10 July 2015 – A Walk through the Flinders Ranges
Posted on 3 July, 2015 by Connecting Country
The guest speaker for the July meeting of the Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club is John Lindner. John has been a long time member of The Alpine Club/ Bendigo Outdoor Group and also the Bendigo Field Naturalists. He is a very experienced walker and field naturalist.
His presentation is titled ‘Walking in the Flinders Ranges and understanding its natural history’. He has undertaken numerous trips to the Flinders Ranges over the last 10 years: long-distance bushwalks, day walking and car touring with camping. The natural history of the area is a field overflowing in riches. His talk will cover many aspects of the ranges including an overview of the Heysen Trail, the landscape (geological history, some highlight events, major landforms), vegetation, wildlife and human settlement.
The talk is on Friday 10 July 2015, starting from 7.30pm in the Fellowship Room. This is located in the hall behind the Uniting Church on Lyttleton St (next door to the Castlemaine Art Gallery and Museum). Feel free to arrive from 7pm for a cup of tea and a chat beforehand. Entry is free. Both members and visitors are welcome.
From little things big things grow……
Posted on 1 July, 2015 by Connecting Country
Connecting Country’s first community planting for 2015 got off to a flying start in Harcourt on a blustery Thursday morning last week. Grades 5 and 6 pupils from Harcourt Valley Primary School enthusiastically picked up the tools and planted in some 380 native plants on Annette and Bruce’s Harcourt property. Many plants were given names as they were planted in, such as “Daddy long legs”, “Star” and “Spider” for She-oaks, and “Tiny”, “Garfield” and “Leaf” for some Acacia species. It was a shame we didn’t have a marker pen to write the plants’ new names on their individual guards. It was a matter of running out of plants rather than names!
Many thanks to Principal Annette Smith for supporting the planting event, to school staff Matt and Mrs Rice who came with the students, and the students themselves. A big thank you as well to Annette, who proved herself to be not only passionate about native plants on her land, but also an amazing baker who appeared with chocolate brownies, banana cake, and apple cake fresh from the oven, and then took us all on a guided walk through the property to look at good plants and unwelcome ones such as gorse. The children impressed us with their knowledge about plants, erosion, pest animals and weeds.
Connecting Country’s second Community Planting will be on Sat 25 July from 10 am to 1230 pm in the Walmer area. This planting is a book-themed event and is being undertaken in conjunction with the Castlemaine library. Books do come from trees after all (unless you use a kindle)! We will have catering and a talk from a local award-winning children’s author Trace Balla about her connection to the landscape.
Further details about this planting day will be posted on the Connecting Country website, and through the Castlemaine Library’s networks. Registrations will be required for this one, for catering purposes (email jules@connectingcountry.org.au for early bird registrations). There will also be some limited minibus transport which you can sign up for when you register. Car pooling is of course encouraged. We look forward to seeing you on July 25.
Sunday 2 Aug 2015 – ‘Living with Wildlife and Fire’ workshop
Posted on 30 June, 2015 by Connecting Country
To kick start our Spring 2015 program, Connecting Country are running the ‘Living with Wildlife and Fire’ workshop on a beautiful property in Strangways which is managed for wildlife. Fire is a considered element for the landholders living on the property.
Participants will hear from four experts including Chris Johnston who will be facilitating the session, Owen Goodings (CFA – Statewide Team Leader Vegetation Management), David Cheal (Fire Ecologist – ex-DEPI and now School of Science, Information Technology & Engineering, Federation University) and Julie Whitfield (Field Ecologist, ex-DEPI and now Amaryllis Environmental)
Attendee will also hear from landholder Andrew Skeoch, who is proud to share his life with wallabies, kangaroos, sugar gliders, even occasionally koalas, plus a wealth of birdlife including Square-tailed Kites that bred nearby last year, and the rare Painted Button-quail that he sometimes sees among the tussock grasses.
Through practical exercises on the day, participants will be encouraged to develop their own ideas about how they could manage fire risk at their own property.
This workshop is the first of four in the Spring series which aims to give participants skills and knowledge, and also allow them to meet and chat with other landholders from the local area.
Lunch is provided and travel by bus to site from Castlemaine is available. Pick-ups from Newstead are also possible.
Click below to see the workshop flyers for the whole program and download the registration forms:
- Spring Workshops: spring workshops flyer and spring registration form
The sessions are aimed at people who are managing land in the local area, and who are also interested in improving their property’s conservation and/or productive values. Sessions all have specialist presenters, cover some basic theory and focus on practical information, skills and resources. Places are limited, but there will be a waiting list in the event of cancellations. See the registration form for more information, and how to book.
Oct 2015 – International Conference in Castlemaine
Posted on 29 June, 2015 by Connecting Country
In mid-October 2015, a three-day international conference – Local Lives Global Matters – is to be held at venues across Castlemaine. The conference is being organised by local community members and aims to “ask key questions, share ideas and experiences to inspire and encourage a future based on local economies, social and environmental responsibility, reclaimed democracy, revitalised spirituality and connection to nature.”
If you are interested in learning more about the conference, and perhaps attending, volunteering or even making a presentation, more details are available in the attached flyer (CLICK HERE).
NCCMA Chat – June 2015 edition
Posted on 29 June, 2015 by Connecting Country
Ashley Rogers, the Regional Landcare Facilitator with the North Central CMA, has informed us that the June 2015 edition of the North Central chat is now available on the Victorian Landcare Gateway website (click here). This month’s issue includes:
- Vale Joan Kirner and Phillip Toyne
- River Detectives Update
- 1000 volunteers needed to plant 40,000 trees in one day
- Nutrient planning workshop for dairy farmers
- Small grants available for gorse control
Ashley is always interested in any stories or events for future editions of the chat, and says “please feel free to send them through!”. (ashley.rogers@nccma.vic.gov.au)
Ashley has also let us know that the University of Melbourne is also conducting a suvey on the way people value native forests in Victoria. If you are interested in this survey, follow this link (CLICK HERE).
Lomandra Love
Posted on 22 June, 2015 by Connecting Country
The Friends of Campbells Creek are holding an unusual event this Sunday to help establish more butterfly habitat.
“We’re challenging ourselves to our biggest plant out yet: over 1,700 butterfly plants in two hours” says spokesperson Ian Higgins. The Group is focusing on establishing Lomandras—plants that look like a bit like a grass, but have attractive nectar bearing flowers.
Ian says “Lomandras are one of the creek-side species that disappeared in the gold rush. We’re excited to be putting so many back as not only are Lomandras essential food plants for butterflies, we’ve discovered they’re easy to establish and are very tough, staying green all year without watering.”
To introduce more people to Lomandra love, the Group is offering free plants for helpers at the Sunday planting event. Ian says “the more indigenous plants there are in the district, the better for our local fauna. Lomandras are perfect for any garden as they don’t take up much space and look great all year round”.
Here’s an article on how you can support or attract butterflies in your own garden.
The event runs from 10:00 am until midday, Sunday the 28th of June starting at the footbridge over the creek. Here’s a link to a map. Get there by heading south from the parking area at the end of Lewis Drive, Castlemaine. Light refreshments will be provided afterwards.
Three of our local Lomandra species – how could you not love them!
Winter migrants brighten bush and paddock
Posted on 20 June, 2015 by Tanya Loos
Connecting Country surveys birds in two distinct seasons – the winter non-breeding period from May to July, and the spring breeding period from September to November. Each season has its characteristic bird species, as well as quite a bit of overlap.
The 2015 winter bird surveys began in mid-May. In the Box Ironbark forests, such as occurs at the Rise and Shine Bushland Reserve pictured here, Golden Whistlers are present in good numbers. The magnificent golden male looks like a sunrise in his yellow, black and white plumage. The greyish brown females and juveniles can be hard to identify at first, but once you get your eye in they can be identified with confidence. Geoff Park has some great photos here and ID tips here.
When this photo was taken at Rise and Shine Bushland Reserve it was below zero degrees! The bush birds didn’t seem to mind – with plenty of weebills and thornbills bustling about.
Also bringing a blaze of colour to the region are Flame Robins – very aptly named little robins which may be seen mainly on grazed paddocks, often in groups of ten or more. Like the Golden Whistlers, the Flame Robins have a very brightly coloured male, and brownish females and young birds, known as “brown birds”.
A stunning male Flame Robin, photo by Geoff Park.
Both of these species have raised their young at higher altitudes of the Great Dividing Range, and are now spending winter in the lowlands. Lucky for us!
1 Day 1,000 Volunteers 40,000 Trees
Posted on 19 June, 2015 by Connecting Country
On Saturday 11 July 2015, 1000 volunteers will descend from across Victoria to plant 40,000 indigenous trees and shrubs in North Harcourt.
The project, which is a combined effort of the Harcourt Valley, North Harcourt and Barkers Creek Landcare groups is a unique opportunity to help create and restore a large area of habitat in just a few hours.
The groups have put an enormous amount of effort into ensuring the day will run smoothly and effectively – now they just need the people power to make it happen.
Threatened woodland birds such as the Brown Treecreeper need large well connected patches of bush to thrive. The 40,000 plants will help create and connect wildlife corridors in the Mount Alexander North priority zone; which is one of Connecting Country’s 11 Woodland Bird priority zones ( see this page for more).
Register to volunteer on your own, with a friend, with family or as a group. Participants are advised to register in advance, however you can still sign up on the day. But it will really help the groups to have your registration in advance!
To join and take part in this incredible habitat renewal project sign up at the link below:
http://40000trees.eventbrite.com
Check out the events Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/40000Trees
A beautiful Brown Treecreeper: photo by Greg License
Council’s Environment Strategy – Advance notice of revised draft & feedback process
Posted on 17 June, 2015 by Connecting Country
The Mount Alexander Shire has announced that they have prepared a new draft of their Environment Strategy 2015-2025, which is revised version following feedback upon the first draft in April and May 2015. The revised draft will be available on the council’s website for one week from the 2 July 2015.
As announced on the council’s website, Jason Taylor, Council’s Director of Sustainable Development says:
“We’re offering community members the opportunity to learn about how their ideas and feedback have been integrated into the strategy.”
“A strong message during the consultation process was the importance of recognising and placing greater emphasis on community partnerships and how they help meet the Shire’s environmental goals.”
Community members and organizations have been invited by the council to pre-book a timeslot to meet with staff and discuss the revised strategy. Sessions are available between 3.00pm and 7.00pm on Thursday 9 July 2015.
Further details, including instructions on how to book a timeslot, are available on the council website (Click here).
Position Vacant – Support Staff Member
Posted on 16 June, 2015 by Connecting Country
Our major project, Connecting Landscapes Across the Mount Alexander Region, ultimately aims to help enhance, protect and extend areas of native vegetation in the Mount Alexander Region that will create habitat linkages. This five year project, which commenced in mid-2013, has already made great gains towards this goal. More than 40 landholders have partaken in on-ground works projects on their properties resulting in improvements to more than 750 ha of woodland and forest.
Connecting Country is seeking a capable ready-to-go person to assist Jarrod and the rest of the team with the implementation of this project. This Project Support Officer role would commence as a 2-3 day per week fixed term position (for six months, with the possibility of an extension). Desirable skills and experience in the successful applicant are project management, an understanding of natural environments and their management, and the ability to work both as part of a team and on your own. A full position description can be downloaded (click here).
To express your interest in this role, please send your CV and also a cover letter (no more than 2 pages) which describes why you think you’d the right person for this position, when you would be able to commence, and your availability to work in the role for either 2 or 3 days per week.
Applications close at 5pm on Monday 29 June 2015. Email applications to jarrod@connectingcountry.org.au or send by hard-copy post to Connecting Country Applications, P. O. Box 437, Castlemaine, VIC 3450.
This project has been supported by Connecting Country, through funding from the Australian Government.
Plant with a Pottiputki in Muckleford
Posted on 15 June, 2015 by Connecting Country
The site being ripped in preparation for easy planting with a pottiputki.
Muckleford Catchment Landcare President Paul Hampton would like to tell Connecting Country members and supporters about the group’s upcoming planting day on Sunday June 21, 2015.
“The planting of 1,500 seedlings at the 30 metre wide fenced site will create an important habitat corridor from Chinaman’s Creek to remnant woodland on the upper slopes.
The planting system is both efficient and relatively easy. The site has been pre-prepared and the seedlings will be put in place with a pottiputki. The volunteer team will then secure the plants and place guards around them. Very straight forward, a little repetitive but no-one actually has to dig holes. It is a system Muckleford Landcare has had great success with over the last few years.
This is an opportunity to make a personal contribution to a valuable local project, meet other landcarers and gain rare access to a lovely, dramatic site poised above the creek on private land.
The entrance to the property is close to the corner of Turners Lane/Creasys Road. The Muckleford Catchment Landcare banner will be displayed at the gate. Drive in the entrance and park in the area near the bus/sheds. From there you can walk across the creek to the planting site.
Work will start at 11am and finish by 4pm at the latest. Tea/coffee and a tasty (vegetarian) lunch will be provided at around 1pm. Muckleford Landcare doesn’t expect everyone to commit for the whole day. If you can turn up for an hour or so that would be appreciated.
Bring solid boots, work gloves, suitable clothing for a cool day and raincoat just in case.
For further enquiries and/or let Muckleford Landcare if you can participate, ring Paul at 0408 566 909.
Register Now for the Mount Alexander Landcare Forum!
Posted on 11 June, 2015 by Connecting Country
The Mount Alexander Landcare Forum on Friday 19th June is only a week away!
With interesting speakers, music and a delicious dinner, the forum should be a really enjoyable afternoon and a nice opportunity to meet people from around the region. You’re are welcome to come for the whole forum or just for particular presentations or the dinner.
There is still room for more people so please let Max know if you’d like to attend as soon as possible. Contact max@connectingcountry.org.au or call on 03 5472 1594.
FOBIF Winter School Holiday Program Registrations – Now Open
Posted on 9 June, 2015 by Connecting Country
The Friends of the Box-Ironbark Forests (FOBIF) are excited to announce registrations open for their 2015 Winter School Holiday Program. The program is for primary school age children and will run in the first week of the rapidly approaching mid-year holiday break. The program has three events, all run out of the tea rooms in the Castlemaine Botantical Gardens and will explore the theme of habitat.
The first event is a Live Animal Display and Treasure Hunt in the northern section of the gardens, the second is titled ‘Habitat Stories’ and is held in conjunction with the Goldfields Library and will be an exploration of books and their role in helping us to understand the natural world and the final session is titled ‘Botanical Drawing with a Castlemaine Twist’ and is an opportunity for children and adults to elaborate on traditional botanical drawing using their observational skills and imaginations.
The cost for these events is $5 per child per event or free for FOBIF members.
Children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the events, all events are BYO lunch.
For more information on how to book see poster or the FOBIF website: http://www.fobif.org.au/
Cassia Read showing kids some of the amazing things to be found in nature.
Tributes to Joan Kirner – And One From Her
Posted on 4 June, 2015 by Connecting Country
The Landcare movement lost one of its founders and greatest supporters with the passing of Joan Kirner on Monday 1 June 2015.
Tributes to Joan Kirner and her involvement with Landcare have been published in a number of places. To me, they create a picture of someone who was willing to tackle large issues; someone who believed in community action, and could achieve things by working with people from across the political and social spectrum.
An article published on the Victorian Landcare website on Tuesday includes a letter that she sent to the editor of the Victorian Landcare Magazine recently.
“As an early participant in the creation of Landcare, I felt that I had to write and tell you how delighted I am with the program, its longevity, results and the new initiative in Indigenous Landcare. My former colleague, the late Heather Mitchell would be delighted too! Please pass on my congratulations to all landcarers.”
Below are links to three recent articles that have been written about Joan Kirner’s involvement with Landcare:
Max Schlachter,
Mount Alexander Region Landcare Facilitator
Help Build Castlemaine’s Newest Housing Estate
Posted on 3 June, 2015 by Connecting Country
Taking pre-fabricated housing to a new level – nestboxes ready to be installed.
The McKenzies Hill Action & Landcare Group works in an area designated for urban expansion as part of the Council’s ‘Diamond Gully Structure Plan’.
According to the Mount Alexander Shire Council’s website “Diamond Gully will be Castlemaine’s primary urban growth area and the structure plan is intended to guide the residential transformation of this area.”
Thanks to the efforts of the Mckenzies Hill Action & Landcare Group, the ‘residential transformation’ isn’t just for people – it includes new homes for possums, birds, bats and other native wildlife.
On Sunday 14th June 2015 the group are looking for volunteers to help install a multitude of new apartments (nest-boxes) in the newly named ’70 Foot Hill Reserve’. The reserve, formally known as the Newstead gravel reserve, is a parcel of crown land with a surprisingly diverse range of native vegetation on it. Like much of the forest around Castlemaine, the reserve is missing large old trees with nesting hollows. The nest boxes installed by the group have been specially designed to suit a range of animals – just like the range of hollows that would be found in a mature forest.
The working bee will include a talk by Miles Geldard from ‘Wildlife Nestboxes’ on the need for nestboxes and how they work. There will be a free BBQ as well.
When: Sunday 14th June 2015, starting at 10:00am.
Location: 70 Foot Hill Reserve, Diamond Gully Road (the section between Sluicers Rd and Princess St, look for signs)
Bring: a chair for BBQ afterwards
Contact: Jan Hall – 5470 5556
12 June 2015 – Species, Stonehenge and Indigenous Knowledge
Posted on 2 June, 2015 by Connecting Country
The guest speaker for the June meeting of the Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club is Dr Lynne Kelly. A resident of Castlemaine, Lynne and her husband Damian are great supporters of Connecting Country and the local field nats. Many of you will fondly remember Lynne’s presentation a couple of years ago about her journey from being chronically arachnophobic to embracing all things ‘spider’.
The title of this talk is Indigenous knowledge of plants and animals: how do they remember so much stuff without a field guide?
Indigenous people are often described as having a close relationship with their environment with no reference to the way the depth of their knowledge comes about. They have exactly the same intellectual potential as the rest of us but they don’t have writing to store their knowledge. They learn how to identify many hundreds of animals, from the mammals and birds to the invertebrates, and know their behaviour. Then add in many hundreds of plants, along with properties, uses, habitats, seasonal variations as well as navigation, genealogies, astronomy and timekeeping, resource rights and management … the list goes on and on. But how do they store all that information when they are totally dependent on fragile human memory?
Photo from www.lynnekelly.com.au
In this presentation, Lynne Kelly will explain the extraordinary methods used by indigenous cultures to memorise a vast amount of natural history knowledge. And to finish off, she’ll explain why this understanding led her to a new theory for the purpose of Stonehenge.
Dr Lynne Kelly’s latest book, Knowledge and Power in Prehistoric Societies, has just been published in the US and UK by Cambridge University Press and will be released in Australia in August. The book is a result of her PhD thesis on memory systems used by non-literate cultures and the application in archaeology. Her previous books include Spiders: learning to love them and Crocodile: evolution’s greatest survivor.
Lynne’s talk is being held in the Fellowship Room behind the Uniting Church (located in the section of Lyttleton St between Barkers St and Kennedy St, next door to the Castlemaine Art Gallery). The meeting starts from 7.30pm on Friday 12 June 2015, but feel free to turn up from 7pm for a cup of tea and a chat beforehand. Everyone is welcome to attend and there is no cost for entry.
North Central chat – May 2015 Edition
Posted on 1 June, 2015 by Connecting Country
Ashley Rogers, the Regional Landcare Facilitator with the North Central CMA, has informed us that the May 2015 edition of the North Central chat is now available on the Victorian Landcare Gateway website (click here). This month’s issue includes:
- The Upper Campaspe Landcare Network launch their strategic plan
- Cover cropping the next revolution in agriculture
- 10th annual waterbug field day
- Yates Junior Landcare Grants now open
Ashley is always interested in any stories or events for future editions of the chat, and says “please feel free to send them through!”. (ashley.rogers@nccma.vic.gov.au)
Connecting Country Membership – now open for 2015/16
Posted on 1 June, 2015 by Connecting Country
Staff and committee at a planning day in 2014.
With this being one of the few occasions when I get to use its full and formal name, Connecting Country (Mount Alexander Region) Inc is now open for both membership renewals and applications. Connecting Country is a community-based not-for-profit organisation owned by its members and operated under the guidance of a volunteer Committee of Management. Although our area of greatest interest is within the Mount Alexander Shire and nearby surrounds in central Victoria (i.e., the Mount Alexander Region), our members and supporters come from all across Victoria and some even from beyond. (However, we are yet to have our first international member!)
In the second half of 2014, Connecting Country finalised its 10-year strategic plan, which included the following statement:
“Our vision is for the people of the Mount Alexander Region to be proud of the beautiful, productive, healthy and diverse landscapes, habitats, forests, waterways, flora and fauna that we have supported and created in our region.”
Looking for birds at one of our workshop events.
The past year has been very successful and productive. This is largely attributable to the support we receive from our members, the committee, the many steering group members and other community members who regularly contribute their time, energy and expertise. On behalf of Connecting Country, I thank you for helping us to work towards the organization’s vision for the region. We’re not there yet, but we are well on our way and heading in the right direction.
A big component of continuing this good work is having a healthy membership base. Although membership of Connecting Country continues to be free, it does need to be renewed on an annual basis. You will also need to be a valid member in order to vote at our AGM in October.
If you wish to continue your existing membership, please complete the membership renewal form (CLICK HERE) and return it to us via email (info@connectingcountry.org.au) or post to Connecting Country Memberships, PO Box 437, Castlemaine, VIC 3450. You can also drop it in to us at the office. Your membership will then be validated until 30 June 2016.
If you would like to become a member of Connecting Country, please complete the membership application form (CLICK HERE). This form – which includes the requirement for a hand-written signature – can also be returned to the addresses above. Your application will then be considered at the next available committee meeting. The benefits in becoming a member of Connecting Country are summarised in the attached document (CLICK HERE).
Let us know if you are unsure whether you are currently a Connecting Country member or not. And also please feel free to contact me if you have any other queries about membership with Connecting Country.
Chris Timewell
Director, Connecting Country
Assistance for Landcare groups.
On The Map with Bendigo’s La Trobe Uni
Posted on 30 May, 2015 by Connecting Country
Throughout 2015, La Trobe University in Bendigo is running a series of events that combine Art and the natural history of central Victoria, with the overarching theme of considering the role climate plays in shaping the physical landscape. There are three field trips which are ‘paired’ with three print-making workshops. The connection between the fieldtrips and the workshops is a flexible one. For example, you can do only one workshop or one fieldtrip; or one of each, or all workshops and field trips. At the end of the series there is to be a major curated exhibition/publication followed by a symposium on climate change. This to be held in 2016.
The first workshop, on Aboriginal History and the Interpretation of Landscape, was held earlier in the year.
The second workshop is coming up soon (Geological Time Travel in Central Victoria – Saturday 6th June 2015), and we understand that there are some places still available.
Come with geologist Neville Rosengren and you can see:
- what central Victoria looked like from the time before the arrival of humankind;
- what it looked like before the emergence of plants and animals;
- how the power of Ice-Age glaciers shaped this landscape;
- how ancient rivers to cut their way through hard rock laid down by volcanos;
- how winds dried out and reshaped the land, drying vast lakes and creating great dunes.
The third field trip on Saturday 25 July 2015 will involve two identities that are very well known locally for their entertaining and informative talks and blogs about birding, photography and general ecological understanding – Chris Tzaros and Geoff Park. There may also be some places available for this event.
Further details are available in the attached flyer (CLICK HERE). RSVP Bookings and further info by contacting Melissa Scott of Latrobe Art Institute (Melissa.scott@latrobe.edu.au or call 03 5444 7917).
Visitors From The North East
Posted on 29 May, 2015 by Connecting Country
Brendon Kennedy is the state-wide Aboriginal Landcare Facilitator for Victoria, based with the North East Catchment Management Authority in Wodonga. He will be coming to Castlemaine on the 19th June 2015 to talk at the Mount Alexander Landcare Forum.
Brendon will be joined by local ecologist Paul Foreman to talk about a project that they have both been part of, which is trialing the use of traditional fire knowledge to manage native pastures in north east Victoria.
An article about the project appeared in the Autumn edition of the Victorian Landcare Magazine and is reproduced below.
There are still places available at the forum so please register your place with Max (max@connectingcountry.org.au) if you would like to learn about this innovative project, and others, at the Forum in June.
New approaches to sharing ancient fire knowledge
Written by Belinda Pearce.
‘Landcare groups in parts of north east Victoria are partnering with Traditional Owners to revive the use of traditional fire knowledge. The partners are using fire as a land management tool to reduce fuel loads and are conducting field trials to rejuvenate native grasses, train young Indigenous men and regenerate healthy ecosystems.
News of this innovative work is spreading through trial burns, public forums and the production of films that capture and share experiences. As a result farmers, natural resource management agencies and the Country Fire Authority (CFA) are now involved.
Responding to the 2006 fires
Cape York Traditional Owners (left to right) Peta-Marie Standly, Dorothy Pootchemunka, Dawn Koondumbin and in the foreground Joel Ngallametta, inspect native grass species at Bonegilla as part of a traditional fire knowledge exchange program.
Traditional Owners became involved in the revival of traditional fire knowledge in the north east following devastating fires in the region in 2006. Traditional Owners from Cape York in far north Queensland were saddened by the tragic events and offered to share their knowledge with countrymen in the south.
Traditional Fire Revival coordinator Peta-Marie Standley said “It hurt our hearts up here (Cape York) when you guys had those horrible fires because it doesn’t need to happen.”
Over the next four years Cape York Traditional Owners visited the north east, talking at Landcare events, participating in an Indigenous fire forum in 2013 and talking to the local Aboriginal community. As a further sign of support, the group invited local people to attend workshops in the Cape where traditional burning is an annual event.
Over this period, Landcare networks in the north east identified that local landholders were interested in learning how to better manage and preserve threatened Grassy Box Gum Woodlands ecosystems on their properties, particularly where fuel loads were increasing and creating a potential fire risk.
Previous attempts at fuel reduction burns were considered risky and a promoter of weeds. In 2013 the Kiewa Catchment Landcare Groups secured Caring for Our Country funding to start undertaking fire trials in the region.
Establishing trial sites
Native grass regrowth after fire compared to unburnt dry grass (at right).
The group selected three trial sites, two in Talgarno and one in Baranduda, and a project ecologist [Paul Foreman] was appointed to set up the trial design. The aims of the trial were to measure the impact of fire on weed and exotic species, provide local guidelines on how traditional fire knowledge can be incorporated into land management practices and provide opportunities for Indigenous people to undertake cultural practices on country.
Two of the trial sites are located on grazing properties (beef and sheep), so a graze/no graze component was included at these sites. Overall, the four treatments were burn/no burn and grazed/ungrazed. The ungrazed plots were fenced out to prevent grazing.
Each treatment plot was 10 metres by 10 metres in size and treatments were replicated three times to add some robustness to our results. This meant a total of 30 plots were assessed in January 2014 for species diversity and abundance. There were 81 plant species across the sites – 40 native and 41 exotic species. The most common native species were weeping grass and slender wallaby grass and the most common exotic species were flat weed, sheep sorrel and soft brome.
The plan was to undertake burns once the autumn break had arrived. The break came very early in 2014, resulting in considerable soil moisture, damp litter and greening of vegetation.
Early break produces cool burn
In May 2014 the group attempted to burn but found that the conditions were too moist. Only one of the trial sites had enough dry matter for the burn to take hold.
Vegetation assessments undertaken in November 2014 showed that the burn plots had an increased number of native grass species and a reduction in the abundance of exotic cover compared to the no burn plots. It was felt that a more marked response could be obtained had the fire been hotter.
The Landcare groups are aiming to learn from the experience and are looking forward to undertaking burns at the three sites this autumn.
One of the real highlights has been the partnership between landholders, Landcare groups, Traditional Owners, CFA volunteers and the North East CMA. Each component partner has been vital to the success of the project.
To view a short film about native grasses and the fire trials go to www.youtube.com/northeastcma (CLICK HERE), or visit www.burraja.com/films/ (CLICK HERE) to view a film on traditional burning knowledge.
Belinda Pearce is the Landcare Facilitator with the Kiewa Catchment and Upper Ovens Valley Landcare Groups. For further information email Belinda Pearce at belinda.pearce@landcarevic.net.au
Thank you to Belinda and the Victorian Government for allowing us to reproduce the article.