Drought can hit hard on Landcare activities, as landholders find themselves extremely busy feeding livestock, managing on-farm water issues and weighing up options in the planning of their stock numbers and income streams. In such unpredictable times, on the other hand, Landcare field days and BBQ gatherings can also provide farmers with a welcome break…
Coolamon Shire is home to some rare stands of remnant Grassy Box Woodland communities on both private and public land. Species studies have indicated the presence of some rare and beautiful plants such as the Chocolate lily (Dichopogon strictum) which, when in flower, smells like a chocolate milkshake! The Kindra State Forest also provides important…
The Chair of the Hay Landcare Group, who had dedicated themselves to the group, recently passed away. One project was incomplete with limited milestones completed and no data outcomes for reporting. This was due to the project’s primary carriage by the Chair and sparse committee involvement. With the chair’s passing, no succession in place and…
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…