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M-CHiP 6 -Monthly Report January - June 2010
Reading the Landscape
It is based on recent research findings and can be applied to a wide variety of landscape types and land uses. Using RTL you can:
The RTL workshop will involve a field walkabout looking into the methodology and application of RTL, with active participation. You'll get an introduction to the RTL method by taking a walk around a local Burra property with David highlighting how to use the technique to assess the land's functionality. No prior knowledge is assumed, just an interest in making your land work well for you and for the future.
The workshop is presented as part of the Sustainability on Small Farms project, supported by the Molonglo Catchment Group through funding from the Australian Government's Caring for our Country.
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ACT Environment Grants 2010-11 announced
“It is a pleasure to again be able to award so many local groups with an ACT environment grant to help make their environmental initiatives a reality,” Mr Corbell said. “The winners have a vast range of ideas and projects that include things like restoration of native grasslands, research on threatened bird species and an electric vehicle open day. “Each of the grants announced today will help make the ACT a cleaner and more environmentally friendly place to live, and will help the ACT reduce it’s ecological footprint.” Mr Corbell announced 18 winners in the 2010-11 environment grants program at a combined investment of $211,445. “Many people in our community have great ideas to restore or protect our local environment, but can face a challenge when it comes to the financial injection required to make it happen,” Mr Corbell said. “The Government is proud to continue to provide environment grants to the ACT community to ensure that important grassroots action continues to make a difference in the Territory. “It is pleasing to see that the interest in these ACT Government environment grants is still strong, and that there are so many good ideas that can make a big difference. “I congratulate all of the 2010-11 environment grant recipients and look forward to seeing the results of the funded projects.” Details of the successful projects are on the DECCEW website at www.environment.act.gov.au/environment/2010-11_environment_grants.
The Environmental Defender’s Office (NSW) Ltd is a not-for-profit community legal centre specialising in public interest environmental law. The EDO helps individuals and community groups who are working to protect the natural and built environment. The EDO is part of a national network of EDOs who help to protect the environment through law in their States. EDO NSW has recently released a number of new and updated publications:
Visit the EDO website at www.edo.org.au/edonsw/site
 K2C
Biodiversity and Farming FairSunday, 10 October, 2010 - 9am - 4pm Centennial Park, Bredbo Village.
Key Presenter: Sam Archer - Livestock producer & Biodiversity farmer, (MLA Nuffield Scholar 2008)
What you can enjoy …
For more details contact:
Download Draft Program of Events - K2C B&F Fair.pdf (67.2 KB) from the K2C website
The K2C Biodiversity and Farming Fair is supported by the Upper Murrumbidgee Landcare Committee through funding from the Australian Government's Caring for our Country initiative.
Bats set new records in Nation’s capital
“Something very odd has happened and we have no idea why,” said local bat expert, Michael Pennay who is President of the Australasian Bat Society.
“This is the first time on record that grey-headed flying foxes have spent an entire winter in Canberra making this Australia’s coldest flying fox camp used all year round and it’s in the centre of the nation’s capital.
“The Grey-headed flying fox is normally a coastal species that spends its winters in much milder climates. Historically it has been an occasional visitor to Canberra but over the last five years or so the bats have set up a temporary camp in Commonwealth Park during summer and autumn.
“This year there has been a big change, the bats have decided to stay over winter for the first time in a very cold climate where they’ve had to endure temperatures as low as -5 degrees and more than 40 frosty nights this winter.
“Until now bat scientists have believed they could not tolerate such low temperatures so they’d return to the coast for winter but this year they have totally demolished that theory. It could be related to climate or food. We really don’t know” he said.
“What we do know is that there have been huge movements recently in the distribution of flying foxes across eastern Australia. Earlier this year Black flying foxes, a tropical species, were found for the first time ever in Melbourne so something unusual is happening in the bat world.
Mr Pennay is seeking help from Canberra residents in gathering information that might help explain just why the bats have stayed.
“I would really like to hear from people in the Canberra region who have seen what the flying foxes are feeding on at night so we can work out what’s kept them here over winter,” Mr Pennay said.
“Normally they feed on flowering eucalypts and occasionally on fruit and we’re assuming this to be the case but we’d love to find out more details.”
The colony at Commonwealth Park has grown over the past five years from less than one hundred to several thousand at its peak in February this year, about 500 have stayed over winter.
“In some areas the bats have been seen as a bit of a nuisance because of the noise, smell and perceived disease risks” said Mr Pennay .
“But Canberrans, to their credit, have been very welcoming and tolerant of the bats, which is great because the bats actually fill a very important pollination and seed dispersal role in our native forests.
“It’s a new thing for us, but there are a few small things
Canberrans can do to adjust to living with flying foxes, like being careful in
the way we net fruit trees so we don’t injure bats, preventing horses from
browsing under trees the bats are feeding in to minimise the risk of Hendra
transmission. “If you do come across an injured bat don’t try and handle it,
call a wildlife rescue organisation such as the RSPCA,” Mr Pennay said. Mr Pennay can be contacted at president@ausbats.org.au
Friends of Aranda Bushland 20th anniversary
Friends of Aranda Bushland invites you to celebrate their 20th anniversary Sunday 12 September 2010
Friends of Aranda Bushland will celebrate their 20th anniversary on Sunday 12 September from 1pm to 3.30pm with a short wildflower walk, a talk by Dr Rosemary Purdie on things botanical and a celebratory feast with hot drinks provided by PCL rangers and eats by Friends of Aranda Bushland. If you don’t want to walk join them before 2.20pm for the talk and feast.
It should be a great time for wildflowers, given the recent rains: take a short walk up and down Aranda hill, breaking into small groups if many are interested.
Rosemary will talk on Black Mountain Interlopers
Dr Rosemary Purdie is a botanist who has spent most of her life working on heritage and environment matters in various state and national government agencies. As an "inner O'Connor" resident she considers Black Mountain to be part of her backyard. In this talk, she will share some of the results of a survey she carried out, in June-July-August last year, on the distribution of its tree and shrubs species.
All welcome - especially those who have contributed to parkcare. Enter Aranda Bushland at lowest Bindubi Street gate by the horse paddock and look for the balloons. RSVP to FoAB.20Years@gmail.com
for catering.
Also from Friends of Aranda Bushland...
Hawthorn eradication - an Aranda Bushland story Words and photos by Jean Geue Gold coin donation to Friends of the ANBG on entry.
Friends' Talks at the Australian National Botanic Gardens
Hawthorn thicket to diverse woodland is possible with diligent weed control and nearby remnant diversity. This story celebrates twenty years of dedicated parkcare. It tells how Friends of Aranda Bushland demolished a 300 x 100 metre hawthorn thicket over eight months in 1992 with enthusiastic work parties. The story continues on how they blitzed subsequent weeds and have continued with hawthorn hunts at least three yearly. It covers twelve years of removing the seed source of hawthorns and briars in the adjoining rural lease and working slowly enough for natural regeneration of wildlife habitat. It looks at the weed control techniques used, successes and setbacks and how weedbusting can be all that is needed to encourage natural regeneration of resilient diversity.
Murrumbidgee CMA 2010-11 Incentive Projects
Expressions of interest are invited from landholders in the Murrumbidgee catchment for the following incentive projects for 2010-11:
Climate Change Corridors The Murrumbidgee CMA is offering land managers incentives to conserve and connect native vegetation corridors within the Murrumbidgee catchment area. The CMA will contribute to the cost of:
Drought Ready Package The Murrumbidgee CMA is assisting landholders to prepare and manage through periods of drought by providing incentives for training and infrastructure for the establishment and use of drought-lot feeding facilities.
Numbers are limited and Expressions of Interest will be assessed in the order in which they are received. A maximum of $10,000 is available per property.
Grazing Management The Murrumbidgee CMA is offering incentives to landholders to subdivide paddocks that are greater than 75 ha in area, that contain native grasses and/or shrubs so that a rotational grazing system can be implemented. The CMA will contribute to the cost of the following activities:
Expressions of interest close on the 30th of September.
For further information and for Expression of Interest Forms, please visit the Murrumbidgee CMA website at www.murrumbidgee.cma.nsw.gov.au/getinvolved/tenders.aspx or phone the Wagga Wagga CMA Office on 02 6932 3232 for an information package.
Leap into Frogwatch this Spring!
Preparations are in full swing for this year's ACT and Region Frogwatch Program, and we hope that you are enthusiastic to participate in this year's activities!
Frogwatch is an exciting community activity that is open to everyone with an interest in frogs. Frogwatch aims to involve large numbers of volunteers to undertake frog monitoring in the ACT and region.
To participate, simply come along to one of the free Frogwatch training events, where you will learn all about our amphibian friends. You will receive your free Frogwatch Kit that includes all you need to know to participate in the ACT and Region Frogwatch Census in October 2010.
If you have participated in the Frogwatch Census in previous years, but do not wish to attend any of the training events, please let me know and I will register your interest and arrange to get a copy of the Frogwatch Census Kit to you if you require one.
Coming soon… online site registration and data entry… please be patient (and gentle) as we make this important transition!! An email with details will be sent in coming weeks.
Frogwatch Training Events 2010 - Details This year, ACT and Region Frogwatch in conjunction with local frog experts will be conducting a series of Frogwatch Training Events. You will only need to attend one of these to participate in the spring Census in October. We recommend attending one of the Introductory Seminars if you have never done Frogwatch before, or if you'd like a refresher on the basics of Frogwatching. The Advanced Field Trips are suitable for experienced Frogwatchers who would like the opportunity to learn more about frogs and frogwatching.
Details are on the Ginninderra Catchment Group website.
RSVPs are essential.
Key Frogwatch Dates for 2010
Saturday 11 September – Sunday 10 October 11:00 am & 2:00 pm daily Meet at the Visitor Centre in the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Let our friendly guides show you the beauty and diversity of spring flowers in the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Surround yourself with the scents and colours of some of our wonderful native flora. Free. No bookings required. For enquiries please call the Visitor Centre on 6250 9540. Black Mountain Wildflower Ramble Saturday 9 October, 9:30 – noon Organised by the Friends of the ANBG. Meet at the Belconnen Way entry, just before Caswell Drive turnoff (look for the balloons). Join wildflower lovers for the 39th annual Burbidge/Chippendale ramble around Black Mountain to enjoy the spring diversity. This will be an easy guided walk. Our leaders this year will be Laurie Adams, Isobel Crawford and Jean Geue. All are welcome - it's a great way to celebrate the spring and find out how to look for our sometimes cryptic wildflowers. Bring your friends, especially those who are new to plant identification. Bring morning tea, hat, sunblock, water and stout shoes. Contact Jean Geue on 6251-1601. Orchids Walks on Black Mountain Sunday 10 October, 10am and 1pm Organised by the Friends of the ANBG. Meet at the carpark on Caswell Drive (head south towards Glenloch interchange) to discover and learn about spring flowering native terrestial orchids. Wear sturdy shoes, bring a hand lens if you have one. Numbers limited to 15 for each walk, so booking is essential. Phone 6250 9540 and indicate which walk you would prefer (afternoon walk is a repeat of the morning walk.) Growing Friends' Spring Plant Sale Saturday 20 November, 8.30am - 11 am Crosbie Morrison carpark
Sarah Ryan, Chair, ACT NRM Council and Lee O’Brien, Chair, Murrumbidgee Catchment Management Authority, recently launched three UMCCC publications:
The publications may be downloaded from the Resources page.
Edition 1, June 2010 Newsletter of the Serrated Tussock Working Party for NSW and ACT Strategic Control of Serrated Tussock NSW and the ACT are one step closer to more effective coordination and strategic management of serrated tussock. The Serrated Tussock Working Party for NSW and ACT, in partnership with Mid-Western Regional Council, has been successful in securing funding under the Noxious Weeds Grants to employ a project officer to lead a coordinated effort against this highly invasive weed. The project is the first stage in a 5 year plan to coordinate better district and regional programs so that control efforts increase in their effectiveness and there is a decrease in the impact of serrated tussock. Clare Hamilton has been appointed to the position of Project Coordinator and is based in Rylstone on the NSW Central Tablelands. Clare explained that her role is to quantify the current impact of serrated tussock and some of the successful management options being implemented. She hopes to work with a range of organizations including Regional Weeds Advisory Committees, Local and State Government, catchment management authorities and landcare to prepare and implement integrated natural resource plans that focus on serrated tussock reduction. Raising awareness of serrated tussock, its identification and potential to cause significant economic and environmental problems, will be a key component of the project. Clare pointed out that her role is not that of district weeds officers whose role it is to deal with serrated tussock issues at the farm level. However, she hopes to be able to help coordinate regional control programs with agronomists, weeds officers and land managers who between them hold a wealth of information and experience. In this issue:
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Landcare Australia is encouraging everyone to become a citizen scientist during Landcare Week. Every Australian can participate in this Landcare Week activity. Simply register with ClimateWatch and you can monitor, collect and record data that will help shape the Australia’s scientific response to climate change. Data collected by ClimateWatch will be used by anyone studying the impact of climate change on ecosystems. To participate register at http://eepurl.com/z-Zr Become a volunteer Looking for a local Landcare Group to volunteer with? Search for a group on the new National Landcare Directory . Landcare Groups If you are a group, please register your Landcare Week activities on the new National Landcare Directory. It will take you 5 minutes to register, the new directory is a terrific opportunity for groups to promote events and activities throughout the year, attract volunteers and promote projects. You can register if you are a landcare, Coastcare, ‘Friends of’, Rivercare, bushcare or Junior Landcare group (includes schools, scouts and other youth groups).
Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve Revised Draft Plan of Management 2010
The Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve Revised Draft Plan of Management 2010 has been referred by the Minister for Planning to the Legislative Assembly Standing Committee on Planning, Public Works and Territory and Municipal Services for consideration. A copy of the revise Draft Plan and a summary report on public submissions is available at www.tams.act.gov.au. For further information on the Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve Revised Draft Plan of Management, please call the Senior Conservation Planner in Parks Conservation and Lands on 6207 2125.
Eastern Broadacre Discussion Paper The Eastern Broadacre discussion paper is now out for public consultation – see www.actpla.act.gov.au/topics/significant_projects/planning_studies/eastern_broadacre_planning_project
The time for comments has been extended until the close of business on 28 November 2010
Excerpts from the website: Eastern Broadacre extends from Majura to Hume and includes Symonston and the Jerrabomberra Valley. It is identified in The Canberra Spatial Plan (2004) as a future potential employment corridor, providing for the growth of industrial, broadacre commercial, tourism, recreation and transport related activities. Hard copies of the discussion paper are freely available from the ACTPLA Customer Service Centre, 16 Challis Street, Dickson, between 8.30am to 4.30pm weekdays and selected libraries. Displays
We are always on the look-out for more Waterwatchers. Sometimes the best recruiting is done among friends and acquaintances. Do you know of anyone who has the enthusiasm and commitment you already show to Waterwatch and is looking for a way to participate in protecting our scarce water resources. Here are a few opportunities!
Stephen Skinner
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On the fourth Thursday of each month, the Conservation Council holds a forum to discuss a variety of fascinating topics relating to our local environment. These forums give member groups and the general public regular opportunities to learn of new projects and programmes in and around Canberra. Upcoming Fora Meetings Note: All meetings are held at Havelock House, 85 Northbourne Ave, Turner at 5.30pm for a 6pm start.
NGJC is designed to engage young people who care about the environment and are not currently in employment or training. National Green Jobs Corps:
National Green Jobs Corps projects will run for 26 weeks with participants spending an average of 25 hours per week doing hands-on work experience and accredited training. National Green Jobs Corps projects will focus on the conservation, protection and rejuvenation of the local environment or cultural heritage. The majority of projects will be team based activities developed in conjunction with local communities and groups to ensure local needs are met. Types of projects that participants will be involved in include:
Each project will provide participants with the opportunity to develop teamwork and leadership skills while preparing for employment opportunities. Visit the National Green Jobs Corps website for more information or the Conservation Volunteers Australia website about opportunities for:
Download CVA's flyer for the Tidbinbilla Birrigai Outdoor School Project (
Waterwatch Spring 2010 Newsletter It's chock-full full of information and not just for Waterwatchers! Articles in this issue:
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Mapping
Lower Molonglo Project Update There are many ways students may be involved in this successful Community Project, which began two years ago and is ongoing this year with a further grant from the ACT Government. Students last year enjoyed mentoring in project management, catchment management, environmental science, history, GPS, data management and more to achieve professional recognition of their vocational and industry training as part of their graduation packages. See some of the output in the Mapping Lower Molonglo Project pages.
Check out the Greening Australia web page at www.greeningaustralia.org.au/community/capital-region The web page offers up-to-date details about volunteer events, information about other GA programs, and includes a number of pamphlets that can be downloaded. Come and enjoy the spring weather, see the wildflowers and make a real contribution to our local environment in Pierces Creek Forest. Restoration expert Dr David Freudenberger will give a short talk and be available for questions about restoration progress in the Lower Cotter Catchment during the BBQ lunch.
Don’t forget the regular volunteer opportunities Wednesday volunteers – Volunteers meet at the GA nursery in Aranda every Wednesday morning during school term from 9:00am to 12:00 noon to assist with plant propagation and maintenance. A delicious morning tea is provided. Green Team – Volunteers meet on Thursdays to head out in minibus to various sites in the ACT and surrounding area to assist with plantings, plant maintenance, hand seeding and site preparation. Adopt-A-Patch – This is a program where small teams of volunteers enhance and maintain sites by planting tubestock, seeding and weeding. If you would like to be involved with any of these groups please email or phone for more information, admin at act.greeningaustralia.org.au
at the CSIRO Discovery Centre, Black Mountain Laboratories CSIRO Discovery presents a series that celebrates authors from the Canberra region who publish in the science arena. The talks will focus on the science behind the publications as well as the writing process. The authors have all recently published, and where possible, copies of their books will be on sale at the events and the authors will sign copies for you. The Discovery Science Writers Series is presented in association with the Australian Science Communicators ACT Chapter.
More information on the CSIRO Discovery website.
The Friends of the Australian National Botanic Gardens organise lunchtime lectures on Thursdays usually at 12.30pm at the Theatrette at the ANBG Visitor Information Centre. Gold coin donation on entry is appreciated. The talks planned for 2010 include:
More information is available on the Friends’ website
Experience Canberra's Wild Side
All the family will enjoy ranger guided walks and activities.
All this and more at Namadgi National Park, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and Canberra Nature Park—the Wild Side of Canberra.
Activities in the Mo\9longlo Catchment:
Weston Park - the Past, Present and Future Enjoy a guided walk through Nursery Park as part of World Parks Day. Find out about its history, look at the Birch Forest and learn about Dr. Boden’s grafted Eucalyptus and Acacias and then visit the Wollemi pines. Meet the Rangers at the street parking at the off-lead dog walking area on Banks Street, Yarralumla.
Weston Park-English Gardens and Yarralumla Nursery Walk Enjoy a guided walk through the English Gardens and adjacent Yarralumla Nursery. Learn about the garden plantings and the history of the site. Meet your guide at retail nursery car park (near Hobday’s cottage).
Weston Park - Wildlife in Urban Parks Join Rangers on an afternoon stroll through the grounds of Weston Park and discover some of the wildlife that lives in the area and in other urban parks of the ACT. Meet the Rangers at the street parking at the off lead dog walking area on Banks Street,Yarralumla.
Wetland Wildlife Wonder - National Water Week Stroll through the wetlands with a Ranger to discover the importance of Jerrabomberra Wetlands in the life cycle of many plants and animals. Find out about the migratory birds that use these wetlands as a stop-over and investigate the diverse plant life. Bring binoculars and wear sturdy shoes.
See the Territory and Municipal Services website for the full calendar of ranger guided activities each month.
African Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum) Family Poaceae The invasive weed, African Fountain Grass, has been discovered in the ACT. It is often mistaken for similar ornamental grasses such as Foxtail Grasses and other Fountain Grasses. It has the potential to spread into natural areas and agricultural land causing considerable damage and control costs. African Fountain Grass is prohibited for sale in the ACT. It is also a noxious weed in NSW. African Fountain Grass is a large tussock grass. It has numerous plume like seed heads which are between 10cm and 25cm long. They are mauve in colour. Contact: If you think you have spotted this weed, please contact:
Further Information: www.weeds.org.au
Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella tenuissima) Family Poaceae It has recently come to notice that over 300 plants of Mexican Feather Grass (MFG) have been sold through Canberra nursery outlets, probably labelled as Stipa. If you have bought Stipa plants from any nursery outlets in the ACT or region within the last 12 months please have the plant checked, or check it yourself. There are many good illustrated website descriptions available. This species has the potential to invade pastures and native grasslands in the ACT as an agricultural and environmental weed as bad as Serrated Tussock . It is not yet established in the ACT, and we really don’t want it here either! The invasive weed, MFG was first discovered in the ACT in February 2008. If uncontrolled, it could spread to other states of Australia. Overseas, it is highly invasive and has formed monocultures, smothering desirable species. Importation into Australia is prohibited. Description:
MFG is a densely tufted perennial grass, almost identical to serrated
tussock. MFG produces more seed than the related invasive weed, serrated
tussock and is a slightly taller plant (leaves to about 60 cm long and flower
spikes to 70 cm). The leaves are very similar to serrated tussock. The seed
is similar to the seed of native Stipa grasses (speargrasses). The
awn or bristle-like attachment to the seed is 4.5-9 cm long. The seed itself is
2-3 mm long. MFG flowers from mid spring to summer. Contact: If you think you have spotted this weed, please contact:
Further Information: www.weeds.org.au
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Fireweed (Senecio madagascariensis) Family Asteraceae
Description: Fireweed is a low branching annual herb
with leaves 2-6 cm long, occasionally 8-10 cm on older, vigorous plants. Bright
green, thin, slightly fleshy, toothed or smooth- edged, hairless, alternate on
stem. Seeds are very fine, ‘dandelion’-like seed heads. Usually seeds during
spring. The flowers are 13-petalled yellow daisy flowers held on slender stems
in branched terminal open clusters from April to September. Before opening, the
flowers are enclosed by a single row of about 21 green bracts (a ring or crowd
of modified leaves, usually smaller than a true leaf) which have a darkened tip;
the number of bracts distinguish it from native Senecio species. The
bracts are easiest to count just before the flower opens out to reveal the
‘petals’, when the bract tips are all clustered at the top of the ‘bud’, or
after the seed has been shed when the bracts remain behind. Contact: If you think you have spotted this weed, please contact:
Further Information: www.weeds.org.au
Download Fireweed Factsheet
from the Molonglo Catchment Weed Information Pack (
Landcare Display Trailer available A purpose-built display trailer is available for use by Landcare and Parkcare groups in the ACT Region to highlight their good works and bring information to the community and their members. The trailer was purchased with assistance from Landcare Australia Limited; contributions from the Upper Murrumbidgee Catchment Coordinating Committee, Southern ACT Catchment Group and ACT Rural Landholders helped to fit it out. The trailer comes with fold-out whiteboard/display panels, tables, chairs, brochure holders, a display toolkit and a range of generic landcare posters. See the PlaceStory about the Trailer for the background story and more images. Contact us at trailer at molonglocatchment.com.au for additional information or to arrange to borrow the trailer.
To help understand the health of the catchment, the Molonglo Catchment Group (MCG) collects water quality data to find what sediment and salts are being transported down the Molonglo River. To do this the MCG needs help with two things to determine just how wet and dirty the catchment is:
Please contact the Molonglo Waterwatch Coordinator if you can assist.
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About the Molonglo Catchment Group Contacts Links PrivacySend mail to
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The
Molonglo Catchment Group and Burra Landcare are hosting a Reading the Landscape
workshop in Burra on Saturday 18th September from 10am to 1pm. The workshop will
be presented by David Tongway, who developed the “Reading the Landscape” (RTL)
technique. RTL is a field-based monitoring procedure, using simple visual
indicators to assess how well a landscape is working as a biophysical system.
[Synonyms:
blow ins, floaters, foreigners, invaders, weeds ...] 
(from
the TAMS website)
