March edition of Groundcover

Posted on 19 March, 2012 by Connecting Country

The March issue of the North Central CMA publication Groundcover is now available and can be downloaded here. As well as including interesting articles on Texas Needle-Grass and Myrtle rust, this issue covers Connecting Country’s appointment of Max Schlachter as the new local Landcare facilitator and information on Connecting Country’s education program.

2012 Mount Alexander Shire Youth Awards

Posted on 16 March, 2012 by Connecting Country

As part of National Youth Week 2012, Mount Alexander Shire Council is re-launching the Mount Alexander Youth Awards. The Awards will be presented at the Youth Celebration and Awards Night to be held during National Youth Week on Thursday 19 April 2012.

These Awards promote and celebrate the achievements and contributions of young people to the Mount Alexander community.  The Awards are open to young people aged between 12 and 25 who are employed or reside in the Mount Alexander Shire. For more information click here.

20 March – Biodiversity and agriculture – working together

Posted on 16 March, 2012 by Connecting Country

Dr Denis Saunders, former CSIRO chief research scientist, member of the Wentworth Group, and president of World Wildlife Fund.

Biodiversity and agriculture are often seen as separate entities, however, this doesn’t need to be the case.  On Tuesday evening, 20 March 2012, internationally renowned scientist Dr. Denis Saunders will present a free public talk at the Newstead Community Centre on the reasons why. With a long and distinguished career in landscape-scale analyses of agricultural rangelands and studies of Australian bird ecology, Dr Saunders is well placed to deliver this presentation – which will be of great interest to everyone – conservationists and farmers alike.

“Biodiversity – the variety of all life forms and their geographic patterns – is integral to a functioning landscape and provides critical environmental services such as nutrient cycling, water filtration and soil stability. Everyone benefits from a biodiverse environment. When biodiversity is diminished these benefits, such as life support processes, are decreased”, says Connecting Country Project Coordinator Chris Timewell.  Dr. Saunders will present a case that agriculture is an enterprise that is critically dependent on biodiversity services and will describe how we might go about integrating them.  A question and answer session will follow the presentation.

Denis’s evening talk, the first of Connecting Country’s 2012 Education Program, commences at 6.30pm with a pre-talk supper (gold coin donation to the local Newstead Landcare group).  This free event is fully catered and the food will be sourced from locally grown ingredients. All the evening talks and field days are open to all members of the public.

Also coming up on Sunday the 25^th of March is a field trip with Connecting Country to Pilchers Bridge where participants will learn about the process of identifying Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs) and learn how they can be used in revegetation and biodiversity management. There are still places available for the field trip so register now to guarantee your place.

For more information and to RSVP please contact bryan@connectingcountry.org.au or call the Connecting Country office on 5472 1594. Full details of Connecting Country’s 2012 education program and a registration form can be found here.

25 March – Woody Weed Cutting and Painting Workshop

Posted on 13 March, 2012 by Connecting Country

Golden Point Landcare will be running a woody weed cutting and painting workshop on Sunday March 25^th from 11.30am-12.30pm at the Prideaux/Billington property, Chapel Street, Golden Point. The workshop is part of the NCCMA and Victorian Government funded project Private Land Weed Control 2011.

Fritz Hammersley, the project officer, will be demonstrating cutting and painting technique for the control of Gorse, Blackberry and Broom and any other woody weeds and discussing how this method fits in with broader aspects of weed control. This event will not feature chainsaw use. Tools and equipment will be provided.

As the event is on private property and late morning tea will be provided, it is requested that anyone interested in participating RSVP Fritz on 0411566987 or email fritzham@bigpond.com by end of day Saturday March 24^th.

Directions to the property will begin with signage on the corner of Llewellyn Rd and Golden Point Road, which is a little to the south of Expedition Pass Reservoir.

Fritz addressing participants at the Golden Point Landcare seed collection and sowing workshop in February. Photo: John Ellis

Nest box Monitoring and other Events

Posted on 5 March, 2012 by Connecting Country

Presenter Bryan McMullan is pictured along with one of the 400 nest boxes that have been strategically placed throughout the region.

Thanks to all those that joined Connecting Country in our nest box monitoring workshop in Chewton on 29 February. Participants were shown how to monitor and accurately identify nest box occupants and discussed how to document the sightings using our data sheet. They also received a visual display on the Brush-tailed Phascogale and the Sugar Glider, and how to differentiate between them.

Many thanks to Glenn Harrison of the Chewton Bushlands for hosting a nest box site visit during the evening and discussing the conservation initiatives that he is undertaking on his property.

The session was well received by all participants and was a wonderful opportunity to network and share ideas. This was the first of four nest boxworkshops – the others will be in Maldon (March 7), Sutton Grange (March 14) and Guildford (March 15). To find out more about these workshops and the other components of Connecting Country’s 2012 Education Program, click here, or call the Connecting Country office on 03 5472 1594.

As in 2011, a number of Connecting Country’s 2012 evening education events will be catered for by the Growing Abundance Project. The aim of this local organisation is to ‘give our community the tools to live more sustainably by reducing food miles and food waste’. To find out more about the organisation, click here, and to view their Low Food Miles campaign, click here.

Two opportunities to hear local nest box expert, Miles Geldard

You can find out more about how nest boxes work, how they can be designed for differnt animals and the ins and outs of constructing and placing them from local expert, Miles Geldard, at two upcoming events.

The first is on Friday 9 March when Miles Geldard will be the guest speaker at the Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club. The meeting will take place at 7.30pm in the Uniting Church Hall, Lyttleton St, Castlemaine. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Miles will also give a presentation at Newstead Landcare’s meeting on Thursday 16 June  from 8-9 pm at Newstead Community Centre. This presentation will be followed by a cup of tea and then a brief business meeting if you would like to hang around. All are welcome to attend either the presentation or the meeting. Contact Patrick Kavanagh (Secretary) or Frances Cincotta (President) 5476 2691 for further information.

More information about Miles Geldard’s nest boxes can be found on his website Wildlife Nestboxes.

2012-13 Community Action Grants

Posted on 1 March, 2012 by Connecting Country

The Australian Government is seeking applications for 2012-13 Community Action Grants from local community groups to help them take action to conserve and protect their local environment.

As part of the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country initiative, Community Action Grants recognise the contribution that community groups make to the Caring for our Country priority areas of:

• Coastal environments and critical aquatic habitats
• Sustainable farm practices, or
• Biodiversity and natural icons.

As in previous rounds, local community, farming and Indigenous groups can apply for a grant between $5,000 and $20,000 (GST exclusive) to fund projects that encourage active participation and build the skills and knowledge of the community to protect and restore our environment and natural resources. Projects may include hosting a local field day, developing natural resource management plans, educating land owners in sustainable agriculture techniques and on-ground works.

Community Action Grant applications are subject to a competitive assessment process. Applications will be assessed based on alignment to Caring for our Country priorities, community engagement, project feasibility and value for money. All successful applicants must finish their project by 30 June 2013.

Applications close at 5pm (AEDT), on Tuesday 27 March 2012.

For more information on eligibility and to submit a Community Action Grants application, visit the Caring for our Country website (http://www.nrm.gov.au/funding/cag/index.html) or telephone 1800 552 008.

Report on Connecting Country’s Reference Group Meeting

Posted on 29 February, 2012 by Connecting Country

The first Connecting Country Reference Group meeting for 2012 was held on Monday 20 February. The turnout was excellent with representatives from a fourteen local Landcare Groups, Parks Victoria, Friends of the Box-Ironbark Forests, North Central CMA, Redesdale Biolink Project, Mount Alexander Shire, Normal Wettendhall Foundation and Connecting Country staff and Committee of Management members.

The two new Connecting Country workers were introduced to the meeting: Max Schlachter, the new Landcare facilitator, and Michael Luke, coordinator of the Brilliant Barkers Creek Project. Kylie Stafford, the new Mount Alexander Shire Natural Environment Officer was also introduced.

The evening provided the opportunity for interested members of Landcare groups and others to have input into the new Landcare facilitator’s future workplan. The suggestions for future priorities have been collated in this Landcare Feedback document.

Finally the Forest Creek Action Plan was launched by Marie Jones, President of Connecting Country. The Plan documents how the creek is valued by local residents and what threats it may face in the future. It also provides information on the social and natural history of Forest Creek.

The minutes of the meeting can be read by clicking here.

Farm-Tree and Landcare Association Newsletter

Posted on 27 February, 2012 by Connecting Country

New Landcare Facilitator for Mount Alexander

Posted on 27 February, 2012 by Connecting Country

Connecting Country has received a $204,600 share of the Victorian Government’s
$12 million Victorian Local Landcare Facilitator Initiative grant to provide local Landcare support up to June 2015.  And, following a rigorous interview process, Connecting Country is happy to announce that Max Schlachter has commenced as the Landcare Facilitator for the Mount Alexander region. Max comes to the position with a background in environmental science and forest ecosystem science.  Over many weeks in 2011 and 2012, Max also volunteered with Connecting Country to produce the recently launched local action plan for Forest Creek.

There are more than 30 Landcare and ‘Friends’ groups active in the Mount Alexander Shire and immediate surrounds. They undertake projects across the landscape which improve degraded farmland, create habitat for native animals and plants, improve soil and river health, and educating the community about their local environment.

Max Schlachter

Max’s role will be to assist Landcare and Friends groups in the Shire to achieve their goals. This may include helping to gain funding from government and non-government sources, produce strategic local area plans and action plans and also to link groups with each other and with useful information. For some groups, this may be a great opportunity to re-invigorate their efforts with the extra bit of assistance available.  For others, it might be an opportunity to expand their network and enhance their existing projects.

If you would like to know more about what Landcare does, or to find out what is happening in your area, contact Max by email at max@connectingcountry.org.au or by phone on 5472 1594 or visit the Connecting Country website (http://connectingcountry.org.au/landcare/).

12 April – Building Resilient Ecosystems Forum

Posted on 26 February, 2012 by Connecting Country

A free forum on the theme Building resilient ecosystems in Victoria: what is our vision and how can we achieve it? is being hosted by Deakin University (Burwood Campus) on Thursday 12 April 2012 (week after Easter).  Some of the most distinguished names in Victorian science and conservation ecology will be presenting.

There is increasing emphasis on building ‘resilience’ as a goal in land management and conservation. This forum will bring together different viewpoints and experience to explore ideas and questions about resilience and its application to conservation and land management. It will be valuable for a wide range of people – scientists, land managers, conservation practitioners, and community members.

Registration is essential to allow for catering. Click here for more information including registration details.

2012 Autumn Fungi Workshops

Posted on 24 February, 2012 by Connecting Country

Photo: Alison Pouliot

The Central Victorian Fungi Ecology Workshop Series is running again this coming autumn. If you would like to know more about this curious kingdom, workshops include interactive displays, illustrated seminars and exciting forest forays deep into our local forests. Full details are listed at www.alisonpouliot.com Workshops book up fast so perhaps don’t delay making a reservation if you’d like to attend.

Groundcover

Posted on 21 February, 2012 by Connecting Country

The February issue of the North Central CMA publication Groundcover is now available and can be downloaded here. As well as including news on Landcare and other environment topics, this issue provides information on the 2012 Connecting Country Education Program.

How to Turn Weeds into Gold

Posted on 20 February, 2012 by Connecting Country

Congratulations to the Taradale Landcare Group for working towards the restoration of Kangaroo Creek. This project involves eight private properties, important roadsides and land managed by Coliban Water. Connecting Country developed the site management plan and is providing a financial contribution towards the implementation of this project that has developed in conjunction with the landholders. Financial support has also been received for the project from the Victorian Gorse Taskforce and from the Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment with the invaluable in-kind support from by the landholders, the Taradale Landcare Group and Coliban Water.  A true community effort!

The article below explains the role of the Gorse Rabbit in the evolution of this project. Suzanne Donisthorpe is the author.

It was first spotted last Good Friday, high on a hill in Taradale. It loomed 12 feet tall, out of the paddock, swaying gently, silhouetted against the evening sky, faceless and slightly spooky.

We were up at our place in Taradale for the Easter long weekend and had invited a few people around for a party and a bonfire- as you do –in the country. But as wood is scarce and useful and we had promised a bonfire- we decided to use what we had to hand in vast abundance… gorse. Nasty, ghastly, invasive, gorse. The curse of Central Victoria. We had been hacking away at our shamefully large patch with the slash and spray method, so there was a big pile of dead weed around. ‘Let’s burn that’ I suggested.’ I’ll make it into something- then we can burn it,’ said my husband Frank, the sculptor. He is a man who loathes gardening, but when you can burn the results- well now you’re talking. And given it was Easter, what else but a rabbit? Continue Reading »

Brilliant Barkers Creek – A Cleanup Project on the way

Posted on 17 February, 2012 by Connecting Country

A fantastic partnership between three Landcare groups will see the clean-up of Barkers Creek – from its headwaters in Harcourt North to Castlemaine.

Hosted by Connecting Country, the project officer, Michael Luke shall be working with North Harcourt /Sedgwick Landcare Group, Harcourt Valley Landcare group and the Barkers Creek Landcare and Wildlife Group in the development of a ‘Local Action Plan’.

The Local Action Plan will determine achievable Landcare projects that will produce high ecological outcomes and restore Barkers Creek to a healthy watercourse – thus the working title “Brilliant Barkers Creek” was chosen. Initially a focus will be placed on the eradication of invasive woody weed species that occur along this locally important waterway – particularly Blackberry and Gorse.  Following the successful first phase of the project (woody weed removal), it is intended that revegetation of indigenous flora species will follow in subsequent years (dependant on funding).

Michael will be engaging local landholders in the area, to provide advice, mapping and related extension work.  He will also be looking to source additional funding to provide subsidies for landholders to assist them to remove woody weeds on their properties.

Funding for the Barker Creek Clean-Up Project has been received from the Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and the Victorian Blackberry and Gorse Taskforces.

Michael Luke

Michael is new to Connecting Country. He has always had a keen interested in the environment and decided to leave the Commonwealth Department of Education after 16 years to commence a course of study in the environmental field.  He has recently completed a Diploma of Conservation and Land Management and Sustainable Water Management at the Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE and is excited to be commencing employment with Connecting Country.  Michael is planning to engage a large number of local landholders, and to assist them to make a difference not just on their ‘patch’ but also to increase the overall health of Barkers Creek.

For more information or to get involved, Michael can be contacted at michael@connectingcountry.org.au or on 5472 1594.

20 February – Forest Creek Action Plan Launch and Reference Group Meeting

Posted on 16 February, 2012 by Connecting Country

Connecting Country’s first Reference Group meeting for 2012 will take place at 7pm on Monday 20 February in the Ray Bradfield Rooms. This will be an opportunity to meet two new team members: Local Landcare Facilitator, Max Schlachter, and Barkers Creek Clean Up Project Officer, Michael Luke.

Connecting Country will also be launching the recently produced ‘Forest Creek Action Plan’. The plan has been produced through consultation with local community groups who have an interest in restoring the ecological health of Forest Creek, as well as the government agencies responsible for managing the creek, and local residents.

The Forest Creek Action Plan documents how the creek is valued by local residents and what threats it may face in the future. It also provides information on the social and natural history of the creek. The plan should be of value to anybody with an interest in the history and ecology of Forest Creek and the Box-Ironbark forest landscape more generally.

Forest Creek’s proximity to Castlemaine and its surrounding townships makes it an important recreation area and a showcase for successful ecological restoration. Local community groups have worked very hard and very successfully over the last 20 years to restore the Forest Creek landscape and it is hoped that the Forest Creek Action Plan will help them to continue their work in the future. The iconic degradation of Forest Creek is now an opportunity for iconic restoration!

2012 Connecting Country Education Program

Posted on 9 February, 2012 by Connecting Country

The 2012 Education Program explores the idea that efficient production and care for nature go hand in hand. It includes workshops, lectures, discussions and field trips, and will throw some interesting questions at participants: Can farmers get paid to look after nature? How can conservation measures help long term farm efficiency? Does revegetation really make farmland more resilient?

Commencing on Monday the 27^th of February, the program will first travel to Maldon, Chewton, Sutton Grange and Guildford to present a nest box watch workshop series. This will be followed by a lecture on the benefits of biodiversity in agriculture with Dr Dennis Saunders (Research Fellow CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences) on Tuesday 20^th of March. Other sessions will cover practicalities like identifying native vegetation using Victorian Standards with Paul Foreman (Bush Heritage Australia) and Ian Higgins (North Central Catchment Management Authority) on Saturday 25^th of March, followed by Establishing goals for revegetation initiatives by Prof Ary Hoffman (Bio21 Institute – University of Melbourne) on Tuesday 8^th of May, and finish with Using native grasses and shrubs for pasture, presented by Graeme Hand (STIPA Native Grasses Association) on Friday 25^th of May. A panel discussion on the economic opportunities related to farming for nature will also be held on Wednesday 18^th April where the public can quiz some of the active local organisations such as Australian Carbon Traders, Trust for Nature, Connecting Country, Bush Broker and Land for Wildlife.

The program is open to all members of the public. Evening sessions are free, however the first two field days are $10 per person to cover transportation. For more information and to RSVP please contact bryan@connectingcountry.org.au or call the Connecting Country office on 5472 1594. Full details of the program and a registration form can be found here.

Mount Alexander Community Wind Project

Posted on 6 February, 2012 by Connecting Country

The Mount Alexander Sustainability Group is examining the feasibility of establishing a community-owned and community-sized wind farm in the Shire. A site has not yet been decided on and they are currently seeking community views on all aspects of the proposed project.

You can find more information and how to get involved in the project by reading this document.

20 February – Connecting Country Reference Group Meeting

Posted on 6 February, 2012 by Connecting Country

The first Connecting Country Reference Group meeting for 2012 will be held on Monday the 20 February at 7pm in the Ray Bradfield Room, Castlemaine. There will be an opportunity to meet our two new staff members – Michael Luke (Barkers Creek Cleanup Project Officer) and the new Landcare Facilitator.  The recently appointed Natural Environment officer, Kylie Stafford, from the Mount Alexander Shire will also be in attendance.

We urge our Landcare Group representatives to attend this meeting as this will be a great opportunity to provide further input into the Landcare Facilitator role over the next four years. We will also be launching the Forest Creek Action Plan developed by Max Schlachter.

For catering purposes please RSVP by Thursday the 16th of February to krista@connectingcountry.org.au or call the office on 5472 1594.

What’s Up with the Weather?

Posted on 1 February, 2012 by Connecting Country

The North Central CMA together with the Victorian Department of Primary Industries and the Loddon Shire Council are holding a free public forum ‘What’s up with the weather?’ at Serpentine.

You will be able to find out the latest weather predictions and how the DPI Climate Dogs can help you better understand weather patterns.

Guest speakers include:

• Jane Bunn – WIN TV Weather Presenter
• Graeme Anderson – DPI Senior Climate Scientist

When: Tuesday 14 February 2012, 8.00 am – 11.00 am (breakfast and morning tea provided)

Where: Serpentine Hall, Chapel Street, Serpentine.

RSVP (for catering purposes) by 10.00 am Monday 13 February 2012 to North Central CMA by emailing info@nccma.vic.gov.au or by calling 03 5448 7124.

Farm-Tree and Landcare Association Newsletter

Posted on 31 January, 2012 by Connecting Country

Amongst a range of other interesting articles, the latest Farm-Tree and Landcare Association newsletter includes information on:

• Aussie Farmer Foundations Grants
• Funding for Landcare groups to run Farm Ready-funded Climate Presentations
• New Smart Phone Weed App

The newsletter can be viewed by clicking here.