Feedback sought by researchers and agencies
Posted on 11 February, 2016 by Connecting Country
We’re often contacted by people who are keen for Connecting Country to distribute information, questionnaires, promotional material for their events and similar material to our blog subscribers. While we don’t say yes to every request, we do like to make people aware when it is relevant to the local area and to the broad theme of landscape restoration. Wherever possible, we’ll also try to bundle these together so that you are not being overwhelmed with too many emails from Connecting Country. Below are three recent ones that may be of interest to you.
Victorian Climate Change Framework – Initial Community Consultation Phase
The Climate Change Program team at Sustainability Victoria have made us aware that the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) is building a framework for climate change action in Victoria. The framework will be released in 2016, and they’re currently in the initial information gathering phase. Sustainability Victoria is supporting the online consultation process through their ‘participate‘ website (CLICK HERE), where it is stated that “you can share your vision for a thriving and resilient future for Victoria, join a discussion forum on the seven themes for action, or post your ideas to advance a climate ready Victoria.” Your contributions can be provided through until 29 February 2016.
Attention Conservation Covenantors
If you have a ‘permanent conservation covenant on title’ across your property, or are in the process of obtaining one, then you might be interested in contributing to this research. Monash University PhD candidate Julie Groce is researching conservation covenanting mechanisms from around Australia. She has an on-line survey which asks questions related to the landholders’ covenants, the types of management activities they do on their property, and how they get relevant information and support for those activities. To find out more about Julie and her research, she has provided some further information (CLICK HERE). To start filling out the questionnaire / survey, follow this link (CLICK HERE).
Future Farm Expo in Swan Hill – 14 April 2016
The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) have let us known that they are organizing and hosting a free regional Future Farming Expo on Thursday 14 April (10am to 5pm) in conjunction with the Swan Hill Rural City Council. The all-day event at the Swan Hill Town Hall will feature “renowned guest speakers, site visits, a networking lunch and workshops on a variety of topics”. Although it’s a fair drive from the Mount Alexander region to Swan Hill (or perhaps a train trip), some local landholders may still be interested in attending to to hear about farming succession, farming in a variable climate, farm insurance, breaking into new Chinese markets and Free Trade Agreements to name a few. We understand that full program details will be on North Central CMA website soon. Early registrations are open now by contacting the North Central CMA on (03) 5448 7124.
Muckleford bird outing
Posted on 8 February, 2016 by Tanya Loos
Beginner birdwatchers and experienced mentors alike joined together to explore the Muckleford forests on Sunday 7 February, 2016.
The morning was warm and still, and the bush seemed washed clean after the recent downpours to grace the area. We concentrated on a few sites along Mia Mia Track near Newstead, and then finished at the “Quince Tree” site, along Pullans Rd towards Maldon. The group was rather large, at twenty people, but we saw some great birds, and learnt a lot from one another, too.
Part of the group scans the bush for woodland birds at the Quince tree site
Geoff Park has been featuring the Mia Mia track on Natural Newstead lately, and he kindly provided some local “intel” on some good spots.
As we stood around introducing ourselves at our first stop, we heard the distinctive call of the Crested Bellbird way off in the distance, and we also saw and heard a Peaceful Dove.
We saw a female Hooded Robin and searched for the male Hooded Robin without success, but a male Rufous Whistler resplendent in his russet-coloured plumage gave everyone excellent views. We also saw plenty of honeyeaters, such as Yellow-tufted Honeyeaters. Another highlight was very good views of a juvenile Rufous Whistler, with a streaked breast.
And then, all at once, there was a small flock of Varied Sittella working the bark on the trees, an adult male Scarlet Robin with a juvenile Scarlet Robin, a Speckled Warbler hopping along the ground, and some Buff-rumped Thornbills. Not everyone got to see every bird – but most people saw the Sittellas which I am very glad for, as they are a special little bird, almost like tiny treecreepers.
As it was getting hot, we moved to the Quince Tree site a little earlier in the hope of seeing a few more birds. We also carried out our second “2 hectare 20 minute” survey of the day. This method is the gold standard of bird surveying – moving slowly along an area of two hectares, recording all birds seen and heard for exactly twenty minutes. Some of the participants have set up survey sites on their properties, while others are surveying the many group sites we have dotted about the Mount Alexander region. Practicing the method in a group is always worthwhile! For more on bird surveying and group sites – see HERE.
‘Quince Tree’ is the unofficial local name for a public bushland reserve near the eastern end of Pullans Rd in Gowar. It is named for the group of old Quince trees near the site entrance, and it has been a renowned site for Victorian birdwatchers for decades. The drought hit the birds of Muckleford forest hard, and while the site is not as amazing as its glory days in the eighties, it still has a consistently good number of special woodland birds. This site is actually one of Connecting Country’s official bird monitoring sites and over 60 species have been observed here since 2010 – including Painted Button-quail, White-browed Woodswallow, White-winged Triller, Black-chinned Honeyeater and Little Lorikeet.
As we did the survey, we had some unusual views of White-browed Babblers high in the canopy in a couple of large Mistletoe clumps. Babblers are usually on the ground or in shrubs! We also caught glimpses of the dozens of Fuscous Honeyeaters in the area, and also Brown Treecreepers. As often happens on bird outings, the highlight was back where the cars were parked.
The babblers emerged from a stand of silver wattles, and one flew very close to our group with feathers in its bill, and then entered a nest in the Quince trees! We were surprised to note that breeding was occurring at this time of year, however, I have since discovered that babblers actually maintain their nests year round as a permanent roosting or sleeping site for the babbler family! The Birds in Backyards profile on White-browed Babblers also states that while most breeding is from June to November, these sociable birds will breed at any time of year – see this link for more information: [Birds in Backyards]. So we do not know whether the birds are lining their nests for the coming of another brood, or just keeping the roosting nests nice and comfy with a feather lining!
To register your interest for upcoming bird walks, please send me an email or give me a call. Tanya Loos, Woodland Birds Project Coordinator, 5472 1594, or tanya@connectingcountry.org.au
Upcoming events in February 2016
Posted on 2 February, 2016 by Connecting Country
After a quiet period through December 2015 and January 2016, there are an abundance of interesting new activities occurring locally during February and into March that are being coordinated by a range of other groups and individuals. Some are directly related to obtaining a better understanding the local landscapes from a conservation perspective, and other events address different approaches to sustainable farming. Below is a summary in chronological order, with links to further information.
Glacial geology – Public lecture (Friday 12 Feb) and Field excursion (Sat 13 Feb)
Professor Julian Hollis will be guest speaker at the February meeting of the Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club, with the topic of his talk being ‘Permian Glacial Features’. The talk will commence from 7.30pm in the hall behind the Uniting Church on Lyttleton St Castlemaine (next door to the Art Gallery and Museum). Everyone is welcome to attend, and there is no cost for entry. Professor Hollis will also lead an excursion on the next day to the Upper Coliban Reservoir.
Rabbit Control Day – Sunday 14 February
On this date from 8.45am to 1pm, the Ravenswood Valley Landcare Group are co-hosting an information session and practical field demonstration event on control methods for the European Rabbit. It is being held at the North Harcourt Hall. For more information and RSVP details, follow this link (CLICK HERE).
Farm adaptation with Australian sandalwood – Wednesday 24 February
Ben Boxshall and Tim Barden are running an information session in Castlemaine about Sandalwood. From the event flyer, it says “A unique and versatile crop, sandalwood can allow you to build an appreciating asset using production systems that enhance soils and biodiversity, and complement your existing enterprise. Sustainable, adaptable and drought-tolerant, this is a land use that can deliver both land protection and profit on a range of sites and soils.” Entry is $35, and there is more information available from this link (CLICK HERE).
‘Polyfaces’ – film screening on Saturday 27 February
Polyfaces is a film produced by the ‘Regarians‘, which has two showings at the Theatre Royal in Castlemaine on 27 February in conjunction with a local food festival.
From their website, ‘Polyfaces’ is a joyful film about connecting to the land and the community. Produced over 4 years it follows the Salatin’s, a 4th generation farming family who do ‘everything different to everyone else’ as they produce food in a way that works with nature, not against it.’. Trailers of the film are available on the Polyfaces website (CLICK HERE). We here at Connecting Country have yet not viewed the film. However the trailer and promos suggest that it has some new ideas to contribute about sustainable farming, soil management and carbon sequestration, which may be of interest to local landholders.
Introduction to Bee-keeping course – Tuesdays from 1 to 22 March
Connecting Country has been chatting with Daniel Bee Shepherd about management options for the occasional swarms of honeybees which take over the nest boxes that we’ve installed across the local landscape for the Brush-tailed Phascogale. Daniel is passionate about bees and bee-keeping, and we’ve always found him to be very open and forthcoming in sharing his knowledge. For four consecutive Tuesdays in March, Daniel is running a introductory course on beekeeping through Castlemaine Continuing Education. Follow this link for further information and registration details (CLICK HERE).
Latest North Central CMA newsletters – Feb 2016
Posted on 2 February, 2016 by Connecting Country
The February 2016 edition of the North Central Chat is available (CLICK HERE). From Regional Landcare Facilitator Tess Greives, “We have featured ‘Rabbit Buster Month’, so there is a heap of information relating to rabbit management included in this edition as well as the usual Landcare and Waterwatch news, grant opportunities and upcoming events.”
The relatively new North Central CMA e-newsletter ‘Catchment Connections’ also has its February edition available for viewing, with articles on drought program, water quality, unusual wombat sightings, rabbits, wetlands and environmental water flows (CLICK HERE).
Every day a different view – Apply to join our Works Crew
Posted on 1 February, 2016 by Connecting Country
Do you want to work outdoors? Do you want to make the natural world a better place – and to obtain the skills and experience to be able to do this? If yes, then this could be the job for you. Following on from our successful Works Crews in 2013, 2014 and 2015, we are seeking three suitable people to form Connecting Country’s 2016 Works Crew.
Crew member installing a gate fitting kit with a petrol-powered drill
With support from the Australian Government, Connecting Country is using a Works Crew to implement a long term program to protect and enhance native vegetation across the Mount Alexander Shire and immediate surrounds in central Victoria. The majority of the Work Crew’s time will be at a variety of sites in the field undertaking activities such as tree planting, fence construction, weed removal and rabbit control.
Connecting Country’s Works Crew members also receive training in skills that are essential for this job, and will also be useful for their future job opportunities in the field of natural resource management. The experienced Crew Leader will provide relevant in-house training and guidance throughout the crew’s employment period. Accredited external training will also be provided as part of this employment.
To learn more about the experiences of past crew members, there are stories available on the Connecting Country website (click HERE and HERE for examples).
For a copy of the full position description, and for more information on the overall program, go to the Employment section our page (CLICK HERE). You can also contact Alex by phone during business hours on 0423-366-498 or email alex@connectingcountry.org.au.
To apply, send your résumé and a cover letter by email to alex@connectingcountry.org.au by 10pm Sunday 21st February 2016, or by post to:
Connecting Country,
Confidential – Works Crew Position,
P.O. Box 437,
Castlemaine, Vic 3450.
Please feel free to forward this email to other people that you think may be interested.
Learning to build fences
Preparing a path for the fence line
Community Grants and Free Workshops
Posted on 21 January, 2016 by Asha
2016 Community Grants Program
Applications are open for funding through the Mount Alexander Shire Community Grants Program 2016. Grants of up to $3000 are offered to community groups for projects that can be finished by January 31st 2017. Applications close at 4:00pm on Friday 19th February. Follow this link for more details and a copy of the application form (CLICK HERE).
Free Workshops – Community Grant Writing
City of Greater Bendigo has a series of free community grant writing workshops coming up. If you want to learn some skills for writing grants it would be worth checking out the dates below. For more details and to RSVP CLICK HERE.
Workshop dates and locations:
Thursday January 28
10am – 11.30am, City offices, 125 High Street, Heathcote
Thursday January 28
2pm – 3.30pm, Huntly Hall, 647 Midland Highway, Huntly
Monday February 1
6pm – 7.30pm, City offices, Lyttleton Terrace, Bendigo
Tuesday February 2
10am – 11.30am, Bendigo Neighbourhood Hub, 155 Crook Street, Strathdale
Tuesday February 2
2pm – 3.30pm, Marong Neighbourhood Hub, 39 High Street, Marong
Swift Parrot and Regent Honeyeater update 2015
Posted on 14 January, 2016 by Tanya Loos
In the last couple of days, ABC Hobart has reported that this summer’s baby Swift Parrots have nearly all left Bruny Island in southern Tasmania to begin their migration to mainland Australia.
Dr Dejan Stojanovic, who has been monitoring the parrots, said the birds would fly over Tasmania first before heading north. The young “swifties” can be distinguished from the adults by their calls. For more information and to hear the calls, read the article here
These young Swift Parrots face many challenges. Photo by Dejan Stojanovic
Each year for the past decade or so, BirdLife Australia have coordinated special survey weekends on mainland Australia for the migratory Swift Parrot and the nomadic Regent Honeyeaters. One survey weekend is held in mid-May each year, and the other in early August. An update from BirdLife details the findings from the last survey season for these two Critically Endangered woodland birds. For the full report, click on the link to see the Swift Parrot Regent Honeyeater 2015 update, or you can read the summary I have prepared below.
Swift Parrots
Much valued volunteers from the ACT, NSW and here in Victoria participated in the counts, including the Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club and a number of other swiftie devotees we have locally. In central Victoria, the parrots were reported at Muckleford, Kyneton and the Greater Bendigo National Park.
The average flock size across their entire mainland range was small – generally between 1 to 40 birds – although in NSW one flock was observed with over 100 individuals!
The numbers of Swift Parrots found on the two dedicated survey weekends were low during 2015, despite a similar survey effort compared to previous year. In other years with similar low numbers of Swift Parrots on the survey weekends (e.g. 2009 and 2012), large groups were eventually located later in the season. This was not the case for 2015, where low numbers of Swift Parrots were reported throughout their mainland range across the whole period.
These findings support the recent uplisting of the Swift Parrot from Endangered to Critically Endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The threats they face in Tasmania, including continued logging of their breeding habitat and predation by the introduced Sugar Glider, coupled with ongoing drought in their winter feeding grounds on the mainland are hastening the decline of this very special parrot.
Connecting Country looks forward very much to the May 2016 Swift Parrot surveys, as recording where the birds are feeding and the numbers of birds is critical to the recovery effort. Thanks to all those who participated in 2015.
Regent Honeyeaters
The Regent Honeyeater was once a widespread species and moderately common across Victoria, including central Victoria. A blossom nomad, the distinctive honeyeaters would follow the flowering of the ironbarks and the Yellow Box trees across the great woodlands that once covered Victoria and NSW. These days, the picture is very different, with one sole wild Regent Honeyeater reported from Victoria in the 2015 year. They are doing a little better in NSW, with over 100 wild individuals detected.
The Regent Honeyeater is the subject of an intensive recovery program, involving a captive bred population, where adults are released into prime Regent habitat around Chiltern in north-eastern Victoria. Some 77 individuals were released in the Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park, and then monitored very closely through the use of radio transmitters. Happily the survival rates have been excellent, and breeding has occurred! One fledgeling raised by captive bred parents is still going strong months later – and named Lucky as he narrowly escaped being eaten by a Magpie! This incredible program is described in detail here.
Tanya Loos, 14 Jan 2016.
Lucky, a young Regent Honeyeater- 28 days post-fledging. Photo by Graham Watson.
Bells Swamp – A jewel of a wetland
Posted on 13 January, 2016 by Connecting Country
The Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club have just moved into their 40th year. Way back in 1976, their first ever excursion was to Bell’s Swamp – and they’ve made many visits to it since to view its beautiful old Red gums, to record its waterbirds and to study its wetland plants.
A photo of Bells Swamp by Rakali Ecological Consulting. From the front page of the updated management plan.
This natural ephemeral waterbody just sneaks inside the north-western boundary of the Mount Alexander Shire. It is intersected by the road between Maldon and Bridgewater – which was an issue in 2010-2011 when the extreme drought-busting rainfall filled the wetlands to over-flowing. I’ll never forgot the sight of Pink-eared Ducks and Musk Ducks happily paddling back and forth across this road!
The wetland is also highly valued by local Landcare groups. The Mid Loddon Landcare Network – in conjunction with local ecologists Damian Cook and Elaine Bayes – produced a Draft Management Plan for Bells Swamp in 2010 and have recently updated it to include the information that Damien has continued to collect since the flood in 2011. The plan is a comprehensive guide to its geology and its current vegetation, flora and fauna values. The plan also identifies the threats to these values and proposes management actions to address them. Judy Crocker, Landcare Facilitator for the Mid Loddon Landcare Network, says “Bells Swamp is a very important place for the local community, and as such the Landcare Network was keen to develop this management plan. It’s still in draft form because we consider the plan to be a work-in-progress, and we’ll add in more information as we learn more about the site. We’d love to receive feedback on this document from the local community, and to receive support to implement the management actions.”.
To read a copy of the draft management plan, follow this link (CLICK HERE).
Chris, Connecting Country.
Drought, Fire and a Riparian Action Plan
Posted on 13 January, 2016 by Connecting Country
In the past week or so, we’ve been made aware of the following three items – which will be of interest to many of you.
Help Shape Drought Support
The Victorian government’s DEDJTR Drought Response Team has set-up on-line forum to help shape drought support. As part of the drought package announced in November, the online forum is providing an opportunity to comment on what other support can be provided to make a difference for those affected by drought. The forum is live and will remain open until 31 January 2016. They are encouraging people to have a look and also to share with anyone affected by drought. You can find the forum at: http://www.oursay.org/victoriandrought
Fire Recovery Resources
After the fires in Victoria in early 2014, a web page was set up on the Victorian Landcare Gateway for landholders. The intent is for the page to act as a library of fire recovery information, which can be added to as more resources become available. It includes a range of practical information on land management issues that land holders may confront after fire. Well worth a look!
http://www.landcarevic.net.au/resources/for-land-managers/fire-recovery-resources-for-landholders/
Regional Riparian Action Plan
In December 2015, a five-year Regional Riparian Action Plan was launched by the Victorian Minister for Environment, Climate Change, and Water. You can find a summary by following this link (http://delwp.vic.gov.au/regional-riparian-action-plan) or download a copy here (CLICK HERE). The plan involves on ground works to improve the health of land that runs along river banks and wetlands. This includes fencing to manage stock, revegetation programs, weed management and construction of off-stream watering systems.
Our “new look” education events in 2016
Posted on 29 December, 2015 by Connecting Country
As 2015 draws to a close, many of us in the Connecting Country office have been thinking ahead. For the past six years, we have run a popular education program predominantly featuring a series of technical workshops and guest-speaker events. In 2016 we plan to continue with our education program – only this time a little differently….
Local birds, and particularly the ‘feathered five’, is our focus for 2016. The feathered five comprise the acrobatic Brown Treecreeper, the elegantly spotted Diamond Firetail, the post-sitting, tail-wagging Jacky Winter, the handsome Hooded Robin, and the mysterious ‘oooom-ing’ Painted Button-quail. Connecting Country has picked these five woodland birds as ambassadors for habitat restoration efforts across the region.
Our inaugural Feathered Five Festival will kick off the year on the 19th and 20th March 2016 – a two day celebration of bird-watching, walks and talks.
Then there will be biannual nest box checks, a ‘sticky beak’ tours of on-ground work projects, regular bird walks, landcare link-ups, and one of our favorite events, the Camp Out on the Mount.
In August, in partnership with the North Central Catchment Management Authority, we’re very pleased to host a Farm Expo which will cover diverse topics such as holistic grazing, water on farms, biodiversity in the paddock, and small farm diversification.
We’ll be celebrating Landcare week in September in a big way with our local grade five and six students at the ‘Mount Alexander Schools Landcare Day‘. We’ll also be supporting local groups to get involved in the Landcare Open Day.
In conjunction with the Castlemaine Festival of Gardens, in November we will be celebrating gardens too – wildlife friendly gardens. There will be workshops and resources made available as well as a inspiring open garden or two to explore.
In 2016 we’d also like to be more active in the press and on-line. Watch out for our monthly ‘Nature News’ articles in the Midland Express. We are developing some exciting and informative on-line videos for our Connecting Country vimeo page. And you can always keep in touch via our Connecting Country Facebook Page – do ‘like’ us!
More information about all of these activities will be available in the new year. The best way to stay informed is via the Connecting Country webpage and our regular emails and blogs. Alternatively you can contact Krista for more information on 5472-1594 or krista@connectingcountry.org.au. (NB: The office is closed from 25 December 2015 and re-opening on 4 January 2016.).
In the meantime we wish everyone a safe and enjoyable festive season, thanks for your support throughout 2015 – and don’t forget to top up your bird baths!!
A warm hello, a huge thanks and a Landcare Verse from Max
Posted on 23 December, 2015 by Connecting Country
A warm welcome to our new Landcare Facilitator: Asha Bannon
Local, Asha Bannon, is thrilled with the opportunity to support our local groups.
Connecting Country is pleased to announce that Asha Bannon will be taking on the Mount Alexander Region Landcare Facilitator Role from the beginning of 2016.
Asha is a local resident with a particular interest in wildlife conservation and community engagement. After completing a Bachelor of Environmental Science at Deakin she moved back to Mount Alexander Shire in order to study the local bird communities. Her Honours project focused on the relationships between birds and time-since-fire in Box-Ironbark ecosystems. Asha is a strong believer in the power of community groups when it comes to land management and conservation, and she is excited to be working with and supporting our local Landcare Groups.
Max says he is “thrilled to be passing the facilitator baton on to someone who I know is passionate about caring for the local environment, and the people that live in it”. The rest of us are thrilled too and we’re sure you’ll enjoy getting to know Asha over the coming months. You can contact Asha on asha@connectingcountry.org.au and 0418 428 721.
And a huge thanks and farewell to Max Schlachter
We’ll certainly miss Max’s willingness to ‘jump’ in and have a go at anything!
After a lot of consideration Max decided to finish his time in the Landcare Facilitator role at the end of this year. While a difficult decision to make, he felt that now is the right time for him to hand over the keyboard to a new person. Max shared that “it’s been a wonderful job to do and I’m very grateful for the time that I’ve had in the position”.
We are all very grateful for everything Max has brought to Landcare in the Mount Alexander Shire for the past four and a half years. His enthusiasm for community-based environmental work is hard to beat, as is his ability to really listen to groups and help them achieve what they want to achieve. Max has brought some exciting new ideas to region including the Camp-out at the Mount, Landcare Link-up Events, and Schools Education Events. He has supported all 30 of our local groups with projects ranging from Green Corps teams and the blackberry taskforce, to brochures about Chilean Needle Grass.
Max leaves our local groups in a very good position for 2016 – thanks to his efforts we’ll have two Green Corp teams working with 23 different groups, a successful 20 million trees grant supporting four groups, three very exciting school education events and a landcare open day for Landcare Week engaging all groups in the shire. The other good news is that Max will still be living locally so is not disappearing; and no doubt you will still see him at Landcare and Connecting Country events in the future.
We’ll leave it to Max for the last word:
Max’s Landcare Verse
It’s hard giving up a job you love,
Even if there was no shove.
So just before I take my cue,
Here’s a verse to say “hooroo”.
Baynton Sidonia is a group
Whose seminars are of repute.
They’re bringing back the local flora,
Noted on by first explorers,
But not seen much in recent times –
That Banksia seed is hard to find.
Langley isn’t far away
A ‘stone’s throw’ as they sometimes say.
It’s there you’ll find the Jimmy Poulter,
A creek that has been finely altered.
Once a mess of woody weeds,
Now the home of native trees.
Just up the track in little Barfold,
Where Needle Grass has got a foothold,
Jan and Barb and all the rest
Are giving it their honest best.
They’ve done a trial, and bought a Squirt,
Even made a book of what they’ve learnt.
Metcalfe doesn’t have a shop,
But don’t go through without a stop.
Or else you’ll miss the beaut cascades –
A water park that nature made.
The houses there have a lovely trait,
Landcare signs on every gate.
Malmsbury boasts a sprawling common
That might have sat there all forgotten,
Until the likes of John and co.
Decided it should not be so.
Pathways, plantings and willow-free,
Is that a platypus I see?
Down the road to Taradale,
Famous for its lofty rails.
The Gorse has copped some hefty flack,
Ninety feet below the track.
Landcare here has waxed and waned,
So does the moon; we don’t complain.
ELMA’s home is Elphinstone,
The place that rock’n’roll calls home.
The members have some vision in them,
They’ve planted up an arboretum.
And now the pub is back, hooray!
Let’s all hope it stays that way.
Over the Calder to Sutton Grange
(you’ll notice that the rocks have changed)
They’ve got their planting down to an art,
From Pilchers Bridge to the Mt Alex Park.
On Tree Day no one else comes close
To planting half what they can boast.
Still amongst the granite tors,
A group that very rarely bores.
Apples, quarry’s, pines and oaks,
Stone Henge too, and that’s no joke.
High up on their list of goals:
“We’ll fix the bridge, then take the tolls”.
Just up the road, but not too far,
North Harcourt Sedgwick Landcare starts.
Of weeds and rabbits they’ve done fair share,
These pioneers of Vic Landcare.
Forty thousand trees in one weekend?
What can’t be done with help from friends.
Here the Bushlands deserve a mention,
Chewton’s very own invention
Glen and Cate, Karen and others,
All helping the land as it recovers.
Radiata is going out
And Bluebell Creeper is getting a rout.
Golden Pointers love Forest Creek,
From the Res down to the Monster Meet.
At 21 years they’ve seen a bit,
Smiling and working with plenty of grit.
The birth of democracy and killing of weeds
Are things that they combine with ease.
Post Office Hill was spared the fate
Of being sold for real estate.
Instead its history is preserved
By POHAG – now there’s a word!
Working close with Chewton’s young,
It’s hard to tell who has more fun.
Down the highway, down the road
Is Chewton Landcare’s own abode.
Whitehorse Gully is looking splendid,
Thanks to those that love and tend it.
Now Parks has groomed the infestation,
Wattle Gully is the new sensation.
Castlemaine Landcare doesn’t dally,
With the work at Happy Valley.
Powered up on bakery treats,
Volunteers can do such feats.
The blanket made of Gorse is gone,
And native plants have come right on.
Float downstream like a fallen leaf,
You’ll soon arrive in Campbells Creek.
A creek with Friends, and Landcare too,
Climb the gorge for a better view.
The word ‘persistence’ hardly begins
To capture the spirit of Mr Higgins.
Moving up the hill a fraction,
McKenzies Hill is full of action.
Nesting boxes now abound,
Where hollows once could not be found.
And what about the structure plan?
You’d better have a word with Jan.
Kalimna Park is right in town,
A lovely place to stroll around.
The Eltham Coppers flutter there,
Not knowing that they’re very rare
Its Friends are mighty loyal ones,
Forty years and still not done.
The folks that live in Barkers Creek
Are pretty jolly when they meet.
Working bee or social occasion,
Either way it’s a celebration.
But one thing really hits a nerve –
Naming rights to their reserve.
In Muckleford there’s Landcare too –
Where roads are straight and corners few.
They’re planting out to hold the water,
Calling roadside weeds to order.
Pride of place, the Buloke grove,
Safely fenced from browsing foes.
Down the hill and down the map
Is Guildford Upper Loddon’s patch.
The group has members far and wide,
And utes with writing on the side.
The weeds that way will wilt with worry,
Just from catching sight of Maurie.
The Friends at Vaughan have more than springs,
They’ve got a slide that fairly zings.
Families flock to the leafy arbor,
Especially those with railway ardour.
And when you’re bored of these amusements,
Sit still; observe the leeches movements.
Sandy Creek’s without a hall,
But Landcare’s there for one and all.
The group’s seen plenty through the years,
Though nothing beats the one-eyed steer.
And a project name that really tickles –
‘Up the Creek Without a Prickle’.
Newstead Landcare loves its river,
And all the joys that it delivers.
They’ve got a plan for restoration
Of its natural vegetation.
But maybe what is best of all,
Knowledge shared in the local hall.
To some a MULGA is a tree,
But it means something else to me.
It’s Maldon Urban Landcare Group,
And like a tree it’s got strong roots.
With an eye on Maldon’s past,
The weeds are getting quite a blast.
Over the hill in Nuggetty,
Live members of the NLPG.
Land protection is their game,
But history too is in the frame.
Locals old and locals new,
Help each other to get through.
On the farm and at the river,
Baringhup Landcare’s on a winner.
Healthy soils for growing food,
And wildlife habitat renewed.
The local kids have played their part,
Every one knows how to plant.
Cactus Warriors are a special breed,
Of people fighting a Triffid weed.
There weapons take on many forms –
Needles, barbecues and market stalls.
But what keeps members coming back?
The chance to wear a sparkly hat!
Well that’s the lot, for now at least,
A better crowd you’ll never meet.
Goodbye, and thank you, it’s been a blast
From my very first day, to this, my last.
My numbers the same (0422 130 055), though it’s hard to rhyme,
Please give me a call any old time.
And please note down my email too –
mschlachter@outlook.com.au
Rrrrr – Rabbits, Restoration, Rushes and Riparian reading materials
Posted on 20 December, 2015 by Connecting Country
Over the past week or so, there has been a flurry of new documents available to read and use. All of them are relevant to the appreciation and restoration of the landscapes of the Mount Alexander Region and beyond.
Rushes of the Castlemaine District
In conjunction with the Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club (CFNC), local botanist Ern Perkins has just released a guide to the rushes of the Castlemaine district. This is a fantastic easy-to-use key to all of the native and introduced Juncus species that you’re likely to encounter locally. This document is attached (CLICK HERE), and complements the many other local guides that Ern and other field nats have produced over the years. Some of the others brochures are available on the CFNC website (click here) – with more to be uploaded over the coming weeks and months.
National Standards for Ecological Restoration in Australia (final draft)
This (4th) version of the standards represents the views of 12 NGO partners and over 100 practitioner, research, conservation and agency commentators from around Australia. One of the coordinators of its development, Tein McDonald from SER Australia, states in her email to us that “(a)t a time when climate change looms large and willingness to counter it is increasing – these Standards are a crucial tool to encourage all Australians to reduce damage and repair ecosystems to the highest and best extent that we can.”
The final draft of this document is now publicly available for viewing (click here). It is open for comments through until 15 February 2016. The final version will be accompanied by an online interpretation that will be illustrated by examples. Both are scheduled to be launched on 15 March 2016.
Regional Riparian Action Plan
This is a new five-year plan to improve the health of Victoria’s rivers, wetlands and estuaries (click here). According to DELWP, the action plan outlines priority riparian management outcomes to be achieved across regional Victoria from 2015-16 to 2019-20, with these priorities informed by regional waterway strategies developed by the CMAs.
The action plan aims to accelerate on-ground riparian work, such as stock management fencing, revegetation, weed management and the provision of off-stream stock watering infrastructure. It also has new initiatives to improve the management of riparian land.
Rabbit Threat Abatement Plan – draft for feedback
The Australian Government’s Minister for the Environment has released the draft Threat abatement plan for competition and land degradation by rabbits for public comment. Also released is an associated background document. Further information is available from their website (click here). The public comment period closes on 16 March 2016.
Fancy seeing your photos at the next FOBIF exhibition?
Posted on 17 December, 2015 by Tanya Loos
Many of you will be familiar with the stunning photography exhibitions that are curated by the Friends of Box-Ironbark Forests (FOBIF), featuring intricate moss portraits, woodland birds and other flora and fauna of our beautiful area. The theme of the next FOBIF photo exhibition is Trees in the Mount Alexander Region, and FOBIF are calling for potential photographers now.
TOGS in Castlemaine will host the exhibition in March 2016 and later in the year the Newstead Railway Arts Hub has kindly agreed host the same exhibition. Photos will be for sale to cover FOBIF costs.
The tree theme also allows photos of close-ups of buds, nuts and flowers – and the fauna that live among the tree bark and foliage. For more information on submitting photos, and the guidelines click here.
We are excited at Connecting Country because March is also the month of the first Feathered Five Festival – a two day celebration of five very special woodland birds that live in our local forests. More on this soon….
This is a magnificent tree – which I think is a Manna Gum. FOBIF members have kindly offered to assist in the correct identification of the trees for any submitted photos. Picture by Tanya Loos
Bush birds with Chris Tzaros – a memorable morning monitoring!
Posted on 11 December, 2015 by Tanya Loos
Last Saturday, 5 December 2015, over 25 of us were treated to a morning workshop with author and photographer, Chris Tzaros. Chris is a wonderful presenter and ecologist, and his talk was a fantastic overview of the bush birds of the ‘Connecting Country landscape’. Chris likes to call them bush birds rather than woodland birds, because as he rightly pointed out, many of our so-called woodland birds are found in the area’s extensive Box Ironbark Forests.
I was also really amazed by Chris’s ability to mimic bird calls – no need to play the smartphone bird call app at all!
In a comprehensive presentation, Chris pointed out that we have a particularly rich bird fauna in this area on account of being at the intersection of many different landscapes. There is the Loddon River and the surrounding plains, Cairn Curran and the open country, the dry forests of Sandon and Muckleford, Mount Alexander and the River Red gum plains of Sutton Grange and surrounds. We also have quite good patches of bush left, which means that our declining woodland birds are faring a bit better here than in other more degraded areas. Chris gave us a great overview of the birds of this area, including a special focus on the feathered five – the five species selected as ambassadors for woodland birds in the region.
Chris has provided training for many bird monitoring programs around Victoria across a diverse range of landscapes and communities. The bird monitoring method is kept consistent by training each area across the state to use the standard 2 hectare 20 minute bird survey. This is the methodology recommended by BirdLife Australia, and also the method we use to monitor birds for our seasonal surveys.
As Connecting Country’s woodland bird coordinator, I also introduced everyone to the eleven zones identified as priority habitat areas in the region for declining woodland birds, and directed participants to the Group Sites which are the starting point for our community monitoring program. The link below takes you to the bird monitoring page which has both the Group Site maps and a birdwatchers kit (in PDF format) – with instructions on how to survey, how to submit data and so on: all of which are available for download (click here).
After the presentations, we visited the Rise and Shine Reserve and carried out a 2 hectare 20 minute survey at the Rise and Shine Group survey site. We were delighted to see one of the feathered five – a Jacky Winter – nesting at the entrance to the reserve!
Chris was very impressed with everyone’s enthusiasm and the willingness to start counting birds, both on their properties and in the surrounding areas. We will be building on this energy in 2016, with monthly bird outings, a Feathered Five Festival (19-20 March) and a new program called Stewards for Woodland Birds. Watch this space!
For more information or to get involved, please telephone me (Tanya Loos) at the Connecting Country office on 5472 1594, or email tanya@connectingcountry.org.au
It was well over thirty degrees Celsius at the Rise and Shine Bushland Reserve – but we did see a few birds on our two hectare twenty minute survey. Pic by Kerrie Jennings.
Here a Jacky Winter stands above the nest, with feathers sleeked down and wings outstretched in an effort to stay cool. Thanks for the pic Kerrie!
North Central Chat for Nov/Dec 2015
Posted on 11 December, 2015 by Connecting Country
The North Central Chat is a regular newsletter covering Landcare and Waterwatch activities from the North Central CMA region. The combined November & December edition is now available on the CMA website, along with all past editions (CLICK HERE). Topics covered in this issue include:
- A report on the November 2015 ‘Chicks in the Sticks’ event
- Drone footage capturing Gorse removal – by the Castlemaine Landcare group!
- Cool Cows Workshop
- Engaging the next Generation of Landcarers
- River Detectives Program 2016 registrations now open
- Events and Grant Funding opportunities
Count the Cactus, Throw the Cactus, Pin the Fruit on the Cactus
Posted on 3 December, 2015 by Connecting Country
The Tarrangower Cactus Control Group (TCCG) is an very successful community group by any measure.
They have an active committee, they have excellent turnouts for their monthly working bees, and they are making steady progress towards their goal. And when they celebrated their 10th birthday on the weekend (29 Nov 2015), it was clear that they have also maintained their sense of humour – and their costume wardrobe.
Party games included ‘throw cactus fruit into a bucket using a pairs of tongs’ (the fruits have needle-like spines), ‘pin a cactus fruit (made of paper) on to a cactus plant’, ‘guess the number of cactus plants in a bucket’ (107) and ‘guess how many seeds in one cactus fruit’ (398 seeds!). In a truly remarkable turn of events, Helen Whiteman, a regular volunteer at cactus field days, won both guessing competitions. Maldon’s cactus savant?
Congratulations to the TCCG committee and members for reaching the ten year mark and for all of their effort they have put into controlling Wheel Cactus in our region.
The group is increasingly trying raise awareness about the threat that Wheel Cactus poses beyond their own backyard. Plants are being reported further and further from the Tarrangower ranges in all directions, as far south as Guildford. It is an issue for land manager across our region to be aware of and to act quickly on if they spot a Wheel Cactus plant in their area. More information on the group and on Wheel Cactus control can be found at www.cactuswarriors.org.
The group can also be contacted through their email – info@cactuswarriors.org.
Cactus Warriors one and all.
A birthday party must have candles.
The beautiful cake.
Founding members of the group cut the cake.
Mount Alexander Shire Mayor Christine Henderson congratulates the group.
Parks Victoria has been a long-term supporter of the group.
Cheryl Kane ready to blindfold the next contestant.
The large picnic shelter at Butts Reserve, Mt Tarrangower.
Councillor Sharon Telford and Noel Muller spot the mayor!
Tony Kane retrieving cactus fruit that missed the bucket.
It’s just not cricket.
All Good Things Must Come to an End…
Posted on 30 November, 2015 by Connecting Country
2015 Works Crew L to R with crew leader Alex, Lauren, Jason and Ned
Works Crew 2015 – Thanks to Ned, Lauren and Jason
Each year, we employ our own Works Crew as part of the Connecting Landscapes program. The Crew assists land holders with the on-ground works agreed upon in their project management plan. The crew also receive formal and on-the-job training and experience.
Lauren, Ned and Jason finished up at the end of October 2015 after completing all planned project activities successfully. All outcomes were delivered on time, within budget and more important – injury free! It is so nice to work with people who are passionate about what they are doing and are willing to learn from one another. In that regards Connecting Country has been very fortunate over the last three years. The dedication and commitment all crew members have shown is commendable and no doubt they will get far in future careers – whichever way they want go.
The 2015 Crew commenced in April at the onset of cooler weather with the more strenuous activity of fence building. A lot of our restoration activities took place this year in the Muckleford Valley, where stock exclusion fences were installed along the Muckleford Creek and its tributaries. Besides conventional stock fences, the crew installed a large electric fence system spanning over 8 kilometres. This fence contained more than 35 kilometres of wire!
On the flanks of Mount Alexander we constructed a challenging fence in very steep terrain to protect direct seeding from stock. As vehicle access was limited, we had to drag up materials with ropes. The views were truly spectacular though; on clear days we could see all the way to the Colbinabbin Range, Mt Ida and Mt Macedon.
This year, we adopted a different way of tube stock planting by using a motorised earth auger to create a larger and deeper hole for easier root penetration and capturing more moisture. Hopefully this will lead to a higher growth and plant survival rates.
The Works Crew works program finished up nicely with seed collecting, woody weed control, rabbit fumigation and some exotic tree felling.
Connecting Country offers the opportunity to be part of our works crew every year to a new group of local people. Positions for the 2016 Works Crew will be advertised over this summer via the Connecting Country website and local newspapers.
Jason installing a gate fitting kit with a petrol-powered drill
Lauren only builds straight fences
Ned clears a fenceline
Images from Shane Carey
Greening the Blue Hills
Posted on 30 November, 2015 by Connecting Country
Landholders in the Blue Hills, Tusker Patterson and Kerri Peacoulakis, are involved in Connecting Country’s Habitat for Bush Bird’s project. Here Kerri shares their inspiring story…
Tusker and I purchased our property over 3 years ago and it has been a great journey ever since. We own just over 40 hectares opposite the Blue Hills. More then half of our property is cleared land with an amazing erosion gully running through the centre of the property. The land use to used for grazing sheep. Our goals since purchasing the property are – one, build our family home. Two, encourage the bird life down from the Blue Hills and three planting out the erosion gully to help prevent it from eroding any further. Which in turn will help encouraging the bird life. Among many other things.
It was Tusker’s mum (Jane Mitchell) whom came to us with this amazing bird project proposal and encouraged us to move forward with the project. After meeting with the lovely Tanya Loos how could we not sign. Her enthusiasm and excitement was very encouraging.
We are now a few months in to the project and a lot has been happening. We have had over 8 hectares of direct seeding. Close to 1000 trees, shrubs and grasses have already been planted and many more to come. Thanks to our amazing family’s for helping us with the planting. Since no sheep have been on the property since we purchased the land a lot of re-vegetation has started to happen.
I have been lucky enough to see 3 of the 5 feathered five in close proximity to our property, include the Hooded Robin, Brown Treecreeper and the Jacky Winter. We are both very excited to see the property evolve and grow over the coming years and know that we are doing our little bit to help.
Above: Before the project started, Below: The site today. Photos by Kerri Peacoulakis
Two Grant Opportunities for Sustainable Ag and Volunteers Due Soon!
Posted on 30 November, 2015 by Connecting Country
There are two grant opportunities currently available which are due in the next week – so you need to act now if you are interested.
Sustainable Agriculture Small Grants Round 2015-16
This new grant programme has been announced by the Australian Government called ‘Sustainable Agriculture Small Grants Round 2015-16’. Grants of between $5,500 and $55,000 (GST inclusive) are available.
The programme objective are:
- To increase the capacity and knowledge of farmers and fishers to productively and sustainably manage Australia’s natural resources.
- The adoption of appropriate management practices that will increase the production or improve product quality while maintaining or enhancing the natural resource base.
A range of activities may be eligible, including:
- field days workshops, conferences
- demonstration events or workshops
- training or skill development sessions
- community information or education sessions
- development of decision-making tools
- development of new information channels within the current knowledge system
- conducting surveys.
Being a new programme, it is particularly important to have a good read of the guidelines and FAQ’s. Click here for the application, guidelines, and FAQ’s.
Applications close 2.00pm, Monday 7 December 2015
Strengthening Communities – Volunteer Grants 2015
The Australian Government is inviting organisations to apply for Volunteer Grants through an open process under the Strengthening Communities – Volunteering sub-activity. Funding is expected to be offered to around 5,700 organisations as a result of this process, with grants to be paid by 30 June 2016.
Volunteer Grants enable community organisations to apply for grants of up to $5,000 to purchase small equipment items to assist their volunteers, assist with the reimbursement of fuel costs incurred by volunteers (and transport costs for volunteers with disability who are unable to drive), and contribute towards the cost of training courses and background screening checks for volunteers.
Click here for more information and to download an application form.
Applications close at 2:00pm, Wednesday 9 December 2015
Make Your Passion Your Day Job
Posted on 30 November, 2015 by Connecting Country
Bendigo TAFE is currently recruiting for 2016 students in their Conservation and Land Management courses.
The Certificate III Conservation and Land Management provides students with the opportunity to obtain various certificates used in gaining employment or furthering job positions. You will be able to complete your Farm Chemical Users Certificate (first step in the ACUP process), Operate and Maintain Chainsaws certification. You will gain skills in fencing, operate machinery, provide information on plants and their culture, survey pest animals, conduct site inspections, implement vegetation works and maintain natural areas. We also have sample soils and interpret results, sampling and testing water and recognise fauna. By completing the course or just gaining your certificates students are in a good position for employment with places like Project Fire Fighter (DELWP, Parks Victoria), Councils Parks and Gardens or with Pest Contractors.
Certificate IV Conservation and Land Management provides students with industry experience gained on field trips, and camps. Students are taken in to the field to conduct real life surveys and monitoring with industry partnerships such as Birdlife Australia, North Central Catchment Authority, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and local Landcare Groups and Conservation Management Networks. You will get your Farm Chemical Users Certificate as well as practical experience in revegetation, fencing and pest control. Students learn to monitor biodiversity both Flora and Fauna. Producing maps and using GPS units is used in many different projects throughout the year. Other units that are taught are Develop Interpretive Activities, Support Group and Community Changes in Resource Management as well as Report on a place of potential cultural heritage. With the completion of Certificate IV CLM you will have automatic entry in to the Environmental Education courses at La Trobe University. There are various employment opportunities as well.
The Diploma in Conservation and Land Management provides students with the opportunity to undertake a blend of class room based study with participation in a range of industry projects and field trips as part of their training.
If considering the Diploma does any of the following apply to you? If so you can apply directly, vet–fee help is available (Diploma only).
- Completed previous studies, or
- Relevant industry skills and experience, or
- Just about to finish your undergraduate degree.
There is also an option for part time study (completion over 2 years) or complete the course in 7 months (Full Cert III) to 1 year (Cert IV and Diploma). There is also the Advanced Diploma (new in 2016).
Please phone Terri Williams at Bendigo TAFE on 54341743 to discuss these opportunities further.