Its been raining, and that’s great for direct seeding!
Posted on 11 August, 2016 by Connecting Country
Bonnie checks the seed boxes on the direct seeder with the buggy out front ready to go.
Jarrod and Bonnie have just finished the direct seeding component of this year’s Connecting Landscapes program. Under these wet conditions, they had to try a novel approach. They have carried out direct seeding across 24 properties in the local area, covering some 130 hectares and used up 76 kg of seed including 51kg of acacia and and 25kg of eucalyptus species.
Happily, the amount of rainfall this year has required the hire of a buggy to help contend with very wet conditions in many paddocks and very slippery slopes on the steeper hills. We’ve uploaded a video of our direct seeder in action; click here to view.
The Connecting Landscapes works crew have also planted over 6,000 tube stock this year. A great effort! No doubt all this favorable weather will see these tiny plants well into the future.
For more information on our on ground works program click here.
Mapping Wheel Cactus Infestations in Victoria
Posted on 10 August, 2016 by Connecting Country
Wheel cactus infestations can reduce productivity and biodiversity.
The Tarrangower Cactus Control Group Inc. (TCCG) are attempting to map wheel cactus (Opuntia robusta) infestations within Victoria. The results of this project will show the gravity and significance of the invasion of this noxious weed within our state.
Wheel cactus is classified as a Weed of National Significance due to the very serious threat it poses to our primary industries and natural environment. It spreads very quickly and is costly and difficult to effectively destroy and control.
You can help the TCCG map existing infestations. If any community member finds an infestation of cactus they believe is wheel cactus, please take a photo of it and record its location (GPS if possible) and email these to Max, at mschlachter@outlook.com.au. He’ll confirm that the plant is wheel cactus and use this very helpful information on the map.
Wheel cactus has very round and flat lobes, is covered in long spines and is a dull, green colour.
Wheel cactus is not Prickly Pear, although it is a close cousin and is often mistaken as the same cactus. Wheel cactus has very round and flat lobes, is covered in long spines and is a dull, green colour. Please check out the Tarrangower Cactus Control Group website at www.cactuswarriors.org for more pictures and information.
Banksia Bylines – July 2016
Posted on 10 August, 2016 by Connecting Country
Silver Banksia in flower. Photo: Bonnie Humphreys
Connecting Country has been involved in Silver Banksia conservation in the Mount Alexander Region. We thought our followers might be interested in the July 2016 project newsletter – Banksia Bylines. The Banksia Bylines aims to keep you up to date on all things happening with Silver Banksia (Banksia marginata).
Hi all Banksia enthusiasts out there,
We thank you for all your recent expressions of interest in Banksia marginata conservation or restoration, or for providing some distribution data for the ‘Bring Back the Banksias’ project funded by the Wettenhall Foundation and any other Banksia projects operating out there. This is a quick update on how this and other projects, under the umbrella project, is progressing and to get any new information on what you may have to share.
A database of known Banksia marginata populations has been assembled from your feedback and expressions of interest. This important data will help provide the basis from which sampling strategies for genetic studies will be taken when funding is available. The proposed genetic studies and associated taxonomic review will improve our understanding of how closely related the sampled populations are.
It will also be important to clarify whether the current classification of Banksia marginata across its entire range is appropriate as a single species or reclassification is warranted into subspecies or even new species. Ultimately, this information will provide the guidance into what seed sources are declining populations.
Banksia Database
A database of known Banksia marginata populations has been assembled from your feedback and expressions of interest. This important data will help provide the basis from which sampling strategies for genetic studies will be taken when funding is available. The proposed genetic studies and associated taxonomic review will improve our understanding of how closely related the sampled populations are.
It will also be important to clarify whether the current classification of Banksia marginata across its entire range is appropriate as a single species or reclassification is warranted into subspecies or even new species. Ultimately, this information will provide the guidance into what seed sources are best to bring together into Seed Production Areas (SPAs) to protect the genetics of our declining populations.
Genetic Research Funding
The research network partners, lead by CSIRO, interested in undertaking this genetic analysis has not yet been successful in securing funding for this research over the whole target area of western Victoria / south western NSW. A research factsheet flyer has been prepared to promote the research background needs and support funding and sponsorship applications. New funding applications are being developed and submitted as they become available.
Other related taxonomic research is also being undertaken to determine the current classification of Banksia marginata across its range. However, on a positive note, Glenelg Hopkins CMA has been successful in initial funding to address these genetic questions for the Victorian Volcanic Plains and some of its immediate adjacent areas. Approaches to other adjoining CMAs are also progressing to provide efficiencies and extend the area of coverage of this work. Aggie Stevenson sets the scene in her following contribution.
Friends of the Forgotten Woodlands
Aggie Stevenson, Glenelg Hopkins CMA
How far have we come in our endeavour to establish viable populations of trees and shrubs native to the Victorian Volcanic Plains? In recent years we have paid considerable attention to the conservation and restoration of grassland habitats on the Victorian Volcanic Plains (VVP). However, the tree and shrub species that provide critical ecosystem services across the region have been almost totally neglected. A number of these species have drifted into a perilous state and very few viable populations remain.
To date, this project has focussed on mapping known populations of three key species: Silver Banksia (Banksia marginata), Sheoak (Allocasuarina verticillata) and Sweet Bursaria (Bursaria spinosa). These species have a wide distribution and are technically not endangered. However, there is evidence that the VVP forms are genetically different, adapted to the region, and close to extinction. It is a matter of great urgency to immediately locate and propagate from survivors from scattered remnants, and establish seed orchards that will act as security populations through the preservation of local genetic diversity. These orchards will provide the seed for future revegetation activities aimed at establishing long-term viable populations.
However, to be able to do this effectively, we need to understand the genetics of the remaining VVP populations and individuals so that we propagate from the most suitable sources. There is evidence that population decline and fragmentation has resulted in significant reductions in genetic diversity and reproductive fitness. It may even prove necessary to bring in genetics from other genetically superior populations to preserve our remnant VVP populations. That is why it is so vital to understand the genetics of our VVP populations – to allow us to rebuild sufficient genetic diversity so that the species can survive and adapt in a changed and changing environment.
Funding has been provided through the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme, to undertake a genetic study of Banksia marginata in the VVP bioregion. Genetic comparisons will be made between the VVP form and Banksia marginata from other bioregions. This knowledge will also tell us how to arrange planting most effectively. When coupled with understanding of critical biological and ecological factors underpinning population viability we can build an effective strategy for rebuilding the populations and restoring this important part of the original ecology of the VVP.
This is a project with a long-term vision. The Friends of the Forgotten Woodlands are in the process of becoming incorporated, which will allow flexibility and a strong community driven approach to the project. The project has already attracted great support from community, science, conservation and land management agencies. It will rely on a multidisciplinary team, and high levels of community engagement and land-user involvement. This project partners with a much broader project called ‘Bringing back the Banksias’ which is investigating the genetic security of Banksia marginata throughout all of south-east Australia.
12 Aug 2016 – Talk about Biodiversity Monitoring by Alan Reid
Posted on 3 August, 2016 by Connecting Country
The guest speaker for the Castlemaine Field Naturalist Club’s August 2016 general meeting is renowned naturalist Alan Reid. The title of his presentation is “A Regional Model for Community Environmental Monitoring’, and will be largely based on his research from Flinders Island between 2003 and 2016. There will be much in the talk that is relevant to monitoring that is undertaken by many birdwatchers, plant surveyors, nest box checkers and others with an interest in documenting changes in local flora and fauna populations.
The presentation is to be held on Friday 12 August 2016, commencing from 7.30pm. As per usual, the talk will be held in the Fellowship Room, behind the Uniting Church on Lyttleton St, Castlemaine (next door to the Art Gallery). Guests are welcome, and their is no cost for entry.
A summary of Alan’s extensive background is provided below:
- Alan Reid is a retired teacher, naturalist and environmental writer who began his nature event recording in 1954.
- He was co-founder of the Colac Field Naturalists Club whilst teaching at Colac from 1954 to 1959 and from 1959 to 1966 he taught Natural History at the Childrens’ School Camp at Somers.
- He taught Ecology and Field Studies at Burwood Teachers’ College from 1967 to 1973, and was Education Officer for both the Australian Conservation Foundation and the Gould League between1970 and 1985 where he produced many conservation and natural history publications.
- From 1990 to 2000 he was President of the Gould League and a regular commentator on ABC radio.
- In 1993 he established the Timelines Australia Project, which is still devoted to producing environmental event calendars and predictive materials for bio-regions around Australia.
- Alan has been a qualified bird-bander for over 60 years and has been involved in developing and monitoring wildlife corridors on the family farm at Glenburn and on Flinders Island.
- In 1985 he was awarded the inaugural Victorian Environmental Award; in 1993 the Australian Natural History Medallion, in 1988 a Banksia Foundation Award, and in 2006 an OAM for service to Environmental Education
August edition of the North Central Chat
Posted on 3 August, 2016 by Connecting Country
Our Regional Landcare Coordinator, Tess Grieves sent through a link to the August 2016 edition of the North Central Chat. Inside you’ll find plenty of great news stories and courses coming up which may be of interest. CLICK HERE to view the newsletter.
Nature News – August 2016: Brown Treecreeper Super-Group
Posted on 2 August, 2016 by Connecting Country
For this month’s Nature News, Connecting Country’s Woodland Birds Coordinator, Tanya Loos, celebrates the cooperative spirit of the Brown Treecreeper. You can read it in print on page 34 in the August 2nd 2016 edition of the Midland Express.
Some birds are so rare and hard to find that it is a delight to catch a glimpse of them, such as the Painted Button-quail or Powerful Owl. Other birds are classified as rare, but where they occur they are noisy and noticeable, and present in good numbers. A good example of this is the locally abundant, but threatened, Brown Treecreeper.
The social Brown Treecreeper can be spotted in the forests around Castlemaine. Photo by Geoff Park
Brown Treecreepers may be seen in most patches of forest and woodland in the Castlemaine region, especially in Muckleford and Newstead. They are tubby brown birds which hop along the ground, scamper along fallen logs, and creep up trees in the manner of treecreepers. Their call is a strident ‘spink spink’ and as the treecreepers are very social, you may hear lots of calls and see wing-fluttering as the birds sort out who is who in the flock.
Brown Treecreepers are particularly frisky at the moment, as the year’s breeding has begun! This species breeds cooperatively, that is, the young from previous years help the parents raise the young. These family groups usually number from three to eight birds. And then, in a totally cool twist – these family groups will team up with neighbouring family groups to form a super-group! A super-group or clan is a large group where most males from any group will help at any of the nests of the super-group.
If you are lucky enough to have a super-group on your bush block, you might wonder why these birds are considered rare! Brown Treecreepers are widespread across our region, but in neighbouring areas such as the Ballarat region, they have become locally extinct. Their habitat needs are quite specific, and if the changes in the landscape are too great, they simply disappear from that area.
Brown Treecreeper families have home ranges that may be as large as twelve hectares, and they need this patch to be continuous, good quality habitat. Even a gap of one kilometre is too far for them to cross! Their patch needs to have plenty of large old trees, logs on the ground, an abundance of fallen timber and leaf litter, and grass tussocks. Heavily burnt public land or very sparse cleared private land does not have the habitat complexity these birds need to find food and raise their young.
To find out more about Brown Treecreepers and the other members of the Feathered Five, see Connecting Country’s woodland birds section on our website (CLICK HERE).
Recent Changes to the Connecting Country Team
Posted on 1 August, 2016 by Connecting Country
There have been a few comings, goings and changes to the Connecting Country team over the recent weeks that we would like to share. We bid farewell to Alex, Mel and Rachel, welcome Fritz and Scott, and share the details about Chris, Krista and Naomi’s new roles.
Alex introduces education program participants to the tools of the fencing trade.
Alex Schipperen has ably led our work crew for four years. He has done everything from trained and mentored more than twelve new team members, built kilometres of fences for conservation protection, developed and implemented OH&S systems, educated landholders at our workshops, and made engaging land management videos (click here to see Alex star in the ‘how to install a rabbit bait station’ video). He has built excellent relationships with landholders and staff and ensured that our work on-ground is first rate. Although we’ll miss him, we are thrilled for Alex to have landed his dream job as a Park Ranger based in Creswick and we wish him all the best.
Replacing Alex as our new Works Crew Team Leader is Fritz Hammersley. Fritz is well known to many of us involved in Connecting Country and Landcare in the area. He has volunteered for many years on a number of our programs and brings excellent natural resource management knowledge to the team. More recently Fritz has been working with the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation.
Fritz Hammersley inspecting a nest box in Walmer.
We are sorry that works crew member Rachael Campbell needed to resign for personal reasons. She has been a delightful presence in our works crew. We pleased, however, to have Scott Woodman join the crew. A Castlemaine local, Scott has been working recently with the Conservation Volunteers Green Army team.
We also bid farewell to Melanie Marshall who has been working on our Connecting Landscapes program for the past year. Mel has been a brilliant member of the team assisting with our project reporting, community engagement and management plans. She brought a valuable fresh insight to our program. We are thrilled that we will continue to work closely with Mel in her new role as the Natural Environment Officer at Mount Alexander Shire Council.
Finally, Chris Timewell and Krista Patterson-Majoor have commenced new roles this week as co-Directors of Connecting Country. They will be working collaboratively to cover all of the tasks that were previously covered by the single Director role (Chris’s previous role).
- Krista’s new title is Director (Project Management). She will be working 3 days per week – Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. The main features of her role are to oversee Connecting Country’s programs and strategic planning.
- Chris’s new title is Director (Business Administration). He will also be working 3 days per week – Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. The main features of his role are to manage the business and administrative aspects of the organisation.
Naomi Raftery has taken over Krista’s previous role as Engagement Officer. Naomi will be coordinating our education program, publicity, and assisting with Connecting Country’s strategic development and future funding proposals.
It’s a lot of changes, but it’s also exciting times as Connecting Country prepares for our future.
Connecting Country in the national birding news
Posted on 27 July, 2016 by Connecting Country
In 2015, Connecting Country signed a ‘affiliated organisation’ agreement with Birdlife Australia, which is Australia’s largest organisation devoted to the future of native birdlife. This agreement formalises an existing working relationship between our two organisations to cross-promote relevant events and activities, to share bird survey data and generally to provide on-going support for each other in efforts to conserve and study birds of central Victoria.
Brendan Sydes, Connecting Country’s president, has a long standing support role on two of Birdlife Australia’s committees. In the June 2016 edition of the ‘Australian Birdlife’ magazine, there is an extensive interview with Brendan, where he talks about his role with Birdlife, his profession (as a lawyer with Environmental Justice Australia) and the importance of community-based approaches to landscape restoration – such as Connecting Country. This magazine is sent to the 12,000 plus members of Birdlife Australia and is also available for sale in most newsagencies. Connecting Country has already been contacted by people from elsewhere in Australia wanting to know more about what we do.
To read a scanned copy of the full article, follow this link (CLICK HERE). For those out there with an interest and/or concern for our local birds, we encourage you to consider buying a copy of this magazine or joining up with Birdlife Australia as a member.
Local scientist causing a flap on ABC news
Posted on 25 July, 2016 by Connecting Country
In 2015, Newstead/Castlemaine-based ecologist Emmi Scherlies assisted Connecting Country with research into factors affecting success rates of different approaches to revegetation. Connecting Country really appreciated her support and insights, and we have maintained contact with her as she has continued her PhD studies at La Trobe University.
Twice this year already, the ABC news website has run stories about the findings of Emmi’s university studies.
This first one is about the prime focus of her PhD – the ecology and behaviour of the threatened Southern Bentwing Bat (CLICK HERE).
The second one describes her role in the finding of Australia’s oldest bird (CLICK HERE).
We hope you enjoy reading them as much as we did. Well done Emmi! We look forward to reading or hearing about your next discovery.
A Southern Bentwing Bat. Photo by Rick Hammond, Zoos Victoria
31 July 2016 – Cactus control working bee near Maldon
Posted on 25 July, 2016 by Connecting Country
Tony Kane from the Tarrangower Cactus Control Group has asked Connecting Country to spread the word that their next Cactus Field Day will be held on Sunday, July 31st. The venue is a property on Cooks Lane near the intersection of the Maldon-Bridgewater and Baringhup Roads. As per usual, the start is at 10.30 am, followed by a free community barbeque at 12.30pm. Further details are in the attachment (click here).
19 August 2016 – Sustainable and Biodiverse Farms Field Day
Posted on 21 July, 2016 by Connecting Country
Enjoy an informative tour of the Sutton Grange Organic Farm with Holy Goat Cheese owners Anna-Marie Monda and Carla Meurs.
Making a dream of a sustainable and biodiverse farm a reality is hard work, but some of the region’s most successful producers are here to help. Connecting Country and the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) are bringing successful farmers together for a Farm Field Day on 19 August.
North Central CMA regional Landcare Facilitator Mandy Coulson said the field day is about learning from others and fully understanding the journey from idea to marketplace.
“It will be an opportunity to learn about local produce and the various journeys people are experiencing as they work towards achieving integrated sustainable land systems in the southern part of the region,” she said.
Carla Meurs and Anna-Marie Monda (Holy Goat Cheese), Katie Finlay (Mount Alexander Fruit Gardens), Mandy Jean (Guildford Winery), John Cable (JCBee Honey), Ben Boxshall (Farm Forest Growers of Victoria), Sam White (Sidonia Road Organics), and Clare de Kok (Pig in a Box) will tell their stories of innovation, diversification and value adding.
“Over 200 landholders in the Mount Alexander Region have worked with Connecting Country to improve the sustainability and biodiversity of their properties,” Connecting Country’s Krista Patterson-Majoor said. “We are thrilled to provide this opportunity to see one of these inspiring farms in action and to learn from other local producers.”
The field day will be held at the Sutton Grange Community Hall and nearby Sutton Grange Organic Farm, the home of Holy Goat Cheese. The event is free and supported through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme and by Connecting Country, through funding from the Australian Government.
Click here to download a flyer and agenda for the day.
RSVP is essential by 8 August on info@nccma.vic.gov.au or 03 5448 7124.
Inspiring Woman in Agriculture Short Course 2016
Posted on 21 July, 2016 by Connecting Country
The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) has opened expressions of interest for its popular Inspiring Women in Agriculture short course. The course is delivered over four days in Bendigo, covering everything from networking, marketing and planning, to achieving balance and making money.
“If you have a passion for agriculture and are keen to take your farm business to the next level, learn new skills, build your networks and be inspired, then this is the course for you,” North Central CMA Regional Landcare Facilitator Mandy Coulson said.
Former course participants have used the skills gained at the course to reinvigorate their farming enterprises, or start new ones. “The Inspiring Women in Agriculture short course showed me that it was important to take ownership of our plan, see that it was flexible and change it as necessary,” pork producer Clare de Kok said.
The Inspiring Women in Agriculture short course will be run from 9am to 4pm on 1, 2 and 15 September 2016 and 20 October 2016, for a cost of $375. CLICK HERE to view the flyer. For further information or to submit an EOI, visit the North Central CMA website or phone (03) 5448 7124. EOIs close 5pm Monday 1 August 2016.
The course is supported by the North Central CMA, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme in partnership with Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE, Inspiring Excellence and Cynthia Mahoney and Associates.
24 July 2016 – Muckleford Landcare History Project
Posted on 20 July, 2016 by Connecting Country
The Muckleford Landcare Group will host a pleasant Sunday afternoon at 2 pm on July 24 2016 at the Muckleford Community Centre for people interested in contributing to a local history project.
There will be two special guest speakers:
Author of Footprints Across the Loddon Plains: a shared history, Paul Haw.
Paul Haw grew up on a family farm fronting the Loddon River at Yando, near Boort. Paul served as a National Servicemen in Vietnam where he almost lost his life. This experience and other factors inspired him to look more closely at the place where he lived, its history and its environment.
The result is an impressive book, Footprints Across the Loddon Plains: a shared history, co-written with Margaret Munro.
Paul will relate how he went about his research and what he learned. It is a fascinating and inspiring story.
Robyn Ballinger is an historian who lives in Maldon. Robyn has published an environmental history of the Victorian northern plains entitled An Inch of Rain: A water history of northern Victoria. Robyn undertakes writing, historical research, teaching, facilitation of community consultation, and preparation of heritage studies and significance assessments.
Robyn will introduce the meeting to the ways in which local history can be pursued and the resources available to the local historian.
There will be an afternoon tea followed by a chat about the particular interests of those attending, how they can be assisted in their endeavours and ways in which their stories can be shared and archived.
Members from other groups are most welcome to join us.
If you wish to attend or know more about the event, text or email Paul Hampton: paul.hampton46@gmail.com
Indigenous Planting & Cooking course – starts in early August 2016
Posted on 19 July, 2016 by Connecting Country
We’ve become aware that Castlemaine Continuing Education is hosting a 10 session course ‘Indigenous Planting and Cooking’, commencing from 1 August 2016.
It looks like it will be fantastic opportunity to be part of. From their website, the course involves ‘cultural awareness with Uncle Rick, cooking with the Murnong Mammas and tutors on Country with Uncle Rick and Aunty Julie. Learn about indigenous plants and their cultivation with Aunty Julie and others from the Aboriginal Community here in Mount Alexander Shire.‘
Follow this link to the registration website if you are interested in learning more (CLICK HERE).
Landcare Community Grants – now open
Posted on 19 July, 2016 by Connecting Country
Tess Grieves (Regional Landcare Coordinator from the North Central CMA) has let us know that the 2016-17 Community Grants program is now accepting applications from eligible individuals and groups. Applications are open until close of business on Friday 26 August 2016. The following information about the grant program has been provided by Tess:
A total pool of approximately $340,000 funding is available and will be allocated through a competitive grants process. (* Regional Riparian Action Plan funding will only fund the following on-ground riparian works: fencing, revegetation, weed control and minor engagement activities.)
For the first time, all Community Grant applications are to be completed online via the North Central CMA’s SmartyGrants webpage: https://nccma.smartygrants.com.au/
There are three grant types available:
- Maintenance (up to $500/group or network) and Start-up Grants (up to $500/group or $1,000/network) for groups and networks
- Project Grants (up to $10,000) for individuals and groups
- Landcare Network Grants (up to $15,000) for Landcare Network
To help you complete your application, here are some key steps:
- Read the guidelines before getting started and ensure your planned activities are eligible and link to funding priorities- download a copy from http://www.nccma.vic.gov.au/Land/Landcare/Grants/index.aspx
- Ensure you have completed the 2015-16 Supporting Landcare in North Central Victoria survey (Groups and Networks only)
- Ensure you have completed your projects mapping using the simple online mapping tool. Step-by-step instructions are in the guidelines.
These grants are funded by the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme and the Victorian Government’s Victorian Landcare Grants and Regional Riparian Action Plan.
The North Central CMA Landcare team look forward to assisting the community through the transition to an online grants system and are looking forward to receiving your applications.
Any groups in the Mount Alexander region who would like a hand with their application, please feel free to give Asha a call on 5472 1594 or email asha@connectingcountry.org.au.
Connecting Country’s Winter Tips
Posted on 15 July, 2016 by Connecting Country
It may be chilly, but there is much happening in the bush right now that’s not to be missed! Here are some special things to look out for and some useful tips for land management to help warm you up (click on the highlighted links for more information):
Look out for:
- The lemon yellow flowers of Spreading Wattle and bright yellow flowers of Golden Wattle.
- Hakeas are also flowering now – smell the lovely perfume on a warm day!
- The flowering Candlebarks around Sutton Grange and Yellow Gums around Newstead.
- Fabulous fungi… it’s been a great year and there is so much amazing stuff coming up.
- Mistletoebirds who are enjoying local flowering Wire-leaf and Harlequin Mistletoes.
- Tawny Frogmouths out looking for a new nest!
Get active!
- NOW is the best time of year for planting and direct seeding in this area. Click here to view our contractors list to see where you can pick up some locally native plants.
- Treat your Bridal Creeper infestations. Its also good to treat Spiny Rush when they are actively growing.
- Chip out Spear Thistle rosettes before they set seed.
- Foxes are hungry so watch out for your chickens!
- Rabbit numbers are low – now is great time for fumigation.
- Keep an eye out for South African Weed Orchid. Its rosettes are up now and you can identify its leaves by their purple undersides and green tops. If you are unsure, email us a photo and we will try to identify it.
(Thanks to CC supporter James Reid for providing us with the idea to develop this blog).
Tawny Frogmouths
Wire-leaf Mistletoe – Amyema preissii
Harlequin Mistletoe – Lysiana exocarpi
Bushy Needlewood – Hakea decurrens
Fungi fiesta
Fly Agaric Fungi
Spreading Wattle – Acacia genistifolia
Golden Wattle – Acacia pycnantha
South African Weed Orchid – Disa bracteata
Sticky Beak Tour 2016
Posted on 8 July, 2016 by Connecting Country
On Sunday 26th June 2016, 30 enthusiastic participants joined our ‘Sticky Beak Tour’ of restoration projects on four local private properties. Connecting Country had assisted all four landholders to undertake on-ground works projects on these properties over recent years. All 30 participants on the tour have also been undertaking on-ground works projects with Connecting Country’s support. As such, it was a chance for everyone to gather and share their experiences in landscape restoration. Despite it being a chilly day, we were warmed by the stories from these four landholders, and by the very tasty soup served up at the Guildford Winery. To quote one participant;
The tour has really helped us to crystallize our plans for future plantings on (our) property. Discussion during the tour really helped us to weigh up the pros and cons of different approaches and being able to see things “in the flesh” really assists with the visualisation process. We now have a clear idea of what we want to do next and more confidence that the work can deliver the results we are looking for.
Brandie Strickland, who is undertaking a student placement at Connecting Country, has recorded the stories of the four landholder’s we visited.
Site 1- Cullen Gunn, Walmer
Cullen is an engaging gentleman from Hamilton. He and his family enjoy their delightful 280ha property in Walmer as often as they can (though not as often as Cullen would like). The property was originally grazed heavily; a practice Cullen hasn’t continued unless you count the 600 or so kangaroos. It is Cullen’s dream to make the property carbon neutral and very biodiverse. He has established several areas dedicated to farm forestry. And, in 2008, decided to try direct seeding to add some diversity around his forestry operation. Four rounds of direct seeding later – including the help of Connecting Country – what looked like a potential failure is now as “thick as hair” in parts. As a result, Cullen and his family has watched over 100 species of birds return to the property and sugar gliders inhabit his nest boxes.
Site 2- Chris Johnston, Green Gully
Chris’s property used to be grazed by cattle and was heavily cleared for firewood and other uses. Originally Chris worried that maybe there were more problems on the land than she could manage. However, given the history of the property over the past 10 years it “wasn’t really that bad”. With the help of Connecting Country, Chris is trialing an exclusion plot to see what grows naturally without grazing by kangaroos, rabbits and other animals. She is also revegetating the cleared gully areas, however has found kangaroos and cockatoos to be an issue as they shred the tree guards. She has been lucky enough to replace most tree guards second hand and is trialing protecting seedlings with smaller fenced areas using other gathered resources, like star pickets, at little to no cost. Chris is passionate about restoring the land and hopes to one day see it returned to the traditional owners, the Dja Dja Wurrung, for better land management.
Site 3- Mark and Helen Wakeham, Yapeen
Mark and Helen moved to their property 14 years ago. Despite Helen’s sometimes lengthy commute to Melbourne for work, both Helen and Mark are extremely happy with their little slice of the country. Like many of the surrounding properties, their property is currently grazed by cattle. However, over the years, the number of cattle has lessened as management costs have increased and the property has become more recreational: ‘not a farm, just fun’. The use of cattle on the property is now more of a management tool. Both Mark and Helen are very open to increasing biodiversity on their property and over the years have allowed a lot of conservation and revegetation work to be done. The North Central Catchment Management Authority fenced and direct seeded at the rear of the property to protect remnant Box Ironbark Woodland. More recently, Connecting Country has created a buffer zone along the roadside and gully with direct seeding which will provide a excellent link across the landscape.
Site 4- Mandy Jean, Guildford
Mandy and Brian own the Guildford vineyard. They acquired the property in 2004 and today, along with wonderful chef Zack Grumont, run a very successful business. If you walk around the vineyard you can see all the hard work that has gone into creating such a productive site. Mandy sees increasing biodiversity as critical to the vineyard’s success. The vineyard hosts up to 80 kangaroos over a year, hundreds of birds, bats and microbats and more insects than you can count. Kangaroos and birds, in particular, are very welcome as each benefits the vineyard in their own natural way. The birds reduce bug, disease and pest populations on the vines while the kangaroos provide a manure rich with nitrogen. With the help of Connecting Country, the vineyard is becoming more biodiverse with tubestock planted on the surrounding hills to enhance both beauty and environmental benefit. Mandy’s next project is a indigenous ‘insectarium’ to increase natural pest control.
Revegetation at the Guildford Vineyard
Bonnie with landholders
Lunch in cellar
Revegetation in Green Gully
Exclusion plot at Chris Johnson’s property.
Bonnie explains how direct seeding works
Acknowledgements
Our Sticky Beak Tour highlighted just a fraction of the work that landholders and community groups from across the Mount Alexander region have completed with Connecting Country over the past 8 years. We would like to thank all of them for their involvement – each project is a inspiring story of landscape restoration in this area. We would also like to thank:
- Cullen, Chris, Mandy and Mark and Helen for being such excellent and inspiring hosts,
- Geoff Park for his expert facilitation and photos,
- Bonnie Humphries for sharing her project and botanical knowledge,
- Zack Grumont and the Guildford Winery for a delicious lunch,
- Brandie Strickland for the photos and write-up, and
- the Australian Government for the funding as part of our Connecting Landscapes program.
11 July 2016 – FOBIF AGM with guest speaker
Posted on 6 July, 2016 by Connecting Country
Photo from http://hawkandowl.com.au/
The 2016 Annual General Meeting for the Friends of the Box Ironbark Forests (FOBIF) will be held next Monday (11 July) from 7.30pm in the Ray Bradfield Room, Castlemaine (next to Victory Park and the IGA car-park).
After the AGM formalities, Martin Scuffins will give a presentation. Martin operates the Leigh Valley Hawk and Owl Sanctuary, an organisation which is ‘dedicated to the conservation of the Australia’s Birds of Prey and the habitat they share with us’. The Sanctuary offers mobile raptor displays as well as rehabilitating injured birds of prey.
You can find out all about the Sanctuary from their website (http://hawkandowl.com.au/).
Members and visitors are welcome to attend.
Photos from http://hawkandowl.com.au/
Photo from http://hawkandowl.com.au/
Nature News – June 2016: Is there anybody home?
Posted on 5 July, 2016 by Connecting Country
On page 26 in this week’s Midland Express (5 July 2016) there is a great Nature News article by Paul Foreman about his property in Walmer.
In case you missed out on last month’s Nature News, Max Schlachter reported that the trick to monitoring nest boxes is having an eye for the décor. You can find the article on page 17 of the 7 June 2016 edition, or read it here:
A Connecting Country nest box in the field
Have you ever been out in the bush and noticed a mysterious green box hanging from the side of a tree? It might have had a cryptic code on the bottom like ‘CC10-206’?
If so, what you stumbled across is not a modern art installation or a military experiment, it’s a nesting box for one of Central Victoria’s lesser known marsupials – the Tuan (also known as the Brush-tailed Phascogale). Sometimes described as a cross between a possum and a rat, Tuans are carnivorous marsupials that live in trees.
In 2010/11 Connecting Country installed more than 400 specially designed Tuan nest boxes on properties across the Mount Alexander Shire. The boxes are monitored every two years and the 2016 surveys are just about complete.
Phascogale in nest
We’re all familiar with bird nests, but did you know that native marsupials also build a nest? Unlike most birds that only build a nest during the breeding season, marsupials such as Sugar Gliders, Ringtail Possums and Tuans live in a nest all the time, usually placed in the hollows of old trees.
The trick to monitoring nest boxes is to know which nest belongs to which animal, even when nobody’s at home.
Tuan’s are not the neat and tidy type – their nest is generally a complete mess. But they are prolific decorators and will use a variety of material to fill up their box. Bark is a favourite, as are feathers. Sheep’s wool and baling twine are also popular. In one box, a snake skin was even part of the décor – a bit gaudy for my taste.
Sugar gliders in nest
Sugar Gliders also make use of the boxes and display a complete lack of imagination when it comes to nesting material. Leaves are the only thing they’ll consider, and almost always from Eucalypts. But can they make a nest! The leaves are arranged in a spirally woven bowl, and sometime they’ll even create a complete sphere, with themselves inside it. How do they do it?
The results of this year’s survey will be collated soon and made available on the Connecting Country website http://connectingcountry.org.au/monitoring/nestboxes/. The site also has information on building and installing your own nest boxes.
Connecting Country would like to say a huge thank you to the 117 landholders whose properties we visited to survey their Tuan nest boxes this autumn. And also to the 20 volunteers who gave up their time to help take notes and carry a ladder through the bush. We couldn’t have got it done without you!
8 July 2016: Talk on the Birds of Castlemaine – past and present
Posted on 4 July, 2016 by Connecting Country
Hugh Leach, with robin.
The guest speaker for the July 2016 general meeting of the Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club (CFNC) is local resident Damian Kelly. Damian’s talk is titled ‘Birds in Castlemaine – past and present‘, and his presentation will be ‘an exploration of aspects of the history of birding and bird photogaphy in Castlemaine and other areas by tracing the life and photography of Hugh Leach, the man who had the Kalimna bird fountain built to honour him.’
As well as being a regular contributor to the activities of the CFNC, Connecting Country and FOBIF, Damian is a life-long bird observer and photographer. He has been researching Castlemaine birds and changes over time in the area, which has led to interesting historical excursions. Following the story of Hugh has provided an insight into early records of birds, bird behaviour, the Gould League and other interesting diversions.
Dusky Woodswallow. Photo taken by Hugh Leach in the late 1920s / early 1930s.
The talk is to be held on Friday 8 July from 7.30pm in the Fellowship Room, which is located in the hall behind the Uniting Church on Lyttleton St, Castlemaine (next door to the Castlemaine Art Gallery and Museum). Visitors and other guests are very welcome to attend, and entry is free.