Restoring landscapes across the Mount Alexander Region

Claire Reports on the Landcare Forum

Posted on 14 July, 2015 by Connecting Country

Claire Collie

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 singing-web

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.”

IMG_5215

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 paddockplanting 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.Walmer site map

 

 

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.

Tess & Turtle

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.John Lindner

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

planted shrub picConnecting 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.Epicormic growth - by FOBIF

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:

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.

Lomandras

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 it was below zero degrees! The bush birds didn't seem to mind - with plenty of weebills and thornbills bustling about.

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.

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

11391544_1667743336788969_5518370052361559707_nOn 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

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

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.

 

LandcareForumFlyer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FOBIF Winter School Holiday Program Registrations – Now Open

Posted on 9 June, 2015 by Connecting Country

The Friends of the Box-Ironbark Forests (FOBIF) are excited to announce registrations open for their 2015 Winter School Holiday Program. The 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 out of the tea rooms in the Castlemaine Botantical Gardens and will explore the theme of habitat.

The first event is a Live Animal Display and Treasure Hunt in the northern section of the gardens, the second is titled ‘Habitat Stories’ and is held in conjunction with the Goldfields Library and will be an exploration of books and their role in helping us to understand the natural world and the final session is titled ‘Botanical Drawing with a Castlemaine Twist’ and is an opportunity for children and adults to elaborate on traditional botanical drawing using their observational skills and imaginations.

The cost for these events is $5 per child per event or free for FOBIF members.

Children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the events, all events are BYO lunch.

For more information on how to book see poster or the FOBIF website: http://www.fobif.org.au/

Cassia Read showing kids some of the amazing things to be found in nature.

Cassia Read showing kids some of the amazing things to be found in nature.

 

Tributes to Joan Kirner – And One From Her

Posted on 4 June, 2015 by Connecting Country

The Landcare movement lost one of its founders and greatest supporters with the passing of Joan Kirner on Monday 1 June 2015.

Tributes to Joan Kirner and her involvement with Landcare have been published in a number of places. To me, they create a picture of someone who was willing to tackle large issues; someone who believed in community action, and could achieve things by working with people from across the political and social spectrum.

An article published on the Victorian Landcare website on Tuesday includes a letter that she sent to the editor of the Victorian Landcare Magazine recently.

“As an early participant in the creation of Landcare, I felt that I had to write and tell you how delighted I am with the program, its longevity, results and the new initiative in Indigenous Landcare. My former colleague, the late Heather Mitchell would be delighted too! Please pass on my congratulations to all landcarers.”

Below are links to three recent articles that have been written about Joan Kirner’s involvement with Landcare:

Max Schlachter,
Mount Alexander Region Landcare Facilitator

 

Help Build Castlemaine’s Newest Housing Estate

Posted on 3 June, 2015 by Connecting Country

nest box pile

Taking pre-fabricated housing to a new level – nestboxes ready to be installed.

The McKenzies Hill Action & Landcare Group works in an area designated for urban expansion as part of the Council’s ‘Diamond Gully Structure Plan’.

According to the Mount Alexander Shire Council’s website “Diamond Gully will be Castlemaine’s primary urban growth area and the structure plan is intended to guide the residential transformation of this area.” 

Thanks to the efforts of the Mckenzies Hill Action & Landcare Group, the ‘residential transformation’ isn’t just for people – it includes new homes for possums, birds, bats and other native wildlife.

On Sunday 14th June 2015 the group are looking for volunteers to help install a multitude of new apartments (nest-boxes) in the newly named ’70 Foot Hill Reserve’. The reserve, formally known as the Newstead gravel reserve, is a parcel of crown land with a surprisingly diverse range of native vegetation on it. Like much of the forest around Castlemaine, the reserve is missing large old trees with nesting hollows. The nest boxes installed by the group have been specially designed to suit a range of animals – just like the range of hollows that would be found in a mature forest.

The working bee will include a talk  by Miles Geldard from ‘Wildlife Nestboxes’ on the need for nestboxes and how they work. There will be a free BBQ  as well.

When: Sunday 14th June 2015, starting at 10:00am.
Location: 70 Foot Hill Reserve, Diamond Gully Road (the section between Sluicers Rd and Princess St, look for signs)
Bring: a chair for BBQ afterwards
Contact: Jan Hall – 5470 5556

 

12 June 2015 – Species, Stonehenge and Indigenous Knowledge

Posted on 2 June, 2015 by Connecting Country

The guest speaker for the June meeting of the Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club is Dr Lynne Kelly.   A resident of Castlemaine, Lynne and her husband Damian are great supporters of Connecting Country and the local field nats.  Many of you will fondly remember Lynne’s presentation a couple of years ago about her journey from being chronically arachnophobic to embracing all things ‘spider’.

The title of this talk is Indigenous knowledge of plants and animals: how do they remember so much stuff without a field guide?

Indigenous people are often described as having a close relationship with their environment with no reference to the way the depth of their knowledge comes about. They have exactly the same intellectual potential as the rest of us but they don’t have writing to store their knowledge. They learn how to identify many hundreds of animals, from the mammals and birds to the invertebrates, and know their behaviour. Then add in many hundreds of plants, along with properties, uses, habitats, seasonal variations as well as navigation, genealogies, astronomy and timekeeping, resource rights and management … the list goes on and on. But how do they store all that information when they are totally dependent on fragile human memory?

In this presentation, Lynne Kelly will explain the extraordinary methods used by indigenous cultures to memorise a vast amount of natural history knowledge. And to finish off, she’ll explain why this understanding led her to a new theory for the purpose of Stonehenge.

Dr Lynne Kelly’s latest book, Knowledge and Power in Prehistoric Societies, has just been published in the US and UK by Cambridge University Press and will be released in Australia in August. The book is a result of her PhD thesis on memory systems used by non-literate cultures and the application in archaeology. Her previous books include Spiders: learning to love them and Crocodile: evolution’s greatest survivor.

Lynne’s talk is being held in the Fellowship Room behind the Uniting Church (located in the section of Lyttleton St between Barkers St and Kennedy St, next door to the Castlemaine Art Gallery).  The meeting starts from 7.30pm on Friday 12 June 2015, but feel free to turn up from 7pm for a cup of tea and a chat beforehand.  Everyone is welcome to attend and there is no cost for entry.