Video on Communities Listening for Nature Castlemaine

Posted on 14 August, 2019 by Ivan

Fresh off the press! We have received Museum Victoria’s published video summary of the fascinating ‘Listening to Nature Citizen Science Video’, which has been mapping out the sounds of our local bushland. Scientific wildlife surveys are essential for reporting and managing biodiversity, and researchers now listen as well as look.

During 2018, a group of volunteers began a project to monitor nocturnal birds in the Mount Alexander region of central Victoria using song meter recorders. This ‘Communities Listening for Nature’ project was run by Victoria National Parks Association (VNPA) in partnership with Museums Victoria and Connecting Country.

The Communities Listening to Nature project uses automated sound recorders to monitor birds in their natural environments. The song meters recorded bird calls at many sites over long time periods. Partnering with local groups, the VNPA  installed recorders at several locations, including Mount Worth State Park and surrounding district, Bunyip State Park, Mount Alexander region and the Wombat State Forest.

Each location has its own study design, which has been developed with input from local groups and land managers, and scientists from Museums Victoria. The recorded nature calls will help them learn more about Victoria’s nature. The recordings are also added to the public library of Victorian bird sounds managed by Museums Victoria and available to everyone from their online collections. Communities The project was supported with funding from the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust.

For more information on the Listening to Nature Program, please click here.

The video contains interviews with the volunteers and participants of the project and gives a great summary of why the project is vital to our future work. The Listening to Nature project uses spectrograms,  a visual representation of an audio signal, with the pitch or frequency displayed vertically, and the time horizontally. High frequencies (like those made by bats) are near the top of the image, while lower frequencies are near the bottom of the image. To learn more about some of the wildlife sounds recorded during the project in our region, please click here.

The filmmakers acknowledge the elders of the Dja Dja Wurrung community and their forebears as the traditional owners of Country in this region.

Where have all the Greater Gliders Gone? – 31 August 2019

Posted on 13 August, 2019 by Jess

Join the Upper Campaspe Landcare Network and Macedon Ranges Shire Council for a discussion about the threatened Greater Glider with mammal experts Peter Menkhorst and Jemma Cripps. Hear about the findings of a recent citizen science project to search for Greater Gliders, Brush-tailed Phascogales and Powerful Owls in the local region. An interactive session with audience participation will follow. Afternoon tea is included.

When: 3.00 to 4.30 pm on Saturday 31 August 2019

Where: Newham Mechanics Institute, 1292 Rochford Road, Newham VIC 3442

To book: Bookings required – click here

For more information: Contact Robin (Landcare) on 0438 271 108

Connecting to community radio

Posted on 8 August, 2019 by Ivan

Connecting Country is now a proud sponsor of the best little radio station in the nation, 94.9 Maine FM, and has a regular radio segment. Once a month we feature on the popular ‘Here Say‘ show, hosted by the excellent Suzanne Donisthorpe. So far we’ve spoken about Connecting Country’s projects, achievements, bird monitoring and re-vegetation work.

Hear Say is a weekly catch up with some of the great things going on, in and around Castlemaine in central Victoria. It features local news, fresh from the papers, interviews with the movers and shakers about town, and a call out for community groups who have things to say and they want people to hear.

Each month we have a special guest joining with a Connecting Country staff member to cover a topic of interest to the broader community. Last month we heard from Jess Lawton (Connecting Country) and Jane Rusden (Birdlife Castlemaine) talking about the re-invention of Connecting Country’s long-term bird monitoring program into a community-driven program driven by active citizen scientists. It was a fascinating chat and well-received by listeners.

This month we’ll hear from Lee Mead from the Tarrangower Cactus Control Group. This dedicated group consists of Landcare volunteers dedicated to the eradication of Wheel Cactus (Opuntia robusta). Tarrangower Cactus Control Group, 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.

Please tune into 94.9 Maine FM at 9.30 am on Tuesday 13 August 2019 to hear Lee Mead and Ivan Carter (Connecting Country) discuss the world of invasive cactus species on the radio and what can be done about this prickly problem. You can listen to Maine FM on your radio on 94.9 FM or via the internet by clicking here.

If you have any environmental topics or conversation you’d like Connecting Country to cover, please let us know by emailing us at: info@connectingcountry.org.au

Jess Lawton and Jane Rusden discuss bird monitoring on Maine FM (photo by Ivan Carter)

Safe Cat, Safe Wildlife

Posted on 8 August, 2019 by Jacqui

The Safe Cat, Safe Wildlife blog is dedicated to keeping cats and wildlife safe

To celebrate International Cat Day, held on 8 August each year, and the unique wildlife of the Mount Alexander region, we are pleased to share a initiative called Safe Cat, Safe Wildlife from Melbourne Zoo and the RSPCA.

As the name suggests, Safe Cat, Safe Wildlife raises awareness of the threats to cats and wildlife when cats are able to roam freely. It aims to to build a community of cat owners who have the tools to provide their cat with the longest and happiest lives possible by keeping them safe and enriched at home. It helps cat owners with all aspects of cat care through an informative blog with hacks designed to keep cats entertained, healthy and happy indoors.

You can find out more and sign up to receive their newsletter on the Safe Cat, Safe Wildlife website – click here.

Birdlife and Wildlife Victoria are official campaign collaborators, and many local councils, veterinary clinics and wildlife networks have jumped on board to support the campaign. We note our local Castlemaine Veterinary Clinic has signed up as a supporter. To see the full list of supporters click here, scrolling to the bottom of the page.

At Connecting Country’s recent community bird monitoring workshop, participants identified the impact of cats on local birds as a priority for the community. Some local Landcare groups have also been working on managing issues of cats and local wildlife.

Photo from Safe Cat, Safe Wildlife

Tim Low on ‘The New Nature’ – 6 September 2019

Posted on 8 August, 2019 by Frances

Connecting Country and Newstead Landcare Group are delighted to host a presentation by well-known author and biological scientist Tim Low.

Tim will speak on his book ‘The New Nature’. Although controversial when first published in 2002, the book was recently updated and its themes are now more relevant than ever. Following Tim’s presentation there will be an opportunity for questions and answers, then a cuppa and cake.

Tim Low talk on ‘The New Nature’
When: 7.30 pm on Friday 6 September 2019
Where: Newstead Community Centre, Lyons St (Pyrenees Hwy) Newstead, VIC

All welcome. A gold coin donation will help us cover costs. Bookings not required. 

For our event flyer – click here

This event is supported by funding from North Central Catchment Management Authority and Friends of the Box-Ironbark Forests.

Tim Low
Tim Low is a biologist and best-selling author of seven books about nature and conservation. ‘Where Song Began’ won several prizes, including the Australian Book Industry Award for best general non-fiction. It was praised in the New York Review of Books and recommended by Scientific American. ‘The New Nature’ was praised by Time magazine and listed by Who magazine as one of the books of the year. ‘Feral Future’ inspired the formation of a conservation group, the Invasive Species Council. Tim’s articles have appeared in Australian Geographic, The Weekend Australian Magazine, The Guardian and many other places. He works partly as an environmental consultant, and has a lizard named after him. He recently returned from a visit to Manchuria as a guest of the China Writer’s Association.

‘The New Nature’
The conservation movement talks about declining species, as it should, but this leaves many people unaware that some animals and plants are doing better today than ever before, because they have found ways to exploit us. Australia has winners as well as losers. Animals don’t have any concept of ‘natural’ or ‘unnatural’ so they don’t automatically recoil from cities and farms. Sometimes they can do better in cities than in forests – Australian cities and towns are gaining animals over time. Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane now have peregrine falcons nesting on skyscrapers. Some urbanising species, notably corellas and flying foxes, are becoming sources of conflicts that need to be carefully considered. The notion of wilderness can get in the way of understanding all this because it implies that nature is authentic only when there is no human influence. But animals and plants have been benefiting from humans ever since Aboriginal people began burning the ‘wilderness’ to manage it.

You can read more about Tim Low and view his Blog and website – click here

Landscapes in transition – property visit with Muckleford Catchment Landcare

Posted on 5 August, 2019 by Asha

Dam in Muckleford (photo by Muckleford Catchment Landcare)

Join Muckleford Catchment Landcare to explore a property that demonstrates techniques to transition a landscape via planting and water management. You will see:

• How dams can be functional water sources, habitats and aesthetic features that sit within the landscape.
• How the efficacy of different planting techniques is dependent on the landscape.
• How direct seeding of native seed can be used at a larger scale to kick start the transition.

When: 10.00 am to 11.30 am, Saturday 24 August 2019

Where: 88 Symes Rd, Muckleford South, VIC 3462

RSVP: Please RSVP to Beth Mellick on 0431 219 980 or email mucklefordlandcare@gmail.com

Hooded Robin walk with BirdLife Castlemaine – 3 August 2019

Posted on 31 July, 2019 by Asha

BirdLife Castlemaine District is going searching for Hooded Robins!

Hooded Robins are one of Connecting Country’s special ‘Feathered Five’. They’re known to frequent a certain spot in Shelbourne. Locals Jane Mitchell, Kerri Peacoulakis and Kerrie Jennings will lead a bird walk with Asha Bannon.

Friends of Campbells Creek Landcare AGM – 7 August 2019

Posted on 31 July, 2019 by Asha

Friends of Campbells Creek Landcare have had an active, successful year, thanks to the continued hard work of their committee members and the wider community. Volunteers from the group have put in more than 2,000 hours of on-ground work in the last year. The environment along Campbells Creek shows the benefit.

Friends of Campbells Creek Landcare believes volunteer groups (including theirs) need the infusion of new ideas and new energy to continue to produce results. CLICK HERE to read their document outlining their committee member roles, and consider whether any roles suit your interests and abilities.  Feel free to contact their Secretary, Thea King (tking@internode.on.net), or the current role-holder if you want to know more.  If you would like to contribute, but are unsure of the commitment involved, please consider volunteering to support the elected committee member as an assistant.  All positions are re-elected annually.

Annual General Meeting – Friends of Campbells Creek Landcare

When:         Wednesday 7 August 2019.  Meal from 6.00 pm.  Meeting from 7.30 pm

Where:        Klua Sathorn Thai restaurant, 32 Johnstone Street, Castlemaine VIC

The meeting will be short, made up of two important agenda items:

• Reports from the past year.
• Election of the new office-bearers.

Friends of Campbells Creek Landcare volunteers on a bridge along the creek (photo by Friends of Campbells Creek Landcare)

Natural Newstead: A proper soaking and then woodland birds

Posted on 31 July, 2019 by Asha

If you love birds and our natural heritage, hopefully you’ve already discovered the Natural Newstead blog. The blog is a wealth of knowledge and expert observations of flora, fauna and landscape in central Victoria. With nearly 2,000 subscribers, it contains some of the best nature photography you will see anywhere. It is run by Newstead resident and local ecological identity Geoff Park, with contributions from other knowledgeable locals. Geoff Park has worked in various roles with the North Central Catchment Management Authority and in the private sector, and is very passionate about biodiversity conservation and on-ground biodiversity outcomes.

If you’re not familiar the blog, check it out here: https://geoffpark.wordpress.com

We particularly enjoyed Geoff’s recent post about woodland birds enjoying the wetter conditions this winter. To read this post on the Natural Newstead website, click here, or continue reading below.

A proper soaking and then woodland birds
Posted on 1 July 2019 by Geoff Park

We’re in the depths of winter and celebrating wonderful rainfall over the weekend.

Hopefully we move slowly now into a ‘typical’ spring that enables some recovery of woodland bird populations across the region. I was pretty chuffed to see some familiar faces at Muckleford Gorge, especially a pair of Hooded Robins. Along with the Crested Shrike-tit and Jacky Winter we encountered numerous Flame Robins, a Golden Whistler, Restless Flycatchers and Brown Treecreepers.

Crested Shrike-tit (adult male), Muckleford Gorge, 30th June 2019. Photo: Geoff Park

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crested Shrike-tit (adult male), Muckleford Gorge, 30th June 2019. Photo: Geoff Park

Hooded Robin (male). Photo: Geoff Park

Jacky Winter on a branch. Photo: Geoff Park

Future Landscapes symposium – presentations now available

Posted on 31 July, 2019 by Frances

In late 2018, the Research Centre for Future Landscapes at La Trobe University held an excellent symposium on ‘Future Landscapes for People and Nature’. Speakers included our very own Brendan Sydes (Connecting Country President).

It has taken a while, but videos of the presentations are now available on the university website – click here

Thanks to La Trobe University, all the speakers and Jim Radford (Principal Research Fellow at the Research Centre for Future) for providing this valuable resource.

Who will be our lucky 1,000th follower?

Posted on 25 July, 2019 by Ivan

Love it, or hate it, Facebook and the social media titans have changed the way many of us interact with the world and our community. Connecting Country has moved with the times and has an excellent website and a strong online presence through Facebook. It allows us to tell our story, and yours, through image, videos and words, as well as getting feedback from you!

We are sitting very close to 1,000 followers on Facebook, so its time to celebrate the milestone with a give-away prize for our 1,000th Facebook follower! We would like to offer a choice of three local books, to connect and educate our community with our natural heritage. The three books are listed below, all published by our local champions at Friends of the Box-Ironbark Forests (FOBIF).

Wattles of the Mount Alexander Region
by Bernard Slattery, Ern Perkins and Bronwyn Silver

This 112 page guide, Wattles of the Mount Alexander Region, helps the beginner to make a start. In plain language, and generously illustrated, it presents 21 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. The book is published by FOBIF in association with Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club and Connecting Country.

Eucalypts of the Mount Alexander Region
by Bernard Slattery, Ern Perkins and Bronwyn Silver

This 90 page guide aims to help the beginner train the eye to see the differences between eucalypts, and to appreciate how spectacular they are. It presents common species of the Mount Alexander Region, generously illustrated and clearly described in plain language. Though firmly based on forests and reserves around the town of Castlemaine, it describes species common to the whole Box-Ironbark region, and would be useful to any enthusiast in that region, from Ararat to Chiltern. Sections on major species include drawings of buds, fruit, juvenile leaves and adult leaves by Leon Costermans. The book is a community project of FOBIF with a generous grant from the Worrowing Fund through the Norman Wettenhall Foundation. Castlemaine Field Naturalists’ Club and Connecting Country also provided support.

Mosses of dry forests in south eastern Australia
by Cassia Read and Bernard Slattery

A guide for students and absolute beginners – technically accurate, but free of technical language – this book presents a little-known part of the plant kingdom to a new audience. The guide contains an introduction explaining the life cycle of mosses and their importance in the ecosystem, tips on how to approach identification, detailed descriptions of common species, and appendices carefully distinguishing mosses from liverworts and lichens. This is a community project of FOBIF generously supported by The Norman Wettenhall Foundation.

So, who will be the lucky number 1,000th follower on Facebook? Click away for a chance to win, if you’re quick ……..

Weed Spotter: Camelthorn infestations identified in the Loddon Mallee Catchment

Posted on 25 July, 2019 by Jacqui

The Weed Spotter newsletter keeps weed spotters up to date on the latest news about Agriculture Victoria’s High Risk Invasive Plants program. This includes new discoveries of State prohibited weeds in Victoria, progress of eradication programs and species case studies.

For more information and to view their latest news – click here

The latest newsletter includes news about Camel thorn (Alhagi maurorum) management. This State prohibited weed is a perennial shrub found in northern agricultural areas of Victoria, often associated with drainage lines, irrigated pastures and neglected land. Camel thorn is a low shrub, typically 25 – 60 cm tall with val blue-green leaves and yellow tipped spines along the stems. Small pink, pea-like flowers occur between November to March. Roots can penetrate to greater than 5 m in depth and 8 m laterally, making chemical application and eradication efforts difficult. Mechanical control is not feasible as plants regenerate from root fragments that are readily spread via soil movement.

Wheel Cactus Community Field Day – Sunday 28 July 2019

Posted on 23 July, 2019 by Ivan

The next Wheel Cactus Community Field Day is on Sunday 28 July 2019 at a property located east of Cairn Curran Reservoir at Baringhup VIC (see map below).

The location will be well signposted from the corner of Cairn Curran and Baringhup Roads. The field day begins at 10:30 am and ends at approximately 12:30 pm with a delicious BBQ lunch and friendly chat. Join the Tarrangower Cactus Control Group Inc. (TCCG) to learn how best to destroy Wheel Cactus and enjoy a morning in the beautiful outdoors. TCCG will supply all equipment, but please be sure wear sturdy shoes, long pants and sleeves and a hat. Everyone is welcome, including children (who must be supervised by a parent at all times).

Location of Wheel Cactus Community Field Day on 28 July 2019 (marked with X)

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 below to catch the ‘cactus warriors’ in action.

A prickly reminder to watch the Wheel Cactus

Posted on 18 July, 2019 by Ivan

What is Wheel Cactus (Opuntia robusta)? A plant native to Mexico, this cactus is most commonly called Wheel Cactus in Australia, and believed to be introduced into our country as a ‘hardy’ garden plant. This cactus species has a distinct blue/green colour and large, flat, round pads with many short and long spines. The pads are circular like a wheel, different to the shape of Prickly Pear. The plant is erect and can grow to 3 metres tall. It has yellow flowers and dark red fruit in spring/summer, each containing approximately 500 seeds which are spread by animals and water. This weed has become widely established in central Victoria, western NSW and south-eastern and eastern SA. It particularly likes to grow on granite outcrops, but also infests woodlands and pastures.

The Tarrangower Cactus Control Group (TCCG) has been battling the prickly problem that is Wheel Cactus (Opuntia robusta) for many years now, ensuring the community and landowners are always on the look out for Wheel Cactus invading the landscape. Three excellent videos from TCCG (see below) have helped the community to easily access the library of information on Wheel Cactus and how to best remove this troublesome plant from the landscape, no matter the level of knowledge.

The three videos cover a variety of topics, such as what Wheel Cactus is and why it is an issue, who the Cactus Warriors are, management options for treating Wheel Cactus and some great footage of the warriors at work. We think the videos are an excellent resource for anyone wanting to know more about managing Wheel Cactus and how devastating it can be on agriculture and the environment alike.

TCCG consists of Landcare volunteers dedicated to the eradication of Wheel Cactus. The group holds friendly and informal 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.

Please contact the TCCG via their website at www.cactuswarriors.org if you have any queries.  Click on the videos below to watch each video and learn about the incredible success the TCCG have achieved and how to remove plants correctly.

Victorian Landcare Facilitator Program Review: Survey

Posted on 18 July, 2019 by Asha

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) is reviewing the Victorian Landcare Facilitator Program (VLFP). This program has aimed to build on the strengths of Victorian Landcare by funding Landcare Facilitators who are employed across the state. While the program has been operating since 2011, this review is focused on the last four years of the program, as a part of normal government processes.

The key focus of the review is to assess the program’s impact and effectiveness, and looking for opportunities to improve future iterations. The focus is solely on the Victorian Landcare Facilitator Program as a specific funding initiative, not on the broader Victorian Landcare Program. This survey is an important part of the review.

All members of the Victorian community with an interest in Landcare or in similar community environment programs are invited to complete the survey here: surveymonkey.com/r/VLFP2019

Closing date/time for survey: 11:59pm on Tuesday 23 July 2019.

RM Consulting Group has been engaged to act as the independent reviewer of the program and has developed the survey. If you need assistance to complete the survey, please contact Mel Ludeman (or Claire Feniuk) at RM Consulting Group on 5441 4821.

Feel free to call Asha (Connecting Country’s Landcare Facilitator) on (03) 5472 1594 if you have any questions or would like to chat.

National Tree Day – 28 July 2019

Posted on 18 July, 2019 by Asha

Planting along Baringhup Landcare’s Loddon River site in 2016 (photo by Asha Bannon)

National Tree Day is coming up on Sunday 28 July 2019, with Schools Tree Day a couple of days before on Friday 26 July 2019. National Tree Day is a call to action for all Australians to put their hands in the earth and give back to their community. Each year, about 300,000 people across the country volunteer their time to engage in environmental activities that educate individuals about the world around them. It’s a day to venture outdoors and get to know your community, and most importantly, to have fun!

See below for details about a couple of local plantings happening on the Sunday. If you’re not based in the Mount Alexander region, you can find your nearest National Tree Day working bee on the website here: https://treeday.planetark.org/ If you’re busy that day, get in touch with your local Landcare group anyway, as there will be more planting days to come this year! Contact details for all our local Landcare groups can be found on our website by clicking here.

Castlemaine Landcare Group

When: Sunday 28 July 2019, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Where: Corner of Colles Road and Fallan Street, Castlemaine VIC 3450

What: This National Tree Day, Castlemaine Landcare Group are keen to plant 600 seedlings along Forest Creek. They’d love your help! Please come down to plant one seedling or many, as every plant in the ground will create more habitat for our native wildlife. The plants put in will provide shade along the creek and create areas for people to picnic as well as for insects, birds and aquatic life to thrive. But they can’t do it without your help.

Other information: Do some planting, and then afterwards join them for a free lunch at 12.30 pm of sausages and soup from the Castlemaine Lions Club. Please wear stout footwear and bring gardening gloves, water and a hat. Look forward to seeing you!

Contact: christinekilmartin01@gmail.com

Friends of Campbells Creek Landcare

When: Sunday 28 July 2019, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Where: Meet on the trail alongside Central Carpets, Castlemaine. If arriving in car, it’s probably best to park at the south end of Camp Crescent, then walk over the footbridge and southwards towards the highway for another 120 m.

What: For the National Tree Day, Friends of Campbells Creek Landcare will be planting understorey species at ‘Carpetland’—one of the really high profile sites along the creek. They’re hoping to turn this long neglected site, that once had good tree cover, into a welcoming showpiece by attempting to plant over 300 seedlings.

Other information: They’ll finish with a late morning tea at noon. Bring a hat, water, and a friend if you like. All welcome.

Contact: info@focc.org.au

Eucalypt photo competition closes 22 July 2019

Posted on 18 July, 2019 by Ivan

A river red gum (eucalyptus camaldulensis) at Simpsons Gap, Northern Territory. Photo: Jaana Dielenberg

Victorian Landcare Awards: Extension for nominations

Posted on 9 July, 2019 by Ivan

The closing date for entries to the 2019 Victorian Landcare Awards has been extended until Thursday 11 July 2019 at 11:59pm.

More information: on criteria and how to nominate for the 2019 Victorian Landcare Awards go to www.landcareaustralia.org.au/landcareawards2019

The 2019 Victorian Landcare Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of the individuals, groups, networks and organisations who make significant contributions to protect, conserve and restore Victoria’s environment.

There are nine National Landcare Award categories and six Victorian (only) Award categories, see below:

National Landcare Award categories:  

• Landcare Farming Award
• Innovation in Agriculture Land Management Award
• Individual Landcarer Award
• Partnerships for Landcare Award
• Coastcare Award
• Junior Landcare Team Award
• Young Landcare Leadership Award
• Indigenous Land Management Award
• Landcare Community Group Award

All Victorian winners of the National Landcare Awards categories will proceed as finalists (representing Victoria) at the 2020 National Landcare Awards.

Victorian Landcare Award categories:

• Joan Kirner Landcare Award
• Landcare Network Award
• Dr Sidney Plowman Travel & Study Award
• Heather Mitchell Memorial Fellowship
• Urban Landcare Award
• Environmental Volunteer Award

Nominations are encouraged from groups, networks and individuals involved in protecting and enhancing their local environment and improving agricultural productivity. They include:

• Sustainable farmers & professional farming systems groups
• Indigenous Landcare groups & individuals
• Urban Landcare groups including ‘Friends of’ groups
• Landcare groups
• Coastcare groups
• Individuals
• Environmental volunteer groups
• Junior Landcare groups (including day care centres, primary and secondary schools, youth groups)
• Youth groups including Scouts & Girls Guides
• Young Landcare leaders
• Natural resource management agencies
• Local government
• Research agencies
• Agricultural co-operatives, industry associations, suppliers or individual primary producers.

Landcare members assessing a Needle-Grass infestation with John Walter. Photo: Connecting Country archive

Wetland Plant Identification Course

Posted on 9 July, 2019 by Ivan

For anyone interested in wetland plant identification and ecology, below is a great opportunity to register for a 3-day course held by Rakali Consulting in northern Victoria. 

Observe the changing seasons and water depths of the stunning Reedy Lagoon, near Cohuna in Victoria over a 6 month period.   Each of the 3 days will focus on a different wetland habitat (wetting and drying) and associated plant community.

Dates
The course runs over 3 separate days:
31 October 2019, 9.00am – 4.30pm
5 December 2019, 9.00am – 4.30pm
19 March 2020, 9.00am – 4.30pm

Presenters
Damien Cook is one of Victoria’s leading wetland experts and SERA Restoration Excellence Award winner November 2016. Damien provides wetland expertise in the form of plant surveys, wetland condition assessments and wetland management planning for state government agencies across Victoria. Damien has been instrumental in planning and delivering some of the largest and most complex ecological restoration projects to date in Australia.

Elaine Bayes has been working as an environmental researcher, scientist and educator since 1994.

Course structure
Each day includes a field trip using the coloured field guide to identify wetland plants and class time for presentations, discussion and practice using floral keys.

Lunch, morning and afternoon tea provided.

Cost
$800 plus GST ($880)
$600 Student/Landcare plus GST ($660) (places strictly limited)

Course Location
Treetops, Spencer’s Bridge Road (off Cohuna-Koondrook Rd), Cohuna, Victoria.
Field work will be conducted at Reedy Lagoon or a nearby wetland and timed to follow environmental water delivery to ensure wetland plants are at their peak.

Bookings and further information
Book quickly as there are only 25 places available.
To register and pay click here.
For alternative payment methods, or for any more information on course content or other training needs, contact Elaine Bayes elaine@rakali.com.au.

Remix: Connecting Country’s short film just got shorter

Posted on 3 July, 2019 by Ivan

Connecting Country has been fortunate to receive a shorter remaster of the wonderful five minute ‘Safeguarding Woodland Birds‘ film made by Remember the Wild. This is one of ten films forming the Community Conservationists series made by the talented Remember the Wild team, and funded by the Wettenhall Environment Trust.

The second version of this film is under 60 seconds, making it perfect for promotion on the Connecting Country website and social media channels. The film is well worth watching, especially if you are new to Connecting Country and wondering what we are all about. Its focus is our work on woodland birds, but could easily have been on many aspects of our work, like our amazing nestbox program for brush-tailed phascogale and sugar gliders.

We are delighted to be a part of this series, and feel we’re in very good company with our fellow Community Conservationists.

To see our longer film and the other Community Conservationists: click here

Below is the brand new 60 second video for your enjoyment, what do you think?