nccma.smartygrants.com.au/
There are three grant types available:
- Maintenance (up to $500/group or network) and Start-up Grants (up to $500/group or $1,000/network) for groups and networks
- Project Grants (up to $10,000) for individuals and groups
- Landcare Network Grants (up to $15,000) for Landcare Network
To help you complete your application, here are some key steps:
- Read the guidelines before getting started and ensure your planned activities are eligible and link to funding priorities- download a copy from http://www.nccma.vic.gov.au/Land/Landcare/Grants/index.aspx
- Ensure you have completed the 2015-16 Supporting Landcare in North Central Victoria survey (Groups and Networks only)
- Ensure you have completed your projects mapping using the simple online mapping tool. Step-by-step instructions are in the guidelines.
These grants are funded by the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme and the Victorian Government’s Victorian Landcare Grants and Regional Riparian Action Plan.
The North Central CMA Landcare team look forward to assisting the community through the transition to an online grants system and are looking forward to receiving your applications.
Any groups in the Mount Alexander region who would like a hand with their application, please feel free to give Asha a call on 5472 1594 or email asha@connectingcountry.org.au.
Connecting Country’s Winter Tips
Posted on 15 July, 2016 by Connecting Country
It may be chilly, but there is much happening in the bush right now that’s not to be missed! Here are some special things to look out for and some useful tips for land management to help warm you up (click on the highlighted links for more information):
Look out for:
- The lemon yellow flowers of Spreading Wattle and bright yellow flowers of Golden Wattle.
- Hakeas are also flowering now – smell the lovely perfume on a warm day!
- The flowering Candlebarks around Sutton Grange and Yellow Gums around Newstead.
- Fabulous fungi… it’s been a great year and there is so much amazing stuff coming up.
- Mistletoebirds who are enjoying local flowering Wire-leaf and Harlequin Mistletoes.
- Tawny Frogmouths out looking for a new nest!
Get active!
- NOW is the best time of year for planting and direct seeding in this area. Click here to view our contractors list to see where you can pick up some locally native plants.
- Treat your Bridal Creeper infestations. Its also good to treat Spiny Rush when they are actively growing.
- Chip out Spear Thistle rosettes before they set seed.
- Foxes are hungry so watch out for your chickens!
- Rabbit numbers are low – now is great time for fumigation.
- Keep an eye out for South African Weed Orchid. Its rosettes are up now and you can identify its leaves by their purple undersides and green tops. If you are unsure, email us a photo and we will try to identify it.
(Thanks to CC supporter James Reid for providing us with the idea to develop this blog).
Tawny Frogmouths
Wire-leaf Mistletoe – Amyema preissii
Harlequin Mistletoe – Lysiana exocarpi
Bushy Needlewood – Hakea decurrens
Fungi fiesta
Fly Agaric Fungi
Spreading Wattle – Acacia genistifolia
Golden Wattle – Acacia pycnantha
South African Weed Orchid – Disa bracteata
Sticky Beak Tour 2016
Posted on 8 July, 2016 by Connecting Country
On Sunday 26th June 2016, 30 enthusiastic participants joined our ‘Sticky Beak Tour’ of restoration projects on four local private properties. Connecting Country had assisted all four landholders to undertake on-ground works projects on these properties over recent years. All 30 participants on the tour have also been undertaking on-ground works projects with Connecting Country’s support. As such, it was a chance for everyone to gather and share their experiences in landscape restoration. Despite it being a chilly day, we were warmed by the stories from these four landholders, and by the very tasty soup served up at the Guildford Winery. To quote one participant;
The tour has really helped us to crystallize our plans for future plantings on (our) property. Discussion during the tour really helped us to weigh up the pros and cons of different approaches and being able to see things “in the flesh” really assists with the visualisation process. We now have a clear idea of what we want to do next and more confidence that the work can deliver the results we are looking for.
Brandie Strickland, who is undertaking a student placement at Connecting Country, has recorded the stories of the four landholder’s we visited.
Site 1- Cullen Gunn, Walmer
Cullen is an engaging gentleman from Hamilton. He and his family enjoy their delightful 280ha property in Walmer as often as they can (though not as often as Cullen would like). The property was originally grazed heavily; a practice Cullen hasn’t continued unless you count the 600 or so kangaroos. It is Cullen’s dream to make the property carbon neutral and very biodiverse. He has established several areas dedicated to farm forestry. And, in 2008, decided to try direct seeding to add some diversity around his forestry operation. Four rounds of direct seeding later – including the help of Connecting Country – what looked like a potential failure is now as “thick as hair” in parts. As a result, Cullen and his family has watched over 100 species of birds return to the property and sugar gliders inhabit his nest boxes.
Site 2- Chris Johnston, Green Gully
Chris’s property used to be grazed by cattle and was heavily cleared for firewood and other uses. Originally Chris worried that maybe there were more problems on the land than she could manage. However, given the history of the property over the past 10 years it “wasn’t really that bad”. With the help of Connecting Country, Chris is trialing an exclusion plot to see what grows naturally without grazing by kangaroos, rabbits and other animals. She is also revegetating the cleared gully areas, however has found kangaroos and cockatoos to be an issue as they shred the tree guards. She has been lucky enough to replace most tree guards second hand and is trialing protecting seedlings with smaller fenced areas using other gathered resources, like star pickets, at little to no cost. Chris is passionate about restoring the land and hopes to one day see it returned to the traditional owners, the Dja Dja Wurrung, for better land management.
Site 3- Mark and Helen Wakeham, Yapeen
Mark and Helen moved to their property 14 years ago. Despite Helen’s sometimes lengthy commute to Melbourne for work, both Helen and Mark are extremely happy with their little slice of the country. Like many of the surrounding properties, their property is currently grazed by cattle. However, over the years, the number of cattle has lessened as management costs have increased and the property has become more recreational: ‘not a farm, just fun’. The use of cattle on the property is now more of a management tool. Both Mark and Helen are very open to increasing biodiversity on their property and over the years have allowed a lot of conservation and revegetation work to be done. The North Central Catchment Management Authority fenced and direct seeded at the rear of the property to protect remnant Box Ironbark Woodland. More recently, Connecting Country has created a buffer zone along the roadside and gully with direct seeding which will provide a excellent link across the landscape.
Site 4- Mandy Jean, Guildford
Mandy and Brian own the Guildford vineyard. They acquired the property in 2004 and today, along with wonderful chef Zack Grumont, run a very successful business. If you walk around the vineyard you can see all the hard work that has gone into creating such a productive site. Mandy sees increasing biodiversity as critical to the vineyard’s success. The vineyard hosts up to 80 kangaroos over a year, hundreds of birds, bats and microbats and more insects than you can count. Kangaroos and birds, in particular, are very welcome as each benefits the vineyard in their own natural way. The birds reduce bug, disease and pest populations on the vines while the kangaroos provide a manure rich with nitrogen. With the help of Connecting Country, the vineyard is becoming more biodiverse with tubestock planted on the surrounding hills to enhance both beauty and environmental benefit. Mandy’s next project is a indigenous ‘insectarium’ to increase natural pest control.
Revegetation at the Guildford Vineyard
Bonnie with landholders
Lunch in cellar
Revegetation in Green Gully
Exclusion plot at Chris Johnson’s property.
Bonnie explains how direct seeding works
Acknowledgements
Our Sticky Beak Tour highlighted just a fraction of the work that landholders and community groups from across the Mount Alexander region have completed with Connecting Country over the past 8 years. We would like to thank all of them for their involvement – each project is a inspiring story of landscape restoration in this area. We would also like to thank:
- Cullen, Chris, Mandy and Mark and Helen for being such excellent and inspiring hosts,
- Geoff Park for his expert facilitation and photos,
- Bonnie Humphries for sharing her project and botanical knowledge,
- Zack Grumont and the Guildford Winery for a delicious lunch,
- Brandie Strickland for the photos and write-up, and
- the Australian Government for the funding as part of our Connecting Landscapes program.
11 July 2016 – FOBIF AGM with guest speaker
Posted on 6 July, 2016 by Connecting Country
Photo from http://hawkandowl.com.au/
The 2016 Annual General Meeting for the Friends of the Box Ironbark Forests (FOBIF) will be held next Monday (11 July) from 7.30pm in the Ray Bradfield Room, Castlemaine (next to Victory Park and the IGA car-park).
After the AGM formalities, Martin Scuffins will give a presentation. Martin operates the Leigh Valley Hawk and Owl Sanctuary, an organisation which is ‘dedicated to the conservation of the Australia’s Birds of Prey and the habitat they share with us’. The Sanctuary offers mobile raptor displays as well as rehabilitating injured birds of prey.
You can find out all about the Sanctuary from their website (http://hawkandowl.com.au/).
Members and visitors are welcome to attend.
Photos from http://hawkandowl.com.au/
Photo from http://hawkandowl.com.au/
Nature News – June 2016: Is there anybody home?
Posted on 5 July, 2016 by Connecting Country
On page 26 in this week’s Midland Express (5 July 2016) there is a great Nature News article by Paul Foreman about his property in Walmer.
In case you missed out on last month’s Nature News, Max Schlachter reported that the trick to monitoring nest boxes is having an eye for the décor. You can find the article on page 17 of the 7 June 2016 edition, or read it here:
A Connecting Country nest box in the field
Have you ever been out in the bush and noticed a mysterious green box hanging from the side of a tree? It might have had a cryptic code on the bottom like ‘CC10-206’?
If so, what you stumbled across is not a modern art installation or a military experiment, it’s a nesting box for one of Central Victoria’s lesser known marsupials – the Tuan (also known as the Brush-tailed Phascogale). Sometimes described as a cross between a possum and a rat, Tuans are carnivorous marsupials that live in trees.
In 2010/11 Connecting Country installed more than 400 specially designed Tuan nest boxes on properties across the Mount Alexander Shire. The boxes are monitored every two years and the 2016 surveys are just about complete.
Phascogale in nest
We’re all familiar with bird nests, but did you know that native marsupials also build a nest? Unlike most birds that only build a nest during the breeding season, marsupials such as Sugar Gliders, Ringtail Possums and Tuans live in a nest all the time, usually placed in the hollows of old trees.
The trick to monitoring nest boxes is to know which nest belongs to which animal, even when nobody’s at home.
Tuan’s are not the neat and tidy type – their nest is generally a complete mess. But they are prolific decorators and will use a variety of material to fill up their box. Bark is a favourite, as are feathers. Sheep’s wool and baling twine are also popular. In one box, a snake skin was even part of the décor – a bit gaudy for my taste.
Sugar gliders in nest
Sugar Gliders also make use of the boxes and display a complete lack of imagination when it comes to nesting material. Leaves are the only thing they’ll consider, and almost always from Eucalypts. But can they make a nest! The leaves are arranged in a spirally woven bowl, and sometime they’ll even create a complete sphere, with themselves inside it. How do they do it?
The results of this year’s survey will be collated soon and made available on the Connecting Country website http://connectingcountry.org.au/monitoring/nestboxes/. The site also has information on building and installing your own nest boxes.
Connecting Country would like to say a huge thank you to the 117 landholders whose properties we visited to survey their Tuan nest boxes this autumn. And also to the 20 volunteers who gave up their time to help take notes and carry a ladder through the bush. We couldn’t have got it done without you!
8 July 2016: Talk on the Birds of Castlemaine – past and present
Posted on 4 July, 2016 by Connecting Country
Hugh Leach, with robin.
The guest speaker for the July 2016 general meeting of the Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club (CFNC) is local resident Damian Kelly. Damian’s talk is titled ‘Birds in Castlemaine – past and present‘, and his presentation will be ‘an exploration of aspects of the history of birding and bird photogaphy in Castlemaine and other areas by tracing the life and photography of Hugh Leach, the man who had the Kalimna bird fountain built to honour him.’
As well as being a regular contributor to the activities of the CFNC, Connecting Country and FOBIF, Damian is a life-long bird observer and photographer. He has been researching Castlemaine birds and changes over time in the area, which has led to interesting historical excursions. Following the story of Hugh has provided an insight into early records of birds, bird behaviour, the Gould League and other interesting diversions.
Dusky Woodswallow. Photo taken by Hugh Leach in the late 1920s / early 1930s.
The talk is to be held on Friday 8 July from 7.30pm in the Fellowship Room, which is located in the hall behind the Uniting Church on Lyttleton St, Castlemaine (next door to the Castlemaine Art Gallery and Museum). Visitors and other guests are very welcome to attend, and entry is free.
Some recent newsletters and other events – as at 1 July 2016
Posted on 1 July, 2016 by Connecting Country
Hi all. A range of recent items have recently reached Connecting Country’s in-box. Rather than send them out as a series of individual blogs, we’ve lumped them together into a single uber-blog.
Gorse-control Grants
The Victorian Gorse Taskforce (VGT) with the support of the Victorian Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources is seeking project proposals from community-based organisations. In 2016/2017, the VGT will consider projects under a Small Grants Program, up to $5,000 (GST exclusive). The VGT “will consider funding projects that can demonstrate delivery of the goals of the Victorian Gorse Control Strategy 2014-2019 and a community-led commitment to long term gorse control.” You can download a copy of the application form (CLICK HERE) and guidelines/eligibility to apply (CLICK HERE). Applications open Monday 20 June 2016 and close on Friday 12 August 2016. Contact the VGT for further details.
North Central CMA chat (covering Landcare and Waterwatch news)
The July 2016 edition of the North Central Chat can be downloaded (CLICK HERE – 4MB), and includes:
* Update on the upcoming release of the 2016-17 Community Grants program
* Launch of the north central Victoria Soil Health Guide
* National Landcare Conference details and sponsorship opportunity
Project Platypus planting events in July
Our friends in western Victoria, Project Platypus, have let us know about their upcoming community tree planting weekends this July (CLICK HERE to download their poster). They’ve extended an invitation to Connecting Country staff and supporters who might be interested in seeing a different part of the state. Registrations can be completed online, and there are further details about each plant-out on their website http://www.platypus.org.au/.
Box Ironbark Mosaic Burning Booklet
La Trobe University Research fellow Greg Holland recently provided us with this update on the Box-Ironbark Experimental Mosaic Burning Project.
“…(This was a) collaborative project between La Trobe and Deakin Universities, DELWP and Parks Victoria. The aim of the project was to investigate the short-term ecological effects of planned burns in the Heathcote-Graytown-Rushworth forest. This project was a huge undertaking and has produced some very interesting results that will inform the use of fire as a management tool in box-ironbark forests. Key findings have been summarised in a relatively short colour booklet (CLICK HERE). Please feel free to forward this booklet to anyone you think may be interested….. if you have any questions or would like further information please feel free to reply to this email (Greg.Holland@latrobe.edu.au).”
FTLA newsletter
Two weeks ago, the Farm Tree and Landcare Association (the FTLA) sent us their latest newsletter (CLICK HERE), packed full of information about upcoming Landcare events, grant opportunities and other news.
Cactus Killing Field Day: Sunday 26th June 2016
Posted on 22 June, 2016 by Connecting Country
The Tarrangower Cactus Control Group’s next Community Field Day will be on Sunday 26th June at a property at the end of Whitlocks Road in Baringhup. The morning’s activities will begin at 10:30am and then end at 12:30pm with an enjoyable BBQ and friendly chat. Click here to view the field day poster.
Directions: If you leave Maldon via South Parkin’s Reef Road, just continue straight along into Whitlocks Rd, and it’s the last property on your right before you get to Cairn Curran Reservoir. This will be well signposted from South Parkins Reef Road.
If you have any queries, please contact Ian on 0412 015 807 or check out their website at http://www.cactuswarriors.org.
This could be you on Sunday! Ian Grenda demonstrating cactus injection techniques.
Grants for gorse
Posted on 22 June, 2016 by Connecting Country
Need some help to remove gorse?
The Victorian Gorse Taskforce (VGT) with the support of the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources is seeking project proposals from community-based organisations. In 2016/2017 the VGT will consider projects under a Small Grants Program, up to $5,000 (GST exclusive).
The VGT will consider funding projects that can demonstrate delivery of the goals of the Victorian Gorse Control Strategy 2014-2019 and a community-led commitment to long term gorse control.
CLICK HERE to view application form and CLICK HERE for the guidelines/eligibility to apply.
Applications open Monday 20 June 2016
Applications close Friday 12 August 2016
Bird monitoring workshop at Yapenya ( Mount Barker)
Posted on 17 June, 2016 by Tanya Loos
By Jane Rusden, Connecting Country volunteer
On 26 May 2016, Tanya Loos lead a wonderful scientific bird survey workshop on the slopes of Yapenya, known to many as Mt Barker, with our hosts the Dja Dja Wurrung on the Clans Aboriginal Corporation property. Twenty one intrepid and enthusiastic participants, of which two were Dja Dja Wurrung Clan members and two were Djandak employees; enjoyed the grey wintery day and braved the inclement weather.
As we sheltered in the Dja Dja Wurrungs shed, drank tea and ate biscuits, Ron Kerr gave us a warm welcome followed by an outstanding DVD by Gerry Gill, “The Meaning of The Stones”, giving us background information on the significant Dja Dja Wurrung cultural heritage of the area. Tanya then gave us a fascinating bird ID talk and introduction to the environmental management of the property. So we were primed and ready to brave the wild weather for our bird survey, a first for many in the group.
The 20 minute 2Ha area search is quite specific, but with a few simple rules to follow. We got the hang of it fairly quickly and set out spotting birds. Our transect followed a magnificent stand of River Red Gums, providing important habitat for the 6 species of woodland birds we saw. Of note, we also saw a stunning Wedge-tailed Eagle or Bunjil, the male Flame Robin with its crazy bright orange breast, and the hard to identify and confusing thornbills, the Brown Thornbill and Yellow-rumped Thornbill. We also saw a flock of Silvereyes foraging on the ground which is unusual for this species.
Having worked up an appetite battling the wild weather and working hard at bird spotting and identification, we enjoyed a BBQ lunch provided by the Dja Dja Wurrung and cooked by Ron. An informative and fun day out in a special and fascinating landscape, concluded with full tummies.
All rugged up as we searched for birds along the river red gum part of the property.
Nature News: A beginner naturalist discovers frogs
Posted on 16 June, 2016 by Connecting Country
With all this rain, it’s a good time to share Naomi Raftery’s story of discovery of our more elusive local residents – frogs. She’s found that many different types exist in our waterways and backyards… you just need to use your ears to find them! This Nature News article appeared in the Midland Express on the 3rd May 2016. Also, if you have a copy of last weeks paper (Midland Express, 7 June 2016, page 17), you’ll find a great article by Max Schlachter on our nest box program.
Another elusive local resident, the Spotted Marsh Frog, is best identified by its ‘tok tok tok’ call. Photo by Damien Cook
It started in February this year. We had recently moved into a house that shares a back fence with a usually dry creek. A summer downpour of rain and our quiet backyard gained a sort of roaring sound that could only be water. I went to look and rushed back inside to declare that there was a ‘raging torrent’ at the back of our new house.
With that summer downpour came a new interest in my life. Frogs. We knew they were out there, as the soothing sound of a natural amphibian chorus stayed with us in our sleep each night, but we hardly ever saw them. That is until I went into the back yard and saw one pushing itself forward with impossibly skinny back legs. At first I thought it was a rat but the movement was unmistakeable. I was curious to find out more.
Frogs are hard to identify, so I used the free Frogs Field Guide from the North Central Catchment Management Authority to help. Species in our local area include three types of tree frogs, which have small round pads at the end of each toe, a special adaptation that helps them to climb trees. There are also nine species of a group known as the Southern frogs, which are not brightly coloured or endowed with poisonous secretions for your arrow tips like other frogs, but they are warty reminders to take care of our riparian areas for the next generation of tadpoles.
Identification required me to learn to listen. I started by trying to decipher just one croak. Slowly different noises came clear. There was the ‘bonk’ single call of the Pobblebonk and the ‘crick crick crick crick crick’ of the Common Froglet. It was fun to try and make this noise myself.
Recently the disused bathtub in our yard half filled with water. I walked past and noticed the water ripple and caught sight of a frog stuck in the bath. After fishing it out, my daughter and I released it in the reeds at the back of the house. I identified it as a Pobblebonk and they’re pretty common around here. Less common are the bright green and very sweet Growling Grass Frogs. This species is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ under the Commonwealth’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. A local expert heard them singing at Kalimna Park during the last flood.
As my frog identification journey continues, I’ve gathered a solid set of resources to help along the way. You can download a free copy of the Frogs Field Guide from www.nccma.vic.gov.au. Our local frogs are also highlighted in Wildlife of the Box-Ironbark Country by Chris Tzaros. I also like www.frogs.org.au.
2016 FOBIF Winter School Holiday Program
Posted on 14 June, 2016 by Connecting Country
Friends of the Box Ironbark Forests (FOBIF) have let us know that they are excited to announce that registrations are open for their 2016 Winter School Holiday Program. Their program is for primary school age children and will run in the first week of the rapidly approaching mid-year holiday break. The program has three events, all run at the Fryertown School in Fryerstown and will celebrate and provide education about local indigenous culture.
For more information see their poster (CLICK HERE).
All sessions will be held at: Fryerstown School. 5 Camp St, Fryerstown.
BYO picnic lunch. Children must be accompanied by a supervising adult for the duration of the session.
Cost – $5 per child, per session. FOBIF family members – no cost
FOBIF membership applications forms can be found here.
For all enquiries contact: Naomi Raftery 0422 585 585 or naomi_raftery@yahoo.com.au
Places are limited and booking is essential. To book go to http://www.fobif.org.au/ or click on the links below:
Join Aunty Julie McHale and Uncle Rick Nelson as they celebrate and share their culture and stories.
Aunty Julie McHale is an Aboriginal, Primary school teacher and adopted elder of the Dja Dja Wurrung community. Together with Uncle Rick Nelson, a descendant of the Jarra people, they run ‘The Meeting Place’, a cultural school in Castlemaine for young Koori children which has now been running for six years.
Monday, 27th June 2016 – 10:00am to 12:00pm
Suitable for kids in Preps and Grade One.
To book go to: https://www.trybooking.com/205511
Wednesday, 29th June 2016 – 10:00am to 12:00pm
Suitable for kids in Grade Two and Three.
To book go to: https://www.trybooking.com/205516
This session will be run by the Dja Dja Wurrung Corporation with Trent Nelson.
Trent is a proud Dja Dja Wurrung and Yorta Yorta man. Trent is also the Dja Dja Wurrung team leader at Parks Victoria, where he manages the cultural heritage of six joint-managed national parks in collaboration with two rangers.
Friday, 1st July 2016 – 10:00am to 12:00pm
Suitable for kids in Grade Five and Six.
To book go to : https://www.trybooking.com/205517
The FOBIF Winter School Holiday Program is supported by the Mount Alexander Shire Council through its Community Grants Program 2016/17.
Long Swamp Protected
Posted on 8 June, 2016 by Connecting Country
Last Wednesday (1 June 2016), Max Kay and myself (Saide Gray) from the Connecting Country Committee of Management were very fortunate to be able to attend the official launch of Long Swamp as a Trust for Nature covenanted wetland, now called the Murray Family Conservation Reserve: Long Swamp. After an initial gift of 40ha in 1992, the Trust for Nature, with support from the North Central Catchment Management Authority, donors and the community, recently purchased another 145ha of Long Swamp. Only one small site at the eastern end of the wetland remains in private hands.
Long Swamp in January 2016. Photo by Geoff Park.
Long Swamp is a priority ecosystem as it supports an extensive area of cane-grass wetland vegetation, a restricted habitat essential for a range of rare and threatened species, such as the endangered Australasian Bittern, the vulnerable Australian Painted Snipe and the Growling Grass Frog. A small group of Brolgas was recorded as using the site prior to draining in 1965 and have been seen returning in more recent years. The new addition also protects the ecological community fringing the Swamp, which is known as Grassy Eucalypt Woodland of the Victorian Volcanic Plain, nationally listed as critically endangered under the Australian Governments’ Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
Long Swamp is the only deep freshwater marsh in the approximately 50 diverse wetlands in the Moolort Plains, between Maryborough and Castlemaine on the north-eastern tip of the Victorian Volcanic Plain – Victoria’s only national biodiversity hotspot.
As the wetland is surrounded by private land, this was a rare opportunity to briefly explore the site. The reserve was officially opened by Lily D’Ambrosio (Victorian Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, and also Minister for Suburban Development), David Clark, (chair of the North Central Catchment Management Authority) and Max Ervin (Chair of Trust for Nature). We were guided on a walk through the swamp by local ecologist Damien Cook after a welcome to country by Graham Atkinson (chair of the Dja Dja Wurrung Aboriginal Clans Corporation).
Now the work of restoration begins. If you would like to know more about the Murray Family Conservation Reserve: Long Swamp, please contact Trust for Nature on 1800 99 99 33 or trustfornature@tfn.org.au.
The following photographs show some of the landscape and flora present at this new Wetland Conservation Reserve.
Reminder for Connecting Country Membership Renewals
Posted on 7 June, 2016 by Connecting Country
A great big thanks to those members who have already returned their Connecting Country membership renewals and to to those who are new members a hearty welcome! We hope that all current members will continue their membership into 2017. As we mentioned in our May blog post, membership demonstrates your support for Connecting Country, which helps us obtain funding for new projects and events across the local community. Current members are also able to vote at the AGM if there are decisions to be made (e.g. committee elections) and provides you with insurance cover at Connecting Country events.
Via this link, you can find a 2016-17 Membership Renewal Form for current members (click here for PDF; click here for Word). This can be returned by email (naomi@connectingcountry.org.au). Membership renewals are requested to be completed and returned by 31 July 2016.
We are also always keen for new members, and welcome applications at any time of the year. New Membership Application forms are available (click here) for those keen to join Connecting Country for the first time, or for those whose memberships have lapsed by two years or more. Email Naomi if you unsure if you are a current member or not (naomi@connectingcountry.org.au).
As per previous years, membership of Connecting Country is completely free – but it does need to be renewed on an annual basis. However, you may wish to show your support by making a donation to Connecting Country. If so, you can follow the ‘Donate Now’ button in the top right of our home page or simply click here.
It’s been a really exciting 12 months for Connecting Country and we wish to give our heartiest thanks to all our members for your continued support for and participation in Connecting Country activities. We look forward to the next year being just as busy and great.