This Christmas, support landscape restoration and habitat creation in Central Vic

Posted on 28 November, 2024 by Anna

In this season of giving, please consider donating to Connecting Country and help support our vision for landscape restoration across the Mount Alexander region of central Victoria.

We can’t wait for governments to act! We need to build resilience in our local landscape in the face of climate change.  As a local, not-for-profit, community-based organisation, we work at the grassroots to protect, restore and enhance biodiversity to help threatened species, like the Brush-tailed phascogale and our wonderful woodland bird community, to thrive.

Over the past 15 years we have:

• Restored over 15,000 ha of habitat across the Mount Alexander region, which equates to around 8% of the shire.
• Delivered more than 245 successful community education events.
• Installed more than 480 nest boxes for the threatened Brush-tailed Phascogale
• Maintained a network of 50 long-term bird monitoring sites
• Secured funding to deliver more than 65 landscape restoration projects.
• Supported an incredible network of over 30 Landcare and Friends groups.

We should all be proud of what we’ve achieved. However, there’s much more to do.

You can be assured that any financial support from you will be well spent, with 100% invested into our core work of supporting and implementing landscape restoration in our local area. We run a lean operation and our small team of part-time staff attracts voluntary support that ensures every dollar goes a long way.

Donate here

Weed of the Month: Gorse

Posted on 28 November, 2024 by Lori

As we move through spring into the hotter, drier, summer months you will no doubt notice many of the local weeds flowering and seeding. This month, keep an eye out for the invasive Gorse (Ulex europaeus) which is a Weed of National Significance (WONS) and a ‘Regionally Controlled’ weed in the North Central Catchment – meaning landholders have a legal responsibility to control it. Gorse can be found right across the Mount Alexander Shire. It is a prickly woody shrub growing to around 3 meters, producing abundant, pea-shaped yellow flowers followed by pods of seeds which are spread through ‘explosive dehiscence’ in summer or as the weather heats up and dries out. Germination mainly occurs after rain in Autumn and Spring. 

Seeds remain viable in the soil for over 30 years, making an integrated and annual control program necessary to keep on top of infestations. Plants can also regrow from stumps. To control, cut and paint isolated individuals, hand pull small seedlings or grub out (disturb soil with a hoe, to essentially dig them up) large quantities of newly germinated seedlings. Spraying herbicide can be used for established infestations. For large infestations you may require a mix of techniques to achieve the best results, such as slashing and then spraying regrowth. 

There is now also specialised machinery, called an Eco Blade, that can groom out and chemically treat plants simultaneously which can be ideal for large infestations where there is no other vegetation present. Click here for a list of local weed contractors, and here for the Managing Gorse Manual.

For more information on Gorse or other land management topics, visit the Connecting Country website or contact us via email info@connectingcountry.org.au or phone 0493 362 394.  Landcare Groups are also a great resource for learning about local weeds. You can find your local group on the Landcare page of the Connecting Country website.  

The Weed of Month article is a segment from Connecting Country’s ‘Partnerships Against Pests’ project funded by Agriculture Victoria in 2024-25. Through this program, Connecting Country is working closely with local community groups, such as Landcare, to raise awareness of local pest plant and animal issues, with the aim to empower community with the skills to address these threats.  The project includes seasonal awareness campaigns around key pest issues as well as workshops, and market stalls across the region. Keep an eye out for Connecting Country staff and Landcare volunteers holding weed information market stalls at Mount Alexander Shire markets over the coming months.  

The Bee Line Project: Victoria Gully Group’s pollinator corridor planting

Posted on 28 November, 2024 by Hadley Cole

In 2023, Connecting Country received funding through the Victorian Landcare Grants for the pollinator corridor project; The Bee Line Project. This project has involved partnering with four Landcare groups in the Mount Alexander Shire to coordinate the planting of 1600 pollinator-attracting plants with the aim of building diverse pollinator corridors throughout the region.

Research demonstrates a serious global decline in pollinators due to habitat loss, a lack of connectivity between isolated pockets of habitat and climate change. Pollinators are the bees, butterflies, flies, wasps, moths, birds and even bats that are critical to the successful reproduction and survival of many of Australia’s native plants and food crops. The Bee Line Project brings these often-undervalued species to the forefront of habitat restoration and biodiversity conservation efforts, providing a focus for local Landcare and Friends groups to work together with a common goal. 

Victoria Gully Group (VGG) are a local group comprising of residents who live close to Victoria Gully, which starts in the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park south of Castlemaine and meets Forest Creek at Greenhill Avenue, Castlemaine. Affectionately known by locals as the ‘gully’, Victoria Gully accommodates a range of recreation and aesthetic needs including children’s play, walking and bike riding. From the south the gully starts as a narrow, deeply-incised channel then widens to an open, grassed valley with a jumbled topography resulting from historical gold sluicing. This valley is home to a large mob of kangaroos and an intermittent unnamed creek runs along the east side.  

Pollinator plants added to existing Victoria Gully Landcare Group site. Photo by Victoria Gully Group.

This year, VGG planted 300 tube stock provided by Connecting Country through the Bee Line Project. The planting plan was developed by Bonnie Humphreys from Connecting County and VGG members following a site visit in November 2023.  

Victoria Gully Group members got together on 30 July and 2 August to plant the pollinator attracting plants across various sites in the “gully”. The planting included species such as Lemon Beauty-heads (Calocephalus citreus), Narrow-leaf Bitter-pea (Daviesia leptophylla), Dusty Miller (Spyridium parvifolium) and Austral Indigo (Indigofera australis) which all provide habitat and food for insect pollinators as well as having lovely showy flowers.

At the site there is an existing frog pond installed by VGG in 2017. The group decided to add further habitat value to this by adding in some pollinator attracting plant species. Group members dug out clumps of Phalaris grass to make space for the new plantings, replacing the weedy grass with indigenous plants. 

Victoria Gully Landcare Group’s pollinator planting sites were considered carefully for their biodiversity value and for opportunities to extend existing habitat and create corridors. As “the gully” sits adjacent to Castlemaine Diggings Heritage Park, restoration work across this area links up to existing bushland, extending habitat corridors.

Well done, Victoria Gully Group for harnessing your people power to restore habitat for local pollinators!

Elphinstone Land Management Association & Taradale Landcare pollinator planting

Posted on 21 November, 2024 by Hadley Cole

In 2023 Connecting Country received funding through the Victorian Landcare Grants for a pollinator corridor project; The Bee Line project. The project has involved working with five Landcare groups in the Mount Alexander region to coordinate the planting of 1600 pollinator attracting plants with the aim of further expanding pollinator corridors.

Research demonstrates a serious global decline in pollinators due to habitat loss, a lack of connectivity between isolated pockets of habitat and climate change. By ensuring restoration efforts include pollinator attracting plant species and are connected to existing bushland or restoration sites, we can help to build resilience across ecosystems at the landscape scale. Pollinators form the backbone of the natural environment and by increasing connected habitat for a diverse range of their life forms, we are encouraging populations to thrive which will have a flow on affect to all flora and fauna across the Mount Alexander Shire.

Photos above show the planting sites on private property in Taradale and along the roadside in the Elphinstone township. Photos by Lynette Hills.

Elphinstone Land Management Association (ELMA) partnered with neighbouring group Taradale Landcare to take part in Connecting Country’s Bee Line Project and planted 300 pollinator attracting plants species across sites between each group’s work areas. The groups worked with public and private landholders and targeted areas along or adjacent to the roadsides between the Taradale and Elphinstone townships. These planting sites were carefully selected as they add value to existing plantings that will enhance connectivity between Taradale cemetery which is home to precious indigenous flora.

The plantings aim to increase connectivity through corridors from Elphinstone to the Taradale Cemetery, through to Taradale township. These strategic plantings aim to allow pollinators to move through the landscape and hopefully lead to an increase in populations of local pollinators by providing additional food and habitat resources.

Well done ELMA and Taradale Landcare for teaming up, pooling resources and working successfully together to continue conservation efforts in the region!

This project is funding by North Central Catchment Management Authority through the 2023 Victorian Landcare Grants.

Bird of the Month: Cockatiel

Posted on 21 November, 2024 by Anna

Welcome to Bird of the Month, a partnership between Connecting Country and BirdLife Castlemaine District. Each month we’re taking a close look at one local bird species. We’re excited to join forces to deliver you a different bird each month, seasonally adjusted, and welcome suggestions from the community. This article was written by Damian Kelly from BirdLife Castlemaine District, accompanied by photos from Ash Vigus.

Cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus)

A popular bird, often kept as a pet that breeds easily in captivity. It can be found all over the world in aviaries. Due to its popularity, sightings of this bird out of its usual range need to be checked carefully as many are likely escapees. Having said that, they do sometimes pop up in unusual places. Recently Ash Vigus has recorded them on the Moolort Plains in some numbers (see photos). Unusual for this region but perhaps a sign of changing times.

In spite of its size the Cockatiel is closely related to the much larger cockatoos. Researching these articles sometimes leads us down strange paths: what are the similarities with cockatoos? Well, like cockatoos, Cockatiels have gall bladders. Most parrots along with birds as diverse as Humming Birds and Peregrine Falcons do not. How about that for a weird fact? In case you wanted to know, the gall bladder is a little sac that collects bile from the liver and delivers it as needed into the small intestine to aid in the breakdown of fat. Anyway, enough of digressions!

Cockatiels are very adaptable birds and can be found over wide areas of the dry inland of Australia. It is a nomadic species that moves around depending on climatic conditions and food availability. It favours tree-lined water courses and the edge of timbered areas and favours open, lightly wooded areas. Food sources include the seeds of grasses and trees along with fruit and berries. It has also adapted to new food sources such sorghum, soybeans and other grain crops. The Cockatiel flock on the Moorlort Plains were feeding in a wheat crop. At times they can be found in urban parks and gardens in the drier zones.

They are a monogamous bird, probably pairing for life. Generally they move about in groups of varying sizes and often roost communally. Breeding can be seasonal favouring spring, but in suitable conditions they have been known to breed at any suitable time when food and water are available. Nests are generally in hollows with clutch sizes normally 4-5 eggs. Incubation and feeding of young involves both parents.

Cockatiel flock on the Moolort Plains. Photo by Ash Vigus

Male Cockatiel, with his bright orange cheek. Photo by Ash Vigus

The Bee Line Project: Barkers Creek Landcare & Wildlife Group Pollinator Planting

Posted on 11 November, 2024 by Hadley Cole

In 2023 Connecting Country received funding through the Victorian Landcare Grants for a pollinator corridor project; The Bee Line project. The project has involved working with five Landcare groups in the Mount Alexander region to coordinate the planting of 1600 pollinator attracting plants with the aim of further expanding pollinator corridors throughout the region.

Research demonstrates a serious global decline in pollinators due to habitat loss, a lack of connectivity between isolated pockets of habitat and climate change. By ensuring restoration efforts include pollinator attracting plant species and are connected to existing bushland or restoration sites, we can help to build resilience across ecosystems at the landscape scale.  By increasing connected habitat for a diverse range of life forms, we are encouraging pollinator populations to thrive which will have a flow on affect to all flora and fauna across the Mount Alexander region.  

Barkers Creek Landcare & Wildlife Group (BCL & WG) took part in the Bee Line Project and added 400 pollinator attracting plants to a site they have been working on for approximately 6 years, ‘The Old Tip site’. The site is adjacent to the Barkers Creek Bushland Reserve which is a 35 hectare bushland reserve that the group plan to restore as a long term project. The planting of the pollinator attracting species close to the bushland site provide extended habitat for pollinators to move across the landscape, increasing pollination services and encouraging healthy and robust flora that will be better equipped to cope with the effects of climate change.

Barkers Creek Landcare & Wildlife Group and Harcourt Valley Landcare Group team up for National Tree Day. Photo by BCL&WG.

BCL& WG group members provided the following report on their participation in The Bee Line project. 

The site is an old tip site and is supported by a ‘Partnership Agreement’ with Mt Alexander Shire Council. The main focus of the works on the site has been to create pods of grasses (200 per year) that have been planted across the clay cap of the Old Tip, plus, a few extra trees and shrubs have been added each year.

From April to August 2024 BCL & WG prepared the site and planted out the 400 pollinator attracting plants as well as a further 200 grass species provided by the Mount Alexander Shire Council.

“Our participation in the Pollinator Project will help transform the site to be more in keeping with the Bushland Reserve that it neighbours.”

On National Tree Day, Sunday July 28, BCL & WG teamed up with Harcourt Valley Landcare Group for a planting day. The day was well attended by 21 volunteers which resulted in 250 shrubs and grasses planted across the site.

The preparation work for the plantings took up a great deal of time. The group found that there were a few members who couldn’t make the work bees on the weekends but were available on weekdays so they decided to form a “B team” which involved a small group of volunteers who attended weekday work bees to help prepare the site for planting. This proved a wonderful success with the weekday preparations resulting in the holes being dug for the weekend planting work bees.

What an enormous effort by Barkers Creek Landcare & Wildlife Group. Congratulations and Thank you for your contributions to The Bee Line Project.

This project was funded by the 2023 Victorian Landcare Grants through the North Central Catchment Management Authority.

Maldon Urban Landcare Group AGM & special event: Living with our Wild Neighbours with Tanya Loos

Posted on 11 November, 2024 by Hadley Cole

Maldon Urban Landcare Group (MULGA) is celebrating their Annual General Meeting (AGM) with special guest Tanya Loos who will be speaking about her most recent book ‘Living with Wildlife’ on Saturday 30 November 2024.

MULGA have provided the following information and details about this wonderful event.

Everyone is welcome to come along to this very interesting talk ‘Living with Wildlife’ – possums in the roof, an echidna in the garden, or perhaps a bird attacking your windows? Join Tanya Loos, author of Living with Wildlife: A Guide for Our Homes and Backyards, published by CSIRO Publishing, as she provides information, advice and solutions to encounters with wildlife, based on current guidance from wildlife rescue organisations and the latest research. Tanya loves drawing from ecological science to educate and inspire people to care about wildlife and wildlife habitat.

When: Saturday 30 November at 2.15pm

Where: Maldon Neighbourhood Centre, 1 Church St, Maldon VIC

Refreshments will be provided. Booking not required.

For further information, contact Bev Phillips, ph. 0407 770 350, email: maldonurbanlandcare@gmail.com

Connecting Country AGM: Growing our Future Together

Posted on 1 November, 2024 by Lori

After 16 years of influencing positive environmental change on 500+ properties in the region, it’s time to look forward and help shape the future of Connecting Country!  

We want to hear from you – our members, supporters and the wider community – about what is important to you in supporting local biodiversity and connection with nature. 

Following brief AGM formalities, we will delve into an informative and interactive plenary discussion with a diverse panel: 

• Brendan Sydes – ACF Biodiversity Policy Advisor and Connecting Country President. 

• Ian Higgins – local ecologist and founding member of Friends of Campbells Creek. 

• Ann-Marie Monda – landowner (with Carla Meurs) from Wooroomook property in Sutton Grange integrating environmental improvements within agricultural farmland. 

Chaired by Sharon Fraser from the Castlemaine Institute, the panel will discuss the current state of the environment and why conservation is so important – from the grassroots level upwards – now more than ever. 

You will be invited to contribute your ideas and help shape the future direction of Connecting Country, its advocacy and support for grassroots conservation in our region. We will celebrate some of the local achievements to date and consider future opportunities for continuing positive environmental change, under changing financial, environmental and climate conditions.

Please join us for this special event on Saturday 23rd November 2024: 

Campbell’s Creek Community Centre
60 Elizabeth St, Campbells Creek VIC 345 VIC 3450

1:15pm – lunch and sharing of ideas 

2-2:20 pm – AGM formalities including a summary of 2023-24 achievements, review of the years financials, and election of office bearers 

2:20-4pm – plenary session, discussion and workshop 

For catering and logistical purposes, please register your attendance – click here

AGM formalities 

View Connecting Country’s 2023-24 Annual report – click here

View Connecting Country’s Financial audit 2023-24 – click here

 Connecting Country constitution 

Consumer Affairs made changes to the model rules for Constitutions and recommended organisations review their own constitutions in light of these changes.  

As such, Connecting Country’s Constitution has been updated in alignment with the model rules including:

• Updated language to support the flexible use of technology  (Rule 9, 35 and 62). 

• New processes for disciplinary appeals where members have been suspended or expelled by a disciplinary subcommittee (Rule 23). 

• Changes to grievance procedures regarding mediation (Rule 27 and 28). 

• Stronger disclosure requirements for a conflict of interest (Rule 65). 

See attached (with track changes) draft for review/endorsement. 

 These changes are required to be voted on and adopted by the organisations membership at the AGM as a special resolution.  To view a DRAFT updated Connecting Country Constitution (with track changes) – click here 

 Nominate for the Committee of Management

Want to be more involved with Connecting Country? Why not consider becoming a committee member.  We are actively looking for new committee members to broaden the skills of our Committee.  The positions require 2 hours per month to attend committee meeting plus small amounts of reading or work time as required to keep the organisation rolling.  If this sounds like you, please complete a nomination form or contact our office to discuss via info@connectingcountry.org.au.

Seed Collection Workshops in Castlemaine this November

Posted on 29 October, 2024 by Hadley Cole

This November there are two wonderful seed collection workshops on offer in Castlemaine! If you’re not sure which one to attend, please read further details of each event below.

The first workshop is hosted by Connecting Country and Seeding Victoria on Saturday 9 November 2024. This is a full day workshop that will include time in the classroom and in the field. Leading native seed supplier for Western Victoria, Seeding Victoria, will deliver the workshop and cover a range of topics that will set you up with the basic know how, timing collection for success, an overview of obligations required for collection and local flora species identification.

Included in the day:

• Learn the tools of the trade: species identification, what permits you need to obtain for collecting seed, collection techniques, extraction and storage.
• A local field trip covering observations of what’s flowering now and anticipate what will be ready to collect in the coming months.
• There will be an opportunity to order seed-collecting equipment on the day.
• Learn how the Natural Resources Conservation Trust’s Seed Bank Revolving Fund works and how to obtain a discount for seed-collecting equipment.
• Hear about the BushBank Program and how to get involved in collecting seed for the $30M Government program and access funding to undertake biodiversity planting on your property.

When: Saturday 9 November 2024, 9.30am – 3.30pm

Where: Castlemaine Botanical Gardens Tea Rooms, Downes Rd. Castlemaine

Cost: $30.

For more information and bookings – click here

This workshop has received funding support from the 2024 Victorian Landcare Grants through the North Central Catchment Management Authority, Cassinia Environmental, Natural Resources Conservation Trust and the Victorian Government BushBank program.

A second Seed Collection workshop hosted by Castlemaine Landcare Group (CLG) is on Sunday 10 November 2024 and will be led by CLG group member Mark Walker. Mark is a knowledgeable and vibrant communicator, having worked as a seed collector and as a professional educator.  This free workshop will cover collection techniques for different species, tools of the trade, timing your seed collection efforts, the ethics of seed collection, and a little about direct sowing. We will explore native grasses, wattles, shrubs with woody capsules and eucalypts.  The workshop will be an hour and half of walk and talk plus some hands-on activities.

When: Saturday 10 November 2024, 10.00am – 11.30am

Where: Meet at the footbridge over Forest Creek along the Leanganook Track, Castlemaine

Cost: Free

Still can’t decide which workshop to attend? Go to both! You can enjoy a full weekend of seed collection activities!

BirdLife Castlemaine’s Mid-Week Bird Walk – Wednesday 20th November 2024 – Garfield Water Wheel, Chewton

Posted on 28 October, 2024 by Anna

Our friends at BirdLife Castlemaine District are holding their next mid-week bird walk on Wednesday 20th November at the Garfield Mine Water Wheel site in the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park (Northern section), Chewton.

ALL WELCOME!

Recent species seen in the area include Painted Buttonquail, Olive-backed Oriole, Scarlet and Yellow Robin, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Fan-tailed, and Shining-Bronze Cuckoo, Rufous Whistler and in previous years at this time, Pacific Koel and Square-tailed Kite. Other species likely to be seen include a variety of Honeyeaters, Thornbills and Pardalotes. Your walk leader is Bob Dawson.

Shining Bronze-cuckoo Photo by Geoff Park

Where: We will meet at the Garfield Water Wheel car park, Chewton. From the Hargraves St roundabout Castlemaine, take the Pyrenees Hwy (B180) toward Chewton. Drive 3.8k and turn left at North St. Drive 800mtrs along North St and you will see the turn off to the Water Wheel. There is no street sign but there is a large sign saying “Garfield Wheel Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park”. Turn right and the carpark is about 300mtrs along this road. GPS: -37.07279, 144.25929.

When: Meet at the Garfield Water Wheel carpark at 9:00am.

Bring: Water, snacks, binoculars, sunscreen, hat, and we also strongly recommend that you wear long trousers and closed-in sturdy shoes.

More info: Bob Dawson, 0417 621 691. Note, there are toilets at the site.

Birdlife Castlemaine acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land where we are holding our walk, the Dja Dja Wurrung people and we pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We recognise and are grateful for the immense contribution of Indigenous people to the knowledge and conservation of Australia’s birds.

Please note that walks will be cancelled if severe weather warnings are in place, persistent rain is forecast, the temperature is forecast to be 35°C or above during the walk period, and/or a Total Fire Ban is declared. Please check the BirdLife Castlemaine Facebook page the day before the event in case there is a cancellation.

Weed of the month: Boneseed

Posted on 24 October, 2024 by Lori

As Spring is well and truly underway, you will no doubt notice many of the local weeds in full flower. This October, keep an eye out for the invasive Boneseed (Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. monilifera), which is a Weed of National Significance (WONS) and a ‘Regionally Prohibited’ weed in the North Central Catchment – meaning landholders have a legal responsibility to control it. 

Introduced from South Africa to Australia as an ornamental garden plant around the 1850s, Boneseed has become an invasive weed across southern Australia through Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania. Within Mount Alexander Shire, plants have been recorded at McKenzie’s Hill, Campbells Creek, Tarrengower, Chewton, Castlemaine and Kalimna. 

It is a woody shrub (to 2-3 metres high) from the daisy family and produces typical ‘daisy-like’ bright yellow flowers in late winter to spring. Round hard fruit are produced during summer and spread by animals such as birds and foxes, as well as through water, garden refuse and soil movement. A single plant can produce up to 50,000 seeds a year. Seeds can germinate at any time of year, but most prolifically in Autumn after rains. They can remain viable for up to 10 years. Fire and physical disturbance can also trigger germination. 

When controlling, an integrated management approach will give the best results. Manual control involves pulling out small and isolated plants at any time of the year. Herbicide control of larger individual plants using cutting and painting can be effective. In certain situations, spraying or burning may also be applicable. Only use herbicides in accordance with the label and only when plants are actively growing.

For more information on Boneseed, download a copy of the Boneseed Management Manual or visit the Agriculture Victoria website.

Landcare Groups are also a great source of information on local weeds in your area.  You can find your nearest group here.

This information has been shared as part of Connecting Country’s ‘Partnerships Against Pests’ project funded by Agriculture Victoria in 2024-25.  Through this program, Connecting Country will work closely with local community groups, such as Landcare, to raise awareness of local pest plant and animal issues, with the aim to empower community with the skills to address these threats. The project includes seasonal awareness campaigns around key pest issues in the region.   See our news page for more information.

Seeding Our Future: Seed Collection Workshop

Posted on 23 October, 2024 by Hadley Cole

Connecting Country is pleased to announce an exciting new project; Seeding Our Future which is funded by the 2024 Victorian Landcare Grants. The Seeding Our Future project focuses on building the populations and connectivity of local flora species through community engagement and educational workshops. 

One of the key threats to local flora populations is seed security, particularly those species occurring in low numbers and fragmented populations that lack genetic diversity. Local plant populations are already highly fragmented and isolated. With this we are witnessing the reduction of genetic diversity across populations which will be exacerbated by severe weather patterns and could eventually lead to the extinction of rare indigenous plant species. This will have enormous repercussions for many local vertebrates and invertebrates who rely on specific plant species for habitat and food sources. 

To protect biodiversity from extinction, the Seeding Our Future project offers local community the opportunity to take direct action to increase flora populations across the region. Through the collection of seed and growing of indigenous plant species, particularly those that are rare, we can increase genetic diversity and population of local indigenous flora, creating resilient ecosystems and seed banks for our future.

To kick the project off we are hosting a Seed Collection workshop with Seeding Victoria, in Castlemaine on Saturday 9 November 2024. This workshop has also received funding support from Cassinia Environmental, Natural Resources Conservation Trust and the Victorian Government BushBank program.

The day will involve;

• The nuts and bolts to seed collecting: You will learn species identification, what permits you need to obtain for collecting seed, OH&S, collection techniques, extraction and storage.

• Field Trip: We will have a look at the OH&S components of seed collecting, observing what’s flowering and what will be ready to collect in the coming months.

• There will be an opportunity to order seed-collecting equipment on the day.

• Learn about how the NRCT Seed Bank Revolving Fund works and how to obtain a discount for seed-collecting equipment.
• Introduction to the BushBank Program: How to get involved in collecting seed for the $30M Government program and access funding to undertake biodiversity planting on your property.

When: Saturday 9 November 2024, 9.30am – 3.30pm

Where: Castlemaine Botanical Gardens Tea Rooms, Downes Rd. Castlemaine

Cost: $30.

For more information and bookings – click here

The Seeding Our Future project is funded by the North Central Catchment Management Authority through the 2024 Victorian Landcare Grants.

The Seed Collection Workshop with Seeding Victoria has received further support from, Cassinia Environmental, Victorian State Government BushBank program and the Natural Resource Conservation Trust.  

Looking for landholders: Habitat trees for Phascogales

Posted on 22 October, 2024 by Lori

Do you have trees but not many hollows on your property? Are you in the Mount Alexander region? Do you want to increase habitat for local fauna?

Connecting Country has been successful in securing additional funding for our project ‘Habitat Trees for Phascogales’. Working with private landholders, we are offering property visits, ecological advice and installation of Phascogale nest boxes to increase habitat for this species in the region. 

A Phascogale resting in a Connecting Country nest box. Photo Connecting Country

The Mount Alexander Shire is home to many threatened species that survive in the fragmented woodlands across our region. Large old trees and the hollows they provide are vital habitat for many of these species. One of these is the Brush-tailed Phascogale (Phascogale tapoatafa), also known as the Tuan. The Phascogale is a small, nocturnal, carnivorous marsupial, a little larger than a black rat and with a very distinctive bushy black tail.

In Victoria, the Brush-tailed Phascogale was once widespread, but now has a fragmented distribution. It is a threatened species listed under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 and considered Vulnerable in Victoria. One of its strongholds is in Central Victoria and the Mount Alexander region. 

Looking for local landholders 

We are looking for landholders in the Mount Alexander Shire area who are interested in participating.

Appropriate candidates will have:

Large old trees are important habitat for Phascogales. Photo Connecting Country

• Eucalyptus trees with reasonably large trunks for installation of nest boxes.
• A willingness to retain fallen limbs, leaf litter and areas of intact habitat. 
• A commitment to ongoing low-level maintenance of nest boxes, weed and pest animal control.

If your property is suitable for the project, we will: 

•  Conduct a site assessment to identify potential Phascogale habitat.  
• Provide and install Phascogale nest boxes using a qualified contractor. 
• Provide additional advice and support as required. 

Priority will be given to properties that contain, or are connected to, the most suitable Phascogale habitat. 

The iconic Brush-tailed Phascogale, rarely seen but never forgotten. Photo by Geoff Park

Landholder expressions of interest

If you meet the criteria above and are keen to protect and restore Phascogale habitat on your land, please complete our expression of interest form –EOI Click Here 

Return it to Connecting Country via email (bonnie@connectingcountry.org.au)

Expressions of interest close on 25 November 2024. 

To learn more about the Brush-tailed Phascogale, click here

The Habitat Trees for Phascogales project is supported by the Victorian Government through the Nature Fund and the Ian and Shirley Norman Foundation. 

 

Bird of the Month: Yellow-faced Honeyeater

Posted on 21 October, 2024 by Anna

Welcome to Bird of the Month, a partnership between Connecting Country and BirdLife Castlemaine District. Each month we’re taking a close look at one special local bird species. We’re excited to join forces to deliver you a different bird each month, seasonally adjusted, and welcome suggestions from the community. We are blessed to have the brilliant Damian Kelly and Jane Rusden from BirdLife Castlemaine District writing about our next bird of the month, accompanied by their stunning photos.

Photo by Damian Kelly

Whilst doing quiet activities in the bush, like walking or bird surveys, it’s often possible to hear and maybe see, Yellow-faced Honeyeaters. Anecdotally, I often associate them with Fuscous Honeyeaters because they visit the bird bath together, but they are frequently to be found on their own or in twos and threes as well. You may find their call is quite familiar.

The Yellow-faced Honeyeater is possibly one of the most widespread of the honeyeaters. It ranges from far north Queensland along the east coast across to South Australia. There have also been occasional records in Tasmania and even vagrants on Lord Howe Island and in New Zealand. This species is partly migratory with significant movement northward in autumn and returning southwards in spring. Migration has been observed in daytime with both small and large flocks on the move. This migration does not include all birds, with some remaining resident and sedentary in parts of their range. They can be found all year in our local bush.

Long term studies of migration have not shed a lot of light on overall patterns. Banding studies have proved inconclusive and we still know little about their movements. This is interesting given that are a relatively common bird. You’d think we’d know more about them!

An active and noisy bird, they can be seen in local gardens feeding on pollen, nectar, fruit, seeds, manna and insects along with lerp. They occupy a wide range of habitats ranging from woodlands to heath, mangroves, parks and home gardens. In short a very adaptable species. Locally they can be seen in any of the Box-Ironbark forests and in gardens.

A Yellow-faced Honeyeater as it decides if the bird bath is safe to have a drink. Photo by Jane Rusden

Nesting usually occurs in spring-summer with 2-3 eggs being laid in a nest composed of bark and grass fibre held together with spider web. Generally this nest in placed in the fork of a tree. Young are fed by both parents.

Find our more about Yellow-faced honeyeater, including their call:

https://www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Lichenostomus-chrysops

The bright yellow gape of a young Yellow-faced Honeyeater begging for food from a parent. Photo by Damian Kelly

Talking weeds in Taradale – Weed ID and Control Workshop

Posted on 17 October, 2024 by Lori

On Sunday 13 October, Connecting Country partnered with North Central Catchment Management Authority, to host a Weed ID and Control Workshop in Taradale.

Connecting Country’s Bonnie Humphreys teamed up with natural resource management expert, former Connecting Country staff and local farmer Jarrod Coote, to bring a suite of information on some of our local weeds. Specimens of noxious and environmental weeds were on display and participants were invited to delve into the biology of weeds in order to understand the best timeframe and course of action for management. When thinking about controlling a particular species, participants were encouraged to research:

• When is the active growth cycle?
• When does it seed?
• How are the seeds distributed?
• How does the plant reproduce (i.e. does it regrow from stems, does it have bulbs, or a tap root)?

An understanding of the biology of a weedy plant will help participants to undertake control methods more effectively and efficiently.

The workshop also covered legislation around noxious weeds, and responsibilities for landholders, weed control techniques and planning for weed control. Participants also had the opportunity to see a practical demonstration of an Eco Blade destroying gorse!

                 Photos by Carmen Bunting

“…I know I expressed my appreciation on the day, but this is just to reinforce how much the weeds day at Taradale was appreciated.  It was well organised.  The speakers were realistic, informed & practical in their presentations and contributions.  The field component was accessible and, again, very practical – thoroughly worthwhile day…” (David Cheal)

More information on local weed control is available in Connecting Country’s Healthy Landscape Guide which is available electronically on the website or in hard copy for $15 through the Connecting Country office or at Stall #625 at The Mill.

This workshop was the first in a series of events that is part of Connecting Country’s new Partnerships Against Pests project funded by Agriculture Victoria in 2024-25, and was also supported by the North Central Catchment Management Authority.

Farewell Ivan and thanks for all the words

Posted on 15 October, 2024 by Anna

We recently said goodbye to our colleague and friend, Ivan Carter, who has been the Engagement Coordinator at Connecting Country for almost six years. Ivan managed all aspects of communication with a deft hand, a way with words and a pure form of enthusiasm for conservation and community engagement in a uniquely Ivan way.

Over the years he has been instrumental in getting the Connecting Country message out to the community, promoting and running our many engagement and educational events, with innumerable blog and social media posts, radio interviews, and live streams. He also created an online mapping portal for our precious local, large old trees which is still open for contributions -click here 

Of special note was Ivan’s ability to navigate the task of community engagement during the COVID years, where he was able to pivot and create engaging online and socially distanced events that were extra important for social cohesion and connection during these challenging times. This included events such as the woodland bird walks through Kalimna Park, Castlemaine and Wildflower Drive, Greater Bendigo National Park, where Ivan drew on his broad knowledge of technology to coordinate a walk both in person and online via Facebook.

We already miss Ivan’s kind, thoughtful and quirky nature in the office and at our events. We wish him all the very best in his next exciting phase of connecting community and conservation.

Photos from the Connecting Country archives.

Aussie Bird Count 14 -20 October 2024

Posted on 9 October, 2024 by Anna

It’s that time of year again!

“BirdLife Australia is calling on all Australians to join tens of thousands of others taking part in this year’s Aussie Bird Count. Now in its eleventh year, the national Aussie Bird Count is one of Australia’s biggest and most beloved citizen science events – and all you need to get involved is your phone.”  – BirdLife Australia.

To take part in this year’s Aussie Bird Count, register at www.aussiebirdcount.org.au and download BirdLife Australia’s free Aussie Bird Count app.

The 2024 event will run from October 14 to 20. Spend 20 minutes in one spot watching birds, using the super-easy app to count them. You can undertake as many bird counts as you like over this week long period. You can do this from your backyard, local park, or other favourite outdoor area.

For more info and to download the app visit the BirdLife Australia site HERE.

Happy birding!

Photos by Geoff Park

Bird of the Month: Barking Owl (Ninox connivens)

Posted on 23 September, 2024 by Anna

Welcome to Bird of the Month, a partnership between Connecting Country and BirdLife Castlemaine District. Each month we’re taking a close look at one special, local bird species. We’re excited to join forces to deliver you a different bird each month – seasonally adjusted, and welcome suggestions from the community. We are blessed to have the brilliant Damian Kelly and Jane Rusden from BirdLife Castlemaine District writing about this bird of the month, accompanied by Damian’s stunning photos.

A pair of Barking Owls. Photo by Damian Kelly.

Late in the evening, many years ago, having recently moved into a new house we built ourselves, (this is important because back then I knew all the window dimensions by heart), an owl appeared spread across the window. It had been hunting moths attracted to the light I believe, and stared at us with these huge, cadmium yellow eyes, that made me feel quite insignificant. Then it was gone as quickly as it had suddenly materialised. Going to my bird books to work out what species it was, I knew exactly the bird’s wing span, as it was spread across the window from one side of the frame to the other. Together with distinct chest flecks and deep yellow eyes, it could only be one thing, a Barking Owl. Quite a dramatic first sighting of a species.

Closely related to the larger Powerful Owl, the Barking Owl is named after its very distinctive “barking” calls. Often heard as a duet between male and female with the male call slightly deeper. Unlike Powerful Owls, distinguishing male from female is hard unless you hear the calls, as sizes are quite similar. Calls can be heard at anytime of the day or night and are quite distinctive, especially the duets.

This owl can be found all over eastern and northern Australia with occasional records in the west, but it is missing from Tasmania. Birds are quite sedentary and have been recorded resident and breeding at the same tree over many years. Unlike most other owls they can be seen hunting before dusk and after dawn. Diet consists of a variety of insects, birds, bats, reptiles such as skinks and mammals. Quite large prey can be taken including birds such as Kookaburra and Magpie along with Sugar Glider and various rats and mice depending on the habitat. Rabbits are also taken. There are even records of Yellow-bellied Gliders and Ringtail Possums which are quite large prey for a bird of this size.

Their preferred habitat is open forest bordering on more open country and farmland rather than the more dense forests. They roost often in quite open foliage and can be easily observed at times. Breeding occurs over winter usually with a nest in a tree hollow. Usually 1-3 eggs are laid. Generally only the female incubates and broods the young with the male providing food until the young are larger and then both parents hunt for and feed the fledglings.

An interesting aspect of Barking Owl behaviour is that of their scream which can be made by both sexes. Variously described as a loud, startling tremulous scream suggestive of a woman or child calling. Unlike the barking call which is made with bill closed, screams are made with bill wide open and also can be made during flight. It seems to be related to the proximity of predators or dangers.

Although not common in this area, pairs can be seen (or heard) all around the region.

Read more about Barking Owls and enjoy Geoff Park’s stunning photographs HERE.

Learn more about Barking Owls and listen to their distinct calls HERE.

Photo by Damian Kelly.

Partnering against pests in the Mount Alexander Region 

Posted on 18 September, 2024 by Hadley Cole

Connecting Country is excited to announce our new ‘Partnerships Against Pests’ project funded by Agriculture Victoria in 2024-25. Through this program, Connecting Country will work with a range of stakeholders to raise awareness of local pest plant and animal issues, and empower community with the skills to address these threats.   The project will involve a series of field days, market stalls, a weed control video and training events alongside a seasonal communication campaign around key pest issues in the region. 

The first event will be a ‘Weed Identification and Control Workshop’ on Sunday 13th October from 10 -1pm in Taradale.  We will be focusing on a range of local noxious and environmental weeds, covering identification tips and control techniques with practical demonstrations. We are hoping to provide an opportunity for you to meet with local contractors from your area. 

This event is FREE but places are limited so please book your tickets HERE.  This secures a showbag of goodies to get you started and catering on the day. 

We are also currently updating our ‘Mount Alexander Region Contractors List’.  This list is available on our website as a connection for landholders looking for a local environmental contractor. If you work within the Mount Alexander Region and would like to be included on this list or involved with the above mentioned field day, please get in touch via email: info@connectingcountry.org.au 

The Weed Identification and Control Workshop is funded by the Victorian State Government Partnership Against Pests Program and the North Central Catchment Management Authority.

Timber Trip 2024

Posted on 16 September, 2024 by Lori

Are you interested in working sustainably with wood and want to access local people and resources?  This could be a trip worth taking.

Ballarat Region Treegrowers, in association with Moorabool Landcare Network, are holding their annual weekend Timber Trip in Central Victoria this October.

Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th October

Curated by Newstead fine woodworker, Lachie Park, the weekend visits will take participants in vehicle convoy on a small beautiful journey from First Nations ‘forest gardening’ and cultural sawmilling by a Djaara work crew at a Leonard’s Hill demonstration site to small scale sawmilling, framing and woodworking in Newstead and Bendigo.

Tickets $15

View the full weekend itinerary and register here.  RSVP essential by 7th October.

Download the flyer HERE