Coming soon: Caring for large old trees and AGM 2022
Posted on 2 November, 2022 by Frances
Please join us for this special free event on Saturday 19 November 2022 at 2.00 pm for brief AGM formalities, yummy afternoon tea and our special guest presenter.
Join us to learn about how to care for local old trees, and their incredible value as biodiversity hotspots in our landscape.
Australian Owlet-nightjars need large old trees (photo by Geoff Park)
The iconic big trees that dominate our rural landscapes are silently disappearing, dying out from age, drought, disease, disturbance and climate change. Without action they will not survive or regenerate. We will lose these islands of biodiversity so essential to wildlife and farm productivity.
Connecting Country is working to engage the community to value large old trees and support landholders to adopt sustainable environmental practices that protect their trees, helping them fence to exclude stock, control weeds and pest animals, install nest boxes, and revegetate to restore diversity and ensure the next generation of paddock trees.
Our very special guest speaker is Chris Pocknee, an experienced wildlife ecologist from Biolinks Alliance, speaking on caring for large old trees.
Chris is an ecologist with a passion for understanding the threats facing native fauna and ecosystems, and how we can address these issues. Chris grew up in the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne and completed his MSc at the University of Melbourne in 2017 before completing an internship with the Australian Wildlife Conservancy in NSW. Chris has recently submitted his PhD thesis at the University of Queensland, where he studied the impacts of fire and feral cats on the Endangered northern bettong. He relishes collaborative ecological work, and is passionate about empowering communities to conserve and recover local biodiversity. Chris loves exploring the outdoors, camping, wildlife photography and football.
Everyone is welcome!
For catering and logistical purposes, please register your attendance – click here
AGM formalities
The following Connecting Country AGM 2022 documents are available for download:
- Committee nomination form – click here
- Proxy voting form – click here
- AGM 2021 minutes – click here
- Financial audit report – click here
Please note only current Connecting Country members can vote in the AGM. To become a member or renew your membership – click here
If you have any questions, please email info@connectingcountry.org.au
Thank you to the Ian & Shirley Norman Foundation for their invaluable support of our ‘Caring for large old trees’ project.
Landcare Sticky Beak Tour October 2022 – Victoria Gully Landcare Group
Posted on 27 October, 2022 by Hadley Cole
As part of the Landcare sticky beak tour in October 2022 we will be celebrating the work of Landcare and friends groups across the Mount Alexander / Leanganook region of central Victoria.
Today we will have a little sticky beak into the wonderful work of Victoria Gully Landcare Group.
Victoria Gully Landcare Group comprises residents who live close to to Victoria Gully, which starts in the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park south of Castlemaine and meets Forest Creek at Greenhill Avenue, Castlemaine VIC. The group formed in 2010 and hold working bees that aim to restore the gully to a more natural state and provide a bushland connection from Forest Creek to the National Heritage Park.
Affectionately known by locals as the ‘the gully’, Victoria Gully accommodates a range of recreation and aesthetic needs including children’s play, walking and bike riding. From the south the gully starts as a narrow, deeply-incised channel then widens to an open, grassed valley with a jumbled topography resulting from historical gold sluicing. This valley is home to a large mob of kangaroos and an intermittent unnamed creek runs along the east side.
The south head of the gully contains good quality box-ironbark forest, including Clinkers Hill Bushland Reserve, where the group has focused on cleaning up rubbish, removing large weeds, and regular removal of English Broom seedlings. Mature Yellow Box trees dominate on the sluiced alluvial gravels. Landcare work here is evident in the absence of broom, resulting in the slow return of wattles, peas such as Pultenaea and Daviesia, and other native plants.
In 2010 the open valley was a nightmare of gorse, broom, blackberries, thistles and rubbish. The Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (DELWP) has responded to the group’s interest interest in the gully with substantial weed and rubbish removal over the years. This has enabled Victoria Gully Landcare Group to concentrate on planting and maintaining two exclusion plots and a frog pond enclosure.
The Victoria Gully Landcare team working hard in ‘the gully’ (photo from the Connecting Country archive)
DELWP has supported the group’s efforts by providing plants, materials and the frog ponds fencing. In 2020 DELWP installed a further large exclusion plot along the east side of the valley, near the railway line, and kept responsibility for planting and maintenance. The group’s plans for the future include nest box installation, and dispersed planting in hollows and banks of the central alluvial mining area that kangaroos are unlikely to access.
Victoria Gully can be accessed from the west via Dawson St off Preshaw Street, or from the east via Dawson Street off Ross Drive, in Castlemaine VIC. Please see the following map for details.
From the south, Clinkers Hill Bushland Reserve (not included in the map) can be accessed via Preshaw Street.
Map of Victoria Gully Landcare Group’s sites in Castlemaine VIC
To find the contact details for Victoria Gully Landcare Group (or your local Landcare group) head over to the Landcare groups contact page on Connecting Country’s website – click here
During October 2022, get out there and explore your local neighbourhood and see what plants and animals you can find in your local Landcare group’s sites! You never know what you might discover.
The Landcare sticky beak tour was made possible through a Victorian Landcare Grant with North Central Catchment Management Authority.
Landcare Sticky Beak Tour October 2022 – Barkers Creek Landcare & Wildlife Group
Posted on 21 October, 2022 by Hadley Cole
As part of the Landcare sticky beak tour in October 2022 we will be celebrating the work of Landcare and friends groups across the Mount Alexander / Leanganook region of central Victoria.
Today we will have a little sticky beak into the wonderful work of Barkers Creek Landcare & Wildlife Group.
Barkers Creek Landcare & Wildlife Group (BCL&WG) work to protect and restore their local natural environment. The group is committed to celebrating and building their sense of belonging to the Barkers Creek community.
They maintain a balance between working on public and private land and members properties. The primary focus is ‘on ground works’ (monthly working bees) together with a ‘splash’ of educational and social activities.
Barkers Creek Landcare & Wildlife Group members. Photo from Barkers Creek Landcare Facebook page.
The group established in 1996 and has a vibrant mix of members and there are often half a dozen or so children at each working bee which not only adds to the fun but instills a belief in the next generation of landcarers.
The group are currently working to put together the third management plan for a bushland reserve called the Natural Features Bushland Reserve in in the heart of Barkers Creek. They are hoping to achieve a significant ‘ecological’ restoration of this 35.5 ha parcel of bush, working closely with land managers Parks Victoria and other local community and environment groups.
Join Barkers Creek Landcare & Wildlife Group on Sunday 23 October at 9.30 am at the Peelers Rd entrance to the Natural Features Bushland Reserve, Barkers Creek VIC (please see the map below for more details) for a working bee or just a sticky beak to see what the group are up to!
Map of Natural Features Bushland Reserve, Barkers Creek VIC. Photo from Barkers Creek Landcare & Wildlife Group website.
For more information on the group’s projects or to get in contact with them head over to their website – click here or their Facebook page – click here
During October 2022, get out there and explore your local neighbourhood and see what plants and animals you can find in your local Landcare group’s sites! You never know what you might discover.
The Landcare sticky beak tour was made possible through a Victorian Landcare Grant with North Central Catchment Management Authority.
Landcare sticky beak tour 2022 – Muckleford Catchment Landcare Group
Posted on 20 October, 2022 by Hadley Cole
As part of the Landcare sticky beak tour in October 2022 we will be celebrating the work of Landcare and friends groups across the Mount Alexander / Leanganook region of central Victoria.
Today we will have a little sticky beak into the wonderful work of Muckleford Catchment Landcare Group.
Muckleford Catchment Landcare, also known as Muckleford Landcare, take a holistic approach to caring for the land. They work to improve water quality in the Muckleford Creek and its tributaries, conserve soil in the Muckleford Creek catchment, and create a healthy and viable balance between farming and biodiversity. They also encourage co-operation between landholders within the catchment, as well as harnessing local knowledge and expertise to improve the environment.
30 m wide habitat corridor created by Muckleford Landcare (photo by Beth Mellick)
Recently Muckleford Landcare has been working with a Muckleford landholder to build a 30 metre wide habitat corridor that connects a bush block on one side of the property to a bushland reserve on the other side. The project involved some fencing, as well as ripping the site in preparation for planting. To read more about this project head over to the July 2022 edition of the North Central Chat, published by the North Central Catchment Management Authority – click here
To check out the site of this ‘Building habitat across the landscape’ project, head out for a drive to Muckleford School Rd, Muckleford VIC, and you will see the work that has been completed opposite the Muckleford Bushland Reserve. Please see the map below for more details.
Muckleford Landcare work to assist landholders to access funding for land improvement projects on their properties. They have a wealth of information on the costs involved for improving biodiversity and building habitat corridors on your property.
For more information please contact Muckleford Landcare via email (bethmellick@gmail.com or mucklefordlandcare@gmail.com).
Building Habitat across the Landscape, Muckleford Landcare project map.
Wildflower walk
On Sunday 23 October 2022, Muckleford Landcare are heading out for a wildflower walk from 10.00 am – 11.30 am. To join the walk, meet at the end of Sinclairs Lane, Muckleford VIC. This is a perfect opportunity to get out and meet the group while enjoying the wildflowers. For more information head over to the Muckleford Catchment Landcare website – click here
During October 2022, get out there and explore your local neighbourhood and see what plants and animals you can find in your local Landcare group’s sites! You never know what you might discover.
The Landcare sticky beak tour was made possible through a Victorian Landcare Grant with North Central Catchment Management Authority.
Book now! Connecting Country AGM 2022 and guest speaker
Posted on 17 October, 2022 by Ivan
Now is the perfect time to book for our AGM 2022 and ‘Caring for large old trees’ event. After two years of online AGMs, we finally meet at the magnificent Campbells Creek Community Centre in person. Hurrah!
Please join us for this free event on Saturday 19 November 2022 at 2.00 pm for brief AGM formalities, afternoon tea and our special guest presenter. As usual, it will be much more than an AGM!
Our theme is ‘Caring for large old trees in our landscape’ and we will feature a special presentation. Read on for details.
Large old trees: Caring and sharing their future
Chris Pocknee – Landscape and Biodiversity Conservation Ecologist with Biolinks Alliance
Chris is an ecologist with a passion for understanding the threats facing native fauna and ecosystems, and how we can address these issues. Chris grew up in the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne and completed his MSc at the University of Melbourne in 2017 before undertaking an internship with the Australian Wildlife Conservancy in NSW. Chris has recently submitted his PhD thesis at the University of Queensland, where he studied the impacts of fire and feral cats on the Endangered northern bettong. He relishes collaborative ecological work, and is passionate about empowering communities to conserve and recover local biodiversity. Chris loves exploring the outdoors, camping, wildlife photography and football.
Join Chris to learn about how to care for old trees in our landscape, and how vital they are to a host of woodland birds and other wildlife.
Everyone is most welcome! Please register your attendance for the meeting – click here
AGM formalities
The following Connecting Country AGM 2022 documents are available for download:
- Committee nomination form – click here
- Proxy voting form – click here
- AGM 2021 minutes – click here
Our independant financial audit report 2022 is in progress and will be available in early November prior to the AGM.
Please note only current Connecting Country members can vote in the AGM. To become a member or renew your membership – click here
If you have any questions, please email info@connectingcountry.org.au
Thank you to the Ian & Shirley Norman Foundation for their invaluable support of our ‘Caring for large old trees’ project.
Landcare sticky beak tour 2022 – Golden Point Landcare
Posted on 12 October, 2022 by Hadley Cole
As part of the Landcare sticky beak tour in October 2022 we will be celebrating the work of Landcare and friends groups across the Mount Alexander / Leanganook region of central Victoria.
Today we will have a little sticky beak into the wonderful work of Golden Point Landcare.
Many local residents will be familiar with the popular swimming spot at Expedition Pass Reservior in Golden Point, affectionately known as ‘the res’. Well, this special area has its very own Landcare group who care for the surrounding bushland.
Golden Point Landcare Group started back in 1994 and has worked in the Forest Creek catchment from Expedition Pass Reservoir to the Monster Meeting site in Chewton. They have partnered with private landholders and the various government agencies who have managed the crown land over that time.
The current public land manager is Parks Victoria and most of the catchment is in the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park.
The group’s main focus has been pest plant and animal management through funded projects complemented by community education programs. These activities place emphasis on helping the recovering landscape from the impacts of gold exploration starting back in 1851.
Sign post at Chinaman Point Road site (photo by Marie Jones)
One of Golden Point Landcare’s ongoing restoration sites is at Chinamans Point and Trapps Gully, which will be part of the Monster Meeting site walk. To check out some of the work they have been doing in this area, head to the intersection of Chinamans Point Road and Ammons Road in Golden Point VIC, and take a walk along the walking track.
They have the support of the ‘Chewton Chat’ community newspaper to keep everyone up to date with what is happening.
The Forest Creek walking track starts in Castlemaine, meanders through Chewton and follows the creek upstream to Expedition Pass Reservoir, passing through areas cared for by multiple Landcare groups. The amazing landscape restoration work that Landcare groups have achieved over the years means that everyone can enjoy our bushland and its creatures. But there’s always more to be done!
For more information on Golden Point Landcare Group or to become a member you can contact Jennifer Pryce via email (j.pryce@bigpond.com) or phone (0423 900 590).
During October 2022, get out there and explore your local neighbourhood and see what plants and animals you can find in your local Landcare group’s sites! You never know what you might discover.
The Landcare sticky beak tour was made possible through a Victorian Landcare Grant with North Central Catchment Management Authority.
Landcare sticky beak tour 2022 – Tarrangower Cactus Control Group
Posted on 10 October, 2022 by Hadley Cole
As part of the Landcare sticky beak tour in October 2022 we will be celebrating the work of Landcare and friends groups across the Mount Alexander / Leanganook region of central Victoria.
Today we will have a little sticky beak into the wonderful work of Tarrangower Cactus Control Group.
Tarrangower Cactus Control Group is based in Maldon with the single objective to control Wheel Cactus plants in our local natural environment. The group originally formed in 2005 to help Parks Victoria control the infestations of Wheel Cactus in the Maldon Historic Reserve and to increase awareness of this weed species within the local community. They still focus on community education and landowner motivation, and continue to assist Parks Victoria to treat Wheel Cactus.
This particular species of cactus was introduced from Mexico and is a declared Noxious Weed and a Weed of National Significance. The seeds are spread mostly by birds and is spreading quickly to other areas in the Mount Alexander Shire. Wheel Cactus is highly damaging for both our native plants and animals, and local primary industries. It is a very difficult plant to destroy or control, so it is vital to stop the spread of this highly invasive weed to new locations.
Local Wheel Cactus infestation (photo by Lee Mead)
The photo of the Wheel Cactus infestation shows how dense and impenetrable infestations of Wheel Cactus become when untreated.
To see the Cactus Warriors in action check out their video on our website – click here
Tarrangower Cactus Control Group (also known as the Cactus Warriors) holds community field days around the Maldon district on either private properties or public land managed by Parks Victoria. These field days are open to everyone interested in learning how to control this noxious weed, and are advertised on their website and Facebook page.
The group can also loan out equipment and provide independent advice and assistance.
If you would like some information about or assistance with Wheel Cactus, please contact the Cactus Warriors via their website – click here
During October 2022, get out there and explore your local neighbourhood and see what plants and animals you can find in your local Landcare group’s sites!
The Landcare sticky beak tour was made possible through a Victorian Landcare Grant with North Central Catchment Management Authority.
Landcare sticky beak tour 2022 – McKenzie Hill Action & Landcare Group
Posted on 6 October, 2022 by Hadley Cole
As part of the Landcare Sticky Beak Tour in October 2022 we will be celebrating the work of Landcare and friends groups across the Mount Alexander/ Leanganook region.
Today we will have a little sticky beak into the wonderful work of McKenzie Hill Action & Landcare Group.
McKenzie Hill Action & Landcare Group work to protect and restore the natural environment in the McKenzie Hill and Diamond Gully area, highlighting its unique features for the benefit of the community now and for future generations.
As well as protecting and restoring biodiversity, the group has a vibrant and diverse membership of volunteers with a focus on social enjoyment and inclusiveness.
McKenzie Hill Action & Landcare Group member working hard. Photo by Amelia Stuparich
McKenzie Hill Action & Landcare Group have completed plantings and weed control at a site known as Seventy Foot Hill Reserve on Diamond Gully Road, Castlemaine VIC. Take yourself for a stroll and see what they have been up to this October! The wildflowers will be out and on display this time of year.
Please see the map below for directions on how to get to Seventy Foot Hill Reserve.
Map of work sites. Image from McKenzie Hill Action & Landcare Group brochure. Click image to enlarge.
To contact McKenzie Hill Action & Landcare group head over to our Landcare group contacts page on our website – click here or via their Facebook page – click here
This October, get out there and explore your local neighbourhood and see what plants and animals you can find in your local Landcare group’s sites!
The Landcare sticky beak tour was made possible through a Victorian Landcare Grant with North Central Catchment Management Authority.
Landcare sticky beak tour – Book Now – Saturday 8 October 2022
Posted on 3 October, 2022 by Ivan
The Mount Alexander region Landcare sticky beak tour is a celebration of Landcare and friends groups across the region! Many of the natural spaces you can experience in our beautiful region have been lovingly brought back to life and cared for by the incredibly dedicated network of Landcare and friends groups of the region.
Our Landcare sticky beak tour provides an opportunity for our local Landcare and environment groups to showcase their work both online over the month of October 2022, and in person at the launch on Saturday 8 October 2022 at Honeycomb Reserve (end of Honeycomb Rd), Campbells Creek VIC from 10.00 am to 12 noon.
Connecting Country will launch the project in partnership with local Landcare and friends groups, with a walking tour in and around sites in the Campbells Creek area. This is a great opportunity to hear about the activities of local Landcare groups, meet some of the Landcarers and share their stories. Everyone is welcome and morning tea will be provided. Sturdy walking shoes and drink bottles are recommended.
Please book to assist us with planning.
To book for this free event – click here
If you have questions about the Landcare sticky beak tour please contact Connecting Country’s Landcare Facilitator, Hadley Cole – hadley@connectingcountry.org.au
This project is funded by North Central Catchment Management Authority as part of the Victorian Landcare Grants.
Landcare sticky beak tour 2022 – Castlemaine Landcare Group
Posted on 29 September, 2022 by Hadley Cole
As part of the Landcare Sticky Beak Tour in October 2022 we will be celebrating the work of Landcare and friends groups across the Mount Alexander/ Leanganook region.
Today we will have a little sticky beak into the wonderful work of Castlemaine Landcare Group.
Castlemaine Landcare Group volunteers hard at work (photo by Gerry Egan)
Castlemaine Landcare Group (CLG) has been running for 20 years and has achieved a great deal along Forest and Moonlight Creeks, close to the centre of Castlemaine VIC. An area of gorse, blackberry and other weeds, has been transformed into a place of natural diversity and beauty. There is always more to do to encourage indigenous flora and fauna and deal with the ever-present weed challenges. CLG are a welcoming and well-organised group, and are always pleased to see new volunteers join their regular working bees.
To explore some of CLG work head to the Happy Valley (or Leanganook) walking track alongside Forest Creek, from Happy Valley Road to Colles Rd, or the stretch of Moonlight Creek from Happy Valley Rd downstream to Forest Creek. This is a beautiful part of the local environment and showcases Castlemaine Landcare’s work over 20 years. The area is shown on the map below, with marked access points (eg. E2) and our names for work areas (eg., The Copses). This area stretches for about 1 km, and can be approached as one walk, or in parts.
CLG has about 40 members plus a number of other regular helpers. They work predominantly on the Crown Land along the creek reserves, with some involvement of neighbouring landholders. Working bees are usually held every fortnight.
Further details can be found on the CLG website (castlemainelandcare.org.au) or Facebook page (facebook.com/CastlemaineLandcare)
This October, get out there and explore your local neighbourhood and see what plants and animals you can find in your local Landcare group’s sites!
A happy Kookaburra enjoying the scenery (photo by Gerry Egan)
The Sticky Beak Tour was made possible through the Victorian Landcare Grants with the North Central Catchment Management Authority.
Announcing Connecting Country AGM – 19 November 2022
Posted on 26 September, 2022 by Ivan
Connecting Country is delighted to announce our Annual General Meeting (AGM) for 2022. After two years of online AGMs, we finally meet at the magnificent Campbells Creek Community Centre in person. Hurrah!
Please join us for this free event on Saturday 19 November 2022 at 2.00 pm for brief AGM formalities, afternoon tea and our special guest presenter. As usual, it will be much more than an AGM!
Our theme is ‘Caring for large old trees in our landscape’ and we will feature a special presentation:
Large old trees: Caring and sharing their future
Chris Pocknee – Landscape and Biodiversity Conservation Ecologist with Biolinks Alliance
Chris is an ecologist with a passion for understanding the threats facing native fauna and ecosystems, and how we can address these issues. Chris grew up in the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne and completed his MSc at the University of Melbourne in 2017 before undertaking an internship with the Australian Wildlife Conservancy in NSW. Chris has recently submitted his PhD thesis at the University of Queensland, where he studied the impacts of fire and feral cats on the Endangered northern bettong. He relishes collaborative ecological work, and is passionate about empowering communities to conserve and recover local biodiversity. Chris loves exploring the outdoors, camping, wildlife photography and football.
Join Chris to learn about how to care for old trees in our landscape, and how vital they are to a host of woodland birds and other wildlife.
Everyone is most welcome! Please register your attendance for the meeting – click here
AGM formalities
The following Connecting Country AGM 2022 documents are available for download:
- Committee nomination form – click here
- Proxy voting form – click here
- AGM 2021 minutes – click here
Our independant financial audit report 2022 is in progress and will be available in early November prior to the AGM.
Please note only current Connecting Country members can vote in the AGM. To become a member or renew your membership – click here
If you have any questions, please email info@connectingcountry.org.au
Thank you to the Ian & Shirley Norman Foundation for their invaluable support of our ‘Caring for large old trees’ project.
Landcare sticky beak tour – Saturday 8 October 2022
Posted on 21 September, 2022 by Hadley Cole
The Mount Alexander region Landcare sticky beak tour is a celebration of Landcare and friends groups across the region! Many of the natural spaces you can experience in our beautiful region have been lovingly brought back to life and cared for by the incredibly dedicated network of Landcare and friends groups of the region.
Our Landcare sticky beak tour provides an opportunity for our local Landcare and environment groups to showcase their work both online over the month of October 2022, and in person at the launch on Saturday 8 October 2022 at Honeycomb Reserve (end of Honeycomb Rd), Campbells Creek VIC from 10.00 am to 12 noon.
Connecting Country will launch the project in partnership with local Landcare and friends groups, with a walking tour in and around sites in the Campbells Creek area. This is a great opportunity to hear about the activities of local Landcare groups, meet some of the Landcarers and share their stories. Everyone is welcome and morning tea will be provided. Sturdy walking shoes and drink bottles are recommended.
Please book to assist us with planning.
To book for this free event – click here
If you have questions about the Landcare sticky beak tour please contact Connecting Country’s Landcare Facilitator, Hadley Cole – hadley@connectingcountry.org.au
This project is funded by North Central Catchment Management Authority as part of the Victorian Landcare Grants.
Celebrate 25 years with Harcourt Valley Landcare
Posted on 1 September, 2022 by Frances
Its’s been 25 years since a small group of passionate locals came together to form Harcourt Valley Landcare, near Castlemaine in central Victoria. Many projects and volunteer hours have helped protect the unique Harcourt Valley environment.
Harcourt Valley Landcare invite the Mount Alexander community and Landcare network to come and celebrate with them over a morning tea from 10.00 am to 12.00 pm on Sunday 25 September 2022 at Leanganook Campground, Mount Alexander VIC. All are welcome to join and hear from guest speaker and local legend, George Milford.
For further event details please refer to their flyer – click here
If you wish to attend please RSVP by 16 September 2022 via email: info@harcourtvalleylandcare.org
But that’s not all!
Harcourt Valley Landcare just published their brand new, fabulous brochure promoting their wonderful people and beautiful landscape to prospective members.
To view the new Harcourt Valley Landcare brochure – click here
To learn more about Harcourt Valley Landcare, please visit their website – click here
We wish Harcourt Valley Landcare a very happy birthday and many congratulations for their many achievements over the last 25 years.
A chance to win plants for your next Landcare project!
Posted on 24 August, 2022 by Jacqui
Landcare groups of the Mount Alexander region – we want to hear from you!
We are delighted to announce a giveaway as part of our Rapid Response Landcare Recovery project.
We encourage local Landcare groups to enter for a chance to win 50 plants and protective tree guards and stakes to use on one of your projects.
To enter please answer this question in 100 words or less:
‘How would 50 plants and guards add value to one of your Landcare projects?’
Please respond via comments on this blog, email (hadley@connectingcountry.org.au) or on this post on the Connecting Country Facebook page. Make sure to identify your Landcare group in your response.
Competition closes Wednesday 31 August 2022.
This competition is only open to Landcare groups within the Mount Alexander region of central Victoria.
Our Rapid Response Landcare Recovery project was made possible due to the generosity of the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust and their commitment to supporting the restoration and protection of sustainable environments across Victoria.
Bonnie and Ivan from Connecting Country holding a selection of plants (photo by Jacqui Slingo)
Window strike: when birds hit windows – 12 August 2022
Posted on 4 August, 2022 by Frances
Swift Parrot (photo by Michael Gooch)
Our friends at Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club and BirdLife Castlemaine District are teaming up to host a joint meeting. Local nature guru Tanya Loos will speak on an important topic that is sure to interest many of our readers.
Friday 12 August 2022 at 7.30 pm via Zoom
Speaker: Tanya Loos, Nature writer and science communicator
Topic: Window strike: when birds hit windows
Window strike is a huge problem for common birds as well as threatened species such as the Swift Parrot and Powerful Owl. Many of us have had the unfortunate experience of a thud or even a crash as a bird in rapid flight collides with a window at home. The good news is there are easy steps you can take to prevent this happening.
The meeting will be held by Zoom. All are welcome.
If you have not joined earlier webinars and wish to attend, please email Peter Turner at munrodsl@iinet.net.au
Celebrate National Tree Day at events near you!
Posted on 27 July, 2022 by Hadley Cole
Sunday 31 July 2022 is National Tree Day – a day for the whole country to come together and celebrate the indigenous plants of the nation.
Established in 1996, National Tree Day has grown into Australia’s largest community tree planting and nature care event. The program is a call to action for all Australians to get their hands dirty and give back to their community. Each year, around 300,000 people volunteer their time to engage in environmental activities that educate Australians about the world around them.
Local Landcare groups often celebrate National Tree Day with planting events across the region. If you are keen to get involved see below for events (including the Castlemaine Landcare Group planting we posted about yesterday), happening across the Mount Alexander region this coming Sunday 31 July 2022.
Castlemaine Landcare Group planting
When: Sunday 31 July 2022, 10:00am
Where: You can access the site from Happy Valley Road – see access point E2 on our website https://castlemainelandcare.org.au/where-we-work/
What to bring: As per usual practice – don’t come if you have any COVID symptoms, maintain social distance, wear stout footwear and gloves, plus sun-protection.
Bring your own cup and drinking water.
How to register: Please register at clgvolunteers99@gmail.com with the heading WORKING.
For more information visit the Castlemaine Landcare Group website – here or their Facebook page – here
Friends of Campbells Creek
When: Sunday 31 July 2022, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Where: here on the walking trail near Yandell Street, Castlemaine for a 10:00 a.m. start. There is plenty of space for car parking at the east end of Yandell Street here.
What to bring: Light gloves, sturdy clothing suited to the weather and footwear appropriate for wet ground: gumboots are strongly advised! And your own drinking water if needed.
RSVP: Please email info.focc.org.au@gmail.com for catering purposes. There will be a barbecue provided at midday.
For more information head over to the Friends of Campbells Creek website – here
Tarrangower Wheel Cactus Control Group
Planting trees and other indigenous plants are definitely an important part of building species diversity and ecosystem resilience. However, weed management is just as important in the protection of our native species. This National Tree Day the Tarrangower Wheel Cactus Control Group aka The Cactus Warriors are hosting a field day to demonstrate how to destroy Wheel Cactus.
When: Sunday 31 July 2022, 10:30am and end with an enjoyable BBQ and friendly chat.
Where: The location is on a property a few kms north of Maldon in Baringhup Road, just after the turn off from Bridgewater Road (the route will be signposted).
What to bring: Sturdy foot ware and warm clothing
RSVP: via the website www.cactuswarriors.org
National Tree Day is a fun opportunity to take on-ground action in the protection of our region’s biodiversity. Your action on this day (and every other day of the year) goes a long way in establishing more native and indigenous species in the region which contribute greatly to healthy ecosystems and happy flora and fauna communities!
A successful Landcare Link-up for winter 2022
Posted on 22 June, 2022 by Hadley Cole
On 2 June 2022 Connecting Country hosted a Landcare Link-up with the theme of ‘Getting to know Connecting Country’. Our Landcare Link-ups provide an opportunity for Landcare and Friends groups of the Mount Alexander region to come together and share information, knowledge and experience. Historically, Connecting Country hosts a Landcare Link-up twice a year.
The event was held at the lovely historical Chewton Town Hall on a cold winters evening. Attendees came far and wide from Sutton Grange, Nuggety and Redesdale and represented eight Landcare groups from the region. Frances Howe and Brendan Sydes from Connecting Country gave a brief presentation on the work Connecting Country is involved in outside of Landcare, which covers community engagement, landscape restoration, and biodiversity monitoring.
Attendees enjoyed the opportunity to understand more about Connecting Country as an organisation and meet some of the staff and committee members who make all the work happen. It was also a great chance for neighbouring Landcare groups to discuss some of the restoration challenges they have on the ground and compare notes on the various landscapes the
y are working across.
We all enjoyed a hot and tasty vegetable soup and crusty bread for dinner followed by cakes and biscuits for dessert, which were all made possible by generous donations from wonderful local businesses Green Goes the Grocer, Sprout Bakery and Maxi IGA Castlemaine. It is heartwarming to know that local business will dig deep when it comes to supporting our local Landcare groups who do an amazing job in protecting and enhancing biodiversity in the Mount Alexander Region.
A special thank you to Hadley, Marie and Bonnie for setting up the venue and making the soup!
If you would like to connect with your local Landcare or Friends group – click here
To find out more about Landcare in the region, please contact our local Landcare Facilitator, Hadley – hadley@connectingcountry.org.au
Wetland plant identification and ecology course 2022
Posted on 16 June, 2022 by Frances
Our colleagues and wetland experts, Damien Cook and Elaine Bayes, have some excellent news: The Wetland Plant Identification and Ecology Course is back for 2022! Read on for details from the Wetland Revival Trust.
Commencing December 2022, this course is for anyone interested in Wetland Plant Identification and wetland ecology.
The course is run on three separate days from December 2022 to April 2023 to allow participants to observe the changing seasons and water depths of the stunning Reedy Lagoon, Gunbower Island over a five month period. Each of the three days will focus on a different wetland habitat (wetting and drying) and associated plant community.
To find our more or register – click here
The course is now being run through the new not for profit charitable trust, the Wetland Revival Trust. All profits from the course will feed into to wetland purchase, wetland projects and management. See www.wetlandrevivaltrust.org to find out more.
To download the full course information flyer – click here
Bees and mosses with Castlemaine Field Nats – 10 & 11 June 2022
Posted on 7 June, 2022 by Ivan
As a monthly tradition, our friends and project partners at Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club (CFNC) hold a meeting with a guest speaker on the second Friday of the month, followed by a group excursion or field trip the following day. The Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club have provided the following details about their June 2022 meeting and excursion, which both sound fascinating. All are welcome to attend. For more information on CFNC, please visit their website – click here
Monthly meeting: Friday 10 June 2022 at 7.30pm via Zoom
‘What’s on a bee’s mind? Understanding the behaviours of native and introduced bees’ with Dr Scarlett Howard (Deakin University)
How do we ask a bee a question? Can you train a bee? What types of tasks can they solve? Can they acquire concepts? What is the limit of intelligence in a miniature brain?
Scarlett will answer these questions and more using examples from the European honeybee and Australian native bees. We’ll discuss how you can train a bee, how training differs between species, and how to treat bees as individuals. We will learn how understanding learning, memory and cognition in insects informs us about pollination. And we’ll delve into how we’re pushing the limits of what a miniature bee brain is capable of.
If you have registered for our previous webinar meetings you will be sent the link for registering with Zoom. If you have not joined before and wish to attend, please email Peter Turner at munrodsl@iinet.net.au
Excursion: Saturday 11 June 2022 at 10 am
Moss Foray at Clinkers Hill with Cassia Read
Cassia will take us for a slow walk in the Clinkers Bushland reserve and nearby, exploring the variety of moss species along the way. She will give us clues for distinguishing mosses from lichens and point out the features useful for identification of different moss species including the habitat where they are growing. She will explain the importance of mosses in our ecosystem and their role as colonisers after fire and soil disturbance.
Meet: 10.00am at the Octopus (Duke St, Castlemaine VIC, opposite the Castle Motel) or 10.10 am at the top end of Preshaw Street, Castlemaine where the tar turns to dirt road.
Bring: Water, snacks, sturdy shoes and hat. There will be some hand lenses available, but bring a hand lens if you have one. If it’s a dry day it would be good for a few people to bring a spray bottle of water.
The field trip will be cancelled in extreme weather conditions.
Landcare Link-up event – getting to know Connecting Country
Posted on 26 May, 2022 by Hadley Cole
We are hosting a Landcare Link-up event for Landcarers of the Mount Alexander region with the theme Getting to know Connecting Country. Landcare group and friends group members come along and join us and learn more about the work Connecting Country does. It is also a wonderful opportunity to get together with neighbouring Landcarers in the region.
When: Thursday 2 June 2022 from 6.00-8.00 pm
Where: Chewton Town Hall, 141 Main Rd, Chewton VIC
We will also hold a Landcare open mic session where you can have your say about Landcare in the region. A soup supper will be provided.
Please register your attendance via the following link before 5.00 pm on Sunday 29 May 2022:
https://www.trybooking.com/BZOGF
For more information please contact hadley@connectingcountry.org.au
We look forward to seeing you there!