Mount Alexander Region Landcare E-news – April 2014

Posted on 24 April, 2014 by Connecting Country

17 May 2014 – Training in Castlemaine for Landcare Volunteers

Posted on 24 April, 2014 by Connecting Country

Access to free training is one of the perks of being a volunteer.

White-breasted Woodswallows are very successful at forming groups – what’s their secret?

On Saturday 17th May the Mount Alexander Volunteer Network and Victorian Farm Tree & Landcare Association (FTLA) will be running ‘Secrets to Successful Groups‘ training in Castlemaine.

The training is free for Landcare (or ‘Friends of’) group members and $20 for non-members.

Topics covered by the training will include:
• How to recruit and retain volunteers
• Future proof your group by planning for succession
• Know the legal issues in managing volunteers
• Tips and techniques for effective decision making

To attend the training RSVP by 9th May: by email to ftla@vff.org.au, or phone
03 9207 5527

Date: Saturday 17th May 2014, 10am–4pm
Location: Continuing Education, Templeton Street, Castlemaine

Registrations and morning tea from 9.30a.m.
Lunch and Refreshments provided.

Click Here to download a flyer.

Taking the Big Picture

Posted on 16 April, 2014 by Connecting Country

The past informs the future. The natural and social history – and their interconnections – of this region have had an important, and often negative, impact on our natural environment.

Understanding where you and your property fit within these contexts means you can be more informed to make positive decisions and actions to address declining biodiversity. This was the background to our first workshop session, “The Big Picture” (Sunday April 6th), held at Welshmans Reef.

Thanks to property holders Brian and Robin Rebbechi for providing an ideal location to interpret and discuss the history and potential future for this site.

Guided by Deirdre Slattery and Ian Higgins, we moved between scales; from the broader landscape, down to the property level, and back, exploring the landuse history and vegetation changes over time at Welshmans Reef.

More information, photos and links from the session as well as Jules Walsh’s summary of the session can be found here. 

Ian Higgins discusses vegetation classes for the property

Deirdre Slattery guides participants through the complex history of the property

For more information: janet@connectingcountry.or.au or 5472 1594.

Searching for the elusive Cymatoplex moth

Posted on 13 April, 2014 by Connecting Country

Recently a small group of us went out looking over two nights for the rare Cymatoplex sp. moth in a Walmer bushland reserve which has plenty of Drooping Cassinia (Cassinia arcuata). We were hopeful of seeing this moth because previously sightings of adults have only been in late March and early April, and as reported in a previous post, Cymatoplex lavae are known to exclusively feed on Drooping Cassinia.

Unfortunately, even with the aid of a mercury vapour light shining on a suspended white sheet, we didn’t find any examples of this moth. However we did find plenty of other moths.

And here’s some photos of what we found (click on image to enlarge). Can you can help us identify any of them? If so, add a note to the comments section below.  We suspect the top middle one is from the Hednota genus, and that the top right one is from the Emerald group of moths (the Geometrinae sub-family).

Moths found in Walmer South Nature Conservations Reserve, 30 March & 4 April 2014

Unraveling the Mysterious Tuan

Posted on 10 April, 2014 by Connecting Country

Between mid-2009 and mid-2013, Connecting Country implemented a major project across the Mount Alexander Shire to increase the population of the endangered Brush-tailed Phascogale – also known as the Tuan.  This was partially achieved through working with landholders to enhance the depleted Yellow Box Woodland habitat preferred by Tuans.

Four Sugar Gliders cosy and warm inside a nest box. This box was located in Sandon along a creek line (therefore a gully) and installed upon a very mature Yellow Box.

More than 400 nest boxes were also installed across the region (in clusters of three) to both provide additional Tuan nesting habitat, and to also allow long-term monitoring of their populations.  These specially designed nest boxes were installed with landholders’ permission in both public and private land, and within large and small patches of native woodland and forest habitat.

In April and May of 2011 and 2012, Connecting Country staff undertook monitoring of a large sample of these boxes.  April and May is the time of year that has the least disturbance upon the Tuan.  We were supported in 2012 by an Honours student from Deakin University, Amy Monagle, who also analyzed the habitat features around each nest box location. Her findings were of considerable interest (click here for a summary).  Connecting Country also prepared its own summary of the monitoring findings, which was published on its website (click here) and posted to the relevant landholders.  Many Sugar Gliders were also found, in addition to the Tuans Continue Reading »

TCCG at Easter Fair & first 2014 Cactus Killing day

Posted on 10 April, 2014 by Connecting Country

The 2013 Easter Parade where TCCG members dressed in ‘warrior’ uniforms and marched as a united army against the ‘opposition’ weed.

The Tarrangower Cactus Control Group (TCCG) is entering the Maldon Easter Fair procession this year on Easter Monday, 21 April 2014.  The theme will be “Pests of our Neighbourhood”.

They would like to invite everyone to come along.  You can come along dressed as your favourite (or least favourite) pest, e.g. rabbit, feral cat or fox.  Otherwise come in your “Cactus Killing” gear.

The group will meet in Hospital Street near the corner with Chapel Street North, (near the swimming pool) from 9.15 am.  Entry will be judged from 10 am.

They hope to see you there.  It will be a bit of fun.

Also the first of the 2014 TCCG Community Field Days will be on the last Sunday of this month, 27 April.  These regular events focus on killing wheel cactus at a particular location. The site for the opening of the new season is a property in Watersons Road near the Tarrengower School Road corner. As usual the mornings activities will start at 10.30am.

11 April – Stories (and pictures) of Ice and Fire

Posted on 6 April, 2014 by Connecting Country

It seems like only a couple of weeks ago we were boiling through long arduous central Victorian heatwaves. When considering moving to cool places to escape the swelter, a country made of ice and snow seemed enticing.  And now you can start considering that next trip in more detail, for the topic of the Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club’s April talk is Vikings, Volcanoes & Ice – the making of Iceland.

Carol Hall is the guest speaker at the general meeting of the CFNC on Friday 11 April 2014 (Uniting Church Hall, Lyttleton St, Castlemaine – from 7.30pm.  No charge.  All welcome.).  After studying Geography at the University of Sheffield, UK, a sense of adventure brought Carol to Australia, teaching Field Studies to secondary students in the Snowy Mountains, and eventually moving to Ballarat Grammar School where she taught for 14 years. Her own photographs were always an integral part of her teaching material, and an interest in the glaciated regions of the world has been maintained since studying a specialist course as an undergraduate.

Carol writes, “In 2010 I was able to tour Iceland, much of it off the beaten track thanks to the adventurous driver of the mini-bus! We saw many of the special geological features in this young (only 20 million years old) country and gained an insight into its Viking heritage, as well as seeing how the population lives today. So the talk will be a mix of physical and human geography.”

Carol is a member of Ballarat Camera Club, The Field Naturalists’ Club of Ballarat and is currently President of The Victorian Nature Photography Group.  She has given many illustrated talks to community groups.

April 2014: Going with the flow: Ecological photography by Damien Cook

Posted on 1 April, 2014 by Connecting Country

There will be an exhibition of Damien Cook’s photographs from 5 April till the end of the month at the CASPA art space in Castlemaine.

Damien is a local ecologist whose work includes monitoring environment health and the revegetation and restoration of degraded landscapes. He is also on Connecting Country’s Expert Advisory Panel.  He writes that his series of photographs ‘celebrates the thread that draws the Australian landscape, its flora, fauna and people and the preciousness of water together’.

You can find out more about the Damien’s thoughts on ecology, gallery opening hours and the location of CASPA in this flyer.

Lowland Wetland Ecology Course 2014

Posted on 1 April, 2014 by Connecting Country

This five day course is being run by Rakali Ecological Consulting and will be held in Kilcunda, South Gippsland from Monday 17th to Friday 21st November 2014.

The course is aimed at people working in the conservation and natural resource management industry and will include presentations and field trips. Three of the seven course presenters, Damien Cook, Chris Tzaros and Elaine Baynes, are on Connecting Country’s Expert Advisory Group. If you would like more information on the course, download this flyer.

New edition of ‘chat’

Posted on 1 April, 2014 by Connecting Country

Have you seen this secretive moth of central Victoria?

Posted on 21 March, 2014 by Connecting Country

The unusual green and white patterned Cymatoplex sp. moth is known from only a dozen sightings – EVER.  It has not yet been scientifically described or even formally named.  Half of the known observations are from the Eppalock bushland property of Steve Williams.  Another one is from Fryerstown.  Last year (2013) at a Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club meeting, Steve presented a fascinating talk on his hobby to document the life history cycles of hundreds of moth species of central Victoria.  Yet this little known charismatic species has held a special fascination for him.

Photo: Steve Williams

Steve has discovered that the larvae feed exclusively on the native Drooping Cassinia (Cassinia arcuata).  Yes, the common local plant also known as Coffee Bush or Chinese Scrub.  The eggs are laid on the plant, and over the next 11 ½ months, that individuals goes from egg to larvae to pupa all on the same plant specimen.

The adults emerge and fly for only a few days, during which time they mate and lay their eggs.  Adult moths have only ever been recorded during the last week of March and the first week of April, and the other life stages have never been seen in the wild.  If you have Drooping Cassinia on or near your property, now is the time to be on the look-out for this colourful moth!  If you see one flying about at night, or resting on a window, please let us know as it would provide valuable scientific and conservation knowledge (with a photo if possible, and also the date and location).

With the permission of the Entomological Society of Victoria, we are fortunate to be able to provide access to an easy-to-read paper that Steve recently wrote for the Victorian Entomologist journal (click here), which gives more information about the life history of this species and some good identifying photos.

(Blog reproduced with permission from the Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club).

23 and 30 March 2014 – Youth and Family Forest Walks

Posted on 20 March, 2014 by Connecting Country

For over a decade FOBIF has organised monthly bush walks in our local area. This year the program has been expanded to include 2 family walks and 2 youth walks. Everyone is welcome on these walks, not just young people and children.

The first of the family walks will take place on 23 March in Kalimna Park. To find out more, click on the green box below.

The first youth walk will be on 30 March. To find out more, click on the image below.

This consent authority form must be completed by the parents/carers of unaccompanied young people before the youth walk. If you would like to volunteer to help on the day with this walk, contact 54724609.

Ian Lunt Wrap

Posted on 18 March, 2014 by Connecting Country

Or should that be rapt? A large and attentive audience attended Ian’s presentation and the launch of the 2014 Connecting Country Workshop Program. Connecting Country Workshop Steering Group member Jules Walsh has put together a summary of Ian’s talk here, along with some more photos, and Bernard Slattery has posted his version on the FOBIF website which you can also read. No doubt there were many more interpretations amongst the audience and this provided a great catalyst for discussion over the BBQ afterwards.

We thank Ian, Rebecca Phillips from the Dja Dja Warrung Clans, the Newstead Mens’ Shed for barbeque prowess, the Newstead Community Centre, Community Garden and Landcare Group and all those who helped to set up, pitch in and pack up for the event. A great start to the Workshop Program.

2014 Communities for Nature Small Grants Funding

Posted on 16 March, 2014 by Connecting Country

The Victorian Government has launched the 2014 Communities for Nature Small Grants Funding Opportunity.

These grants aim to support practical action by community groups, schools, and volunteer organisations to deliver measurable environmental outcomes through on-ground works.

The funding is for community groups seeking one year grants for small grants up to $10,000 (GST inclusive). Projects that will be completed by 30 June 2015 are eligible for funding.

Applications can now be submitted online. The closing date is 4.00pm Friday 11th April 2014.

More information including Guidelines, Frequently Asked Questions and the application form can be found here.  You can also contact the Grants Information Line on 1300 366 356 between 8.30am and 5:00pm Monday to Friday. 

20 March 2014 – Talk on Indigenous fish traps

Posted on 14 March, 2014 by Connecting Country

Every year Newstead Landcare is fortunate to have some remarkable people present on an amazing array of topics and 2014 promises to be another such year. Their first presentation will be “Combining Ecology and Archaeology – researching Indigenous fish traps to learn more about river changes over time” by Castlemaine archaeologist Damian Kelly. Damian’s research on fish traps along the Murray is truly fascinating, with very local implications for those of us on the Loddon. For those familiar with the road between Strangways and Guildford, do you know where the name “Bough Yards” may have come from?

The presentation will be on Thursday 20th March at Newstead Community Centre, starting at 8pm. It will be followed by a light supper and Newstead Landcare’s first business meeting for 2014. All are welcome to come along for either the presentation or the meeting or both of course. Gold coin donations would be appreciated.

New MAS Urban Bushland Workshops

Posted on 12 March, 2014 by Connecting Country

In a new initiative, the Mount Alexander Shire has organised a series of workshops around the theme of ‘Our Urban Bushlands‘. The events are free and child friendly.

The first workshop will be on Saturday 22 March between 10.30am  and 12.30 pm along the Campbells Creek Walking and Cycling path. If you would like to take part, have a look at this flyer.

Feedback sought by CMA on Draft Waterway Strategy

Posted on 12 March, 2014 by Connecting Country

The North Central CMA has produced a Draft Regional Waterways Strategy (2014-2022) which is currently open for public comment, through until 10 April 2014. The Waterway Strategy sets priorities and outlines an action plan for the region’s rivers and wetlands for the next 8 years. Five regional community forums have been organised to seek feedback from interested community members. The local one will take place at the Campbells Creek Community Centre at 7.30pm on 18 March 2014. You can view all the details about the forums in this flyer and the Draft Waterways Strategy can be accessed here.

New “Securing Woodland Birds’ project and exciting employment opportunity

Posted on 11 March, 2014 by Bonnie Humphreys

In 2012-13 Connecting Country undertook a preliminary Woodland Birds program.  The success of this program and its high level of community support led us to invest in the development of a large, scientifically-rigorous program to restore woodland bird habitat across the Mount Alexander Shire and immediate surrounds.

This new program was described by Geoff Park at Connecting Country’s AGM in September 2013, and involves undertaking woodland restoration activities in 11 priority zones that are considered to be critical habitat for 5 ground-foraging bird species (Diamond Firetail, Hooded Robin, Brown Treecreeper, Painted Button-quail, Jacky Winter).  A range of training events, bird monitoring activities and other bird-related activities are also to be undertaken as part of this program, which anyone and everyone can become involved in.

A couple of weeks ago, Connecting Country was informed that it had successfully secured funding to implement the first stage of this large project through the Victorian Government’s Communities for Nature initiative. More information on the “Securing Threatened Woodland Birds in the Mount Alexander Shire – Stage 1” project is available here.

Connecting Country is now seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Woodland Birds Project Officer to coordinate the implementation of this funded project.  This person would also have a leading role in implementing Connecting Country’s existing biodiversity monitoring activities.

For a copy of the full position description and key selection criteria, click here.  The part or full time (0.8-1 FTE) role is a 2-year fixed term position, commencing in April 2014.

Applications including a CV and addressing the key selection criteria to be submitted by 9am Thursday 27 March 2014 to chris@connectingcountry.org.au or mailed to Connecting Country, PO Box 437, Castlemaine, VIC, 3450.

For more information regarding the project and the position, contact Chris on (03) 5472-1594 or email chris@connectingcountry.org.au.

A day in the life of the Connecting Landscapes work crew

Posted on 27 February, 2014 by Connecting Country

Dianna attacking a gorse plant.

The Connecting Landscapes work crew is funded to undertake environmental works on properties in priority zones within the Mount Alexander shire. The crew is ably led by Alex Schipperen.  The current crew was recruited earlier this year and is made up of locals Dianna Manser, Kim Peric, Matt Stahl and Matthew Sundblom.

This article describes a  typical February day’s work by the crew.  They began the day by cutting and painting regrowth Gorse on a property in Harcourt. The Gorse had been sprayed months ago, but Gorse is a tough plant to kill and a small number of plants had survived the initial spraying.

They then travelled to Taradale to fumigate rabbit warrens and set up rabbit bait stations on a farming property.

Kim and Matthew with one of the rabbit bait stations

Matthew showing a scat.

At the next destination, Sutton Grange, they collected scats. Why, you may ask? Because once all the scats have been removed from a sheep and kangaroo exclusion plot  it is possible to determine whether or not the plot is actually sheep or kangaroo proofed. Kim laughingly says “this is not one of the more glamorous tasks we get to do, but one I found surprisingly satisfying, and not really dirty!”

This is part of a grazing trial designed to examine the effects of kangaroo and sheep grazing on native pastures. As Jarrod, the program coordinator, explains ‘we want to understand what happens when sheep are removed from native pasture. Is there an improvement in biodiversity values or do the weeds take over instead? Do kangaroos simply eat the grass that the sheep were previously eating? ‘

Other common jobs the work crew undertakes are the building of stock exclusion fences, the removal of woody weed trees and shrubs such as Pines, Willows and Hawthorn, and supplementary plantings of locally indigenous flora.

If you are potentially interested in including parts of your property as part of the Connecting Landscapes program, contact Jarrod Coote or Bonnie Humphreys at Connecting Country on 5472 1594 or email: jarrod@connectingcountry.org.au. They will be able to arrange a visit your property if it meets the criteria and occurs in right zone. And to find out more about the program, click here.

2014 Workshop Program Launch this Weekend

Posted on 24 February, 2014 by Connecting Country

A reminder that Connecting Country will be launching it’s Improve Biodiversity on Your Property Workshop Program 2014 at the Newstead Community Centre this Sunday (2 March) with a talk by popular ecologist and author Ian Lunt.

This will be social event with a free BBQ dinner after the talk and it would be great to see as many Connecting Country members & friends there as possible.

Ian will be presenting a talk titled “Natural regeneration in central Victoria: the biggest positive change for conservation in south-east Australia”. Have a look at our previous post for more information.

The talk will begin at 4pm and dinner will be at 6pm. RSVPs are not essential, but are greatly preferred for catering purposes – max@connectingcountry.org.au, or phone 5472 1594

Please note, if you are planning on attending Vocal Nosh with Fay White in the adjacent Mechanics Hall that evening you can do both! Ian Lunt’s talk will finish just as Vocal Nosh is getting started.

Natural regeneration of Drooping Cassinia and Eucalyptus in a lightly stocked paddock near Metcalfe.