Australian Bird Index launched
Posted on 17 July, 2015 by Tanya Loos
On Wednesday (15 July 2015), BirdLife Australia launched the Australian Bird Index. This ground-breaking research measures the health of Australia’s terrestrial bird populations. For the first time, vast quantities of data collected by volunteers and researchers have been analyzed to produce indices that help track Australia’s current state of biodiversity.
Just as the Consumer Price Index is a useful tool to evaluate the nation’s economy, The Australian Bird Index is a tool to quantify the overall health of the environment – using birds as the barometer.
The Bird Index has come about thanks to 15 years of citizen science data collection: comprising 14 million records and 900,000 surveys from across Australia – including many from the Mount Alexander region.
A Purple-crowned Lorikeet by Chris Tzaros – pic from Connecting Country’s Woodland Bird Brochure
Now that Connecting Country is an affiliated organization with BirdLife Australia, both the data we collect for our long term monitoring program, and the data you submit, will be shared with BirdLife to assist in this important work.
So how are we faring? In order to make sense of the data, the Australian Bird Index breaks Australia up into nine regions: for example, the Mount Alexander Shire occurs entirely within the South-east Mainland region. In the South-east Mainland, dry woodland and forest dependent parrots are showing distinct downward trends over the last 13 years. These species include Purple-crowned, Musk and Little Lorikeets, Crimson Rosella and Yellow-tailed Black-cockatoo.
But we see Crimson Rosellas all the time, I hear you say – this is the tricky thing about analyzing the data over a large area – in some areas the rosellas may actually be steady or even increasing, whereas across other areas, rosellas are dropping out of the picture entirely. As such, BirdLife researchers plan to carry out further research for the comprehensive State of Australia’s Birds report planned for early release in 2016. For more on the Australian Bird Index and the upcoming report: see here
The Australian Bird Index can tell us that the Purple-crowned Lorikeet has declined markedly, but not why this beautiful little bird has been reported as declining. Again – further research is required to tease out some answers. My guess is that the changing weather patterns are playing havoc with the flowering of the eucalypts that these tiny blossom nomads rely upon.
Geoff Park has recently posted some stunning photos of the Purple-crowned Lorikeet (click here) and it is great to hear that readers of his blog have reported seeing this species in good numbers.
Report from Tanya Loos, Habitat for Bush Birds Coordinator
27 July 2015 – FOBIF to embrace Slime Moulds
Posted on 16 July, 2015 by Connecting Country
’Slime Mould’ will be the subject at Friends of the Box-Ironbark Forests (FOBIF) meeting in July.
The guest speaker at this year’s FOBIF Annual General Meeting will be the Tasmanian naturalist, author and photographer, Sarah Lloyd. She has recently published a remarkable book, Where the slime mould creeps. 
Sarah started exploring the little-known world of Myxomycetes (also known as plasmodial or acellular slime moulds) in the wet eucalypt forest that surrounds her home at Birralee in central north Tasmania. By 2015 Sarah had amassed over one thousand collections representing some 110 different species.
Myxomycetes are unlike any other organisms. They have two animal-like stages that move about to feed, followed by a spore-bearing stage, many of which are exquisite. Sarah will talk about her work and show images of common, rare and ‘new’ species and the various stages in the lives of these truly remarkable organisms.
The meeting will be held on Monday July 27 at 7.30 pm at the Ray Bradfield Rooms, beside Victory Park, Castlemaine. Everyone is welcome.
16 August 2015 – Media Training Workshop in Castlemaine
Posted on 15 July, 2015 by Connecting Country
Castlemaine Community House (CCH) is hosting a workshop in mid-August called Speak up for your cause: a media training workshop.
This inexpensive course will be run by experienced journalist Michael Gillies Smith, who has recently been a Red Cross spokesperson. The workshop will cover media releases, media interviews and the power of positivity. Further details are available in the attached flyer (CLICK HERE).
When: Sunday 16 August, 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm
Where: Castlemaine Community House, 65 Templeton Street, Castlemaine
Cost: $15, $10 concessions
You can book through CCH either online (follow this LINK, then click on the circular green symbol at the bottom of the page), by calling (5472-4842) or pop into 65 Templeton St, Castlemaine.
25 July 2015 – Birds, Habitats and Environmental Change
Posted on 15 July, 2015 by Connecting Country
Back in late May, we distributed a blog about an education series being coordinated by La Trobe University in Bendigo, that combines Art with natural environments. The final field trip is coming up soon and is being run by well-known ecologists Geoff Park (of Natural Newstead fame) and Chris Tzaros (author of Wildlife of the Box Ironbark Country, amongst other activities). Some spaces are still available.
The flyer from La Trobe Uni says, “Chris and Geoff will be taking us through the Ironbark forest around Crusoe Reservoir [in Bendigo] examining the different kinds of habitat and the changes in species distribution that have been occurring under climate change.”
If you are interested in attending, the attached flyer has further details (CLICK HERE). You will need to contact La Trobe Uni to register (phone 03 5444-7917; email: Melissa.scott@latrobe.edu.au or through www.latrobe.edu.au/art-institute).
Claire Reports on the Landcare Forum
Posted on 14 July, 2015 by Connecting Country
Claire
Claire Collie attended the Mount Alexander Landcare Forum on 19th June 2015 and has very kindly written this short summary of topics covered. Claire lives in Yandoit Hills and is a researcher with the Landscape & Environmental Sociology Group at the University of Melbourne . She is currently coordinating the Moolort Mapping Project with the Moolort Landcare group.
“The Mount Alexander Landcare Forum provided a great opportunity to hear the projects and stories of a range of different people involved in conservation and beyond. Heralded as a ‘new ideas’ forum, the evening provided the space for conversations to start around ‘next practice’; as most of us are already doing our best.
Brett Clarke sings one of his own songs at the forum.
The evening began with Gunditjmara man Brett Clarke on guitar, singing a traditional lullaby to help us get in the mood. Four presentations followed with well-earned intermissions of hearty food cooked by the Castlemaine Abundance Kitchen Enterprise (CAKE). First up was Ben Boxshall discussing the role that farm forestry can play in Landcare. He began his talk with a contentious statement which I’m sure got a lot of us thinking: “our chosen production systems under-exploit our natural resources”. We were presented the benefits of farm forestry for various products (honey, fence posts, shitake mushrooms, firewood), as well as the potential conservation outcomes.
After that we had Paul Foreman present an illuminating case study on Indigenous fire management in north-east Victoria. The thought of pulling the community together for ‘burning field days’ has definitely got me thinking. Maps of the extent of Victoria’s precious grasslands were presented; with Paul’s searching through historical maps and local histories extending their range from their commonly known EVC distribution. He offered a worthy addition to Ben’s farm forestry enthusiasm: try and avoid planting trees in grasslands.
After this, we had Clare Claydon and her 500 gram bag of painstakingly collected Silver Banksia seeds which was passed around in awe. She discussed the Baynton Sidonia Landcare project to save the Silver Banksia which started ten years ago. We learnt all the techniques of proper planting to assist their survival, and saw photos of their precarious cliff-face habitat as well as a paddock of natural regeneration and dozens of photos of their hard work planting them out.
Lastly, we listened to Una Allender and Brett Clarke speak about the Lake Bolac Eel festival and the associated Healing Walk. I think most of us put the date in our diary for next year in the hope of seeing the giant brolga puppets at the twilight celebration. We ended the night as we had started it; with a lullaby. But this time we all sang together, as Brett had generously shared the lyrics. It was a wonderful evening which most certainly has started conversations around these new ideas and novel practices.”
A remnant Silver Banksia discovered growing on the steep slope of a creek on private property. Trees like this provide an important source of seed for the Baynton Sidonia Landcare group’s Banksia project.
25 July 2015 – Book-lovers’ Planting Day with Connecting Country
Posted on 13 July, 2015 by Connecting Country
CONNECTING COUNTRY’S BOOK LOVERS’ PLANTING DAY
Saturday 25 JULY 2015, 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.
Connecting Country, with the support of Castlemaine Library, is helping to revegetate the Walmer area, providing native habitat for both flora and fauna. This year’s Community Planting is book themed so we are inviting everyone who enjoys a good read – from the occasional reader to the regular book worm – and whatever your age or interest in the printed page, to come along to the 
planting day and meet other people who share a love of books and of nature. Young readers are more than welcome to come along too. We are very happy to have award winning local children’s author Trace Balla on hand, who will talk about the role of nature in her life, and as a bedrock for her creativity.
You will need to register for the planting by contacting Jules@connectingcountry.org.au.
- As vegetarian lunch and drinks will be provided please indicate if you have any dietary requirements such as gluten free.
- If you wish to come on the mini bus (seats limited) please advise on registering and we will try and get you a seat.
- We will provide the tools but you might want to bring your own gloves.
We encourage car pooling!
The planting site is on the Muckleford-Walmer Road, corner of Carpenter Lane. Entrance to the paddock is via the gate on Carpenter Lane.
Parking will be roadside on either Muckleford-Walmer Rd, or Carpenter Lane. The site will be fully sign posted. Visit the google-maps link (CLICK HERE) or see the satellite photo below.
22 July 2015 – Meet Tess at the Landcare Link-up
Posted on 8 July, 2015 by Connecting Country
Representatives from Landcare and Friends groups across the Mount Alexander Region are invited to attend a Landcare Link-up meeting in Castlemaine on Wednesday 22nd July 2015.
New Regional Landcare Coordinator for the North Central Catchment Tess Grieves, with a turtle.
The meeting has been organized to get input from groups on the key tasks for the Mount Alexander Landcare Facilitator over the coming years. This is the role undertaken by Connecting Country staff member Max Schlachter.
The State government has committed to continuing the program (now called the ‘Victorian Landcare Facilitator Program’) for another 4 years and this requires the development of a ‘Program Delivery Plan’ which sets out the key tasks of the facilitator for the next 4 years.
The Landcare Link-up meeting will also be used to introduce our new Regional Landcare Coordinator, Tess Grieves.
Tess has been working at the North Central CMA for the past four and a half years on a number of large-scale NRM projects (e.g. Loddon River, Gunbower Forest) and has coordinated all the community engagement activities and community grants for these projects. Tess has a Bachelor of Arts – Nature Tourism and has also completed a Graduate Certificate of Outdoor and Environmental Education and a Graduate Certificate in River Health Management. She is also a Mount Alexander Shire local having grown up in Elphinstone and gone to high school in Castlemaine.
Tess began the role this week and has kindly agreed to come down for the meeting to introduce herself and tell us about changes to this year’s Victorian Landcare Grants. Tess will be able to answer questions about the the grants and the application process, which are due to open prior to the Link-up meeting.
The meeting will be on Wednesday 22nd July at the Ray Bradfield Room, Castlemaine. It will begin with soup and bread at 6:30pm and be done by 8:30pm at the latest.
Two representatives from each group are invited to attend, but we can fit more if you have extras. It would be wonderful to get at least one representative from every group there.
Please RSVP for catering by Friday 17th July to Max (max@connectingcountry.org.au, 5472 1594).
Click here to download a PDF flyer.
Mount Alexander Council Environment Strategy 2015-2025 – 2nd draft available
Posted on 3 July, 2015 by Connecting Country
The Mount Alexander Shire Council has released the second draft of their Environment Strategy 2015-2025. We are appreciative that the community has been given further opportunities to provide feedback on this important document before it is considered and approved by the councilors in late July 2015. Follow the link HERE to go to the council website, which has the document available for download.
From our quick initial review of the revised Strategy, it appears that items raised by Connecting Country in regard to the first draft have been addressed in some way. (To compare the two draft Strategies, the first draft is still available on the earlier Connecting Country web-post – click here).
The Council have invited community members and organizations to pre-book a timeslot to meet with staff and discuss the revised strategy. Sessions are available between 3.00pm and 7.00pm on Thursday 9 July. To book your session with Council staff, contact Dallas Giles, Healthy Environments Administration Officer, on 5471 1768 or via email (d.giles@mountalexander.vic.gov.au). Sessions will be held at the Ray Bradfield Rooms, between the Maxi IGA carpark and Victory Park, Castlemaine.
Representatives of Connecting Country have made a booking to meet with council staff on this day. If you have suggestions about feedback that Connecting Country as an organization should provide about the revised draft strategy, please let us know (info@connectingcountry.org.au). However, if you have particular strong feelings about the document or if your suggestions are not directly relevant to Connecting Country, we would also encourage you to pass this directly to council through their feedback process. It is our understanding that 9 July is the last day for feedback.
10 July 2015 – A Walk through the Flinders Ranges
Posted on 3 July, 2015 by Connecting Country
The guest speaker for the July meeting of the Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club is John Lindner. John has been a long time member of The Alpine Club/ Bendigo Outdoor Group and also the Bendigo Field Naturalists. He is a very experienced walker and field naturalist.
His presentation is titled ‘Walking in the Flinders Ranges and understanding its natural history’. He has undertaken numerous trips to the Flinders Ranges over the last 10 years: long-distance bushwalks, day walking and car touring with camping. The natural history of the area is a field overflowing in riches. His talk will cover many aspects of the ranges including an overview of the Heysen Trail, the landscape (geological history, some highlight events, major landforms), vegetation, wildlife and human settlement.
The talk is on Friday 10 July 2015, starting from 7.30pm in the Fellowship Room. This is located in the hall behind the Uniting Church on Lyttleton St (next door to the Castlemaine Art Gallery and Museum). Feel free to arrive from 7pm for a cup of tea and a chat beforehand. Entry is free. Both members and visitors are welcome.
From little things big things grow……
Posted on 1 July, 2015 by Connecting Country
Connecting Country’s first community planting for 2015 got off to a flying start in Harcourt on a blustery Thursday morning last week. Grades 5 and 6 pupils from Harcourt Valley Primary School enthusiastically picked up the tools and planted in some 380 native plants on Annette and Bruce’s Harcourt property. Many plants were given names as they were planted in, such as “Daddy long legs”, “Star” and “Spider” for She-oaks, and “Tiny”, “Garfield” and “Leaf” for some Acacia species. It was a shame we didn’t have a marker pen to write the plants’ new names on their individual guards. It was a matter of running out of plants rather than names!
Many thanks to Principal Annette Smith for supporting the planting event, to school staff Matt and Mrs Rice who came with the students, and the students themselves. A big thank you as well to Annette, who proved herself to be not only passionate about native plants on her land, but also an amazing baker who appeared with chocolate brownies, banana cake, and apple cake fresh from the oven, and then took us all on a guided walk through the property to look at good plants and unwelcome ones such as gorse. The children impressed us with their knowledge about plants, erosion, pest animals and weeds.
Connecting Country’s second Community Planting will be on Sat 25 July from 10 am to 1230 pm in the Walmer area. This planting is a book-themed event and is being undertaken in conjunction with the Castlemaine library. Books do come from trees after all (unless you use a kindle)! We will have catering and a talk from a local award-winning children’s author Trace Balla about her connection to the landscape.
Further details about this planting day will be posted on the Connecting Country website, and through the Castlemaine Library’s networks. Registrations will be required for this one, for catering purposes (email jules@connectingcountry.org.au for early bird registrations). There will also be some limited minibus transport which you can sign up for when you register. Car pooling is of course encouraged. We look forward to seeing you on July 25.
Sunday 2 Aug 2015 – ‘Living with Wildlife and Fire’ workshop
Posted on 30 June, 2015 by Connecting Country
To kick start our Spring 2015 program, Connecting Country are running the ‘Living with Wildlife and Fire’ workshop on a beautiful property in Strangways which is managed for wildlife. Fire is a considered element for the landholders living on the property.
Participants will hear from four experts including Chris Johnston who will be facilitating the session, Owen Goodings (CFA – Statewide Team Leader Vegetation Management), David Cheal (Fire Ecologist – ex-DEPI and now School of Science, Information Technology & Engineering, Federation University) and Julie Whitfield (Field Ecologist, ex-DEPI and now Amaryllis Environmental)
Attendee will also hear from landholder Andrew Skeoch, who is proud to share his life with wallabies, kangaroos, sugar gliders, even occasionally koalas, plus a wealth of birdlife including Square-tailed Kites that bred nearby last year, and the rare Painted Button-quail that he sometimes sees among the tussock grasses.
Through practical exercises on the day, participants will be encouraged to develop their own ideas about how they could manage fire risk at their own property.
This workshop is the first of four in the Spring series which aims to give participants skills and knowledge, and also allow them to meet and chat with other landholders from the local area.
Lunch is provided and travel by bus to site from Castlemaine is available. Pick-ups from Newstead are also possible.
Click below to see the workshop flyers for the whole program and download the registration forms:
- Spring Workshops: spring workshops flyer and spring registration form
The sessions are aimed at people who are managing land in the local area, and who are also interested in improving their property’s conservation and/or productive values. Sessions all have specialist presenters, cover some basic theory and focus on practical information, skills and resources. Places are limited, but there will be a waiting list in the event of cancellations. See the registration form for more information, and how to book.
Oct 2015 – International Conference in Castlemaine
Posted on 29 June, 2015 by Connecting Country
In mid-October 2015, a three-day international conference – Local Lives Global Matters – is to be held at venues across Castlemaine. The conference is being organised by local community members and aims to “ask key questions, share ideas and experiences to inspire and encourage a future based on local economies, social and environmental responsibility, reclaimed democracy, revitalised spirituality and connection to nature.”
If you are interested in learning more about the conference, and perhaps attending, volunteering or even making a presentation, more details are available in the attached flyer (CLICK HERE).
NCCMA Chat – June 2015 edition
Posted on 29 June, 2015 by Connecting Country
Ashley Rogers, the Regional Landcare Facilitator with the North Central CMA, has informed us that the June 2015 edition of the North Central chat is now available on the Victorian Landcare Gateway website (click here). This month’s issue includes:
- Vale Joan Kirner and Phillip Toyne
- River Detectives Update
- 1000 volunteers needed to plant 40,000 trees in one day
- Nutrient planning workshop for dairy farmers
- Small grants available for gorse control
Ashley is always interested in any stories or events for future editions of the chat, and says “please feel free to send them through!”. (ashley.rogers@nccma.vic.gov.au)
Ashley has also let us know that the University of Melbourne is also conducting a suvey on the way people value native forests in Victoria. If you are interested in this survey, follow this link (CLICK HERE).
Lomandra Love
Posted on 22 June, 2015 by Connecting Country
The Friends of Campbells Creek are holding an unusual event this Sunday to help establish more butterfly habitat.
“We’re challenging ourselves to our biggest plant out yet: over 1,700 butterfly plants in two hours” says spokesperson Ian Higgins. The Group is focusing on establishing Lomandras—plants that look like a bit like a grass, but have attractive nectar bearing flowers.
Ian says “Lomandras are one of the creek-side species that disappeared in the gold rush. We’re excited to be putting so many back as not only are Lomandras essential food plants for butterflies, we’ve discovered they’re easy to establish and are very tough, staying green all year without watering.”
To introduce more people to Lomandra love, the Group is offering free plants for helpers at the Sunday planting event. Ian says “the more indigenous plants there are in the district, the better for our local fauna. Lomandras are perfect for any garden as they don’t take up much space and look great all year round”.
Here’s an article on how you can support or attract butterflies in your own garden.
The event runs from 10:00 am until midday, Sunday the 28th of June starting at the footbridge over the creek. Here’s a link to a map. Get there by heading south from the parking area at the end of Lewis Drive, Castlemaine. Light refreshments will be provided afterwards.
Three of our local Lomandra species – how could you not love them!
Winter migrants brighten bush and paddock
Posted on 20 June, 2015 by Tanya Loos
Connecting Country surveys birds in two distinct seasons – the winter non-breeding period from May to July, and the spring breeding period from September to November. Each season has its characteristic bird species, as well as quite a bit of overlap.
The 2015 winter bird surveys began in mid-May. In the Box Ironbark forests, such as occurs at the Rise and Shine Bushland Reserve pictured here, Golden Whistlers are present in good numbers. The magnificent golden male looks like a sunrise in his yellow, black and white plumage. The greyish brown females and juveniles can be hard to identify at first, but once you get your eye in they can be identified with confidence. Geoff Park has some great photos here and ID tips here.
When this photo was taken at Rise and Shine Bushland Reserve it was below zero degrees! The bush birds didn’t seem to mind – with plenty of weebills and thornbills bustling about.
Also bringing a blaze of colour to the region are Flame Robins – very aptly named little robins which may be seen mainly on grazed paddocks, often in groups of ten or more. Like the Golden Whistlers, the Flame Robins have a very brightly coloured male, and brownish females and young birds, known as “brown birds”.
A stunning male Flame Robin, photo by Geoff Park.
Both of these species have raised their young at higher altitudes of the Great Dividing Range, and are now spending winter in the lowlands. Lucky for us!
1 Day 1,000 Volunteers 40,000 Trees
Posted on 19 June, 2015 by Connecting Country
On Saturday 11 July 2015, 1000 volunteers will descend from across Victoria to plant 40,000 indigenous trees and shrubs in North Harcourt.
The project, which is a combined effort of the Harcourt Valley, North Harcourt and Barkers Creek Landcare groups is a unique opportunity to help create and restore a large area of habitat in just a few hours.
The groups have put an enormous amount of effort into ensuring the day will run smoothly and effectively – now they just need the people power to make it happen.
Threatened woodland birds such as the Brown Treecreeper need large well connected patches of bush to thrive. The 40,000 plants will help create and connect wildlife corridors in the Mount Alexander North priority zone; which is one of Connecting Country’s 11 Woodland Bird priority zones ( see this page for more).
Register to volunteer on your own, with a friend, with family or as a group. Participants are advised to register in advance, however you can still sign up on the day. But it will really help the groups to have your registration in advance!
To join and take part in this incredible habitat renewal project sign up at the link below:
http://40000trees.eventbrite.com
Check out the events Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/40000Trees
A beautiful Brown Treecreeper: photo by Greg License
Council’s Environment Strategy – Advance notice of revised draft & feedback process
Posted on 17 June, 2015 by Connecting Country
The Mount Alexander Shire has announced that they have prepared a new draft of their Environment Strategy 2015-2025, which is revised version following feedback upon the first draft in April and May 2015. The revised draft will be available on the council’s website for one week from the 2 July 2015.
As announced on the council’s website, Jason Taylor, Council’s Director of Sustainable Development says:
“We’re offering community members the opportunity to learn about how their ideas and feedback have been integrated into the strategy.”
“A strong message during the consultation process was the importance of recognising and placing greater emphasis on community partnerships and how they help meet the Shire’s environmental goals.”
Community members and organizations have been invited by the council to pre-book a timeslot to meet with staff and discuss the revised strategy. Sessions are available between 3.00pm and 7.00pm on Thursday 9 July 2015.
Further details, including instructions on how to book a timeslot, are available on the council website (Click here).
Position Vacant – Support Staff Member
Posted on 16 June, 2015 by Connecting Country
Our major project, Connecting Landscapes Across the Mount Alexander Region, ultimately aims to help enhance, protect and extend areas of native vegetation in the Mount Alexander Region that will create habitat linkages. This five year project, which commenced in mid-2013, has already made great gains towards this goal. More than 40 landholders have partaken in on-ground works projects on their properties resulting in improvements to more than 750 ha of woodland and forest.
Connecting Country is seeking a capable ready-to-go person to assist Jarrod and the rest of the team with the implementation of this project. This Project Support Officer role would commence as a 2-3 day per week fixed term position (for six months, with the possibility of an extension). Desirable skills and experience in the successful applicant are project management, an understanding of natural environments and their management, and the ability to work both as part of a team and on your own. A full position description can be downloaded (click here).
To express your interest in this role, please send your CV and also a cover letter (no more than 2 pages) which describes why you think you’d the right person for this position, when you would be able to commence, and your availability to work in the role for either 2 or 3 days per week.
Applications close at 5pm on Monday 29 June 2015. Email applications to jarrod@connectingcountry.org.au or send by hard-copy post to Connecting Country Applications, P. O. Box 437, Castlemaine, VIC 3450.
This project has been supported by Connecting Country, through funding from the Australian Government.
Plant with a Pottiputki in Muckleford
Posted on 15 June, 2015 by Connecting Country
The site being ripped in preparation for easy planting with a pottiputki.
Muckleford Catchment Landcare President Paul Hampton would like to tell Connecting Country members and supporters about the group’s upcoming planting day on Sunday June 21, 2015.
“The planting of 1,500 seedlings at the 30 metre wide fenced site will create an important habitat corridor from Chinaman’s Creek to remnant woodland on the upper slopes.
The planting system is both efficient and relatively easy. The site has been pre-prepared and the seedlings will be put in place with a pottiputki. The volunteer team will then secure the plants and place guards around them. Very straight forward, a little repetitive but no-one actually has to dig holes. It is a system Muckleford Landcare has had great success with over the last few years.
This is an opportunity to make a personal contribution to a valuable local project, meet other landcarers and gain rare access to a lovely, dramatic site poised above the creek on private land.
The entrance to the property is close to the corner of Turners Lane/Creasys Road. The Muckleford Catchment Landcare banner will be displayed at the gate. Drive in the entrance and park in the area near the bus/sheds. From there you can walk across the creek to the planting site.
Work will start at 11am and finish by 4pm at the latest. Tea/coffee and a tasty (vegetarian) lunch will be provided at around 1pm. Muckleford Landcare doesn’t expect everyone to commit for the whole day. If you can turn up for an hour or so that would be appreciated.
Bring solid boots, work gloves, suitable clothing for a cool day and raincoat just in case.
For further enquiries and/or let Muckleford Landcare if you can participate, ring Paul at 0408 566 909.
Register Now for the Mount Alexander Landcare Forum!
Posted on 11 June, 2015 by Connecting Country
The Mount Alexander Landcare Forum on Friday 19th June is only a week away!
With interesting speakers, music and a delicious dinner, the forum should be a really enjoyable afternoon and a nice opportunity to meet people from around the region. You’re are welcome to come for the whole forum or just for particular presentations or the dinner.
There is still room for more people so please let Max know if you’d like to attend as soon as possible. Contact max@connectingcountry.org.au or call on 03 5472 1594.
