Nature News – July 2016: Nature Recovering in the Muckleford Valley

Posted on 22 August, 2016 by Connecting Country

In July’s installment of the Nature News in the Midland Express (pg 26, 2 July 2016 edition), renowned local ecologist, Paul Foreman shared his insights from getting to know his new property in the Muckleford valley – encouraging us to think about how the landscape works in both space and time.

In January this year our family moved from Castlemaine to a 46 ha property on the margins of the Muckleford Creek valley, Walmer. Though our initial focus has been settling into the house and establishing a garden, it has been interesting starting to get know the land we now own and its surrounds.

I automatically think about landscape in terms of how it all works in both space and time. One the earliest records for this area is found in Major Mitchell’s 1836 journal. Between Newstead and Castlemaine, on September 28 he fleetingly notes: “we passed alternately through strips of forest and over open flats well watered, the streams flowing southward; the country….. at least as fine as that we had left”. Although Mitchell tended to ‘gild the lily’, one of Australia’s first travel writers, William Howitt, who sailed from England to the Victorian goldfields in 1852, had a similar opinion of Muckleford valley: “[the township of Muckleford] lies in a splendid expanse of the richest meadow land imaginable, on the banks of a good creek.” Given these descriptions, it isn’t hard to image Aboriginal people long occupied and exerted an influence over this area.

Aerial photography from 1946 (above) and today (below) shows a landscape in recovery.

Fine country indeed! A landscape that has fared relatively well since the arrival of Europeans; avoiding the worst of the rapacious diggers with a terrain mostly suited to pastoralism. In view of both Mt Alexander and Tarrengower, our place has a mix of habitats: box-ironbark forest on the low sedimentary rises and a strip of what was once open grassy woodland on the margins of an unnamed side valley. (Perhaps being a ‘blow in’ I could be forgiven if I referred to said valley as Ottrey’s Creek, on account of the nearby ‘scrub’ from which it substantially drains. But I digress.) Although the hill country is entirely regrowth and the lower slopes only support fragments of the original bush, the last few decades has seen rapid ecological recovery, documented by aerial photography.

The constrained land use history has bequeathed us a surprisingly resilient landscape. The drainage lines are intact and there is little sheet erosion; the ground layer in the regrowth is diverse and abundant; and we are surrounded by a large expanse of remnant bushland. There is even widespread Buloke (Allocasuarina luehmannii) regrowth (literally thousands of them) and a few Blue Devils (Eryngium ovinum) coming back!  Along the roadsides and scattered across paddocks throughout the catchment there are still quite a lot of large habitat trees. I’ve already heard of numerous Tuan sightings since arriving and I’m told Swift Parrots can be ‘twitched’ at Muckleford Station most years. And on top of all that, amazingly, we are also blessed with no rabbits (our neighbour reckons the paddocks literally moved with them before calicivirus).

It is a privilege to be part of nature recovering, but not in a passive way. There is much we can do to make sure the environmental healing process endures. Connecting Country’s resources pages offer ideas on how you can better understand your land and take action to help its recovery: visit http://connectingcountry.org.au/education-resources/.

What is in a name? Murnong or Yam Daisy now known as Microseris walteri

Posted on 17 August, 2016 by Connecting Country

The local Murnong or Yam Daisy now also has another name being Microseris walteri. All these names reflect the changes in different human connections to this plant.

You could be easily confused thinking that this is a weed but the distinctive drooping flower bud gives it away as a Murnong.

You might be familiar with the pretty yellow flower, long skinny stem and rosette basal leaves, it could also be easily mistaken for a dandelion but it’s not.  It has a radish-shaped tuber, which is renewed each year and a distinctive dropping flower bud. In the spring the plant forms a yellow flower-head, and in the summer the leaves die off and the tuber becomes dormant.

These enduring plants were staple food for indigenous people in Western and Central Victoria before European colonisation. The tubers were cooked in baskets in an earth oven, producing a dark sweet juice which was much liked. Once a common plant, Murnong became scarce due to grazing by sheep, remain a lasting reminder of the first peoples adaptability and resilience in what white settlers found pretty hard country.

For more information about this special little plant from the Herbarium Flora of Victoria website click here.

For more information about indigenous food plants a great reference is by Nelly Zola and Beth Gott, Koorie Plants Koorie People: Traditional food, fibre and Healing Plants of Victoria

Extension for submissions into invasive animal inquiry

Posted on 17 August, 2016 by Connecting Country

Rabbits and other invasive animal species are a threat to productivity and biodiversity values in our area.

Connecting Country has been made aware that the date for submissions to the Victorian parliamentary committee inquiry into invasive animals on Crown land was extended until Monday 5 September 2016.

The Environment, Natural Resources and Regional Development Committee is inviting community input to the inquiry so that it can identify the scale of the invasive animal problem in Victoria and hear the public’s views on how best to deal with it.

To have your say and make a submission please click here

27 Aug 2016 – Castlemaine Community Science Project: Part 2

Posted on 15 August, 2016 by Connecting Country

Back in March 2016, researchers from the University of Melbourne encouraged local residents from Castlemaine and surrounds to get involved in an ecological assessment of a site at 21 Reckleben St (CLICK HERE to see the earlier blog).  The question being posed by the researchers is ‘can human and natural development happen in a manner that is mutually beneficial?’.

One of the researchers has asked us to spread the word about the next set of surveys at the site.  She writes:

Photo from Reckleben St Survey Facebook page

I’m Andreanne Doyon, a researcher at the University of Melbourne, writing to you on behalf of Dominique Hes. We are currently working with Geoff Crosby on a development at 21 Reckelben St, Castlemaine, which we are designing to the living community standard (http://living-future.org/lcc). This stipulates that any human community needs to be designed to provide net eco system service benefits.

As such, we have begun doing an ecological assessment of the site as a community science project. The first assessment session took place in March, and we are now gearing up to conduct a second one on the 27^th of August.

We plan to put on some great local food for morning tea lunch and afternoon tea. We draw up a grid and people from the community help up with the ecological assessment. We are contacting you as we are sure you have many contacts through Connecting Country who might be interested in being involved and/or have experience that could support the data collection.

We have created a Facebook event through the Reckleben ecological assessment page, here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/events/624158704416948/“.

If you are interested in being part of this, you can indicate your attendance through their Facebook event invitation.

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:

1. Maintenance (up to $500/group or network) and Start-up Grants (up to $500/group or $1,000/network) for groups and networks
2. Project Grants (up to $10,000) for individuals and groups
3. Landcare Network Grants (up to $15,000) for Landcare Network

To help you complete your application, here are some key steps:

1. 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
2. Ensure you have completed the 2015-16 Supporting Landcare in North Central Victoria survey (Groups and Networks only)
3. 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