Local groups Recognised in Kookaburra Awards
Posted on 17 November, 2011 by Connecting Country
Two dedicated local groups – the Tarrangower Cactus Control Committee and the Chewton Domain Society – were recently recognised for their outstanding contributions at the 2011 Parks Victoria Kookaburra Awards ceremony.
Parks Victoria’s Kookaburra Awards recognise and honour individuals and groups who have made an outstanding contribution to Victoria’s parks. Both groups received a certificate of recognition for their work in the Castlemaine area.
Local Parks Victoria Ranger Team Leader Noel Muller said the work of these two community groups makes a real difference to the local parks and the community. Connecting Country congratulates both of these groups for their amazing efforts.
Representatives of the Tarrangower Cactus Control Committee (Tony Kane and Ian Grenda) and Chewton Domain Society (John Ellis) with Parks Victoria Ranger Team Lead Noel Muller (top left) at the 2011 Parks Victoria Kookaburra Awards.
Second Eucalypt ID Workshop
Posted on 17 November, 2011 by Connecting Country
Marie Jones, president of Connecting Country, wrote the following report on the second Eucalypt ID workshop in Castlemaine:
The second Eucalypt ID Workshop proved a challenge to those who were there – from some who knew very little about our local trees to those who had a good understanding already. The organisers were also challenged when the power at the Botanic Gardens Tea Rooms wasn’t on at first, and then half way through the presentation went off completely! Ever enterprising though, we all managed exceptionally well – a walk through the native section of the gardens put the theory to practice and then we had a lively session looking at samples of different eucalypts for identification using the key provided. Thanks to Michael Luke and Greg Guy for an informative and entertaining workshop.
The last two Eucalypt ID Workshops will take place on November 26 in Newstead and November 27 in Sutton Grange. Both are booked out. Connecting Country is currently planning its 2012 educational program and details will be announced as soon as available.
Greg Guy explaining an ID marker.
The group at work on their samples.
Need Trees?
Posted on 15 November, 2011 by Connecting Country
The organisation Fifteen Trees supports community groups, landowners and environmental groups by providing them with trees for planting. The trees are paid for by individuals and companies who wish to make a contribution to the greening of our native environment.
There is no charge for the trees. Private landowners can have up to 60 trees (in lots of 15) while community groups (planting on public land) can apply for a lot more. The organisation only asks that you send them photos of the trees/plants two weeks after they are planted. To find out more about how you can obtain free plants for your property click here. (Note that the website says that you can use your own local nursery if you send them the details, or you can use one of the existing affiliated nurseries – the nearest of which seems to be the Neangar Nursery in Eaglehawk. If you are to pursue this opportunity, Connecting Country recommends using advice from a local nursery specialising in locally indigenous plants to ensure that you get appropriate tree species for your property.).
Wheel Cactus Activities – 14 & 27 November
Posted on 14 November, 2011 by Connecting Country
Wheel Cactus, Walmer. Photo: Bronwyn Silver
The last field day for the year will be held in Waldrons Lane, Baringhup, on Sunday 27 November, starting at 10.30 am. The Cactus Committee’s AGM will be held after the field day. Everyone is welcomed to attend the AGM.
Also, Ian Grenda is giving the Maldon Action Quarterly Lecture on Monday 14 November, at 7.30 pm. It will be held in the Athenaeum Hall High Street, Maldon. Entry by gold coin donation. Ian will be talking about the history of the campaign against cactus and the role of the local community in this campaign. Again everyone is welcome..
For further information contact Tony Kane timkane@ozemail.com.au.
Eucalypt Identification Workshop in Maldon
Posted on 11 November, 2011 by Connecting Country
Greg Guy explaining an identification marker.
How long have eucalypts been in Australia and are they unique to this continent? These were some of the questions answered in Connecting Country’s first Eucalypt Identification Workshop held at Ian Grenda’s property in Maldon on 6 November.
Michael Luke and Greg Guy took the 15 participants through a detailed exploration of eucalypts with particular emphasis on those common in Central Victoria. Information covered botanical features, distribution, regeneration, adaptive patterns and variations within species.
Greg explained the use of a ‘key’ to identify different species and participants were given hands-on identification practice using various collections of fruit, bark, juvenile foliage and buds as markers.
Participants test their ID knowledge.
Three further Eucalypt ID Workshops will take place this year. All are booked out. Connecting Country is currently planning its 2012 educational program and details will be announced as soon as available.
Farm-Tree and Landcare Association Newsletter
Posted on 8 November, 2011 by Connecting Country
The latest Farm-Tree and Landcare Association newsletter includes information on a Community Weed Management Survey, Scholarships, Business Planning Sessions, a Youth Volunteering Report and Landcare at the UN. It can be viewed by clicking here.
Two Events to Celebrate 25 Years of Landcare
Posted on 8 November, 2011 by Connecting Country
The 25th Anniversary of Landcare Conference will take place on 15 November at the MCG. It’s a chance for Landcarers and supporters to come together for a day of high level speakers and an extensive range of workshops and seminars.
The day will provide an opportunity to:
- share successes over 25 years with inspiring stories of landscape change
- learn about growing the landcare movement in the next 25 years
- meet Landcarers and likeminded people from around the state
The Hon Ryan Smith, Minister for Environment and Climate Change will deliver the official welcome at the 25th Anniversary of Landcare Conference.
Guest speakers include John Williams, Andrew Campbell, Kate Auty, Alexandra Gartmann and Landcare co-founder Joan Kirner. A history panel lead by Pam Robinson with guests Joan Kirner, Rob Youl, Horrie Poussard and others will reflect on key milestones in Landcare’s past 25 years.
A futuristic panel led by Kate Auty, joined by Alexandra Gartmann and Cate Barham, will discuss the way forward for Landcare for the next 25 years and beyond. Over 25 workshops will be offered on sustainable primary production, a healthy Landcare community and our environment, challenges and solutions. Click here to view the complete list of workshops and speakers.
Registration for volunteers is only $27.50. Register online by following this link:http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Y39VMSD . For more information go to:http://www.landcarevic.net.au/25years/conference/conference-information or contact David Rooks on tel: (03) 5952 3331, Mob 0418 115 935 for hard copies.
Registrations have been extended until Thursday 10 November.
The second event is a celebration of the North Central 25th Anniversary of Landcare on Friday 25 November 2011 at Bress Winery in Harcourt. This will be an opportunity to catch up with old friends and listen to guest speaker Shanaka Fernando (business entrepreneur of ‘Lentil as Anything’, a-pay-as-you-feel cafe in Melbourne). Also enjoy the mesmerising sounds of Kinja, local violin and didgeridoo duo. Click here to see the details.
Chilean Needle Grass Field Day
Posted on 8 November, 2011 by Connecting Country
Marie Jones, president of Connecting Country, wrote the following report on the recent Chilean Needle Grass Field Day.
Thanks to Ian Grenda and his crew for hosting the Chilean Needle Grass Field Day on the last (and very cold) Sunday in October. Thirty three people listened to Matt Sheehan describe the characteristics of this cursed grass so that there would be an improved chance of identifying it and then doing something about it before is spreads even further.
Everyone then got up close to the seed heads using magnifying glasses as this is the easiest way of identifying the grass.
After this session we all had some exercise by digging up or spraying wheel cactus through the area – another effort at stopping the spread of this weed – and I still have a prickle in my thumb to show that I was there! A bush BBQ also helped to keep everyone warm – a great day in great company.
A Chilean Needle Grass Steering Committee meeting will be held at the Hub meeting room this Thursday (10th November) at 4.30 where we will be updated on events and keep planning for the future. Claire Coulson (DPI) will be there too to explain the program she is operating in the area. If you are interested in coming, please email Connecting County (info@connectingcountry.org.au) so that we can provide enough chairs!
Matt Sheehan addressing the group.
Click here for more information on the Steering Committee meeting to be held on 10 November . This post also contains a link to more information on Chilean Needle Grass.
Draft Forest Creek Plan – Timeline for Feedback Extended
Posted on 4 November, 2011 by Connecting Country
In the recent posting on the draft Forest Creek Management Plan (click here), it was stated that any feedback and comments would need to be sent back to Connecting Country by the 15th November 2011. The timeline for feedback on the plan has subsequently been extended to the 4th December. Our apologies for the confusion this may cause. Please feel free to contact Chris or Krista at Connecting Country to discuss any aspect of the draft plan (ph: 03 5472 1594 or email: info@connectingcountry.org.au).
Platypus in Newstead
Posted on 3 November, 2011 by Connecting Country
A quick reminder that a talk on platypus by the Australian Platypus Conservancy is being given in Newstead on the evening of 15 November, and at Glenlyon on the evening of 14 November. RSVP’s must be received by this Friday 4 November (either email info@nccma.vic.gov.au or telephone 03 5448 7124). For more information, click here and here (for Newstead) and here (for Glenlyon).
Forest Creek Draft Management Plan
Posted on 3 November, 2011 by Connecting Country
Connecting Country is pleased to announce that the DRAFT FOREST CREEK MANAGEMENT PLAN is now available for public comment.
This restoration plan has been produced by Connecting Country through consultation with local community groups who have an interest in restoring the ecological health of Forest Creek and the crown land adjacent to it. It has also been informed by consultation with government bodies responsible for managing the creek and the residents who live along it. The plan documents how the creek is valued, what threats there are to its health, and how it might look in the future. Information is also provided that will help local community groups who are involved with Forest Creek.
The plan covers Forest Creek from its confluence with Barkers Creek and Campbells Creek back upstream to the Expedition Pass Reservoir. Forest Creek is a special waterway with an interesting social and cultural history. It is also an important habitat for many local plant and animal species and a great recreation area.
Connecting Country would like to thank all those who have already contributed to the plan. Comment on the draft plan is now invited. The closing date is 15 November 2011. For enquires and feedback contact Connecting Country by email: info@connectingcountry.org.au or telephone: 5472 1594.
10 November 2011 – Chilean Needle Grass Working Group Meeting
Posted on 2 November, 2011 by Connecting Country
Chilean Needle Grass. Photo by Karen Stewart.
Chilean Needle Grass (CNG) is a noxious invader of grassy woodlands and pastures. It is listed Weed of National Significance, and disturbingly there are a growing number of infestations in the local area. Further information on identification, ecology, spread and eradication methods can be found here.
A locally-based CNG working group was established earlier this year to work towards a coordinated approach to reducing the impact and preventing further spread of Chilean Needle Grass and other stipoid grass weeds in Mount Alexander Shire.
The group’s next meeting is on Thursday 10 November 2011 at 4.30 p.m. at the meeting room at the Hub, corner Templeton/Barker Streets, Castlemaine. Everyone interested is invited to attend. Minutes of previous meetings can be found here. Contact Connecting Country on 5472 1594 for more details.
Agenda for CNG working group meeting
CNG Field Day report back: Ian Grenda
CNG CFOC application current status: Jarrod Coote
MAS Council’s roadside management (vegetation) plan: Amy McDonald
CNG Strategic Plan current status: Jarrod Coote
MAS Environment Community Grant 2010/2011: Marie Jones
Mapping of CNG infestations: Marie Jones (Tom Chippindall has offered the use of a GPS resource.)
DSE CNG Program: Claire Coulson
Where to now?
Other business
October edition of Groundcover
Posted on 2 November, 2011 by Connecting Country
The lastest edition of the North Central CMA publication Groundcover is now available and can be downloaded here.
2 November 2011 – Promises and Pitfalls of Large Landscape Conservation
Posted on 31 October, 2011 by Connecting Country
Victoria Naturally has invited interested people to a presentation entitled Promises and pitfalls of large landscape conservation: lessons from North America and Australia this Wednesday, 2 November. The speaker will be PhD student Carina Wyborn. The flyer below has the full details.
Volunteering, workshops and field days
Posted on 26 October, 2011 by Connecting Country
Re-monitoring the Box Ironbark Thinning Trials
A re-monitoring of the Parks Victoria Box Ironbark Thinning Trials that begun in 2005 is currently underway in four locations across the Box Ironbark estate, including Castlemaine. The company undertaking the monitoring, Australian Ecosystems, is in need of some volunteers to assist with the Castlemaine monitoring work as the re-growth due to the recent rains has been extraordinary.
The field work requires agile, fit and enthusiastic volunteers with a good sense of bush safety. No botanical skills are required although a field sheet will need to be filled in. The days may be long and the ability to read a compass will be an advantage. The surveys are to be undertaken between Monday 31 October though to 9 November 2011 and monitoring is expected to be undertaken in two stints of 3-5 days. The location is the Castlemaine Diggings National Historical Park.
Contact Damian Cook at 0402 127 933 to find out more information and/or to volunteer as a monitor.
Eucalypt ID Workshops
The Eucalypt Identification Workshops are now booked out for Castlemaine and Maldon but spaces are still available for Sutton Grange and Newstead. Click here for more details about the course and booking information.
Reminder about Chilean Needle Grass Workshop
The Tarrengower Cactus Control Committee is hosting a workshop to help people identify and control the Chilean Needle Grass weed this Sunday 30 October from 10.30am – 12.30pm. Click here for more information.
CACTUS KILLERS WANTED
Posted on 25 October, 2011 by Connecting Country
The Tarrangower Cactus Control Commitee will hold their next community field day on Sunday 30 October at the corner of Watersons Road and Mount Back Road. The starting time is 10.30am and the morning will finish with a sausage sizzle about 12.30.
The final field day for the year will be on Sunday 27 November. It will be held at a property in Waldons Lane, Baringhup. The Cactus Control Committee’s AGM and Christmas break up will be held on the same day.
For further enquiries, contact Tony Kane timkane@ozemail.com.au
Wheel Cactus from the Tarrengower area. (Photo curtesy of DPI.)
Connecting Country’s AGM minutes
Posted on 25 October, 2011 by Connecting Country
The minutes of Connecting Country’s AGM held on 26 September 2011 can be viewed by clicking here.
A Helping Hand for Vulnerable Phascolgales
Posted on 24 October, 2011 by Connecting Country
Local resident and volunteer Cathy McCallum wrote the following report about Bryan McMullan’s recent visit to Baringhup.
On Friday students and staff from Baringhup Primary School and Baringhup Landcare learnt a lot more about phascogales from Bryan McMullan. Bryan is the Nesting Box Monitoring Project officer for Connecting Country and he was happy to explain his role and the vulnerability of this delightful native marsupial at the same time as he managed to erect the specially designed nesting boxes into position three metres up the trunks of our magnificent red gums along the river.
Bryan was replacing two nesting boxes swept away when the Loddon River flooded in January 2011. He placed another six boxes in Baringhup properties, one of them rescued from Rob & Kerry Jennings property after the floods. Another box has completely disappeared. The students showed a keen interest in the phascogales’ plight with many questions asked and skillfully answered by Bryan. The boxes will house any adolescent phascolgales who move into our area after being ousted from their habitat by the dominant members of their family.
Phascogales forage over a very large area, the female 20 -70 ha and the male 100ha which means only small populations can exist in large areas of habitat. When the autumn check of the existing nesting boxes took place, Bryan was pleased to report the nesting box program had already provided habitat for an extra seven families of phascolgales. We are all hoping that one day these beautiful marsupials will find a home in a box in Baringhup.
Bryan explains the Nest Box Program to Baringhup Primary School students.
Communities for Nature Grants Now Open
Posted on 23 October, 2011 by Connecting Country
The Communities for Nature grants program was launched by the Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) on Sunday Oct 9. The program is aimed at community organisations wanting to undertake practical on ground local environmental projects. The grants are open to almost any type of community organisation, not just environmental groups.
Applications are now open for a $20 million Communities for Nature grants program. The program will run for four years, with $4 million available in 2011.
Communities for Nature grants are for local community groups and organisations looking to improve their natural environment and conserve local biodiversity values. Activities that will be funded include biodiversity and habitat preservation, revegetation, cleaning up of waterways and control of pests and weeds.
This year, two streams of funding are being offered; small grants of up to $10,000 and large grants for $10,000 to $150,000.
Applications close on Monday 19 December 2011.
DSE is implementing this Victorian Government program. For more information on the assessment criteria and application process, visit their website or contact the Grants Information Line on 1300 366 356.
Peter Johnson is the contact for the DSE North West region. He is available to assist applicants with the technical feasibility of their projects.
Bjarne K Dahl Trusts Small Grants Program
The Bjarne K Dahl Trusts Small Grants Program is currently calling for applications for up to $15,000. The grants program is focussed on the protection and enhancement of eucalypts. More information about these grants can be found here.
Two Upcoming Events in Newstead
Posted on 21 October, 2011 by Connecting Country
23 October – Grasslands morning with Newstead Landcare
Victoria’s beautiful native grasslands were the ecosystems that attracted European settlement in the 1800s. Unfortunately, as a result, they are now one of our most diminished natural splendours and resources. But they still live in the area and can be seen and helped. Join Newstead Landcare for their October field day as Nathan Wong, PhD researcher into native grasslands and Grassy Ecosystem Co-ordinator for the Trust for Nature, introduces some rare treasures. Nathan will take people to native grassland remnants in 3 very different states of being, and describe the processes at work and what the grasslands provide. A rare opportunity indeed!
The field day will be this Sunday October 23rd, car pooling from Newstead Community Centre at 9.30 am and returning at about 12.15pm. All are welcome to attend (gold coin donations appreciated). Bring a mug for morning tea. A very brief AGM will be held during morning tea, before the return to Newstead.
15 November – Are there Platypus in your local creeks? Would you like to know more about them?
The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) along with the Newstead Landcare Group invites you to join them at a Platypus information night.
The Australian Platypus Conservancy will present an illustrated talk about the amazing platypus and how you can help monitor them in the Loddon River system
Date: Tuesday 15th November 2011
Time: 6.30pm–8.00pm (including a light supper)
Venue: Newstead Community Centre
Admission is free and everyone is welcome. Don’t miss this great opportunity to come along and learn more about the habitat and biology of this unique animal.
RSVP by 5.00pm Friday 4 th November 2011 to info@nccma.vic.gov.au or telephone (03) 5448 7124, indicating that you wish to attend the Newstead Platypus information session and outline any dietary requirements.
This information night is presented as part of the North Central CMA’s Upper Loddon and Campaspe project, Victorian Landcare Program and North Central Waterwatch.