• Successful Cobaw Campaspe Biolinks Field Day.
• Gorse Task Force Funding Available.
• Landcare Groups Unite to Protect Waterways.
• UCLN to work with Kyneton Secondary College Students.
• Weed and Rabbit Buster Workshops.
• New Victorian Minister for the Environment.
• Committees, Recruitment and Succession.
• Feathermap Project.
• Grant Opportunities and Events.
• North Central Chat.

Winter is here! ©Scheltema

Welcome to the July edition of the UCLN Newsletter. It is definitely winter, with  snow ball fights on the trampoline and the dam slowly filling with the welcome rain.

For those groups who have done Autumn planting the rain will be a great help in getting trees and other vegetation established. I hope you enjoy our winter news from the Upper Campaspe Landcare Network. Remember to keep me informed of anything your group may be doing, and that you may need some help with.

Frosty winter morning. ©Scheltema

COBAW CAMPASPE BIOLINKS FIELD DAY A SUCCESS.

Ecologists and Landcare members planning the Cobaw Campaspe Field Day. The day gave participants an insight into the landscape and vegetation communities of the local region. It also provided a forum for the discussion of ecological restoration techniques and priorities and gave an indigenous perspective of the area.  ©Scheltema

The Cobaw Campaspe Biolink Field Day was a great success with over 55 people attending. Participants toured the Campaspe River, Five Mile Creek, important remnant grassland sites, and ended the day overlooking the landscape at the top of the Jim Jims, near Hanging Rock.

People were delighted to hear  Taungurung Elder and knowledge holder, Uncle Larry Walsh, tell stories about local indigenous plants and animals and how they related to the lifestyle of Central Victoria oldest inhabitants. Expert wetland and grassland ecologists Damien Cook and Paul Foreman gave a wonderful insight into the ecological values of the area.

Learning about the importance of remnant grasslands.Woodend Landcare member Kate Daniel said “Participants learnt a lot from the speakers and added to their own understanding of plants, biodiversity and landscape connectivity. I particularly enjoyed walking through the Woodend Grasslands, a spot that looks pretty modest from the outside but is a really significant remnant site.”   ©Scheltema

This was a great example of the UCLN following on from the goals of its Strategic Plan with four member groups working together to build ecological knowledge and skills.To read more about the day go to Explore The Landscape and Looking After The Land

Taungurung Elder Uncle Larry Walsh talks about the Landscape from an Indigenous perspective at Marshes Court Ashbourne on the Cobaw Campaspe Field Day.  ©Scheltema

GORSE TASK FORCE FUNDING AVAILABLE

Have a problem with gorse? Why not investigate funding opportunities from the Gorse Task Force.  ©Scheltema

The Victorian Gorse Taskforce (VGT) with the support of the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources is seeking project proposals from community-based organisations. In 2016/2017 the VGT will consider projects under a Small Grants Program, up to $5,000 (GST exclusive). It is interested in funding  community-led commitment to long term gorse control.

CLICK HERE to view application form and CLICK HERE  for the guidelines/eligibility to apply.

Applications open Monday 20 June 2016
Applications close Friday 12 August 2016

LANDCARE GROUPS UNITE TO PROTECT WATERWAYS.

Trentham Landcare member Gael Elliott is seen here on the Coliban River. “The rivers are the lifeblood of our environment and we need to nurture them.We need to respect the rivers and Landcare can act as a conduit in this process.” said Gael. ©Scheltema

Three Landcare Groups (Trentham,Tylden and Malmsbury) that form part of the Upper Campaspe Landcare Network have joined forces to help protect important waterways. The project, called Coliban Connections, is about working together in a strategic way to restore the landscape.

Said Project Leader Sophie Bickford “The rivers are of the utmost importance. They are a lifeline for many species and provide natural connectivity in the landscape. We want to start by learning more about the area and how to effectively restore it.”

A free Field Day including lunch, will be held on the 24th July with expert grassland and wetland ecologists, Damien Cook and Paul Foreman, to visit the Coliban River, Kangaroo Creek and the Little Coliban River.

Come along to the Coliban Connections Field and learn about the treasures within our environment, such as this colorful mushroom amanita xanthocephala, seen near near Kangaroo Creek.       ©Scheltema

After the Field Day a desktop study will be produced.“The Upper Campaspe Landcare Network will produce a detailed report setting out findings and recommendations for a biolink connecting all three waterways. This will provide a basis for the three Landcare groups to be able to work together on a landscape size project.” said John Walters, President of the Malmsbury and District Landcare Group.

To read more about this day go to Rivers the Life Blood

Bookings can be made via Eventbrite bookings

Presidents of Malmsbury District and Trentham District Landcare Groups John Walters and Patricia Scheltus meet to discuss working together on the Coiban Connections Project. ©Scheltema

UCLN TO WORK WITH KYNETON SECONDARY COLLEGE STUDENTS.

An exciting new partnership is being formed with Environmental Science students from Kyneton Secondary College.The year 10 and 11 students will be working with the Campaspe River and Land Management Group on the Campaspe River in Kyneton and with the Friends of Bald Hill at the Bald Hill Reserve.

President of Friends of Bald Hill Carolyn Robb, said of the collaboration “The KSC Collaborative Environmental Project is a wonderful opportunity for the Environmental Science students and teachers to work with the Friends of Bald Hill Reserve who already work in close partnership with the MRSC Environmental team and the Upper Campaspe Landcare Network: all who have the common purpose and passion to preserve and enhance the rich ecological diversity at Bald Hill Reserve.”

Environmental Science students from Kyneton Secondary College will be working at Bald Hill Reserve with the Friends group to install and monitor nest boxes  for animals such as phascogales and sugar gliders.                                             ©Scheltema

The students will be involved in planting the threatened Hairy Anchor Plant along the banks of the Campaspe (with seed collected and propagated from the nearby Hairy Anchor nursery). One of the students from Kyneton Secondary College, 15 year old Estelle Winkerman, member of the Sustainability Group, said of the collaboration : “This is certainly an important thing to be involved in and support because we only have one earth, one environment and one chance to make it last. We have already negatively impacted the environment so if we continue on this path, we won’t be able to undo what we’ve done. It’s definitely important for youth and teenagers to think about their impact on the environment, we are the ones who have to live in the future.”

Peter Harding, President of the CRLMG said “The CR&LMG is always keen to engage with primary and high school students through their teaching staff to further the cause of restoring the Campaspe River to pre Crack Willow conditions. We urge all concerned members of our community to participate in our planting program either on Friday July 29 at 1pm for National Schools Tree Day or Sunday July 31 at 10am on National Tree day at the Campaspe River bank below Langley Street, Kyneton.”

National Tree Day is the country’s largest nature-care event and community tree planting event. Each year over 250,000 people and hundreds of environmental, community and youth organizations take part in Tree Day at over 3,000 sites across the country.

To register go to http://treeday.planetark.org/coords/.

To see a video of the CRLMG’s work in collaboration with NCCMA, staring Landcarers Don and Jessie Smith, who have worked tirelessly to protect the river for over 20 years, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggwxBqGjDUY

WEED AND RABBIT BUSTER WORKSHOPS.

RABBIT BUSTER WORKSHOP 22ND OCTOBER 2016

Are rabbits a problem on your property? Want to know more about how to control them? You might be interested in a Rabbit Buster Workshop, to be held on Sunday 22nd October at Malmsbury, followed by a practical demonstration with a contractor on a property in Drummond.

WEED CONTROL WORKSHOP 3RD DECEMBER 2016

Or if you need to know more about how to control weeds,put aside the date of 3rd December for a Weed Control Workshop to be held at Bald Hill Reserve. Contractor Pat Radi Mansbridge will be on hand to answer any questions on equipment,weed control techniques,what spray to use for what weed etc.Biosecurity officer Martin Deering from the Department of Agriculture will also be on hand to offer advice.

More information on both workshops closer to the date.

Want to know about weeds and how to effectively deal with them? Come to the UCLN Weed Control Workshop on the 3rd December  ©Scheltema

WORKING WITH WEEDS GUIDE

The Weed’s Network has launched its Working with Weeds Guide, which aims to be a leading resource for learning about Bio-Holistic™ options for living with and working with weeds.  For more information go to:Weeds Network

THE WEEDS NEWS

To read the current Weed’s News Digest regarding current weed research go to: Weeds News

INVASIVE ANIMAL REPORTS: CITIZEN ACTION & INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS

Two reports have been released regarding institutional improvements to make it more feasible and attractive for citizens to take effective action on the management of invasive animals and plants. They are available at:

• Pest Smart
• Pest Smart 5

 NEW VICTORIAN MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT

In the recent cabinet reshuffle, Lily D’Ambrosio, the member for Mill Park, has taken on the new portfolio of Energy, Environment and Climate Change, with a focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency and combatting the effects of climate change. Ms D’Ambrosio has a background in the Community Development portfolio.  Lisa Neville is the new Minister for Police and remains Minister for Water.

©Scheltema

COMMITTEES, RECRUITMENT AND SUCCESSION

Thanks to Susie  J Johnson from the FTLA for the  information below which you may find useful for your groups:

Many groups are coming up to their AGMs and considering recruiting new people with fresh ideas onto committees. Continuity is important in a committee but so is some change which brings new energy. Ideally each year, some experienced members should remain on the committee and some new ones join. This allows for a balance of experience and new ideas to guide the committee for the following year.

Your group should decide what works best for you. It is not ideal for one person to stay in the same position for more than three or four years because it can prevent the emergence of fresh ideas from new people and may also lead to the incumbent person suffering from ‘burn out’. However, there are key people whose knowledge and experience is invaluable that the group won’t want to lose: one solution is to rotate the positions, or to create mentor positions to allow new officers to access the wisdom of experienced committee members.

Need some ideas on revamping and refreshing your committee?

There are a number of resources around to help you – contact the FTLA for the latest Landcare Governance Kit, access the Community Sector Governance Capability Framework (See below), try a volunteer matching service such as Community Directors

or https://govolunteer.com.au or probono.

There is even a Mentor the Treasurer program: Mentor the Treasurer

COMMUNITY SECTOR GOVERNANCE CAPABILITY FRAMEWORK

The Community Sector Governance Capability Framework describes the broad capabilities required by people on Boards or Committees of Management in community sector organisations. It can assist Not for Profit organisations understand the knowledge and skills that are critical for the stewardship of an organisation, including the additional capabilities needed for the Office Bearer roles of Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. For more information go to: click here

A winter visitor to the woodpile. ©Scheltema

FEATHER MAP PROJECT

The Feather Map of Australia project aims to collect waterbird feathers from wetlands around Australia. These feathers will be analysed using nuclear techniques, such as mass spectrometry and high resolution X-ray fluorescence, to identify stable isotopes and minerals that are incorporated into feathers through the ingestion of food.

These analyses will identify the differences in feathers from diverse parts of Australia, creating a Feather Map.This is a joint project of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) and University of New South Wales (UNSW) and it’s so easy to get involved.

Visit the ANSTO website at: Feather Map Website  or search for Feather Map on social media.

GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

 NORMAN WETTENHALL SMALL ENVIRONMENTAL GRANT SCHEME

The Small Environmental Grant Scheme provides support for groups or individuals undertaking biodiversity conservation projects in Australia. Projects of up to $10,000 can be about one or more of the following: monitoring, recording and sharing data, delivering community education, providing community capacity building (training), research and science, or landscape restoration and education (Victoria only). Opening date: 28 June 2016 (the round will be closed when the maximum number of applications has been reached.)  For more information or to apply, visit: http://nwf.org.au/grants/small-environmental-grants/

 THE R. E. ROSS TRUST GRANTS – VIC

The grants work around 4 impact areas. For Landcare groups the most relevant area is impact area D; the protection and preservation of Australian Flora and Fauna. Organisations must first submit an expression of interest for consideration by the Trustees and May then be invited to submit a full application.  Applications are considered all year round. For more information go to:

http://www.rosstrust.org.au/grants/apply-for-a-grant/

©Scheltema

CANON ENVIRONMENTAL GRANTS

Applications close on Friday 5 August 2016 Canon Oceania is now appealing for applicants for its annual environmental in-kind grants program. Grants are available to Australian and New Zealand schools, community groups and not-for-profit organisations making a positive impact on their environment and community. Recipients will be will be given their choice of $5,000 (retail value) of Canon equipment for use in their project. For more information go to : Canon Environmental Grants

2016-17 NORTH CENTRAL COMMUNITY GRANTS PROGRAM

application period will commence in early July.

NEED SOME IDEAS APPLYING FOR GRANTS? THE INFO BELOW MAY BE USEFUL TO YOUR GROUP

FRRR FUNDRAISING WEBINARS. FRRR has teamed up with Our Community to host three webinars specifically designed to help rural, regional and remote community groups access more funding. In a panel discussion format, these webinars aim to demystify some of the funding options beyond grants, and to share knowledge and practical tools to help you get started. • Planned Giving and Bequests 101 – 1pm AEST on Thursday, 14 July • Sponsorship 101 – 1pm AEST on Wednesday, 27 July • Crowd-funding 101 – 1pm AEST on Wednesday, 10 August Registrations for the webinars are now open at click here

TREK FOR AUSSIE FARMERS

Landcare Australia is searching for adventurers keen to join in the 2017 trek for Aussie Farmers on the east coast of Tasmania, February 25 to March 3. Explore Tasmania’s East Coast & Port Arthur, visit some of Australia’s founding farms and learn about their sustainable farming practices, and help raise valuable funds to help Landcare Australia support Aussie farmers. All the details are on the Landcare Australia website: click here

NORTH CENTRAL CMA CHAT

The July 2016 edition of the North Central Chat can be downloaded (CLICK HERE – 4MB), and includes:
* Update on the upcoming release of the 2016-17 Community Grants program
* Launch of the north central Victoria Soil Health Guide
* National Landcare Conference details and sponsorship opportunity

•  COBAW TO CAMPASPE CONNECTIONS FIELD DAY.
• TREES FOR MUM PLANTINGS BY WOODEND LANDCARE AND CAMPASPE RIVER AND LAND MANAGEMENT GROUP.
• MESSAGE FROM THE ENVIRONMENT MINISTER.
• NEWHAM LANDCARE PRESENTS A TALK ON GLIDER ECOLOGY BY KYLIE SOANE.
• UTILIZE LODDON PRISON LANDMATE CREWS FOR FREE AS PART OF YOUR GRANT APPLICATIONS.
• GRANT OPPORTUNITIES, NORTH CENTRAL CHAT.
• RABBIT CONTROL VIDEO.
• LANDCARE VICTORIA TURNS 30.
• PROTECTING VICTORIA’S ENVIRONMENT-BIODIVERSITY 2036.

The President of Pipers Creek Landcare Peter Sporle looks out over the banks of the Campapse and wishes for rain. ©Scheltema

Welcome to our May edition of the Upper Campaspe Landcare Network ENews. After a long hot dry summer and a very dry autumn of beautiful colors it has finally rained! How lovely to hear the sound of rain on the roof and know that my dam has water running into it and the tanks are filling. I am sure all of you Landcarers out there,especially those about to embark on autumn plantings, will be very pleased with the rain also. Lets hope for more.

We have had an autumn of beautiful colors but not much rain until now. ©Scheltema

COBAW TO CAMPASPE CONNECTIONS FIELD DAY

Kate Daniel from Woodend Landcare and grasslands ecologist Paul Foreman planning the Cobaw to Campaspe Field Day. ©Scheltema

The Network received a 2015/16 Community Grant called ‘UCLN Building Links to the Future:Action Planning Upper Campaspe region Biolink and Buffer Cluster Projects’. Ashbourne, Newham, Woodend and Carlsruhe Landcare groups have been working hard together to organise the Cobaw To Campaspe Connections Field Day. This is a great example of the Network following on with the goals outlining in the Strategic Plan and working together to preserve and protect our landscape. It promises to be a an informative day out, and it’s free, with lunch provided. If you are interested make sure you RSVP to landcaregrp.carlsruhe@gmail.com by the 18th May.

Taungurung elder Uncle Larry Walsh, a wonderful storyteller, will be present to tell people the Taungurung stories within the landscape. Also present will be highly respected grassland and wetland ecologists Paul Foreman and Damian Cook.

Taungurung Elder Uncle Larry Walsh will be present on the Field Day on the 22nd May. ©Scheltema

If you would like to read the story that appeared on the front page of the Midland Express this week about the day please go to  http://www.elliottmidnews.com.au/story/3896594/explore-the-landscape/

The UCLN will be running a similar field day on the Coliban River later in the year as part of the ‘Coliban Corridor’ project which involves Trentham, Tylden and Malmsbury Landcare Groups working together. ©Scheltema

TREES FOR MUM PLANTING DAYS BY WOODEND LANDCARE AND THE CAMPASPE RIVER AND LAND MANAGEMENT GROUP.

Landcare group Presidents Krista Patterson-Majoor and Peter Harding, as well as Banjo and Daisy Ford discuss the Trees for Mum Planting days at the Kyneton River Walk. ©Scheltema

Two groups within our Network, Woodend Landcare and the Campaspe River and Land Management Group, held successful planting days on Mother’s Day as part of the Trees For Mum project. The President of Woodend Landcare Krista Patterson-Majoor said -“Trees For Mum is a great opportunity to celebrate and contribute to the important parts of life -family,community and the planet.”

The Campaspe River and Land Management group planted out the rare and endangered Hairy Anchor Plant. President Peter Harding said “We propagate this special rare plant in our nursery near the river. We see this as a vital part of our overall program to help restore the river environs to as close to pre-settlement as possible.”

http://www.elliottmidnews.com.au/story/3885704/plant-a-tree-for-mum/

The Hairy Anchor Plant (Discaria pubescens) seen here in its nursery near the Campaspe River. Seed is carefully harvested using a stocking, and plants are grown and planted along the Kyneton River Walk to help restore the river environs to as close to pre-settlement as possible. ©Scheltema

MESSAGE FROM THE ENVIRONMENT MINISTER

The Environment Minister Lisa Neville recently conducted a review of  the Victorian Government support of Landcare. The Minister  said “The contribution Landcare makes towards protecting and improving Victoria’s environment, along with the improved productivity of farms and many social benefits is well recognised in Australia and around the world. Your continued involvement in this work is highly valued and appreciated”.  If you would like to read more see below –

Environment Minister Lisa Neville with members of Upper Campaspe Landcare Network at a Newham Landcare project. ©Scheltema

NEWHAM LANDCARE PRESENTS A TALK ON GLIDER ECOLOGY

Newham Landcare is presenting a talk on glider ecology by Kylie Soanes,a very entertaining and knowledgeable speaker.See details below.

UTILIZE LANDMATE CREWS AS PART OF YOUR GRANT APPLICATIONS.

I advised groups in the last ENews of the availability of Loddon Prison Landmate crews for $400/day. They are efficient reliable workers and the groups that have utilized them within our Network have given good feedback. The good news is they can now work on Landcare projects for no cost. If interested please read  information below from a DEWLP Project Officer who is involved in the Landmate/DEWLP/Landcare partnership.If you would like to see your grants go further, for the same cost, read on!

How does a proponent include a labour component if the funding program only allows labour as  in-kind contribution?

Landcare groups and community environment groups with projects funded by grant programs that don’t fund labour or contractors can use Landmate crews as they are ‘no cost’ to DELWP funded projects.

Using Landmate crews will enable your group to extend the reach (activities you can deliver) of your project. How to include Landmate crews in projects will be written into all future grant guidelines.

To use Landmate crews you will need to:

1.  Discuss with Corrections Victoria about how you wish to use the crews;
2.  In your current project, contact Corrections Victoria Landmate contact to discuss how you wish to use the crew (type of work) and to what extent (how many days). If you are seeking the no cost option (subsidised through DELWP grant programs) you will need to supply your grant contract details to them in your application form (grant source, grant name, contract number, name of project, name of organisation)
3.  If a new project, include in your application to DELWP (or CMA) funding body about how you wish to use Landmate (type of work and how many days);
4.  Continue to your in-kind contributions to projects and let Landmate take your project further that is to deliver more activities or across a greater area.
5. Report back on the use of Landmate in your project reports.

If any groups are keen to pursue this further and need to contact Corrections Victoria Landmate please get in touch with me on uclandcare@gmail.com. Please think about this opportunity for free labour when you write your next grant application!

LANDCARE AUSTRALIA SPECIAL PROJECTS GRANTS 2016

NORMAN WETTENHALL SMALL ENVIRONMENTAL GRANT SCHEME

The Small Environmental Grant Scheme provides support for groups or individuals undertaking biodiversity conservation projects in Australia. Projects of up to $10,000 can be about one or more of the following: monitoring, recording and sharing data, delivering community education, providing community capacity building (training), research and science, or landscape restoration and education (Victoria only).

For more information or to apply, visit: http://nwf.org.au/grants/small-environmental-grants/

Help protect our precious native flora and fauna such as this blue tongue lizard by investigating a grant opportunity with your group. ©Scheltema

NORTH CENTRAL CHAT

The May 2016 edition of the North Central CMA publication ‘chat’ is now available (click here – 4.8 MB), and contains a range of stories about Landcare and Waterwatch from across the region.

ARE RABBITS A PROBLEM ON YOUR PROPERTY?WATCH THIS VIDEO

If you would like a cheap practical solution to rabbit control watch this very entertaining video! A lot of landholders have been commenting recently on the increases in numbers of Rabbits around their properties, and asking how to control them. Many of the techniques available need specialist contractors and equipment, but you can get started by yourself using Pindone oats with a bait station.

Connecting Country has kindly offered to share this Instructional Video with UCLN – #1: How to create and set up a Pindone Bait Station.

The Make a Rabbit Bait Station’ video is also available to view from Connecting Country on Vimeo.

Click here for more information available about the control of rabbits and other pests.

LANDCARE TURNS 30 -SHARE YOUR PHOTOS

Later this year, Landcare in Victoria will celebrate a major milestone – its 30th birthday! Landcare Victoria is asking Landcarers young and old to share their stories through photographs and videos.

To mark this special occasion they want to showcase the array of wonderful Landcare projects, events, achievements and the changes that have taken place over the last three decades. They are  looking for photos showing the progress of projects over time, milestones for your group/network, people participating in events, and more generally, what Landcare means to you.

We’ve made it easy for you to upload your photos, videos and consent forms via the following link 30 Years of Landcare Photo Upload

A Landcare volunteer and ecologist discuss Biolink plans on top of the Jim Jims, near Newham.©Scheltema

PROTECTING VICTORIA’S ENVIRONMENT-BIODIVERSITY 2036

Some of you will have already made a submission to ‘Protecting Victoria’s Environment – Biodiversity 2036’.  But for those of you yet to do so, the deadline is this Sunday.  Numbers of submissions is one way the Minister, and the Cabinet, know how much interest there is in this issue.  This is one of the ways the urgent need for more funding and support will be recognised and hopefully delivered.

Through the on-line portal at http://haveyoursay.delwp.vic.gov.au/biodiversity-plan, you can work through the online consultation questions.  If you haven’t the time please at least send in a written submission from you and/or your organisation – go to “Make a Submission” then “upload a document”.  It won’t take long and is very important.

Have your say in helping protect Victoria’s Environment by making a submission to ‘Protecting Victoria’s Environment -Biodiversity 2036’.
©Scheltema

• LANDCARE GROUPS EXPRESS CONCERN OVER REMNANT ROADSIDE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT
• CREEPY CRAWLIES AT BALD HILL RESERVE
• CAMPASPE VALLEY LANDCARE TACKLES WEEDS
• COBAW CAMPASPE BIOLINK PROJECT BEGINS PLANNING PROCESS
• WOODEND LANDCARE
• LODDON PRISON LANDMATE PROJECT ASKING FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
• WOODEND SUSTAINABILITY FESTIVAL
• GLIDER SYMPOSIUM
• FEATHERED FIVE BIRD FESTIVAL
• FUTURE FARM EXPO
• MOTHS AT NEWHAM
• WEED 101 WORKSHOP
• GRANTS OPPORTUNITIES  -ONE TREE PER CHILD,FRRR SMALL GRANTS
• CHEMICAL USERS WORKSHOP
• FUTURE FARM EXPO
• MRSC DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY OPEN FOR COMMENT
• NORTH CENTRAL CHAT

Summer rainbow over the Wombat State Forest. ©Scheltema

Welcome to the February edition of our ENews.The feel of autumn is in the air and many of you will soon be planning planting days, hopefully with the help of some rain.

At a recent visit to listen to Landcare groups concerns regarding the management of remnant roadside vegetation, the Federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters said “Since its inception the Landcare movement has made a profoundly important contribution to the well being of Central Victoria’s environment.”

As I continue to get an understanding of the work your groups do, I can certainly see that this is true, so congratulations to all of you who work so hard to help create a healthier local environment.

LANDCARE GROUPS EXPRESS CONCERN OVER REMNANT ROADSIDE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT.

Ecologist Karl Just explains to Federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters, Landcare Member Alice Aird, and State member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas how areas of remnant roadside vegetation in the Newham area contain endangered vegetation communities and threatened species, some of which are protected under Federal Legislation.Landcare groups are concerned that it is not receiving adequate protection.©Scheltema

Newham Landcare recently invited the Federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chester and the State Member for Macedon Mary Anne Thomas to view remnant roadside vegetation in the region and listen to their concerns regarding its management.They were joined by Woodend and Ashbourne Landcare and other Environmental groups operating in the Macedon Ranges.

In 2015 Newham Landcare spent $10 000 conducting flora surveys along 20 kms of significant roadside. Consultant ecologist Karl Just, who conducted the survey said    “Roadsides often contain some of the last refuges for flora and fauna. They can serve as vital habitat links that enable flora and fauna to move across otherwise cleared landscapes. The Newham area contains some outstanding roadside remnants. These areas urgently require greater recognition, protection and management as they are major repositories for our local biodiversity.”

After viewing the area and listening to the Landcare members concerns MP Lisa Chesters said “Our native roads sides are a vital bio link and refuge for many endangered and rare native vegetation.  I would like to congratulate the hard work and commitment of the Newham Landcare members who are actively working to ensure these spaces are restored and protected. Since its inception the Landcare movement has made a profoundly important contribution to the wellbeing of Central Victoria’s environment.”

“I recognize the crucial role that our local Landcare groups play in the environmental health of our Macedon Ranges Roadsides and I am committed to supporting their work. I call on the Macedon Ranges Shire Council to do the same.”

The Landcare groups are calling for better protection of the remnant roadside vegetation. The area holds important remnants of rare plant communities such as the Alpine Shaggy Pea and some protected under Federal Legislation such as the Flax Lily, as well as  threatened animal species.

The Landcare groups are concerned that inappropriate mowing, slashing, weeds, dumping of waste material and planting exotics are destroying these ecological assets.

The President of Ashbourne Landcare Robin Allen said “I was delighted to hear MP Mary-Anne Thomas’s comments stating that she would ask MRSC to consult with Landcare groups on the conservation value of roadside vegetation prior to contractors conducting any work.”

The  groups are calling for the completion and endorsement of the Macedon Ranges Roadside Management Strategy for council managed roads, with specific actions to protect high and medium quality roadside remnant vegetation from further damage from contractors and landowners.

http://www.elliottmidnews.com.au/story/3707441/vital-habitat-links-need-protection-say-landcarers/

CREEPY CRAWLIES AT BALD HILL

Austin and Oliver May learn about Southern Banjo Frogs (poddlebonks) at the Creepy Crawly Walk and Talk at Bald Hill Reserve ©Scheltema

The Friends of Bald Hill Reserve recently hosted a Creepy Crawlies Walk and Talk at the Bald Hill Reserve.

Wild Action presenter, and a Friends of Bald Hill member, Daniel Hunt, gave an entertaining presentation on the reptiles, amphibians and insects that live at the reserve. Accompanied by Limpy the blotched blue tongue Lizard, Sally the python, Bob the southern banjo frog, and Lizzie the eastern blue tongue lizard, participants learnt about the reptiles, amphibians and insects that live within the Bald Hill Reserve.

Daniel grew up nearby Bald Hill and spent his childhood years exploring the reserve. “As a kid I ventured all over Bald Hill looking for creepy crawlies. It’s a special place that needs to be conserved for the next generation to enjoy as well. Bald Hill has some unique species and ecosystems found nowhere else in the world. To this day we are still discovering new animals that live here such as the Bougainville Skink and the Endangered Brown toadlet, which is really exciting!”

“It’s great for children to get outdoors and engage with these amazing creatures that live so close to them. It’s important not only for the young but the old to get an understanding of the importance of a place like Bald Hill as species and ecosystems vanish all over the world. After all its biodiversity that keeps us all alive.” said Daniel.

After the walk participants walked to the top of Bald Hill searching for creepy crawlies. Scorpions, spiders, centipedes and beetles were discovered in their hiding spots, a wallaby was spotted up close, and a beautiful flowering Magenta’s Stork’s-Bill seen nestling in some rock formations.

President of the Friends Of Bald Hill, Carolyn Robb said “All of us, children and adults, went home with a number of new facts learnt about our local creepy crawlies, and the knowledge that there are many more creepy crawlies yet to be discovered and identified in our unique and very significant Reserve. It is also a reminder that we all need to continue to protect this beautiful place in order to preserve its flora, fauna and history. ”

Looking for scorpians at the Creepy Crawly Walk and Talk at Bald Hill Reserve.©Scheltema

CAMPASPE VALLEY LANDCARE GROUP TACKLES WEEDS.

Jan Elder and Barbara James from Campaspe Valley Landcare have been hard at work producing a booklet which aims to educate landowners on how to identify and eradicate texas needle grass.They are seen here at a trial site to control the weed near Baynton.©Scheltema

Jan Elder and Barbara James from Campaspe Valley Landcare successfully controlled and stopped the spread of a large infestation of gorse along Back creek through the Good Neighbourhood Program at DELWP ©Scheltema

COBAW CAMPASPE BIOLINK PROJECT BEGINS PLANNING

Rare, threatened and vulnerable species such as the Powerful Owl, seen here, are some of the flora and fauna the Cobaw Campaspe Biolink Project will be aiming
to identify and develop measures to protect. The work is being undertaken by the Upper Campaspe Landcare Network in conjunction with Ashbourne, Woodend,
Carlsruhe and Newham Landcare Groups .©Scheltema

This map shows the approximate area of the Cobaw Campaspe Biolink Project.

WOODEND LANDCARE

The new President of Woodend Landcare Krista Patterson-Majoor seen here with former President Peter Yates examining some plantings along Five Mile Creek Woodend.©Scheltema

Taking a break after helping out at a working bee to control weeds. ©Scheltema

LODDON PRISON LANDMATE PROJECT

Would your group benefit from having a Landmate Crew work in your area?

Supervised,qualified and experienced teams of 8 to 10 prisoners are available for $400.00 day.

We have had good feedback about the work that has been done by these teams within our Network.

If you are interested please let me know before the 3rd March .uclandcare@gmail.com

 WOODEND SUSTAINABILITY FESTIVAL  SATURDAY 27TH FEBRUARY

UCLN, Woodend, Newham, Ashbourne and the Campaspe River and Land Management Group will be on  display at the Macedon Ranges Sustainability Festival at the Woodend Community Garden and Hub site. The festival runs from 10 am till 4 pm on Saturday the 27th February. Please come along to check out our local biolink plans and learn about what Landcare and other environmental groups in our region are doing. There will also be forums on Nature and Climate Change, Sustainable Food and Mobilising Communities for Change.

More info at: http://slf.mrsgonline.org.au/

GLIDER SYMPOSIUM SEYMOUR 18TH MARCH

 FEATHERED FIVE BIRD FESTIVAL 19TH – 20 MARCH

Come and learn about the Feathered Five, such as this Diamond Firetail, at the Feathered Five Festival on March 19-20th. Pic Geoff Parks

Connecting Country is holding its  inaugural Feathered Five Festival. It is a celebration of woodland birds and their habitat with two days of birdwatching, activities and talks over the weekend of 19-20 March.  There is also a  free Saturday Evening Forum on the 19^th of March in Campbells Creek.See poster below for more info.

More information about the festival is available at: http://connectingcountry.org.au/featheredfivefestival/ or call Connecting Country on 5472 1594.

MOTHS MARCH 18TH

WEED WORKSHOP MARCH 5TH NEWHAM

FOUNDATION FOR RURAL AND REGIONAL RENEWAL SMALL GRANTS

The Small Grants for Rural Communities is the longest running and broadest program Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal offers, opening twice per year.

Grants of up to $5,000 are available for projects and activities that offer clear public benefit for communities in rural, regional or remote Australia. Priority is given to communities of 10,000 or fewer.

Applicants must be not-for-profit community organisations with an ABN or incorporation certificate.

For more information visit: http://www.frrr.org.au/grants/small-grants-for-rural-communities-round29

Round 29 is now open and applications close 5pm Thursday 24^th March 2015.

ONE TREE PER CHILD FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

One Tree Per Child is part of the Australian Government’s 20 Million Tree Program. ©Scheltema

The One Tree Per Child program is an opportunity for Landcare groups/networks and Councils to receive funds ($2.50 per tree/shrub) for planting projects this coming planting season. The funding for the program is from the Australian Government’s 20 Million Trees program.

Who can apply: the guidelines and application form only mention councils as possible applicants. However, applications are also welcome from Landcare groups/networks and any other organisations that can deliver planting projects this planting season.

Applications close: there is no closing date, but One Tree Per Child would like applications to be submitted very soon, or at least to have had some firm discussions in the next couple of weeks about projects that can be undertaken this planting season.

Where: projects can be across more than one site. Note – each planting site must be at least 0.2 hectares.

Plant species: tree/shrub species that reach two (2) metres at maturity. Note – projects of 4,000+ plants will be prioritised.

When: projects that can proceed this winter planting season.

Who: where possible, projects will involve local primary school children in the planting activity. Alternatively, schools could deliver curriculum activities at a planting site, or there could be an “open” invitation to the community to participate in a planting.

Funding: $2.50 (ex GST) per tree/shrub.

Project outcomes: projects that improve the extent, condition and connectivity of indigenous vegetation by planting tree and shrubs .

More information: contact Siobhan Lapthorne, Campaign Administrator, One Tree Per Child, via email: admin@onetreeperchild.com or mob: 0420 403 677 or go to http://www.onetreeperchild.com/#about

CHEMICAL USERS COURSE 15TH MARCH

THE FUTURE FARM EXPO 2016

Thursday 14 April (10.00am-5.00pm)

North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) in conjunction with the Swan Hill Rural City Council is pleased to organise and host a regional Future Farming Expo on Thursday 14 of April at the Swan Hill Town Hall.  The all-day event will feature renowned guest speakers, site visits, a networking lunch and workshops on a variety of topics. Attendees will hear about farming succession,  farming in a variable climate, farm insurance, breaking into new Chinese markets, Free Trade Agreements and much more. Full program details will be on North Central CMA website shortly for this innovative free event.

Early registrations are open now, please contact North Central CMA on (03) 5448 7124.

MACEDON RANGES SHIRE COUNCIL DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY OPEN FOR COMMENT

The draft environment strategy will guide how Council and the community can work together to protect and enhance the Macedon Ranges and there are a number of ways you can have your say until Thursday 24 March.

It provides high level guidance to Council for improving environmental outcomes across its range of activities, and for working with the community towards a better environmental future.

It sets objectives, policy statements, and high level actions for the key themes of climate change, biodiversity, catchment management, and resource efficiency.

Following the close of the exhibition period on 24 March, the draft strategy will be updated to a final version, accounting for community feedback and discussions. The final strategy will be presented to Council for adoption in June 2016.

Your input and time is greatly appreciated and we look forward to your feedback.

YOU CAN HAVE YOUR SAY  BY GOING TO THIS LINK

MARCH EDITION OF NORTH CENTRAL CHAT

The March edition of the North Central Chat is out now: click here

This month features some exciting Waterwatch program updates and articles from local Landcare groups doing wonderful work within their local communities.

If you have an article to submit in the monthly newsletter NCCMA would  love to hear from you, contact the Landcare team via landcare@nccma.vic.gov.au