It is well supported by research that Landcare groups are vehicles for positive landscape-scale change. However, after years with little or no support and access to funding, Landcare groups have experienced a progressive decline in membership numbers, with the Tarcutta Landcare group at risk of folding and the Eastern Riverina and Junee Area networks forced…
A number of paddock walks have been conducted in the Rangelands areas in recent months covering various topics, including plant identification. A need was identified for some form of plant identification guide that could be distributed at events and easily carried on paddock walks.
Lachlan Fold Wildlife Action Group received a grant from the NSW Environmental Trust in 2013 to provide habitat for Glossy Black Cockatoos, which are a threatened species. An extension had been granted for completion of the project but the group needed assistance not only with allocating, prioritising and planning the project, but also in ensuring…
Honeybees are considered the most important insects in our ecosystem. They are integral to Australian agriculture because pollination from bees is required for nearly two-thirds of Australian food production and for increased plant biodiversity. Plant biodiversity contributes to positive outcomes such as soil and water retention, local area cooling and carbon sinks. So bees provide…
People interested in caring for the land in the irrigation area were keen to learn about the collection of seeds native to the area to encourage the development of endemic plantings. Sue Logie from LLS has significant skills, experience and knowledge to assist people in learning about seed collection requirements. Collecting seeds that are endemic…
Setting up a new group is an exciting milestone for a Landcare Coordinator. By taking a well-planned approach and using some good facilitation tools such as World Cafe, a new group was enthusiastically formed. The Muttama Creek Catchment lies between Cootamundra and Gundagai featuring highly fertile alluvial planes along a narrowed river system contrasted by…
Well, it depends… Did you ask if it was thirsty?! The Junee Area Network folded in 2010, however a Landcare presence was sustained through the fantastic work of the cross property planning project. This project worked with community to achieve 797 ha of natives planted, 695 ha of existing native plants protected, 67 km of…
Approximately 46 species of animals and 81 species of birds need hollows for shelter or breeding in NSW. Wide-spread tree clearing has resulted in a “housing shortage”. There is a need to improve habitat for a wide range of important animal and bird species across the mid-Murrumbidgee. It takes a long time to grow a…
Did you know that it takes around 300 years to create a home for an owl? In urban and agricultural areas throughout Australia, hollow-bearing trees are in decline. Hollow-creation is a slow process that relies on fungus to work on a tree. In NSW, species that rely on tree hollows for shelter and nesting include…
Sometimes you just need a different view to restore your motivation. Seeing how someone else has tackled a problem, learning about their successes and failures, getting ideas to try on your own farm… We all know the value of learning from other farmers, but sometimes we need a little help to get us out there…