Weed Workshops in Bendigo
Posted on 4 November, 2009 by Connecting Country
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Are you a weed professional wishing to increase general awareness of the impact of weeds on the natural environment?
Weeds CRC has developed ‘What does your garden grow?’, a ‘train the trainer’ workshop aimed at assisting anyone speaking to groups or running courses on weeds. The workshop will focus on controlling weeds in gardens and the management of garden ‘escapees’ from urban fringe areas into adjoining bushland.
Suitable for plant nursery staff, education and training facilitators, weed management professionals, and representatives from organisations such as Landcare, this workshop is aimed at assisting you to deliver informed advice to your audience about local, national, environmental, noxious and declared weeds.
Participants will receive training materials that can be adapted to:
- provide information and materials for short courses and information sessions
- supplement formal training in weeds by educators/educational facilities
- inform Landcare/Bushcare volunteers
- client and home gardener needs
24th November: What does your garden grow?
25th November: What pesky plant is that?
Both workshops run from 9am – 3pm.
Venue: Bendigo DPI or TAFE
venue to be confirmed on booking
Cost: $200 (incl GST)
Includes workshop resources kit, morning tea & lunch
For more information contact: Annette Beer (02) 6938 1671
email Annette.beer@industry.nsw.gov.au
Sustainable Farming Grants
Posted on 4 November, 2009 by Connecting Country
Grants of up to $22,000 (including GST) are now available to Australian Farmers under the Woolworths Sustainable Farming Program and thanks to the support of Woolworths shoppers, who raised funds to help Australian Farmers in 2009.
The Woolworths Sustainable Farming Program is a collaboration between Landcare Australia and Woolworths to develop, improve and encourage sustainable farming practices. They are seeking applications from farmer groups, farming organisations and Landcare groups who wish to undertake projects in any primary production industry.
These grants are aimed at supporting farmers develop or implement good ideas to improve the sustainability of farming practices. The projects should develop or support the adoption of improved farming practices, production techniques, technology or products. Projects could focus on issues such as climate change adaptation, crop or animal production, water or nutrient use efficiency, management of waste or salinity. The projects should also provide results of interest and benefit to other farmers. Innovative ideas that will share information about successful strategies for adapting to climate change and managing under variable rainfall are most welcome.
Closing date for applications – Monday, 9th November.
See the Landcare Australia Website for details, application forms and guidelines.
Environment Victoria and friends invite you to Celebrate Your River!
Posted on 4 November, 2009 by Connecting Country
Join us for the launch of the Your River: Loddon River project
Environment Victoria’s Your River project is an online storytelling
feature, profiling people who love and care for their local waterways.
Come along and share in stories of the Loddon River by: olive growers
Marlies and Peter Eicher, environmental educator Cathy McCallum,
indigenous plant expert Paul Haw, organic wine producer Ron Snep, sheep
farmer John Baulch and Kerang local Elaine Jones.
Thursday, 12 November 2009 @ 6.00pm
At Boort Tennis Club, Godfreys Road, opposite The Bric and right on
Little Lake Boort
Guest speakers, information displays, finger food and a
complimentary drink on arrival. Share in the stories of the Loddon River
and learn about Environment Victoria’s latest initiative, River Rescue
and Regional Renewal: an Action Plan for Northern Victoria.
Admission is free
PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU’RE COMING
Call Juliet Le Feuvre on (03) 9341 8106 or email her at
juliet.lefeuvre@envict.org.au by Monday, 9 November.
All are welcome!
Hosted by Environment Victoria with the support of North Central
Catchment Management Authority
Conference ‘North Central Victoria: A golden era, a changed ecosystem forever’
Posted on 4 November, 2009 by Connecting Country
The discovery of gold in Victoria in 1851 had a profound effect on the environmental, economic and social histories in the state. And while the changes to Bendigo are well documented, the gold rush and subsequent land use also had significant effects on the natural environment.
The Royal Society of Victoria is holding this regional symposium to recognise the environmental history and scientific significance of the North Central region. The conference will concentrate on the management and sustainability of the region and also examine priorities and options for future management.
To register and for more information on this symposium visit The Royal Society of Victoria website.
Victoria facing a wave of extinctions
Posted on 4 November, 2009 by Connecting Country
Victoria could be facing a wave of extinctions following a dramatic crash in bird numbers in the state’s Box-Ironbark forests.
The dire warning comes from new research by leading ecologists Professor Ralph Mac Nally (Director of the Australian Centre for Biodiversity at Monash University), Professor Andrew Bennett and Dr Jim Radford (both from Deakin University).
A systematic study across northern and central Victoria over the past 15 years has shown that about two-thirds of bird species, including lorikeets, pardalotes, thornbills and honeyeaters, have declined dramatically.
Most worrying is that species thought to be secure, such as the Red Wattlebird, Striated Pardalote, Grey Shrikethrush and Laughing Kookaburra, have declined as much as or more than species already of conservation concern.
Read more:
Birds in serious decline after extended drought – The Age
Native bird populations declining rapidly – The 7.30 Report
Newstead Landcare Group
Posted on 4 November, 2009 by Connecting Country
Newstead Landcare Group’s next business meeting will be Thursday 12th November at Newstead Community Centre at 8pm.
On Sunday 8th Newstead Landcare Group will launch the Self-guided interpretive walk in the Rise and Shine Bushland Reserve.
Leaflets available in a box at the Ramsey’s Lane entrance to the reserve will guide you on a journey to discover how an ancient riverbed has created a surprisingly rich array of flora and fauna. You can also learn how this river shaped the use of the area by humans, both indigenous and European, for millenia.
The walk is a 3.2 km loop and takes an hour and a half to complete.
There will be a very brief AGM before the launch of the walk, followed by morning tea. All welcome.
Car pool from Newstead Community Centre at 9.10am.
Wear some shoes suitable for a bush walk and bring a mug for morning tea.
McKenzie’s Hill Community BBQ
Posted on 4 November, 2009 by Connecting Country
Are you a resident of McKenzie’s Hill or environs?
Do you know your local community?
Come along and meet your neighbours at a barbeque on November 6th
Kicking off at 6.30 pm at the old Winter’s Flat school site, Cnr Monahan and Langslow Sts (Enter from Monahan St)
Sponsored by McKenzie’s Hill Action and Landcare Group.
Bookings required for catering purposes.
Contact Jan Hall 54 705556 or Marie Murley 54 72 3988
Our community has no central hub, no sports fields, no local heart.
Think about the potential of this old school site.
Flora Identification Course
Posted on 4 November, 2009 by Connecting Country
The free flora identification course brought to you by McKenzies Hill Action & Landcare Group resumes this Sunday with a study of grasses.
Run by Paul Foreman, consultant Botanist and Bush Heritage Australia Ecologist, the course aims to give participants an introduction to the ecosystems and indigenous flora of the Castlemaine area.
Sunday November 8th – Common grasses. At Castlemaine Botanic Gardens (Northern Cark Park off Downes Rd). 2 -4pm
Sunday November 15th – Tour of the shire. Bus provided. Meeting and returning to the car park opposite the Railway Hotel, Gingell St, Castlemaine. 10am – 4pm
For more information and to book contact Paul Foreman on 5472 4874 or 0429 134 592
Castlemaine Field Naturalists November meeting
Posted on 4 November, 2009 by Connecting Country
Join the Castlemaine Field Nats Club for a presentation by Dr Mary Cole on the importance of soil fungi known as mycorrhizae for environmental health.
All General Meetings are held at the Uniting Church Hall, enter from Lyttleton St, Castlemaine.
For more information contact President Natalie de Maccus on 5472 4499
Free field days and launch of the Central Victorian Compost Users Group
Posted on 4 November, 2009 by Connecting Country
Guest Speaker: Dr Dean Metcalf, expert on biological control using composts and compost teas.
Dean is a plant pathologist with wide experience in managing a variety of crop diseases and a particular interest in sustainable methods of crop disease control.
There are four events over three days:
WEDNESDAY 11TH NOVEMBER, 1-5PM HARCOURT – Meet at Harcourt Valley Estate Wines, followed by visit to Blackjack Wines and Harcourt Fruit Garden.
THURSDAY 12TH NOVEMBER
o 9-11 AM MURCHISON – Meet at Murchison & District Neighbourhood House followed by a site visit to Avonlea Flowers, 420 River Road, Murchison, looking at compost soil conditioners and teas for disease suppression and soil health.
o 2- 5 PM HEATHCOTE/ COLBINABBIN – Meet at Heathcote RSL followed by a site visit to Hennings Wine/ Rathjen’s, Colbinabbin looking at composts in vineyards and tomatoes.
FRIDAY 13TH NOVEMBER – 9-12 AM BENDIGO – Meet at Balgownie Estate Wines, Hermitage Road Maiden Gully
Hear about how compost can:
- Boost soil and plant health and plant productivity
- Conserve moisture
- Form part of a disease control program
- Build long term soil carbon
Also hear about:
- Compost Users Group – a free and independent information and discussion forum for landowners to learn more about sourcing, making and using compost, and to share their experiences in using these products.
- Planning to use composts – what, where and how?
Numbers are limited and bookings are essential.
For more information and to register contact Bill Grant 0407 882 070 or billgrant@bigpond.com
Understanding Soil Biology Workshop
Posted on 4 November, 2009 by Connecting Country
Brought to you by the Lismore Land Protection Group, a workshop on understanding soil biology to be held in the Killara Centre, Camperdown.
Presenter: Damian Bougoure, Department of Primary Industries.
Topics
– Understand what soil biology is & recognise its contribution to soil health & why it is so important for environmental sustainability
– Understand what regulates soil biology & how soil biology can change
– Identify & select appropriate techniques to measure & monitor soil biology & understand how management affects it
– Understand how changes to management may improve soil biology.
Free Lunch provided.
To register please contact to Karen on 5596 2384
Castlemaine Landcare Group November Working Bee and breakup BBQ
Posted on 4 November, 2009 by Connecting Country
This will be Castlemaine Landcare Group’s final working bee for the year. Working bees are generally held somewhere along the stretch of Forest Creek that runs between Best Motors and Colles Road in Castlemaine.
For details of the location please contact Robyn Haylett on home: 5470 6630 or mobile: 0408 706 630
All members are invited to attend the breakup BBQ that will follow the working bee.
Friends of Campbells Creek November General Meeting
Posted on 4 November, 2009 by Connecting Country
November General Meeting of Friends of Campbells Creek.
Visitors are welcome.
Campbells Creek Primary School, Main Road, Campbells Creek.
MULTI PURPOSE ROOM at the back of the school.
Maryborough Field Naturalists’ Club Forum
Posted on 30 October, 2009 by Connecting Country
Maryborough Field Naturalists’ Club invite all interested people to a community forum next Monday night, 2nd November, at which two specialists will speak.
Firstly, Ms Eloise Seymour, a researcher from Charles Sturt University will present her results of a recent survey regarding the Moolort Wetlands. Following Ms Seymour, Dr Lindy Lumsden, Principal Research Scientist from the Arthur Rylah Institute, who specializes in the study of bats, will inform us about the various bat species found within our local Box ironbark forests.
The Forum will be held in the Field Naturalists’ Club rooms, Dundas Road, Maryborough (adjacent to the 80 km sign). Supper will follow.
For more information please contact Lorraine O’Dal on 0417 142 489 or Brian Johns on 5461 2755
The Norman Wettenhall Foundation Annual Lecture
Posted on 26 October, 2009 by Connecting Country
The Norman Wettenhall Foundation
Annual Memorial Lecture 2009
Thursday 19th November, 5pm, Museum, Age Theatre
Tickets are $25 and bookings are essential.
Click here for an invitation
Taking the Long View – vision and transformation in an age of change
Speakers: Leon Costermans, Professor John Wiseman, Robyn Edwards
From space, our planet is a symphony of blue and green amidst swirling clouds. We often forget that the earth’s land and oceans have not always been so benign. Life on earth has faced huge challenges in the past, from volcanism and ice ages to the sudden death following a meteor impact. Leon Costermans, well known environmental author and botanist, is about to publish a new book on geology and landscapes. Continue Reading »
Volunteer Action Training
Posted on 16 October, 2009 by Connecting Country
Where: DPI/DSE, 89 Sydney Road, Room 2, Benalla
The Department of Sustainability and Environments’ Landcare Volunteer Recruitment Initiative (VRI) is sponsoring training across the state in October and November. The training is intended to provide Landcare members and support staff with some new tips and a better understanding of attracting and retaining volunteers in the current environment.
Continue Reading »
Friends of Box Ironbark Forests October bushwalk
Posted on 16 October, 2009 by Connecting Country
This walk will start in Chewton and follow Forest Creek through Expedition Pass Reservoir using the Forest Creek Track and boardwalks allowing all year access.
Meet at 9.30am outside Continuing Ed, 30 Templeton St, Castlemaine and carpool to the start of the walk. Walks normally finish mid afternoon.
Bring water, morning tea and lunch. The walk is a 9km circuit.
There is no cost and non-members are welcome.
Fore more information call Marie Jones 5472 2892
‘Revive the Loddon’ – River Expo in Baringhup
Posted on 14 October, 2009 by Connecting Country
Visit the Loddon River in Baringhup this Friday for a family day full of activities for the kids.
Click here for full details. Some of the workshops will include;
• Water Watch Van • Basket Weaving • Frog Workshop • Historical Re-enactment • Musical Performance’s • Indigenous Workshop • Bird Watching • Native Plant Workshop • What Makes A River? • Announcement of Winners of Photographic Competition
Newstead’s Geoff Park wins Eureka Prize
Posted on 14 October, 2009 by Connecting Country
Newstead’s Geoff Park has won Australian science’s most prestigious award, a Eureka Prize.
Announced in Sydney on 18 August at a star studded dinner, the prize is for Research by an Interdisciplinary Team.
Geoff was part of a team to develop the prize winning INFFER (Investment Framework for Environmental Resources) project which helps work out how best to invest money for the greatest environmental outcomes in rural areas. Geoff and Mary Park were at the dinner when the award was announced.
Geoff’s love of birdlife and the natural environment is well known around Newstead. He recently started an online blog called Natural Newstead which includes his and others’ observations of bird and plant life in the local area. Check it out at http://geoffpark.wordpress.com
Geoff has also been encouraging landscape restoration through his involvement with the regional project Connecting Country
Notes from ‘New Roles for Landcare’ forum
Posted on 14 October, 2009 by Connecting Country
For the latest news regarding conferences and forums, publications and funding opportunities, visit he Victorian Landcare Gateway website. Presentation notes provided by key speakers who attended the recent ‘New Roles for Landcare’ forum are now available. Read about;
- Design principles for urban food production systems,
- Working with developers and others who want to offset the clearing of native vegetation,
- land stewardship practices and payment for ecosystem services.
For presenter notes click here.