Integrated Weed Management workshops
Posted on 21 June, 2011 by Connecting Country
Landcare and the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) are hosting an informative workshop titled ‘Integrated Weed Management’ to be held at Boort and Woodend, on Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 June respectively.
The ‘Integrated Weed Management’ workshops will be presented by prominent Professor Brian Sindel from the University of New England. Formally a member of CSIRO, Professor Sindel is now the Professor of Weed Science at the University. Professor Sindel is an author and editor of a wide range of well-known weed management resources and has over twenty years of invaluable knowledge, research and experience in weed ecology and management.
Continue Reading »
27 June – Reference Group Meeting
Posted on 10 June, 2011 by Connecting Country
What will Connecting Country look like in 5 years time? Please join us to share your thoughts and ideas to help shape the future direction of the project.
An agenda will be sent prior to the meeting. For minutes from the last meeting click here. All are invited. We would love to see at least one member from each Landcare/friends group attend.
The meeting will take place in the Ray Bradfield Rooms, Castlemaine, between 7 pm and 9 pm.
World Environment Day in Castlemaine
Posted on 25 May, 2011 by Connecting Country
World Environment Day will be celebrated in Castlemaine on Sunday 5 June with an Environmental Expo in the Market Building organised by Trust for Nature. Connecting Country, Friends of the Box-Ironbark Forests, MASG and a range of other local environmental organisations, community groups and schools have organised displays and activities for the morning which starts at 10am and finishes at midday.
The event will be family friendly with children’s art activities at various stalls and there will be short environmental documentaries. It will be a good opportunity for people to find out how they can be involved in environmental initiatives in the area. Everyone is welcome. The Expo coincides with the Farmers market which will take place in the adjacent Victory Park.
The mayor of Mount Alexander Shire, Janet Cropley, will launch the councils new Environment Strategy during the morning.
More information can be found here.
3 June 2011 – ‘Recreating the Country’ Field Day
Posted on 22 May, 2011 by Connecting Country
The Ballarat Region Treegrowers is hosting ‘Recreating the Country’ Field Day on Friday 3 June 2011 at the ImLal Biorich Demonstration site (VicRoads Country Directory Map 77 ref B4). The day starts at 10am and finishes at 4.15pm.
Recreating the Country is a new model of revegetation that integrates conservation with production. This new model aims to enrich habitat potential across rural Landscapes, not just for a lifetime, but for centuries to come. The field day will involve talks and site tours by conservation and farm forestry experts. Download the flyer here for further information.
If there is sufficient interest from community members, the North Central CMA is planning on organising a bus from Bendigo to the field day site. For further information or to register your interest in attending the field day via bus please contact Ashley Beven, Regional Landcare Facilitator, North Central CMA by Friday 27 May 2011:
Phone: (03) 5440 1864
Mobile: 0428 508 726
Email: ashley.beven@nccma.vic.gov.au
Free Community Grants Writing Workshops
Posted on 20 May, 2011 by Connecting Country
The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is providing free Community Grants Workshops throughout the catchment. The workshops, which will cover the 2011-12 Victorian Landcare Grants, will also include a Community Grant Writing course. The course, run by a professional writer, Kerry Anderson, will provide participants with practical advice and guidance in writing and developing funding applications.
The Castlemaine workshop will be held at the Ray Bradfield Rooms, Victory Park on Tuesday 31 May, starting at 6pm and finishing at 9pm (including supper). There will be similar workshops in Wedderburn, Kyneton, Maryborough and Kerang. Click here for further details.
Bookings are essential. All sessions are free and a light meal will be provided.
RSVP to reception@nccma.vic.gov.au or telephone 03 5448 7124 at least two days prior to the workshop, indicating which venue you would like to attend and any dietary requirements.
Ecology Field Days
Posted on 18 May, 2011 by Connecting Country
The first two Ecology Field Days run by Connecting Country will take place soon. The Geology and Soils day has been booked out but there are some spaces still available for the Yellow Box Woodlands day. Bookings are essential. Contact contact Krista on 5472 1594 or krista@connectingcountry.org.au
29 May: Geology and Soils (Phil Dyson, North Central CMA)
We will visit sites that will give us an overview of the main geological influences in Mt Alexander Shire. We will explore the mysteries of soils, the relationships between soil and geology, and consider how have the different geologies have shaped our use of the land.
5 June: Yellow Box Woodlands (jointly led by Ian Higgins from Friends of Campbells Creek Landcare and North Central CMA, and Paul Foreman from Bush Heritage Australia and Blue Devil Consulting)
We will explore two sites to see an area of old yellow box woodland and one that has been greatly altered by land uses. We will learn about the interactions of trees, shrubs, herbs and fungi at each site and consider what opportunities each offers for animal habitat.
Both sessions run from 9am to 1.30pm. Transport is provided and the cost for each day is $10. For full details click here.
26 May 2011 – Fungi: Exploring a Forgotten Kingdom
Posted on 17 May, 2011 by Connecting Country
The first of Connecting Country’s 2011 free evening talks, Fungi: Exploring a Forgotten Kingdom, will take place on Thursday 26 May. The seminar will be held at the Campbells Creek Community Centre. Supper will be served at 6.30pm followed by the talk at 7 pm. Entry is free and members of the public of all ages are welcome. However, to give us an indication of likely numbers for catering purposes, it would be helpful if you could let us know by Friday 20 May if you are planning to attend: contact Krista on 5472 1594 or krista@connectingcountry.org.au
Mycena epipterygi. Photo By Alison Pouliot
Boletellus obscurecoccineu. Photo by Alison Pouliot
Fungi expert, Alison Pouliot, will be the speaker. She writes that ‘we are constantly surrounded by fungi; in the soil, in the air, in the rivers and oceans, the forests and deserts, and perhaps even between our toes. Following the torrential rains these last months we’re likely to be surrounded by even more. The Mount Alexander Shire has a rich diversity of fungi and is the ideal place for an autumn fungi foray. Due to the warm and moist soil conditions the first fungi are already poking through the earth. It looks like we could be in for a bumper season. Continue Reading »
13 May 2011 – Expert to Talk on Frog Declines – and Recovery
Posted on 10 May, 2011 by Connecting Country
Respected Melbourne-based biologist, Dr Richard Retallick, is presenting a summary of the research on the decline and possible recovery of frogs to the Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club on the evening of Friday 13 May (8pm at the Uniting Church Hall, entry from Lyttleton St, Castlemaine). All members of the community are welcome to attend. Entry is free.
Through the 1980s and 1990s, biologists were coming to a terrible consensus – populations of frog species were in decline at an alarming rate worldwide to the point where many species appeared to have disappeared completely within a short timeframe. At least two Australian frog species became extinct, and another two previously common local frog species, the Growling Grass Frog (Litoria raniformis) and Bibron’s Toadlet (Pseudophryne bibronii), effectively disappeared from the broader Castlemaine area.
Dr Richard Retallick was in the early phase of his academic career when a new potential causal factor was discovered – a disease called Amphibian Chytrid Fungus. Dr Retallick recalls, “Most of the populations that I had planned to study had either disappeared entirely or were reduced to a small number of individuals. Once chytrid fungus was identified for the first time, and linked to the unexplained frog declines worldwide, I was inevitably drawn into the whirlwind quest that followed, racing the clock to understand the impact and ecology of the fungus, which took me from the tropics of northern Australia to the deserts of Arizona and back to southern Australia.
“Despite its terrible consequences, the story of the discovery of chytrid fungus and the worldwide research to understand its origins and impacts and to find possible cures, is a remarkable one. There are still many unknowns, but each year a bit more of the puzzle is solved.”
24 May 2011 – Information Session for Small Landholders
Posted on 9 May, 2011 by Connecting Country
The North Central Catchment Management Authority has organised an information session aimed at lifestyle landholders who wish to find out more about protecting the natural values of their properties.
Topics covered will include covenanting, incentives and rebates available, sources of funding, grazing regimes for small herds, and projects to help you improve your place. David Stewart from the Department of Primary Industry Small Landholder Information Service will be the speaker.
The session will run from 6.30pm till 8.00pm and will be held in the Bendigo Council Offices. A light meal and children’s activities will be provided.
For further information click here.
22 May 2011 – Nuggetty Planting Day
Posted on 2 May, 2011 by Connecting Country
This is an invitation to help plant 1000 indigenous seedlings on 22 May for a project funded by Connecting Country and supported by BRIT. For more details click here.
9 June 2011 – Biodiversity Across the Borders Conference
Posted on 25 April, 2011 by Connecting Country
The theme for the 2011 Biodiversity Across Borders Conference is “Vulnerability and Resilience of Ecosystems”. The conference will be held at the Mt. Helen campus of the University of Ballarat on 9 June 2011. Continue Reading »
Connecting Country Education Program 2011
Posted on 21 April, 2011 by Connecting Country
The Connecting Country Education Program for 2011 has now been finalised. There will be field days on Geology and Soils, Yellow Box Woodlands and Rivers and Streams and evening talks on Fungi, Fire and Cultural Heritage. A flyer about the program can be downloaded here and full details and an application form can be found here.
Creasys Road Revegetation Project Launch
Posted on 27 November, 2009 by Connecting Country
Come and be inspired by this fantastic project!
The Muckleford Catchment Landcare Group invites you to the official launch of the Creasys Road Revegetation Project.
The project will be launched by Cr Brook Acklom. A walking tour of the project will be conducted by the Project Manager, Sue Slaytor. This will be followed by an informal BBQ with refreshments. Please bring your children, your neighbors, your friends and your own chairs.
Where: Northern Boundary of 89 Creasys Road, Muckleford (look for the signs on the day).
RSVP: Paul Hampton, Secretary, 5474 2189, paul-hampton@bigpond.com by Monday 30 November.
Serrated Tussock slasher workshop
Posted on 13 November, 2009 by Connecting Country
The Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party, the National Serrated Tussock Management Group and the National Chilean Needle Grass Taskforce would like to inform you of new modifications that can be made to slashers to reduce the spread ofnoxious weeds such as Serrated Tussock (Nassella Trichotoma) and Chilean Needle Grass (Nassella Neesiana).
Slasher fans and slasher covers are a reasonably new invention which significantly reduces the spread of invasive species particularly Serrated Tussock and Chilean Needle Grass.
The Department of Primary Industries in partnership with Hume City Council and Macedon Ranges Shire Council are testing prototype slasher covers this year on tractor linkage slashers to minimise weed spread. The project with the Hume and Macedon municipalities aims to not only test the prototype but also promote the concept to other grass slashing contractors.
The field day is at Somerton Rd, Greenvale (Melway Map 178 E6).
The day will finish with lunch.
Register your intention to attend by email to charles.grech@dpi.vic.gov.au or phone (03) 9217 4120.
Click here to read articles from the October 2009 ‘Tussock Times’.
Woodend Landcare Group Working Bee
Posted on 12 November, 2009 by Connecting Country
All are welcome to join the Woodend Landcare Group for their final working bee for 2009.
Activities will take place along the new Five Mile Creek track, south of the creek. Please bring along your gardening tools, hat, gloves and sunscreen.
Enjoy a morning tea afterwards provided by Woodend Landcare Group. RSVP’s are essential.
Location: meet at the end of Pyke Street, Woodend
To RSVP contact: Jo Clancy, President Woodend Landcare Group
on 5427 1909 or email rasbooks@netcon.net.au
Stanley Park AGM and talk on Birds of the Macedon Ranges
Posted on 12 November, 2009 by Connecting Country
Stanley Park Committee of Management invites you their AGM which will include a presentation on ‘Birds of the Macedon Ranges’ by Bruce Donaldson.
This fully illustrated talk will introduce you to the birds you are likely to encounter in the Macedon Ranges with commentary on their frequency, location and behaviour as well as tips for observing and identifying them.
Venue: Jubilee Hall, Smith Street, Macedon
Light refreshments will follow the meeting
To RSVP contact: The Secretary, Stanley Park Committee of Management on 5426 242 or email stanleyparkmountmacedon@gmail.com
Woodend district Aboriginal Heritage and Aboriginal Heritage Act talk
Posted on 12 November, 2009 by Connecting Country
Learn about the Aboriginal Heritage of the Woodend District and the Aboriginal Heritage Act at a talk to be presented by the Woodend Landcare Group.
Guest speaker Dr. Vincent Clarke, noted archaeologist and Woodendl resident, will discuss the pre-European history of the area and subsequent European settlement, as well as how the Aboriginal Heritage Act impacts on local community groups.
Bookings are essential.
Venue: Woodend Neighbourhood House, Forest Street, Woodend
Supper will be provided
To RSVP contact Jo Clancy, President Woodend Landcare Group
on 5427 1909
email rasbooks@netcon.net.au
Cactus Killing Field Day
Posted on 12 November, 2009 by Connecting Country
Parks Victoria and Tarrengower Cactus Control Committee:
Location: East side of Cairn Curran, follow the signs from the main entrance.
Sausage sizzle at about 12.30pm.
It’s the last field day for the year, so come and celebrate a great year’s work.
For more information contact Tony Kane on 5475 2973.
FREE volunteer recruitment workshop
Posted on 12 November, 2009 by Connecting Country
At: North Central CMA, Midland Highway, Huntly
A workshop exploring what motivates people to volunteer and how to meet your volunteers’ needs is being run in Bendigo. Brought to you by Conservation Volunteers Australia the workshop will include;
- Organisation self review
- Discussion of successful volunteer recruitment and retention strategies.
This will be an invaluable workshop for Landcare Groups wanting to retain
and increase membership.
Numbers are limited and registration is essential.
To register contact Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA)
email training@conservationvolunteers.com.au
phone the Bendigo CVA office on 0354 440 777
Click here to see the flyer for full details
Flora Identification Course
Posted on 8 November, 2009 by Connecting Country
Brought to you by McKenzies Hill Action & Landcare Group.
Run by Paul Foreman, consultant Botanist and Bush Heritage Australia Ecologist, the course aims to give participants an introduction to the ecosystems and indigenous flora of the Castlemaine area.
The course will run over four Sundays from 2pm – 4pm. There is a day long bus tour of the shire after the four field based sessions.
Sunday September 27th – Introduction to common trees. At Lushington Hill Bushland Reserve (Cnr. Martin & Monaghan streets, Diamond Gully).
Sunday October 4th – Common shrubs. At Kaweka Wildflower Reserve (Cnr. Hargreaves & Turner streets, Castlemaine).
Sunday October 11th – Common wildflowers. At Expedition Pass Reservoir (Reservoir Car Park, Point Road, Faraday).
Sunday November 8th – Common grasses. At Castlemaine Botanic Gardens (Northern Cark Park off Downes Rd).
Sunday November 15th – Tour of the shire. Bus provided. Meeting and returning to the car park opposite the Railway Hotel, Gingell St, Castlemaine. 10am – 4pm
For more information and to book contact Paul Foreman on 5472 4874 or 0429 134 592