Sunday 24 September: Spring Planting Working Bee

September 10, 2017 / Woodend Landcare / 1 Comment

Many hands are needed for our spring planting on Sunday the 24th of September 2017. Held on the creekside flats near Ruby McKenzie Park, our aim is plant around 300 seedlings to improve habitat along the creek.

The planting sites are spread out – so there will be plenty of work for everyone! 50 plants are going in at the southern end of the group of houses close to the track near Five Mile Creek Reserve. 70 are to be scattered in the area north of the weir. The remaining 170 plants will restore the area behind Ruby Mackenzie park.

When: 9am, Sunday the 24th September 2017
Where: along the creek around Ruby McKenzie Park.
Park: Please park in Tennyson St near the playground if wet or beside the walking track downstream of the park if dry (drive very slowly if using the track).
Bring: your friends, buckets (to help with watering), old clothes, gloves, and sturdy boots (this area is quite rough).

The tool trailer will be onsite and morning tea is provided. RSVP and any inquiries to woodendlandcare@gmail.com.

Gather the troops and join Woodend Landcare for their 2017 Spring Planting.

North Central Regional Landcare Forum

Landcare members are invited to attend the first regional Landcare Forum, co-hosted by the North Central CMA and Landcare Victoria Inc. The forum will be from the 6th-8th October 2017 at Camp Seed, Stuart Mill,St Arnauds. CLICK HERE to register by 21st September. This is a great chance to network with fellow Landcarers, and it’s free accommodation and food! CLICK HERE for more info and to view the program. Contact Kaye Rodden at nidgee@reachnet.com.au or (03) 5265 1241 for more information.

Our 2017 AGM Features Fungi!

August 3, 2017 / Woodend Landcare / Leave a comment

Discover the Hidden Jewels of our Forests at Woodend Landcare’s 2017 AGM

Our 2017 AGM is coming up shortly on Tuesday the 29th of August at 7pm at the Woodend Neighbourhood House. We are excited to have Greg Boldiston as our speaker for the evening. A local horticulturist, avid nature photographer and plant collector, Greg will share some of his discoveries of the hidden jewels found in the forests and woodlands around Woodend. Greg is a key contributor to the engaging Macedon Ranges Fungi, Flora and Fauna Facebook Page where you can get a sneak peak at some of his stunning images.

The AGM will commence at 7pm, with Greg’s talk at 7.30pm followed by supper. We do enjoy this annual opportunity to catch up with many of Woodend Landcare’s supporters and hope to see you there. CLICK HERE to download a copy of the AGM flyer. Please RSVP to woodendlandcare@gmail.com to help with catering.

Woodend Landcare Memberships are due

A reminder that memberships are now due for renewal. Your valued support helps Woodend Landcare continue to undertake important nature conservation work and ensures you are covered by insurance at our events or working bees. Our annual membership fee remains at $20. Renew your membership by:

paying in person on the night of our AGM;
sending cash or cheque to Woodend Landcare, PO Box 297, Woodend 3442; or
paying $20 electronically (be sure to include your name in the transaction).
Account details: Woodend Landcare, Westpac Bank, BSB 033-674, Account 982435.

If you would like to become a member of Woodend Landcare, click here to download a membership form.

Local environment events

Friday 18th August: Newham Landcare Annual General Meeting.

Guest speaker is Sophie Bickford, Executive Director of Central Victorian Biolinks Alliance. Her talk – “From Islands to Networks – linking landscapes for conservation at a time of climate change”, will show how Newham Landcare and Hanging Rock are part of a large-scale biolink project. Newham Mechanics Institute. 7pm for 7.30. Speaker at 7.45. Supper follows. Click here to view Newham Landcare’s 2017 AGM flyer. RSVP to Helen Scott by email or tel. 0412 582 526.

Friday 8 September: Create a Frog Pond or Turn your Dam into Habitat, Newham Landcare

Evening presentation and discussion with Damien Cook, Rakali ecological Consulting. Damien is a recognized expert in wetland, riparian and terrestrial ecology, particularly in the factors affecting the establishment and management of aquatic and wetland plants. A selection of water-loving plant species will be available to purchase on the night. Newham Mechanics Institute. 7pm for 7.30. Supper follows. Click here to view flier. RSVP to Penny Roberts by email or tel.5427 0795.

Upper Campaspe Landcare Network Events 17/18

For more information on any of these events, contact Sandy Schletma at uclandcare@gmail.com

Rabbit Busters – 20th October 2017, 1-3 pm, Kyneton
Learn about how to successfully use the new RHDV1 K5 virus to eradicate rabbits with John Mathews from DEDJTR.
UCLN AGM – Raptors Display, 31st October 2017, 12.30 pm, Metcalfe
The Leigh Valley Hawk and Owl Sanctuary will give a one hour presentation introducing appropriately 5 Birds of Prey and discussing the need for conservation, prevention of extinction and sustainable living.
Landcare Display at the Kyneton Show – 18th November, Kyneton.
Come along and meet fellow Landcarers and speak to the public about how to get involved in Landcare in the district.
Native Pastures for Grazing – 22nd November 2017, Newham Hall.
Learn from Greening Australia’s lead Scientist Dr Paul Gibson-Roy about native pastures for grazing.
Soil Health – Tuesday 5th December 2017, 10.30-1 pm, Langley.
Join the experts on an olive plantation at Langley to learn how to gain a better understanding of soil on your property. Learn how to evaluate the condition of your soil and apply appropriate management practices to improve soil health. Presenters Martin Hamilton (EcoDev DEDJTR), Rebecca Mitchell (co author of Soil Health Guide), and Helen Haydon (Soil Microbiologist from Dep Ag Melbourne).
River Restoration – March 18 2017, 10-2pm, Degraves Mill Carlsruhe.
Join wetland restoration experts Damien Cook, Elaine Bayes, Angela Gladman, and experienced Landcarers at the historic Degraves Mill to learn about successful river restoration and the concepts of biolinks.

Links to Local Landcare News

Newham Landcare Autumn 2017 Newsletter

Upper Campaspe Landcare Network June 2017 Newsletter

North Central Chat

Next Working Bee: Sunday 28 May 2017

May 14, 2017 / Woodend Landcare / Leave a comment

If you loved our Trees for Mum planting day, or sadly missed out, never fear! Our next working bee is only a couple of weeks away and will involve more delightful planting.

On Sunday the 28th of May 2017, from 9am till 12pm, we are aiming to plant 120 grasses in the Envirofund paddocks alongside Five Mile Creek. This will add important understory to our existing revegetation sites. Alongside Trees for Mum, this forms part of the planting component of our current Threatened Species Protection grant from the Victorian Government.

Parking will be at the North end of Wood St on the South side of Five Mile Creek (ie. near the Badgers Removals depot). Bring warm clothing, a kneeling pad, gloves and sturdy footwear. Morning tea will be provided and the tool trailer will be onsite.

Newcomers are very welcome. We are hoping to see many helpers at our last Sunday working bee before the the Winter break. Contact woodendlandcare@gmail.com or call 5427 2312 for further details and to RSVP.

We had perfect conditions for our 2017 Trees for Mum planting day on mothers day. A constant stream of eager planters saw 400 indigenous trees, shrubs and grasses put in near Lake Earnshaw. A huge thanks to all who came along to plant a living legacy for a loved one and to the incredible Woodland Landcare team of volunteers for making the morning the success it was. Click here to see lots more happy snaps.

Click on the following links for more local and regional Landcare news…

Upper Campaspe Landcare Network April News

North Central Chat – May 2016

Sunday 23 April – Working Bee @ Lake Earnshaw

April 10, 2017 / Woodend Landcare / Leave a comment

Our next Sunday working bee is aimed at final preparation for this years Trees For Mum planting day. Trees For Mum is held on mothers day (the 14th of May) and this years site is near Lake Earnshaw. We will be spreading some wood chips and laying out and pegging down some rolls of slotted jute matting. There is also some cutting and poisoning of woody weeds nearby.

When: Sunday 23 April 2017
Time: 9am till 12 noon
Where: Lake Earnshaw near Gilbert Gordon Oval
Parking: creek side of the grandstand at Gilbert Gordon oval
Bring: gloves, gumboots, secateurs, suitable old clothing. Tool trailer on site.
Morning tea provided!

Newcomers are most welcome – there will be engaging jobs for all ages at this working bee. Contact woodendlandcare@gmail.com or call 5427 2312 for further details and to RSVP.

Hopefully there will be no snow on the 23rd of April – but Lake Earnshaw looks stunning in all weather conditions. Thanks to Pene Rice for the photo.

Land management information session

Date: Saturday 22 April 2017

Time: 9:00am – 1:30pm (registration 9am – 9:30am, lunch 1pm)

Where: Romsey Community Hub, 96–100 Main Street, Romsey

Cost: Free, with a light lunch provided

What: This FREE information session will provide new, absentee and small-acreage land owners with an introduction to better management of small rural properties. It aims to ensure that natural resource management issues are a core consideration of landholders when making decisions about their property. Taking timely land management action now will save money, time and effort later.

What topics will be covered?: this information session covers a range of land management issues, including:

Land use & land capability
Soils
Livestock management & animal welfare
Grazing management & pastures
Controlling weeds & pest animals
Revegetation & biodiversity
Landholder responsibilities
Waterway health & farm water supplies
Landcare

Learn how to design a low-input (in terms of labour and capital) rural property while improving its environmental, biodiversity and aesthetic values.

Presenters:

Patrick Francis (‘Moffitts Farm’, Romsey), has a wealth of experience in agriculture and runs a highly successful small farming enterprise near Romsey.
Michelle Patrick (Environmental Planner, Macedon Ranges Shire), has a wide knowledge of weeds, pests, and biodiversity in the Macedon Ranges.
Tori Vincent (Rural Land Program, Melbourne Water), has a thorough knowledge of waterway management and farm water supplies.
Grant Godden (Landcare Facilitator), has a history working with Landcare groups and experience in land management.
Melissa Connors (This Farm Needs a Farmer), recently launched a farmer mentoring program for new landholders and has a hobby farm at Kyneton.
Bob Nixon (Gisborne Peak Winery), will share his knowledge on running a ‘boutique’ farming enterprise.
John Robinson (Chair, Upper Deep Creek Landcare Network), has a 40 hectare property at Bylands and has been involved in Landcare for almost 30 years.

There will be an opportunity to ask questions during the panel discussion at the end of the information session.

RSVP: register online by Wednesday 19 April via https://land_management_information_session.eventbrite.com.au

More information: email upper.deep.creek.landcare@gmail.com or phone 5782 0184 (John Robinson)

Woodend Landcare: February 2017 News

February 8, 2017February 8, 2017 / Woodend Landcare / Leave a comment

Sunday 26 February Working Bee: Willow Attack

This important tidy up is to tackle the willow regrowth after our funded willow blitz last year. Controlling the spread of this weed of national significance is crucial for healthy waterways. We hope to target Five Mile Creek from Romsey Road downstream to the new Shirley Park bridge. There are some larger multi stemmed willow clumps requiring cutting off, poisoning and carting away which will need quite a few hands. We will also do the same to any small willows starting at the Romsey Rd end of the creek and working downstream. Other tasks include plant guard removal and maintenance, and whipper snipping in plantings.

When: Sunday 26 February 2017
Time: 9am till 12 noon
Where: Meet at the weir on the North East edge of Ruby McKenzie Park in Tennyson street.
Parking: Tennyson St or Ruby McKenzie Park
Bring: secateurs, gloves, whipper snippers, sun protection, water bottle and durable clothing and boots
Morning tea is provided and the tool trailer will be onsite

All welcome. The working bee will be cancelled if the day is total fire ban. For further details contact woodendlandcare@gmail.com or call David on 5427 4117.

Twilight Working Bee Success

Friday evening on the 3rd of February was a ‘I love my town’ kind of night in Woodend. Delightful weather, purposeful work at the landcare working bee, and loads of friendly faces – what more could you want? David, our tireless Working Bee Coordinator, said; “I was really pleased with the turnout, the work done and the socialising afterwords so a great bee to kick off the year.”

A huge thanks to everyone who came along – and especially those who attended their first Woodend Landcare working bee. We truly appreciated having some new faces to meet and lend a hand. And we got a stack of work done – rubbish along the creek was cleaned up, blackberries removed, oak saplings eradicated from our plantings, long pasture grasses whipper-snipped, and a dangerous overhanging tree limb was cut up. A horde of happy kids helped, played, climbed and thoroughly enjoyed the BBQ lovingly prepared by our catering team. Check out the photos below from the evening… we are super impressed by how huge the poa grasses from our 2016 Trees for Mum and 2015 community plantings are now!

This is what the planting sites looked like a year ago – come and see how they have changed!

2017 – Plants establishing

Property Planning Workshop

Sun 26 March to Sun 9 April | 9:00AM to 4:00PM | Tylden Hall

Learn how to manage your property and plan for a sustainable agricultural business. This three day workshop will give you the tools to prepare a farm management plan specific to your property with ‘one-on-one’ guidance from an expert facilitator, including a visit to a local farm. CLICK HERE for more information and to book.

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“Power” Tools to Effect Change Workshop

Saturday 18 Feb | 1.30-4.30 pm | Woodend Neighbourhood House

Fellow Landcarers, Alice Aird and Helen Scott, have asked us to share the details of a community workshop coming up in February:

“As you know, last year was a busy one for many of us working for change in our Shire. Encouraged by the success of reinvigorating democracy and electing a progressive Council, there is an appetite among the community for building and maintaining momentum for social change. If you are curious or interested, diarize this first workshop of a series on the theme of boosting community campaigning and collaboration in and around Macedon Ranges: “Power” Tools to Effect Change. This workshop will outline practical and versatile tools relevant for those interested in environmental issues like climate change, sustainability, food localisation…or anyone working for social and policy change. If anyone would like information explaining more about the workshops contact Alice Aird at airda@bigpond.com and Helen Scott at orseda@bigpond.com.”