Restoring landscapes across the Mount Alexander Region

Seed Collection Workshops in Castlemaine this November

Posted on 29 October, 2024 by Hadley Cole

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

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

Included in the day:

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

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

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

Cost: $30.

For more information and bookings – click here

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

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

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

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

Cost: Free

For further information and to register (so you get morning tea) click here.

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

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