Tis the season to be planting
Posted on 4 June, 2020 by Ivan
Connecting Country are busily preparing to roll out our 2020 revegetation projects across the region over the next few months, with an abundance of moisture and perfect growing conditions. Recent rainfall in central Victoria means planting conditions are likely to be particularly good compared with in recent years, which has us excited about the prospects for the 4,500 plants ready at the Connecting Country depot.
Of the 4,500 plants, 1,500 have been provided by TreeProject and the remaining provided through Connecting Country’s funded landscape restoration projects TreeProject is a wonderful not-for-profit group that connects landholders and community groups with volunteers who propagate low-cost indigenous seedlings to revegetate degraded landscapes. TreeProject is able to keep seedling costs as low as possible thanks to the commitment and enthusiasm of the volunteers who propagate the seedlings in their backyards from materials TreeProject supplies.
Our Landscape Restoration Coordinator, Bonnie Humphreys, has spent the past few weeks preparing for plant delivery and ensuring the plants are in top condition. Bonnie said ‘Connecting Country has 23 landholders signed up for the current 2020 batch of plants and projects, but we will be looking to expand to reach further landowners if more funding comes along. We are very lucky to have some terrific local plant suppliers, such as Newstead Natives, an indigenous plant nursery that propagates local plants for our region for habitat restoration’. Please enjoy some photos of the delicious plants, with our staff members Bonnie Humpheys, Jacqui Slingo and Ivan Carter.
2020 tubestock ready for planting (photo by Jacqui Slingo)
Over the past decade, Connecting Country has worked with over 250 landholders and groups to enhance more than 10,000 hectares of habitat across the Mount Alexander region of central Victoria. This equates to approximately 6 percent of the Mount Alexander Shire. ‘It has been my pleasure to again be part of delivering Connecting Country’s revegetation program this year. We have some great projects enabling us to support landholders to restore and create valuable habitat across the shire.’ said Bonnie.
Unfortunately, we do not have any current capacity for additional landowners to join our restoration projects, but are actively seeking further funding. We do encourage landowners to fill out our expression of interest form, or contact us for advice how to conduct restoration work on their properties for optimal biodiversity outcomes. Once we have your details on file, we can let you know of opportunities for assistance as they arise. To access the expression of interest form – click here
To find out more about our current projects or discuss your eligibility, please email us at info@connectingcountry.org.au. If you have filled out an expression of interest form in the past 12 months, we have you on file and you don’t need to fill in another form, but you can always let us know you are still interested via email.
Connecting Country has a long-standing history of restoring landscapes across our region (photo: Connecting Country archive)
We plant, we look, we learn, we share, we cycle
Posted on 28 May, 2020 by Ivan
We received a fabulous Landcare story written by Beth Mellick from Muckleford Catchment Landcare Group, as part of Connecting Country’s ‘Landcare Stories’ series. The story highlights the importance of Landcare in our community, and how Landcare can be fun and engaging in many different ways across our diverse community. Since early 2012 Connecting Country has employed a local Landcare Facilitator to support the work of community land management groups in the Mount Alexander region of central Victoria.
To join a local Landcare group, please visit our list of contact details for the Mount Alexander region – click here
Please enjoy the following words by Beth Mellick. For more details about Muckleford Catchment Landcare and their current activities – click here
Muckleford Catchment Landcare is made up of a vibrant group of landholders who are interested in being sustainable and want to know more about protecting their local environment.
We help each other out, share information and get together to plant trees to increase habitat connectivity. We hold workshops and events, and are active around protecting our roadsides and native species. We monitor nest boxes once a year at the Walmer Conservation Reserve, and have an annual bike ride. We leave weed control to contractors, and concentrate our time on activities that are enjoyable, interesting and social.
Once a year we get together and plan our activities for the following year: looking at someone else’s property, workshops on something we want to know (like how to retain water in the landscape or turn a dam into a wetland), and where we can plant habitat for strategic connections in the Muckleford landscape. We also look to partner with Connecting Country and other local groups on projects that will benefit our members.
We wanted to do something different – something fun that we could make an annual event for members to look forward to. We use the bike lane beside the railway line, starting at the Muckleford train station, going through Maldon and ending up at a local pub for lunch, before we return. We attract new members to this event. They often bring friends and family members of all ages and interests to get involved, and we love it.
Muckleford Catchment Landcare aims to:
- Improve water quality in the Muckleford Creek and its tributaries.
- Conserve soil in the Muckleford Creek catchment.
- Create a healthy and viable balance between farming and biodiversity.
- Encourage discussion, debate, participation and co-operation between landholders within the catchment.
- Harness local knowledge and expertise to improve the environment and productivity.
- Assist landholders to access funding for land improvement projects.
Annual Muckleford Landcare bike ride (photo: Muckleford Catchment Landcare Group)
Farm dam enhancement – webinar on 4 June 2020
Posted on 28 May, 2020 by Ivan
Join Sustainable Farms ecologists Dr Mason Crane and Eleanor Lang from the Australian National University, and vet Eve Hall for a webinar to learn about:
- Results of Sustainable Farms pilot study into the benefits of enhancing farm dams
- Water quality and its impact on productivity
- Healthy dams and biodiversity – creating habitat for critters such as turtles
The discussion will focus on how this applies to agricultural landscapes within the North East Victoria, South West Slopes, Central Tablelands and Murray-Riverina. However, much of the information will also be relevant to our region.
Farm dam enhancements: free webinar
When: Thursday 4 June 2020 at 12:30 to 2:00 pm (AEST)
To register: click here
For enquiries: contact Tamara Harris, Sustainable Farms, Australian National University by phone (0428 621187) or email (tamara.harris@anu.edu.au).
This workshop will be held using Zoom. Prior to the event, participants will be sent instructions on how to sign in. Participants will need a computer, tablet or phone device with speaker and microphone (camera is not necessary).
For more information on the Sustainable Farms initiative: click here
Farm dams can serve multiple purposes and improve local ecosystems (photo: Sustainable Farms)
Survey on biodiversity priorities in Mount Alexander Shire
Posted on 19 May, 2020 by Jacqui
Tarrangower Cactus Control Group provided the following invitation to complete their brief survey about weed management and compliance in the Mount Alexander Shire by 31 May 2020.
Tarrangower Cactus Control Group has created a very short online survey to try to gauge how other community members and groups within the Mount Alexander Shire feel about noxious weed management within our Shire:
- Are you concerned about the spread of noxious weeds in our local natural environment?
- Do you think enough weed management is carried out by our local Shire?
- Would you like our Shire to treat our natural environment with a greater priority?
- Would you like to make a comment about local weed control?
Here’s the link to the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FPQ6QV8
There’re only 10 simple questions and it should take only 5 minutes to complete. We’ll collate the answers at the end of May 2020.
Tarrangower Cactus Control Group Inc
FAQ about COVID-19 impact on Landcare projects
Posted on 23 April, 2020 by Jacqui
Here is an important update from the Landcare team at Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) about current and future grants for Landcare groups and volunteers. They provide some excellent ideas about how to stay involved in Landcare while complying with COVID-19 restrictions.
Dear project managers and environmental volunteers across Victoria
Thank you to everyone who has contacted staff from the Community Programs team within the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning over the past few weeks to discuss our grants programs, volunteering under coronavirus (COVID-19), and to raise the questions or concerns that you have about your current and future projects. While we all work through this challenging time, we appreciate you getting in contact to discuss these issues with us.
Please see attached a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) update from our team, which provides details about the impact of COVID-19 on the various grants programs that we help deliver, including the possible variation of projects that have been delayed due to COVID-19. The FAQ also includes a list of ideas for staying involved in environmental volunteering while at home and following government COVID-19 measures.
We hope this list provides some useful ideas for ways to stay connected with your environmental volunteering communities, and some helpful suggestions about how you can continue to do your work. If you have any other ideas or suggestions please share them with us and we will add them to future updates, so that others can try them too.
To access the FAQ – click here
If you have any questions please contact DELWP (enviro.grants@delwp.vic.gov.au).
Sharing is caring – Landcare Link-up a success
Posted on 10 March, 2020 by Asha
Do you want to make a difference and help care for our local environment? Are you interested in learning more about caring for our local environment? A great place to start is by getting involved with your local Landcare group!
At our recent ‘Landcare Link-up’ on Saturday 29 February 2020 at the Castlemaine Uniting Church Hall, nine of our local Landcare and Friends groups shared stories of their work with 35 fellow volunteers and other community members. Our region has one of the highest densities of landcare and friends groups in the country, who deliver on-ground works, biodiversity monitoring and landowner education events.
Here is a small taste of what each group spoke about – if anything piques your interest, please go ahead and contact the group to chat more! Contact details can be found on our website by clicking here.
Maldon Urban Landcare Group – Update on their work monitoring and protecting large old trees (aka ‘Living Treasures’) on public land in Maldon.
Friends of Kaweka Sanctuary – The history of Kaweka Sanctuary and the work of the Friends group to care for this beautiful park right in Castlemaine.
Barkers Creek Landcare and Wildlife Group – Information on local rabbit populations, the recent ‘Rabbit Buster workshop’, and how to manage rabbits in our region.
North Harcourt & Sedgwick Landcare – The story of this group’s recent rejuvenation, how they are working to engage new people and the next generation, and their plans for the future.
Intrepid Landcare retreat – An overview of the exciting 2019 Intrepid Landcare retreat for 16 to 35-year-olds in Castlemaine.
Sutton Grange Landcare Group – Introduction to the Albert Cox Memorial Sanctuary and Sutton Grange Landcare Group’s work to care for this special site.
Golden Point Landcare – An engaging talk about the process and benefits of becoming incorporated!
Muckleford Catchment Landcare – How this group keeps Landcare fun by focusing on things like planting days, bike-riding, and good food.
Tarrangower Cactus Control Group – Using biocontrol to support weed control and a new survey for Landcare groups to give feedback on weed management in the Mount Alexander Shire.
A huge thank you to everyone who spoke at the Landcare Link-up and to everyone who came along to share in the storytelling. It was a heart-warming and inspiring afternoon, and a great showcase of the amazing power of volunteer groups!
Landcare volunteers at the February 2020 Landcare Link-up (photo by Jacqui Slingo)
Gorse management info session: 21 March 2020
Posted on 27 February, 2020 by Ivan
Our partners at Sutton Grange Landcare Group have teamed up with the Victorian Gorse Task Force (VGT) to deliver an information session on Gorse (Ulex europaeus). Gorse is a species of flowering plant in the pea family (Fabaceae). It’s native to the British Isles and Western Europe, and has spread over 23 million hectares in Australia.
Join the Victorian Gorse Taskforce (VGT) at the information session with the Sutton Grange Landcare group on Saturday 21 of March 2020, held in the Sutton Grange Hall (921 Faraday-Sutton Grange Rd, Sutton Grange VIC ). There will be information about the role of the Victorian Gorse Taskforce, a chance to chat with their Extension Officer, information on best practice gorse management and refreshments to finish.
RSVP to Brydie Murrihy on 0428 335 705
For more information please contact:
Brydie Murrihy (VGT Extension Officer)
m. 0428 335 705
e. VGT@cva.org.au
or
Christine Brooke (Sutton Grange Landcare)
e. sglg@live.com
The Victorian Gorse Taskforce was formed in 1999 and launched a community-led integrated approach to reducing gorse across the landscape. VGT members include local people who have successfully controlled gorse on their land, as well as natural resource management, agricultural, pest management and other experts. We work with private landowners and public land managers such as the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, local councils and catchment management authorities. We also work with researchers exploring new ways to tackle gorse.
Please enjoy the video below by the VGT, that outlines the impacts of Gorse across Victoria.
You are invited! Join us for the Landcare Link-up – 29 February 2020
Posted on 6 February, 2020 by Asha
Are you interested in learning more about our local Landcare/Friends groups? Maybe you want to get involved in environmental volunteering, meet like-minded people, show your support, or just want to know what Landcarers have been up to? Come along and join local volunteers at the February Landcare Link-up at the Castlemaine Uniting Church Hall.
This is the third annual Link-up dedicated to sharing the stories of Landcarers from the Mount Alexander region and highlighting some of the key projects and achievements. This year Landcarers are keen to invite the broader community and stakeholders along to be part of the journey and learn from the various groups in our region. The Link-up is always a casual and fun affair, with stories from a variety of groups and plenty of time for chatting over hot drinks and snacks.
To read about the Sharing Stories Landcare Link-up in 2019, please click here.
When: Saturday 29 February 2020, 4:00-7:00 pm
Where: Castlemaine Uniting Church Hall, 24 Lyttleton St, Castlemaine Victoria, Australia.
RSVP: by February 24 2020 to asha@connectingcountry.org.au or call (03) 5472 1594
Click here to download the invitation for the Landcare Link-up.
Become a Connecting Country Member: Join us on our landscape restoration journey
Posted on 6 February, 2020 by Ivan
We have noticed many of our supporters are not currently members of Connecting Country. The support we offer is not exclusive to our members, but we would love to sign up some new people and increase our membership in 2020. By being a member, you are showing your support for Connecting Country, and assisting us to achieve our aims and objectives. Membership provides insurance cover when you attend our events and activities or volunteer with us, and also allows you to vote at our Annual General Meeting and have a say on our future direction.
We currently have 250 valued members and would be thrilled to increase our membership to over 300 members this year. More members will assist us when applying for grants and presenting to potential funding bodies.
Membership is free, and needs to be renewed annually. Applications from first time members are submitted to the Committee of Management for official approval.
To become a member of Connecting Country for free, and help us on our mission of landscape restoration, please click here.
Connecting Country runs community education events, attracting over 1,000 attendees in the past year (photo by Ivan Carter)
For a quick recap of some of what we do and why it’s important, view the following video.
How Connecting Country began
In 2007, the Normal Wettenhall Foundation (now Wettenhall Environment Trust) developed a work plan for supporting community-led landscape restoration in south-east Australia. The Executive Officer contacted Friends of the Box-Ironbark Forests (Mount Alexander Region), an environment group in Castlemaine, to see if there was interest in working collaboratively across the region on a landscape restoration project. A reference group formed, eventually leading to the creation of Connecting Country.
During 2008, the project produced a Biodiversity Blueprint (click here for details) that identified our assets, the possible threats they face and what future actions we can take. It suggested directions, clarified priorities in landscape restoration and helped reconcile cultural, agricultural and natural values.
In 2009, Connecting Country worked in partnership with the North Central Catchment Management Authority to implement a program across the local landscape with a specific focus on the threatened Brush-tailed Phascogale (Tuan) and its Yellow Box Woodland habitat.
Since 2012, we have implemented programs related to local Landcare support, habitat connectivity and pest plant and animal management. We have supported development of local action plans, habitat enhancement for woodland birds, community skills training in environmental management and biodiversity monitoring. For more information on our current projects click here.
Ted Macarthy with a revegetated Acacia (photo by Leonie van Eyk)
Rabbit Buster Workshop – 16 February 2020
Posted on 4 February, 2020 by Asha
Are you a property owner or Landcare member wanting to manage rabbits? Wondering what to do next?
Barkers Creek Landcare & Wildlife Group are hosting a workshop and demonstration day as part of the annual Rabbit Buster Month campaign, with support from Connecting Country, Agriculture Victoria, and North Central Catchment Management Authority (NCCMA).
The session will cover:
- Best practice rabbit management- presented by Agriculture Victoria’s Leading Biosecurity Officer, Jessica Seidel.
- Integrated rabbit management.
- Case studies from local Landcare groups and land managers.
- Rabbit management demonstration by Jarrod Coote (field site visit).
Click here to download the flyer with more information about the workshop and how to register.
Why manage rabbits?
Rabbits have been significant pests in Australia since they were released near Geelong, Victoria in 1860. Rabbits are one of Australia’s most serious pest animals and typically:
- Destroy pasture, crops and plant communities, impacting on agriculture and the environment;
- Cause soil erosion and associated sedimentation of waterways;
- Compete with native fauna for food and habitat.
For more information and resources about rabbit management, click here.
Rabbits can impact native vegetation, revegetation, and pastures alike. Photo: Pest Smart CRC
New Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Guide for Landcare
Posted on 9 January, 2020 by Asha
The new Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Guide (published October 2019) assists Landcare and other environmental volunteer groups and networks that care for landscapes in Victoria to better understand the state’s Aboriginal cultural heritage management process.
The guide steps out the process for meeting the requirements of the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 and helps determine whether a Cultural Heritage Permit is required. The guide also provides the key Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Contacts by region and Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs).
To view or download the guide: click here
Yarn at Yapenya – Traditional Owners and Landcarers
Posted on 25 November, 2019 by Asha
Yapenya (aka Mount Barker) is a private property in North Harcourt (Victoria) owned and managed by the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation (DDWCAC). On Sunday 29 September 2019, around 35 Landcare volunteers from the Mount Alexander region and Trent Nelson from DDWCAC gathered around the campfire at Yapenya.
We started with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony from Trent, while the cockatoos watched on from the eucalypts nearby. Everyone then settled in to a good two hours of talking about our connection to the land, and ways to better work together and support each other to care for it. We shared a little afternoon tea, and then went on a wander with Trent while he showed us a bit more of beautiful Yapenya.
Attendees agreed it was an empowering afternoon of connecting and sharing ideas for working together to care for country. One participant said, ‘It felt very special to be part of the day… It was inspiring to hear Trent talking about his vision for the land. I went straight out and bought a yam daisy plant for my garden!’
So, what can you do? If you’re a Landcarer or a landholder wanting to care for the land in line with DDWCAC’s values, here are a few simple actions suggested on the day:
- Plant native food and fibre plants – such as Murnong (Yam Daisy) and Kangaroo Grass.
- Use Dja Dja Wurrung language where possible – for example when on country or at meetings. Stay tuned for a dictionary of words to start with.
- Read the ‘Dja Dja Wurrung Country Plan 2014-2034’ and think about which goals you can help achieve. To download the plan – click here.
Also, you may like to watch the beautiful video called ‘Leanganook: His teeth’, in which Trent speaks about Leanganook (Mount Alexander) and its importance to Dja Dja Wurrung and Taunurung people. To view the video – click here.
A huge thank you to Trent and DDWCAC for working with Connecting Country to organise this ‘Yarn at Yapenya’ gathering, and to everyone who came with open spirit and made it such a worthwhile afternoon. Thanks also to John Walter for taking and sharing his photos from the day.
This event was funded by the North Central Catchment Management Authority through the Victorian Landcare Program, as part of Connecting Country’s ‘Landcare Connections’ project.
Welcome to Country at Yapenya 2019 (photo by Asha Bannon)
Yarn around the campfire (photo by John Walter)
Yapenya walk (photo by John Walter)
Hearing about Yapenya from Trent Nelson (photo by John Walter)
View from Yapenya 1 (photo by John Walter)
View from Yapenya 2 (photo by John Walter)
Do you have a spare rabbit bait station? – we need your help
Posted on 9 October, 2019 by Asha
Over the years Connecting Country has distributed free rabbit bait stations for landholders to use. For more information about what these look like and how they work, click here. These days we are working with less funding and no longer have a supply of bait stations. We hope to source more funding soon. However, in the meantime there is still a need out there!
We have had requests from local landholders and Landcare groups who are struggling with rabbits and need bait stations. We hope to coordinate a rotation system where spare bait stations can be returned to our depot and then be distributed to those who need them.
If you live in the Mount Alexander region and have a bait station that you no longer need, please let us know by emailing info@connectingcountry.org.au or calling (03) 5472 1594.
Cactus Warriors Wanted – Sunday 29 September 2019
Posted on 26 September, 2019 by Ivan
The Tarrangower Cactus Control Group (TCCG) and Parks Victoria will hold their next community field day this Sunday to the west of the Maldon township, Victoria, Australia. This event is open to everyone in the community and is a great way to learn more about the threats posed by Wheel Cactus and do something about the spread across our region.
Come along, enjoy the fresh air, destroy some cactus and then join the community for a free cuppa and sausage sizzle.
Where: 200 Treloars Road, Tarrengower VIC (follow the signs along Watersons Road)
When: 10.30 am to 12.30 pm, Sunday 29th September 2019
Map of the catctus field day location, with the “x” marking the spot
The Tarrangower Cactus Control Group Inc. (TCCG) consists of Landcare volunteers dedicated to the eradication of Wheel Cactus (Opuntia robusta). TCCG, in conjunction with Parks Victoria, holds friendly and informal Wheel Cactus Control community field days to inform and demonstrate control techniques, on the last Sunday of the month from May to October. These field days always end with a free BBQ lunch, cuppa and cake and the opportunity to chat, exchange ideas and make contacts.
It is a great opportunity to spend a rewarding morning outdoors, meeting neighbours and others who are concerned about preserving our unique environment. Everyone is welcome, no previous experience is required and all equipment is supplied. View the video to catch the ‘cactus warriors’ in action.
Cactus Warrior volunteers at work on a Community Field Day (photo by Lee Mead)
The rumours are true: North Harcourt & Sedgwick Landcare is back!
Posted on 12 September, 2019 by Asha
You may have heard the rumors. And yes, they are true! After a five year hiatus, North Harcourt & Sedgwick Landcare Group are planning on planting on, and they need YOU!
Anyone who is interested is welcome to come along to a casual meet up, where they will be throwing a BBQ, giving away some free plants, and showing off some nest boxes.
When: Sunday 22 September 2019 from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Where: Sedgwick Hall, corner Springs Rd and Sedgwick Rd, Sedgwick, VIC (scroll through photos below for a map)
RSVP: Appreciated via nhselandcare@gmail.com or their Facebook event – click here
To stay up-to-date, join their public Facebook group here: click here
Congratulations! – Victorian Landcare Awards 2019
Posted on 5 September, 2019 by Asha
Congratulations to receivers of the Victorian Landcare Awards! The awards were presented last Friday (30 August 2019) in a ceremony at Government House in Melbourne. Our local winners included:
- Malmsbury District Landcare Group – Winner of the Australian Community Media Landcare Community Group Award.
- Harcourt Valley Landcare Group – Highly Commended for the Australian Community Media Landcare Community Group Award.
- Ian Grenda – Highly Commended for the Australian Government Individual Landcarer Award.
On the day a lovely short video was also filmed called ‘I care, We care, Landcare’. To watch the video on YouTube – click here
To read more about the awards and winners – click here
Frances, Maurie, Asha, Ian, Jacqui, Terry, and Sonny celebrating at Government House
Malmsbury District Landcare receive their award
Representatives from Harcourt Valley Landcare Group
Ian Grenda and his daughter
Government House
Asha, Chris, Marie, and Higgo
Landcare Week 2019 is next week!
Posted on 29 August, 2019 by Asha
Ready to get outside and enjoy the sunshine? Want to make a difference and help our local environment? CLICK HERE to see some of the Landcare events happening over the next month. Anyone is welcome to come along to these to give Landcare a try and ask questions.
Connecting Country and the Landcare Steering Group are also running four stalls for Landcare Week from 1 to 8 September 2019. We’ll be at Castlemaine Farmers Market, Castlemaine Maxi IGA, Wesley Hill Market and Maldon Market, so please come by for chat and pick up some free brochures!
Cactus Warrior volunteers at work on a Community Field Day (photo by Lee Mead)
Landcare Stall at the Maldon Market in 2018 (photo courtesy of Tarrangower Times)
Ted Macarthy with a revegetated Acacia (photo by Leonie van Eyk)
Taradale Landcare members at Barkly Park (Photo by Brian Bainbridge)
Paddy, Emily, and Tahnne working hard in the rain! (photo by Asha Bannon)
Wattle walk and talk well received
Posted on 29 August, 2019 by Ivan
The wattles were blooming like crazy for the strong crowd of nearly 50 people at our ‘Wonderful World of Wattles’ event on Saturday 24 August at Campbells Creek in central Victoria. It was a day to remember, with sunny weather and two excellent guest speakers to educate participants about the beauty, benefits and biodiversity of the Acacia (wattle) species in our region. Connecting Country, Friends of Campbells Creek Landcare and Friends of the Box-Ironbark Forests partnered to deliver the event, which was part of our larger ‘Prickly plants for wildlife’ project funded through the North Central Catchment Management Authority.
The event kicked off indoors with retired academic and botanist Rod Orr, who has spent many years volunteering at the Bendigo Field Naturalists Club. Rod provided an excellent overview on the ecology and biological function of wattles. The audience was fascinated to learn that wattles can produce their own nitrogen fertiliser through nodules in their roots, allowing them to live in extremely low-nutrient soils. This explains why they are so useful in colonizing disturbed sites and degraded landscapes, like central Victoria!
The second part of the educational event was a walk and talk with Campbells Creek identity Ian Higgins, through the Campbells Creek Reserve at the end of Honeycomb Road. This site proved perfect for the keen audience to test their skills in identifying the large array of Acacia species that had been re-established at the site. Ian pointed out some of the finer skills in how to differentiate between species. He also gave the group a lesson in growing Acacias from seeds, and managed to get the audience to complete some direct seeding in a site dominated by Phalaris grass!
For those who could not attend, Friends of the Box-Ironbark Forests have developed an excellent 112 page book for sale, suited to beginners. In plain language, and generously illustrated, it presents 21 Acacia species that flourish in the Mount Alexander region of central Victoria. A general introduction explains different features of wattles, helping in identification and appreciation of these tenacious and beautiful plants.
Many thanks to Gen Kay, who generously volunteered her photography skills to capture the following images on the day.
Volunteers help at a Connecting Country workshop (photo by Gen Kay)
Photo: Gen Kay
photo by Gen Kay
Landcare Link-up – July 2019
Posted on 22 August, 2019 by Asha
The theme of our July 2019 Landcare Link-up was volunteer engagement, with a training session on attracting, recruiting, and retaining volunteers. A couple of representatives from each group in the Mount Alexander Region Landcare Network were invited to attend. As well as the training, Landcare Link-ups are always a great chance to meet people from other groups, have a chat, and learn from and support each other.
A small but engaged group of about 13 Landcare volunteers came together for the Link-up. Jenny from Non-profit Training got everyone thinking about the challenges involved in engaging volunteers with a Landcare group. We discussed volunteer burnout, bringing in new people, removing barriers and being inclusive, the different volunteer roles within groups, and much more. Attendees were able to share lessons and ideas with each other, bringing a range of perspectives from their different groups.
Brian from Taradale Landcare, a recently reinvigorated group, shared four ‘pillars of success’ for engaging volunteers with their group:
- Visibility and accessibility – easy to contact and responsive to communications.
- Motivation – doing work that people are interested in.
- Organisation – the value of planning and good governance.
- Sociability – making new people feel welcome, good food and drink!
Thank you to everyone who helped make the Link-up an enjoyable and valuable event. Our biannual Landcare Link-ups are organised by Connecting Country with funding through the Victorian Landcare Facilitator Program.
July 2019 Landcare Link-up (photo by Asha Bannon)
Cactus destroyers wanted – Sunday 25 August 2019
Posted on 22 August, 2019 by Ivan
The Tarrangower Cactus Control Group and Parks Victoria will hold their next Community Field Day on Sunday 25 August 2019, with the group keen to get some new Cactus Warriors on board.
Come and join the Cactus Warriors and Parks Victoria for a morning in the fresh air and learn how best to destroy Wheel Cactus. The location is at the reservoir end of Whitlocks Road, near Maldon VIC. To get there, take South Parkins Reef Road out of Maldon and follow it to the end. The route will be well signposted. The morning’s activities finish with a delicious BBQ lunch and friendly chat. The event is family friendly but children must be accompanied by a parent at all times.
For more information on the infamous Cactus Warriors – click here.
Community Field Day
When: 10.30 am to 12.30 pm on Sunday 25 August 2019
Where: End of Whitlocks Road, Tarrangower VIC (near sheep yards), via South Parkin’s Reef Road and follow the signs.
Come along kill some cactus and then enjoy a free sausage sizzle
Check out the poster below for a location map or visit www.cactuswarriors.org and subscribe for a monthly field day reminder.
