Nature News – June 2016: Is there anybody home?
Posted on 5 July, 2016 by Connecting Country
On page 26 in this week’s Midland Express (5 July 2016) there is a great Nature News article by Paul Foreman about his property in Walmer.
In case you missed out on last month’s Nature News, Max Schlachter reported that the trick to monitoring nest boxes is having an eye for the décor. You can find the article on page 17 of the 7 June 2016 edition, or read it here:
A Connecting Country nest box in the field
Have you ever been out in the bush and noticed a mysterious green box hanging from the side of a tree? It might have had a cryptic code on the bottom like ‘CC10-206’?
If so, what you stumbled across is not a modern art installation or a military experiment, it’s a nesting box for one of Central Victoria’s lesser known marsupials – the Tuan (also known as the Brush-tailed Phascogale). Sometimes described as a cross between a possum and a rat, Tuans are carnivorous marsupials that live in trees.
In 2010/11 Connecting Country installed more than 400 specially designed Tuan nest boxes on properties across the Mount Alexander Shire. The boxes are monitored every two years and the 2016 surveys are just about complete.
Phascogale in nest
We’re all familiar with bird nests, but did you know that native marsupials also build a nest? Unlike most birds that only build a nest during the breeding season, marsupials such as Sugar Gliders, Ringtail Possums and Tuans live in a nest all the time, usually placed in the hollows of old trees.
The trick to monitoring nest boxes is to know which nest belongs to which animal, even when nobody’s at home.
Tuan’s are not the neat and tidy type – their nest is generally a complete mess. But they are prolific decorators and will use a variety of material to fill up their box. Bark is a favourite, as are feathers. Sheep’s wool and baling twine are also popular. In one box, a snake skin was even part of the décor – a bit gaudy for my taste.
Sugar gliders in nest
Sugar Gliders also make use of the boxes and display a complete lack of imagination when it comes to nesting material. Leaves are the only thing they’ll consider, and almost always from Eucalypts. But can they make a nest! The leaves are arranged in a spirally woven bowl, and sometime they’ll even create a complete sphere, with themselves inside it. How do they do it?
The results of this year’s survey will be collated soon and made available on the Connecting Country website http://connectingcountry.org.au/monitoring/nestboxes/. The site also has information on building and installing your own nest boxes.
Connecting Country would like to say a huge thank you to the 117 landholders whose properties we visited to survey their Tuan nest boxes this autumn. And also to the 20 volunteers who gave up their time to help take notes and carry a ladder through the bush. We couldn’t have got it done without you!
8 July 2016: Talk on the Birds of Castlemaine – past and present
Posted on 4 July, 2016 by Connecting Country
Hugh Leach, with robin.
The guest speaker for the July 2016 general meeting of the Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club (CFNC) is local resident Damian Kelly. Damian’s talk is titled ‘Birds in Castlemaine – past and present‘, and his presentation will be ‘an exploration of aspects of the history of birding and bird photogaphy in Castlemaine and other areas by tracing the life and photography of Hugh Leach, the man who had the Kalimna bird fountain built to honour him.’
As well as being a regular contributor to the activities of the CFNC, Connecting Country and FOBIF, Damian is a life-long bird observer and photographer. He has been researching Castlemaine birds and changes over time in the area, which has led to interesting historical excursions. Following the story of Hugh has provided an insight into early records of birds, bird behaviour, the Gould League and other interesting diversions.
Dusky Woodswallow. Photo taken by Hugh Leach in the late 1920s / early 1930s.
The talk is to be held on Friday 8 July from 7.30pm in the Fellowship Room, which is located in the hall behind the Uniting Church on Lyttleton St, Castlemaine (next door to the Castlemaine Art Gallery and Museum). Visitors and other guests are very welcome to attend, and entry is free.
Some recent newsletters and other events – as at 1 July 2016
Posted on 1 July, 2016 by Connecting Country
Hi all. A range of recent items have recently reached Connecting Country’s in-box. Rather than send them out as a series of individual blogs, we’ve lumped them together into a single uber-blog.
Gorse-control Grants
The Victorian Gorse Taskforce (VGT) with the support of the Victorian Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources is seeking project proposals from community-based organisations. In 2016/2017, the VGT will consider projects under a Small Grants Program, up to $5,000 (GST exclusive). The VGT “will consider funding projects that can demonstrate delivery of the goals of the Victorian Gorse Control Strategy 2014-2019 and a community-led commitment to long term gorse control.” You can download a copy of the application form (CLICK HERE) and guidelines/eligibility to apply (CLICK HERE). Applications open Monday 20 June 2016 and close on Friday 12 August 2016. Contact the VGT for further details.
North Central CMA chat (covering Landcare and Waterwatch news)
The July 2016 edition of the North Central Chat can be downloaded (CLICK HERE – 4MB), and includes:
* Update on the upcoming release of the 2016-17 Community Grants program
* Launch of the north central Victoria Soil Health Guide
* National Landcare Conference details and sponsorship opportunity
Project Platypus planting events in July
Our friends in western Victoria, Project Platypus, have let us know about their upcoming community tree planting weekends this July (CLICK HERE to download their poster). They’ve extended an invitation to Connecting Country staff and supporters who might be interested in seeing a different part of the state. Registrations can be completed online, and there are further details about each plant-out on their website http://www.platypus.org.au/.
Box Ironbark Mosaic Burning Booklet
La Trobe University Research fellow Greg Holland recently provided us with this update on the Box-Ironbark Experimental Mosaic Burning Project.
“…(This was a) collaborative project between La Trobe and Deakin Universities, DELWP and Parks Victoria. The aim of the project was to investigate the short-term ecological effects of planned burns in the Heathcote-Graytown-Rushworth forest. This project was a huge undertaking and has produced some very interesting results that will inform the use of fire as a management tool in box-ironbark forests. Key findings have been summarised in a relatively short colour booklet (CLICK HERE). Please feel free to forward this booklet to anyone you think may be interested….. if you have any questions or would like further information please feel free to reply to this email (Greg.Holland@latrobe.edu.au).”
FTLA newsletter
Two weeks ago, the Farm Tree and Landcare Association (the FTLA) sent us their latest newsletter (CLICK HERE), packed full of information about upcoming Landcare events, grant opportunities and other news.
Bird monitoring workshop at Yapenya ( Mount Barker)
Posted on 17 June, 2016 by Tanya Loos
By Jane Rusden, Connecting Country volunteer
On 26 May 2016, Tanya Loos lead a wonderful scientific bird survey workshop on the slopes of Yapenya, known to many as Mt Barker, with our hosts the Dja Dja Wurrung on the Clans Aboriginal Corporation property. Twenty one intrepid and enthusiastic participants, of which two were Dja Dja Wurrung Clan members and two were Djandak employees; enjoyed the grey wintery day and braved the inclement weather.
As we sheltered in the Dja Dja Wurrungs shed, drank tea and ate biscuits, Ron Kerr gave us a warm welcome followed by an outstanding DVD by Gerry Gill, “The Meaning of The Stones”, giving us background information on the significant Dja Dja Wurrung cultural heritage of the area. Tanya then gave us a fascinating bird ID talk and introduction to the environmental management of the property. So we were primed and ready to brave the wild weather for our bird survey, a first for many in the group.
The 20 minute 2Ha area search is quite specific, but with a few simple rules to follow. We got the hang of it fairly quickly and set out spotting birds. Our transect followed a magnificent stand of River Red Gums, providing important habitat for the 6 species of woodland birds we saw. Of note, we also saw a stunning Wedge-tailed Eagle or Bunjil, the male Flame Robin with its crazy bright orange breast, and the hard to identify and confusing thornbills, the Brown Thornbill and Yellow-rumped Thornbill. We also saw a flock of Silvereyes foraging on the ground which is unusual for this species.
Having worked up an appetite battling the wild weather and working hard at bird spotting and identification, we enjoyed a BBQ lunch provided by the Dja Dja Wurrung and cooked by Ron. An informative and fun day out in a special and fascinating landscape, concluded with full tummies.
All rugged up as we searched for birds along the river red gum part of the property.
2016 FOBIF Winter School Holiday Program
Posted on 14 June, 2016 by Connecting Country
Friends of the Box Ironbark Forests (FOBIF) have let us know that they are excited to announce that registrations are open for their 2016 Winter School Holiday Program. Their program is for primary school age children and will run in the first week of the rapidly approaching mid-year holiday break. The program has three events, all run at the Fryertown School in Fryerstown and will celebrate and provide education about local indigenous culture.
For more information see their poster (CLICK HERE).
All sessions will be held at: Fryerstown School. 5 Camp St, Fryerstown.
BYO picnic lunch. Children must be accompanied by a supervising adult for the duration of the session.
Cost – $5 per child, per session. FOBIF family members – no cost
FOBIF membership applications forms can be found here.
For all enquiries contact: Naomi Raftery 0422 585 585 or naomi_raftery@yahoo.com.au
Places are limited and booking is essential. To book go to http://www.fobif.org.au/ or click on the links below:
Join Aunty Julie McHale and Uncle Rick Nelson as they celebrate and share their culture and stories.
Aunty Julie McHale is an Aboriginal, Primary school teacher and adopted elder of the Dja Dja Wurrung community. Together with Uncle Rick Nelson, a descendant of the Jarra people, they run ‘The Meeting Place’, a cultural school in Castlemaine for young Koori children which has now been running for six years.
Monday, 27th June 2016 – 10:00am to 12:00pm
Suitable for kids in Preps and Grade One.
To book go to: https://www.trybooking.com/205511
Wednesday, 29th June 2016 – 10:00am to 12:00pm
Suitable for kids in Grade Two and Three.
To book go to: https://www.trybooking.com/205516
This session will be run by the Dja Dja Wurrung Corporation with Trent Nelson.
Trent is a proud Dja Dja Wurrung and Yorta Yorta man. Trent is also the Dja Dja Wurrung team leader at Parks Victoria, where he manages the cultural heritage of six joint-managed national parks in collaboration with two rangers.
Friday, 1st July 2016 – 10:00am to 12:00pm
Suitable for kids in Grade Five and Six.
To book go to : https://www.trybooking.com/205517
The FOBIF Winter School Holiday Program is supported by the Mount Alexander Shire Council through its Community Grants Program 2016/17.
Long Swamp Protected
Posted on 8 June, 2016 by Connecting Country
Last Wednesday (1 June 2016), Max Kay and myself (Saide Gray) from the Connecting Country Committee of Management were very fortunate to be able to attend the official launch of Long Swamp as a Trust for Nature covenanted wetland, now called the Murray Family Conservation Reserve: Long Swamp. After an initial gift of 40ha in 1992, the Trust for Nature, with support from the North Central Catchment Management Authority, donors and the community, recently purchased another 145ha of Long Swamp. Only one small site at the eastern end of the wetland remains in private hands.
Long Swamp in January 2016. Photo by Geoff Park.
Long Swamp is a priority ecosystem as it supports an extensive area of cane-grass wetland vegetation, a restricted habitat essential for a range of rare and threatened species, such as the endangered Australasian Bittern, the vulnerable Australian Painted Snipe and the Growling Grass Frog. A small group of Brolgas was recorded as using the site prior to draining in 1965 and have been seen returning in more recent years. The new addition also protects the ecological community fringing the Swamp, which is known as Grassy Eucalypt Woodland of the Victorian Volcanic Plain, nationally listed as critically endangered under the Australian Governments’ Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
Long Swamp is the only deep freshwater marsh in the approximately 50 diverse wetlands in the Moolort Plains, between Maryborough and Castlemaine on the north-eastern tip of the Victorian Volcanic Plain – Victoria’s only national biodiversity hotspot.
As the wetland is surrounded by private land, this was a rare opportunity to briefly explore the site. The reserve was officially opened by Lily D’Ambrosio (Victorian Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, and also Minister for Suburban Development), David Clark, (chair of the North Central Catchment Management Authority) and Max Ervin (Chair of Trust for Nature). We were guided on a walk through the swamp by local ecologist Damien Cook after a welcome to country by Graham Atkinson (chair of the Dja Dja Wurrung Aboriginal Clans Corporation).
Now the work of restoration begins. If you would like to know more about the Murray Family Conservation Reserve: Long Swamp, please contact Trust for Nature on 1800 99 99 33 or trustfornature@tfn.org.au.
The following photographs show some of the landscape and flora present at this new Wetland Conservation Reserve.
Reminder for Connecting Country Membership Renewals
Posted on 7 June, 2016 by Connecting Country
A great big thanks to those members who have already returned their Connecting Country membership renewals and to to those who are new members a hearty welcome! We hope that all current members will continue their membership into 2017. As we mentioned in our May blog post, membership demonstrates your support for Connecting Country, which helps us obtain funding for new projects and events across the local community. Current members are also able to vote at the AGM if there are decisions to be made (e.g. committee elections) and provides you with insurance cover at Connecting Country events.
Via this link, you can find a 2016-17 Membership Renewal Form for current members (click here for PDF; click here for Word). This can be returned by email (naomi@connectingcountry.org.au). Membership renewals are requested to be completed and returned by 31 July 2016.
We are also always keen for new members, and welcome applications at any time of the year. New Membership Application forms are available (click here) for those keen to join Connecting Country for the first time, or for those whose memberships have lapsed by two years or more. Email Naomi if you unsure if you are a current member or not (naomi@connectingcountry.org.au).
As per previous years, membership of Connecting Country is completely free – but it does need to be renewed on an annual basis. However, you may wish to show your support by making a donation to Connecting Country. If so, you can follow the ‘Donate Now’ button in the top right of our home page or simply click here.
It’s been a really exciting 12 months for Connecting Country and we wish to give our heartiest thanks to all our members for your continued support for and participation in Connecting Country activities. We look forward to the next year being just as busy and great.
Local Climate Change Action: 1 new webpage and 2 upcoming events
Posted on 3 June, 2016 by Connecting Country
If you are interested in learning more about the impact of climate change in central Victoria then it you should head to Bendigo on Wednesday June the 15th. There are two events of interest – in the morning, the North Central Catchment Management Authority’s Climate Change Forum, and in the evening, a public forum on the future of Bendigo in a warming environment. More information on the these forums is below. Or, if you are enjoying the comfort of home, you can check out Connecting Country’s new Biodiversity and Climate Change resource pages.
Climate change will put pressure on the biodiversity of the Mount Alexander region. Photo: Shane Carey
Climate change and biodiversity in the Mount Alexander Shire
By working with people in our community to address the direct and indirect impacts of climate change, we hope to create a robust and healthy local landscape that remains livable for future generations of humans and other species.
Connecting Country’s activities – such as remnant protection, construction of wildlife corridors, control of pest plants and animals, and biodiversity monitoring – all contribute to climate change adaptation, mitigation and a better understanding of its effects. However, there is always more that can be done locally and at larger scales.
Our new climate change and biodiversity resource pages contains links to local information looking at climate patterns, the impact on biodiversity and what you can do to help. As with all of our resource pages, these references are continually evolving and your suggestions for new information is always welcome (email krista@connectingcountry.org.au).
CLICK HERE to view the pages.
North Central 2016 Climate Change Forum
This forum offers you an opportunity to share the latest knowledge of climate change science and agency activity with the North Central CMA. CLICK HERE to view the flyer.
When: 9 am – 1pm Wednesday 15 June 2016
Where: Bendigo Jockey Club, Heinz St, White Hills VIC 3550
RSVP: Attendance is limited. RSVP to the North Central CMA by Friday 10 June
Telephone: (03) 5448 7124
Email: info@nccma.vic.gov.au
Public Forum: The Future of Bendigo in a Warming Climate
Taradale Landcare BBQ – Sunday June 5th 2016
Posted on 1 June, 2016 by Asha
Taradale Landcare is making a comeback! On Sunday June 5th 2016 (aka World Environment Day) they will be holding a FREE BBQ. If you or anyone else you know might be interested in joining the group, or checking out the displays and kids activities, please come along!
Click here to see the flier with further details OR Click here to check out their new Facebook page.
Where: Taradale Mineral Springs Reserve, Jackson St, Taradale.
Date: Sunday June 5th 2016
Time: 12:00pm – 2:00pm
FOBIF Tree exhibition moves to Newstead
Posted on 30 May, 2016 by Connecting Country
Long-leaved Box Eucalyptus goniocalyx, juvenile leaf. From Strangways
Photo by Patrick Kavanagh, September 2014
The Friends of the Box-Ironbark Forests exhibition, Trees in the Mount Alexander Region, is moving to the new Newstead Railway Arts Hub after a month at TOGS café in March.
The show in Newstead will run throughout June 2016. It will include the photos from the TOGS show and a slide show which will have at least one image from people who sent in photos for the FOBIF Flickr site after a call for photos in January. There are 25 framed photos which are all are for sale with proceeds going to FOBIF.
The Arts Hub show will be open at weekends and the Queens Birthday holiday (Monday 13 June). Opening hours are 10 am to 4 pm. The address is Dundas Street, Newstead (directly across from Railway Hotel). If you would like to view the exhibition outside these days/hours, or help with staffing the show, contact Bronwyn Silver on 5475 1089.
The opening will be at 10.30 on Saturday 4 June 2016. There will be refreshments and everyone is welcome. Bernard Slattery from FOBIF will open the show.
‘Death Throes.’ Yellow Box Eucalyptus melliodora. From Rise and Shine Bushland Reserve
Photo by Damian Kelly, November 2015
June 2016 edition of North Central CMA chat
Posted on 30 May, 2016 by Connecting Country
The June 2016 Chat edition is available for viewing (click here – 5MB). Regional Landcare Coordinator, Tess Grieves, notes that the highlights this month include an invitation to the North Central Waterwatch 4th Annual Water Science Forum on June 4, an array of fishy news stories and an introduction to Gorse Project officer Jenny Johnson.
Tess also writes “I have also included a note in my intro about the 2016-17 North Central Community Grants program. Our annual grants program is likely to follow previous years’ timeframes, expected to be opened in mid-July 2016 *pending approvals. The 2016-17 program has been revised based on extensive community feedback, so we are currently updating the application forms, guidelines and “Supporting Landcare in North Central Victoria’ survey. It is really important that groups, networks and individuals are ‘project’ ready’, so it’s timely to begin thinking about what your Landcare community might be needing in your region. I look forward to being able to open applications in mid-July.”
Latest news from the FTLA
Posted on 30 May, 2016 by Connecting Country
On the 27 May 2016. Susi Johnson from the Farm Tree and Landcare Association (FTLA) sent us a comprehensive email full of information about upcoming events, activities and grants opportunities. We thought that there was lots within it which would be of interest to our members and local Landcare groups. As such, we’ve turned her email into a PDF for you viewing (click here).
Bird outing to Karrook at Kalimna Park
Posted on 24 May, 2016 by Tanya Loos
By Tanya Loos.
Saturday 14 May 2016 had a magical Autumn morning and our group of 25 bird observers was ably led by Jules Walsh and Geoff Hannon from Friends of Kalimna Park. Jules and Geoff are locals in the area and were able to share with the group some of the history of the site known as Karrook. Thanks Jules and Geoff!
It was very quiet at first, with our group seeing few birds. But by the time we got to the gully/ dam area, the bushland was alive with Scarlet Robins (6!!), thornbills, White-throated Treecreepers and a very healthy looking male Golden Whistler. Another highlight was a Little Eagle soaring overhead!
We also saw an Eastern Spinebill –a small, much-loved honeyeater, most often seen in gardens so great to see in the bush! One of you (I think it was Lynette!) asked me if the female had a grey crown, and I most mistakedly said “oh no, that difference is the difference between White-eared male and female honeyeaters”. Well, I am happy to say that as a birdwatcher one is learning all the time and I was very wrong! Geoff Park did a lovely blog post on Natural Newstead on these birds which points out that the female spinebill does indeed have a grey crown (as in the picture by Geoff below, and read more on this post HERE).
Our outing was during the annual mainland Australia Swift Parrot survey count weekend. While we did not see any Swifties, we have nevertheless submitted a survey form, as knowing where they are NOT is also very important. I have attached a word copy of the completed survey form (WL_-_Swift_Parrot-Regent_Honeyeater_survey_sheetConnectingCountry).
If you would like to be on the email list for bird surveys in the area – drop me an email at tanya@connectingcountry.org.au.
A female eastern Spinebill, by Geoff Park
Our bird walk also happened to fall upon the Global Big Day Out 2016 – a massive worldwide event that encourages users of eBird to record their sightings. eBird is an online recording tool that can be downloaded as an app, or used online. To see our survey as it looks in the eBird program go HERE.
Don’t worry if you have never heard of eBird – it is a great tool, and fun to check out but not essential. Sometime this year BirdLife Australia will finish their smartphone app and online recording tool or portal – we’re expecting that this will be more useful and relevant to us than eBird, as it is locally-based and uses exactly the same bird surveying methods.
Having said that I think the idea of a simultaneous worldwide bird count is a lot of fun! The results of the Global Big Day Out are in: 6,199 species recorded by 15,446 people all over the world! In Australia, 487 species were recorded in 944 checklists by just 309 people! Our humble contribution was 20 species! I encourage you to explore the Global Big Day website (click HERE) – it is really inspiring and has a lovely picture of a map of birds all over the world to download.
The statistics for the Global Big Day Out
4 June 2016 – Citizen Science Forum
Posted on 24 May, 2016 by Connecting Country
The North Central CMA’s Waterwatch Program is hosting its 4th Annual Water Science Forum in Bendigo on Saturday 4 June. This year’ forum is titled ‘A focus on Citizen Science….contributing to scientific knowledge‘. Further details are in the flyers below (or Click HERE and HERE to download the details). RSVPs to the North Central CMA (03 5448 7124).
Green Army Team 2016
Posted on 23 May, 2016 by Asha
First Green Army Team of 2016
Last year, Connecting Country partnered with the North Central CMA and more than 20 local Landcare/Friends groups to apply for Round 4 of the Green Army programme. We were successful, and as a result, we’ve had a team of nine working on Landcare projects across the region since February 2016. This current Green Army team has done some fabulous work so far, including controlling weeds, removing rubbish, and installing posts and tables. Soon it will be time to change things up a bit with some planting, pine control and track maintenance. It’s been wonderful to hear the positive feedback from both Landcare/Friends groups and the Green Army participants. Each Green Army team operates for about 6 months, and this one is under the management of Manpower Australia.
Tackling the gorse in Specimen Gully
A couple of weeks ago I went out to have morning tea with the team and see how they’ve been going. Peter (team supervisor), Liam, Mitch, Paige, Kirra, James, Rachel, Melissa and Josh were working assisting the Barkers Creek Landcare and Wildlife Group in Specimen Gully at the time, tackling the infestation of gorse and other weeds there. There’s been a lot of weed control for the team to do this year, so by now they’re a well-oiled machine when it comes to cutting and painting. There are plenty of interesting things that turn up along the way as well, like mystery plant and bird species, or even a shy echidna. The team has also enjoyed learning about the stories of the Landcare/Friends groups they’re working with, so thank you to everyone who has taken time to share these with them.
Over the next few months, this Green Army team will continue to work in heritage areas in the region. We’ll also have a second Green Army team starting in July, who will be working on projects for another twelve local Landcare/Friends groups.
By Asha Bannon
Mount Alexander Region Landcare Facilitator
Sunday 29 May 2016 – Cactus control day and BBQ
Posted on 23 May, 2016 by Connecting Country
The next Cactus Killing Field Day of the Tarrengower Cactus Control Group is to be held on Sunday, 29th May from 10.30 am to 12.30pm, followed by a sausage sizzle and cuppa. The venue is in Baringhup at the Cairn Curran end of Watersons Road. The property is on Watersons Road between Cairn Curran and Back Cairn Curran Roads. Further details are available in their pamphlet (click here).
All are welcome to come along, and to help control this weed which threatens to spread across the whole region. “Hope you can be there to help us make 2016 another great year in the fight against Wheel Cactus.”, says group member Tony Kane.
Future Directions Conference Series: Food & Fibre Production and Environment
Posted on 23 May, 2016 by Connecting Country
The Bendigo TAFE are organizing a conference covering the topic of ‘Sustainable Food Production’. On Friday the 24th June 2016 from 10am to 4pm you can hear from leading industry speakers, covering:
The importance of biosecurity for food security – Rosa Crnov, Manager, Plants, Pests and Disease Agriculture Victoria- Export potential of ‘clean and green’ food – Bryan Balmer, Market Manager Agriculture Victoria
- Sustainable land use – growers experiences – Grant Sims, producer Pine Grove, Weekly Times Farmer of the Year 2016
- Adapting farm practices in a changing climate – Dr Richard Eckard, Professor and Director of the Primary Industries Climate Challenges Centre
Bendigo TAFE have let us know that a full agenda will be released soon. They are encouraging people to join them for the opportunity to network and be part of the conversion about sustainable food production. To express your interest please email epi@bendigotafe.edu.au and they will send you further information and the registration link.
While you have your diaries out, Connecting Country and the North Central Catchment Management Authority are organizing a Viable, Sustainable and Biodiverse Farms Field Day on Friday the 19th of August 2016 to be held in Sutton Grange. More details of this exciting event are coming soon.
Remediation and Other Aspirations
Posted on 19 May, 2016 by Connecting Country
The recent Sutton Grange Landcare newsletter (May 2016 edition) featured an inspiring article by Pam and Grant Workman on their Connecting Country project. Their stunning property on the side of Mount Alexander forms an important part of our Mount Alexander to Metcalfe Link project, the first stage of which was funded through the state government’s Communities for Nature program in 2015. Thanks to Grant and Pam for allowing us to share their story.
The direct seeding undertaken at the Workman’s property.
As two townies who came to the country Pam and I took a while to acclimatise to our new environment. Living on anything beyond a suburban block was completely new to me although Pam had some childhood experiences of living in smaller rural communities.
What to do with 22 ha of rolling, if not steep land, subject to all the climatic vagaries of the Faraday Sutton Grange area. One of our sons from his strong interest in terra-culture systems developed a master management plan which in theory looked magnificent. Unsurprisingly it required more energy, time, water and reticulation infrastructure than we had available.
Enter ‘Connecting Country’. Another participant and community member, Natalie McCarthy extolled the virtues of this program at a recent Landcare meeting noting the excellent administration of the program and the responsive staff: we concur with all such affirmations. The program allowed us to isolate stock from our most fragile hill areas, direct seed more land than we would have believed possible, plant 750-800 trees and larger shrubs, and provide for weed and rabbit control.
So what had happened since we got underway in mid-2015? The wind blew, the rain failed to fall, the rabbits were endemic (migrating from adjoining land faster than we could control them), our weed control efforts while effective on our land, faced the onslaught of uncontrolled adjoining properties including the regional forest and we experienced record high numbers of kangaroos running through and over everything in their path. Sounds disastrous. And on the face of it, it was. We lost nearly every planted tree and shrub being left with milk cartons strewn everywhere with only the odd bamboo stick to indicate where we had once planted.
Pam and Grant have found it pays to be patient when it comes to seeing direct seeding results.
The good news that it’s not all bad news! We have learned a lot from observing how our particular situation responds to our efforts. The direct seeding, after initially appearing to be a dead loss is coming to life like a giant awakening. We suspect that over the coming 2-3 years, even with modest rainfall we will have a significant cover from this process providing habitat for small birds and having a major erosion mitigation strategy in place.
What have we concluded from all of this in our circumstance on our specific block? Big tick for the Connecting Country program and direct seeding. Planting trees and larger shrubs we think requires exclusion zones (roos, rabbits, weeds), and be no bigger than we can look after with our limited resources in any one year. Each successive year we should be able to create a new zone and go again. We also think that before embarking on such a venture it would have been really helpful to discuss what we planned to do with neighbours and try and include them in the program, if possible, but at the very least have them on board so that weed and rabbit control issues can be bipartisan particularly neared shared borders.
Most of this will be no surprise to those of you who have been custodians of the land in this area for a long time. Us newbies are still getting out heads around it and hopefully learning valuable lessons as we attempt to remediate our land.
Grant and Pam Workman
Meet Our New Crew
Posted on 16 May, 2016 by Connecting Country
For four years now, Connecting Country has assembled an annual Works Crew to undertake planting, weed management, rabbit control and fencing on many of the properties we are working with. The crew for 2016 started just after Easter, and are enthusiastic about the season ahead. We wish to share a warm welcome to Anna Pike, Rachel Campbell and Luke Archer. Once again, the crew is headed up our inspiring Crew Leader, Alex Schipperen.
A warm welcome to our new crew members (L-R); Luke Archer, Rachel Campbell, and Anna Pike. Crew leader, Alex Schipperen, is on the far right.
Let us introduce them:
Anna has studied Environmental Management at university and was a Project Firefighter in Gelibrand. In the long term, Anna wants to become a park ranger, so the plant identification skills she’ll learn with Connecting Country are a top priority. Anna isn’t fazed by the hard work ahead – after spending her summer cutting through fences for fire access, she realises it’s about time she put some up again.
Rachel comes to us from Woodend, where she is an active part of Woodend Landcare’s Thursday Crew. When she heard that the annual koala count in Wombat State Forest totalled zero, she realised some serious work needed to be done and she wanted to get involved. This led to Rachel to undertake a Diploma in Conservation Land Management. Joining the Works Crew will give Rachel the practical on-ground experience she needs to complement her studies.
Luke has spent the past 12 months working with the Green Army, around Daylesford, Wedderburn and Mount Alexander. He’s developed skills in plant identification, weed control and erosion control, which he hopes to expand on with the Works Crew. Luke loves the outdoors, and has visions of a landscaping apprenticeship in the future. He’s most looking forward to learning about seed collecting and helping out with our nest box monitoring program.
Over their time with Connecting Country, Anna, Rachel and Luke will obtain their chemical use certificate, first aid certificate, learn chainsaw operation and tree felling, and their construction industry ‘white card’ induction – all great foundations for future work. For now, however, they are busy fencing off areas in preparation for the planting season ahead. Please do say hello if you see them out and about.
The works crew are an important part of our Connecting Landscapes across the Mount Alexander Region project funded by the Australian Government.
Update on the Connecting Country committee
Posted on 13 May, 2016 by Connecting Country
Due to an impending move to NSW with her family, April Merrick has resigned from her role on the Connecting Country Committee of Management. April been a wonderful contributor to the Connecting Country Committee of Management since 2012, and as Treasurer for the past 2-3 years. As well as bringing a comprehensive knowledge of the NRM industry and the philanthropic world to the committee, she has also been the driving force for enhancements to our governance and financial management practices and policies. She has also provided good support for me and other staff in a range of financial and non-financial manners. On behalf of Connecting Country, thank you April, and all the very best for the northward move.
This also means that there is one vacant position as an ‘Ordinary’ committee member. If you are potentially interested in joining the committee, please feel free to contact me for more information (chris@connectingcountry.org.au or call 03 5472 1594) . As a minimum, it involves attending and contributing to monthly committee meetings. There are opportunities for committee members to become more involved in our other activities if they are interested and available. Connecting Country’s AGM is typically held in October each year, and so this could be an opportunity to join the committee now for a short period as a trial, and then reapply to join for the next year if you want. (NB: All committee positions are volunteer roles).
Chris Timewell
Director, Connecting Country
13 May 2016