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News & Events |
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Pest Animal Information Pack launched
The pack concentrates on the six of the major pest animals in the catchment - rabbits, foxes, pigs, deer, goats and domestic cats and dogs - and provides description of the impacts of the animals, their distribution, control methods and how you can help control them. The production of the Pest Animal Information Pack has been supported by the New South Wales Government through its Environmental Trust and with assistance of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, South East Livestock Health and Pest Authority and Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre. The pack was launched by Member for Monaro, the Hon. Steve Whan MP, and Helen Cathles, Chair of the Invasive Animals CRC Board, at a workshop presented by Mike Braysher from the Institute of Applied Ecology at Canberra University. The Information Pack is available for download from www.molonglocatchment.org.au/PestAnimals/
Managing horses on small properties - free seminars
If you own a small property and have horses, or are interested in owning a horse, Jane Myers' upcoming free seminars in Ainslie and Queanbeyan on sustainable horse property management are a must. Jane is a respected author of books such as ‘Managing Horses on Small Properties’ and will discuss some of the key topics from this book at the seminars. This includes pasture improvement, grazing management, property design and horse facilities, manure management and horse health and behaviour. Jane said “Responsible horse ownership begins with you becoming as knowledgeable as you can about horse care, behaviour, training, safety, welfare and management, including property and pasture management, and putting this knowledge into practice.” The free seminars give local horse owners a unique opportunity to attend one of Jane’s seminars free of charge and hear her tips on improving your property for your horse and the environment. Two free seminars will be held by the Molonglo, Ginninderra and Southern ACT Catchment Groups with assistance from the ACT Natural Resource Management Council: Wednesday 21st April, 6pm - 9pm at Ainslie Football Club
(Antill
Room). and repeated on Thursday 22nd April, 6pm - 9pm
at RB Smith Community Centre,
(Jim Snow Room), 262 Crawford St Queanbeyan. Food and refreshment provided. Each seminar will cover:
For more information about Jane Myers and equiculture, have a look at Jane’s website : www.equiculture.com.au
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After an hour learning to identify
common algae, participants will join Dr. Skinner on a goo sleuth to the
Queanbeyan River. Discover with "This is especially important considering that we are the only people potentially looking at algae at small ponds and dams in our region." said Tanya Noakes, the ACT Waterwatch Facilitator.
QA/QC and Riparian Assessment at Molonglo Gorge
As part of the Upper Murrumbidgee Waterwatch Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) program, we will have fun and gain confidence in the quality of the data we collect. During the afternoon, we will test the accuracy of our results against the professional staff from Ecowise — so don't forget to bring your kit and calibration solutions! After testing yourself and your equipment and snarfing down a few sausages, the Waterwatch coordinators will lead a short walk up the gorge where participants can practise (or learn) their basic riparian assessment skills using Land and Water's RARC survey technique. If you are unable to attend this training, please contact your Waterwatch coordinator. Mystery QA/QC and fresh calibration solutions can be made available for you. Data quality and confidence is vital if Waterwatch data is to be used for reporting, decision making or action! New and replacement monitoring reagents and batteries, as well as first aid kits, are always available on request.
You will learn how to:
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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Volunteer Grants 2010 recognises the valuable work of Australia’s volunteers and is part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to supporting volunteers, assisting disadvantaged communities and encouraging social inclusion to assist vulnerable people within our society. Funding of $21 million is available to eligible non-profit community organisations to assist their volunteers and encourage volunteering. Volunteer Grants 2010 provides funding between $1,000 and $5,000 to help non-profit organisations to:
The Volunteer Grants 2010 funding round will close at 2 pm AEST on Friday 16 April 2010. See the Australian Government Department of Family, Housing, Community Services, and Indigenous Affairs (FAHCSIA) website for more information
Conservation Council Member Forum 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. Gold coin entry and free to member groups and ecoACTivists. Protecting the Jerrabomberra Wetlands
The new East Lake Urban development is to be in close proximity to this important habitat and, as with all new developments has the potential to affect its delicate ecosystem. A variety of environmental, community and governmental organisations will explain their involvement in the area and discuss what is currently being done to help minimise the threats to the Jerrabomberra Wetlands and its rare and beautiful birds and wildlife. Havelock House, 85 Northbourne Ave, Turner, 5.30pm for a 6pm start. Forum Speakers
Upcoming Fora Meetings (tentative titles) Thursday 15 April - Canberra Nature Park Thursday 20 May - Canberra Vision 2050 Note: All meetings are held at Havelock House, 85 Northbourne Ave, Turner at 5.30pm for a 6pm start.
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Saturday 10 April and Sunday 11 April Volunteer members of the Australian Native Plants Society hold a WEED SWAP twice a year, once in the autumn and once in the spring. Free Australian native plants are made available to the public who have removed environmental weeds from their gardens and bring them to Canberra Sand and Gravel’s yard off Southern Cross Drive or Corkhill Bros’ yard near the Mugga Lane Tip. The weeds that do great environmental damage in the ACT
situation are Cotoneaster, Pyracantha and Privet. All have berries in the autumn
and birds feast on the berries and deposit them in nature reserves and other
gardens with their droppings. We also need to remove ivy, periwinkle, broom as
they are very invasive. For further information on weeds, download
Garden Plants Going Bush ( The original weed-plants were given away in the seventies to 'green-up' new blocks and were successful. Householders unlucky enough to have inherited these environmental disasters would find that they absorb much precious water and compete with desirable plants for nutrients and space. The new 'free' plants are grown by members of the Society and are paid for with funding from the ACT Government’s Weed budget. There are ground-covers, clumping plants, small, medium and larger shrubs and a few trees available. The plants are clearly labeled and volunteers will offer planting and care advice. For Queanbeyan residents, Queanbeyan City Council and Queanbeyan Landcare usually organise a similar event to coincide with the ACT one at the Waste Minimisation Centre, 5 Lorn Road, Queanbeyan. To confirm this, check with Queanbeyan Landcare on 6297 4920.
Saturday 20th March 8.30am – 2.00pm ANPS expects to offer a wide range of plants, including local species. Many are hard to get elsewhere. Plants are locally grown, and suitable for the Canberra climate. Prices range from $4 - $7. A plant list is available a week before the sale on the ANPS website under the Plant Sale heading. The venue is the Southern car park of the Australian National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross St. The gates will open at 8.30am. Those who arrive early will be asked to park their cars on the grassed area just north of the Gardens gates, towards Barry Drive. Credit cards (MasterCard, Bankcard, Visa) may be used for purchases over $20 (1% surcharge), but the cash queues are always shorter. It's a good idea to bring a box or plastic bag for your purchases.
8.30pm Saturday 27 March 2010 In 2009 hundreds of millions of people around the world showed their support by turning off their lights for one hour. Earth Hour 2010 will continue to be a global call to action to every individual, every business and every community. A call to stand up, to show leadership and be responsible for our future. 3 Steps to get involved:
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 (
Caring for our Country Business Plan 2010-11
The 2010-11 Caring for our Country business plan sets out the priorities for investment in 2010-11 and the following years to ensure we stay on track to achieving the Australian Government's five year Caring for our Country outcomes. These targets are aligned to deliver outcomes against the six national priority areas. Well-planned proposals increase your likelihood of success. The Caring for our Country Business Plan 2010-11 provides you with all the information you need to begin planning your project now.
Submitting a proposal for investment Caring for our Country offers a range of different funding opportunities to suit the various targets and outcomes we are seeking. All proponents (except those applying as a
delivery agent for the Environmental Stewardship Program) must register via the
Caring for our Country website and then select from the list of funding
opportunities. For the majority of proposals an open call online application form will need to be completed. Applications close on Thursday 15 April 2010. Information sessions for business plan applicants are being planned for late January and early February. For more information see the Caring for our Country website, contact business.planning at nrm.gov.au or on 1800 552 008.
The life and times of most of these birds are described in this book, illustrated with brilliant colour photographs and abundance graphs. Birds of Canberra Gardens describes the abundance and distribution of birds, and discusses how they are likely to be found at different times throughout the year, and in different places. The book also provides some ideas on how your garden may be made more attractive to native birds. Birds of Canberra Gardens is an excellent introduction to the birds of Canberra. It demonstrates graphically the delights of nature that are available to us here in Canberra, as long as we open our eyes and our ears. The book is for sale from COG (through Martin Butterfield martinflab at gmail.com) for $25.00.
M-CHiP 6 -Monthly Report January - June 2009
Greenwise - Living Sustainably in Queanbeyan GreenWise is Queanbeyan City Council's Sustainability Newsletter. It contains information about our local environment, environmental news and events, and lots of helpful tips on how to reduce your ecological footprint. There is even a kids page with lots of fun activities. Download or subscribe to Greenwise by visiting the QCC website at www.qcc.nsw.gov.au/page.aspx?page=9898 In Edition 11 - Summer 2009-10:
Waterwatch Autumn 2010 Newsletter It's chock-full full of information and not just for Waterwatchers! Articles in this issue:
Download Newsletter (
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. Canberra 100 planting day – a date for your diary On 12 March 2013, Canberra will celebrate 100 years since its naming as the National Capital of Australia. The vast areas of bushland in the ACT are one of the aspects that this celebration will highlight. As a lead up event, Greening Australia will be running some planting days in the Lower Cotter. This is the first of these event and we hope to attract all our volunteers, families and friends for a huge day of planting.
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
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. 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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During
consultation for the 
After
two years of gleefully gathering scum and comparing it with Waterwatcher's
monitoring results, Dr. Steve Skinner has come up with a way to use algae as an
indicator of water quality in our region. "This is just like macroinvertebrate
surveying but I've found we can use filamentous algae as indicator species!"
crowed Dr. Skinner.
Join
fellow Waterwatchers brushing up their skills at a family picnic and sausage
sizzle in the Molonglo Gorge Picnic Area on 29 May from 2 to 4 pm.
Molonglo
Catchment Group and Parks, Conservation and Lands are running a basic GPS
training session. 
The
Jerrabomberra Wetlands are the most significant wetlands in the ACT.
Australian Native Plants Society
From
the 
Nearly
230 bird species have been recorded in and around Canberra suburban gardens over
the past 27 years in the Canberra Ornithologists Group’s Garden Bird Survey.
