Observers attend Indigenous seed collection and propagation workshops.

We attended two workshops in November which were conducted by Seeding Victoria, at Creswick. The seed collection workshop provided basic theoretical knowledge on topics relevant to collection, cleaning and storing seed. The workshop was well complimented by hands on experience, using different techniques and tools.

The second workshop covered aspects of seed and plant propagation. It was an informative and practical way to learn how to deal with seed and plant cuttings once they have been collected. The success of the hands on part of the workshop will be measured by the successful germination of seeds we brought home.

Having attended these workshops we, are now enthusiastically looking for opportunities to utilise our newfound (but very basic) knowledge and skills. We hope to make use of the Pimelia spinicens - Spiny Rice Flower seed that we have already collected this year.

Annette Robertson and Lynton Schriever

Photo - collecting seed

Frogmouth families

This month, on three separate occasions, at three different locations we have sighted Tawny Frogmouth with chicks. A truly marvellous sight, as the nest is only a flimsy platform of sticks and it is amazing how the chicks and the mother remain on such a lightweight nest. When observed during daylight hours they simply sit motionless, and it is easy to miss them, as they look like part of the branch.

There has been a number of interesting bird sightings. The sound of the bird call is often what alerts the observer to look for the bird. We have heard the mournful calling of the Bronzewing pigeon and the distinctive call of the peaceful dove. Thought we were hearing things on our walk one morning, but further across some open country we confirmed the call was that of a small group of cockatiel.

The warmer weather has seen goannas active again. We are wondering what has happened to a goanna that often resides in our tank overflow pipe (now full of water). In the days before the big rains we noticed large numbers of dragon flies, and also heard a lot of cicadas. Many insects (other than mosquitos) are now proliferating.Investigating what looked like a mouse or a rat disappearing into the top of an old piece of farm machinery revealed a family group of antechinus, happily living inside.

The intense excitement of this year’s flush of spring flowering is fading, but never the less a number of colourful native plants are in full flower right now. For example, Magenta Storks bill is in unusually large numbers,

Still plenty to see in the bush, mozzie repellent is a requirement at present, but our natural environment is certainly well worth a look. The response to the rains has been spectacular.

Wedderburn Conservation Management Network “Observers”

Land for Wildlife Talk

THE WEDDERBURN CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT NETWORK PRESENTS

TERRI WILLIAMS – LAND FOR WILDLIFE EXTENTION OFFICER WITH DSE.

COME ALONG AND LEARN MORE ABOUT THE LAND FOR WILDLIFE PROGRAM

MONDAY JANUARY 10^TH AT THE WEDDERBURN COMMUNITY NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE BEGINNING AT 7PM.

SUPPER PROVIDED.

TO RSVP PLEASE CONTACT WENDY MURPHY ON 0438384053

wendy.murphy@dse.vic.gov.au

OR MICHAEL MOORE ON 54943542

emandem@iinet.net.au

Norman Wettenhall Foundation Workshop

Some weeks ago I attended the Norman Wettenhall foundation workshop which was held at the Ceres Environmental Centre in Melbourne. As a member of the deputation from the Loddon Plains Landcare Network which also included Mal Brown, Jean McClymont and Leah Cripps (Project Officer of the LPLN) we were involved in discussions aimed at sharing the challenges and progress of the five Natural Resource Management groups funded by the foundation.

Other groups involved in the valuable discussions were members from the Connecting Country Project (Mt Alexander Shire), the Beyond Bolac Project, the JARR Project ( Jack and Albert River Restoration) and the Otway Agroforestry Network and the Upper Barwon Landcare Network - Otway L.E.A.F. Project (linking environment and farms).

A theme common to all projects was that of developing biodiversity blueprints for each project area and much discussion was centred around this subject. The Loddon Plains Landcare network although the “youngster” in this group is well on track in this aspect as our Project Officer goes about the business of collecting information from the thirteen member groups of the LPLN. The Wedderburn CMN is a strong supporter of the united efforts of the Loddon Plains Landcare Network.

Michael Moore, photo – round table discussion at Ceres Centre

Spiny Rice Flower mosaic burn

How would the local population of Pimelia spinicens – Spiny rice flower respond to burning? The wet weather has contributed to a large increase in vegetation growth at the site and a trial of burning has been discussed over the past year.

With the assistance of Wedderburn CFA a small mosaic burn was conducted at the roadside site of the plants. Unfortunately, wet weather has not only increased the amount of biomass around the plants, but made the unused road site too soft to take vehicles on. An alternate site to burn was planned, and with good conditions the burn took place on 17 November.

Still green vegetation resulted in a partially successful burn of one small area approximately 4m X 4m. Photopoint monitoring has been commenced at the site.

Annette Robertson

Fox Baiting

I have recently had some feedback from members of the public who have concerns about the methods employed by the WCMN to conduct our fox baiting program. The first issue many people raise is the risk to non-target species, especially native animals and that by doing a baiting we are killing all animals. The 1080 impregnated baits are targeted quite specifically for pest animals. In general, foxes, rabbits, dogs and cats are most susceptible, with other animals less so, birds even less susceptible and amphibians and reptiles the least susceptible.

Fox ( Species)	0.2 ( number of baits = lethal dose)	Very susceptible (Comments)
Feral cat/cat	0.5	Very susceptible
Wild Dog/dog	0.7	Very susceptible
Eagle	13	Unlikely to come across or eat this many baits
Western grey kangaroo	300	Not attracted to meat
Eastern grey kangaroo	5	Not attracted to meat
Goanna	33	Unlikely to come across this many baits
Sheep	8	Unlikely to come across this many baits, not attracted to meat or buried food

Data from Animal Control Technologies Fox-Off Brochure

The placement and deployment of the baits is also designed to target foxes. The baits are placed approximately 500m apart in sections of the Wychitella NCR, where foxes are likely to frequent and are buried to a depth of 15cm. This makes it extremely unlikely that native birds or carnivores will dig for them, and herbivores would show no interest at all.

There are very strict regulations about the use of 1080 fox baits and all users must have completed a Farm Chemical Users course to gain an Agricultural Chemical Users Permit, (ACUP), and then complete another course to gain 1080 Endorsement.

Another concern is that the baits will blow on to properties or poison will leach out with rain and contaminate dams. The 1080 compound is impregnated in a processed meat cube about 5cm x 3cm x 2cm, so once buried in the ground it will not blow anywhere. Water and fungi/bacteria break down the 1080 compound over time, but it will not contaminate dams or waterways as it will be so diluted and it is not residual in soils.

The whole purpose of our fox baiting is to protect the endangered malleefowl and other native animals from being preyed upon. If all animals were going to be killed, it certainly wouldn’t be done.

An interesting fact is that the 1080 compound is found naturally in more than 30 species of plants in Australia including the Gigee, Heart-leaf Poison Bush and Box Poison Bush.

For more information you can read the “1080 poison baits for pest animal control” Landcare Notes produced by DSE, which can be found on the DSE website or by searching for ‘1080 Poison’ or contact me on 0438384053 or wendy.murphy@dse.vic.gov.au

WCMN Community Bus Trip

Eight enthusiastic members of the public boarded the bus at Wedderburn to view sites of interest relevant to projects and works conducted by WCMN. Due to road conditions, the route had been modified but there was still plenty to see.

The tour guide was Wendy Murphy, WCMN Ranger , assisted by “the observers”. Wendy had produced a comprehensive handout of the history, the projects and activities of WCMN, in conjunction with explanatory maps. The sites visited covered many examples of WCMN work –revegetation, fencing of vegetation remnants, pest plant and animal control, monitoring works, threatened species management, and illustrations of the challenges of protecting significant vegetation sites

A pleasant lunch was had, enhanced by the location, at the very full Skinners Flat reservoir.

At the Korong bushland reserve there were some interesting reflections on its history, as some of the passengers had been involved with the original Velvet Daisy bush plantings. They were pleased to see that work is still continuing on that plant species.

With the plague locusts becoming thicker, and an intense storm looming, the tour was completed in comfortable time. Participants completed evaluations on the experience and had plenty of positive comments. A number have joined WCMN as members following this field introduction to WCMN activities.

Annette Robertson, photo – Wendy Murphy (right) informing tour guests about exclusion plots

Orchid species back from the dead

In a time when more and more plant and animal species worldwide are added to endangered lists and when experts warn us we are approaching a “wave of extinctions” equal to the one that caused the demise of the dinosaurs, Wedderburn can call itself home to an extinct species that has come back from the dead. The Robust Greenhood Orchid (Pterostylis valida) was last seen in 1941 and had been officially declared nationally extinct in 1999. Now, a small group of this species has been found at the Nardoo Hills reserve of Bush Heritage Australia.

This reserve, to the west of the Wychitella Nature Conservation Reserve (NCR), and about 20 kilometres from Wedderburn, was purchased by Bush Heritage (BHA) in 2004 and staff and volunteers have been busy all these years to clear the hills of rabbits, goats and invasive weeds. The discovery of this orchid comes during a time when the reserve is revealing a lot of botanical treasures and more exciting news is expected in the coming years.

The orchid was photographed last year by Ian Higgins of the local Catchment Management Authority (NCCMA) on a field trip to the Nardoo Hills. When he showed his photos to Julie Whitfield and Geoff Nevill of the biodiversity unit of the DSE at Epsom, Bendigo, they knew that they were looking at something special. It has taken until last month to find the orchid again, and this time Julie and Geoff took samples to establish a definite identification. This was quite hard as the National Herbarium only had one dried sample of this species and no photographs existed.

Since 1999 the national conservation status of this plant has been “extinct”. The Department of Sustainability and the Environment (DSE) is now lodging an application to downgrade this status to “critically endangered”. Once this process is completed, research will be conducted on its relationships with pollinators and fungi in the soil and this in turn will inform the land management of the reserve.

This good-news story shows that the right management of ecologically sensitive land can result in even extinct species making a comeback. When consistently tackling weeds and rabbits, restoring our natural landscape is possible.

Jeroen van Veen (BHA), photo – the Robust Greenhood Orchid

Friends of Kooyoora Wildflower Show

The WCMN had a stand at the successful Friends of Kooyoora Wildflower Show held at Rheola over the weekend of September 18^th & 19^th. The group again sponsored the U18 & U12 sections of the photographic competition, which saw 5 young and upcoming photographers enter. Judging was done by popular choice with all participants receiving a prize. Participants were Madison Holt, Jarvis Holt, Rhordan Holt, Lauchlan Roberts and Jemma Parker. Congratulations to all.

The photograph shows Wendy Murphy presenting an award to a participant flanked by Ranger in charge Inglewood and Friends of Kooyoora Member Roberta Foster.

Newsletter Survey

After the initial flood of mail I continue to receive a trickle of completed forms as a result of the survey which was sent out with the last newsletter. The survey has resulted in the acquisition of very useful information which will now be acted upon. A return of greater than 60% has been realised so far with approximately 84% wishing to continue to receive the newsletter. Of this number approximately 30% wished to have the information sent to them by email instead of the usual post. The new arrangements for delivery will hopefully be in place for the December issue of the newsletter. Unfortunately some returned forms, although indicating their preferences, did not have details of name and address filled in so if you find that your preferences have not been acknowledged can you please contact me via the contact information at the end of the newsletter.

Michael Moore

Presentations

The Wedderburn CMN has been involved with a number of presentations over the past few months, spreading the word of the good works the group does.

In August I attended the Northern Grampians and Buloke Shire Landcare Network information day held at Charlton to talk on the importance of roadside reserves. The Wedderburn CMN have found and protected several endangered plant species on roadsides including the Velvet Daisy Bush and the Spiny Rice Flower. Roadside vegetation is also often the only linking vegetation remaining in many areas, providing important habitat for birds and animals.

Also in August members of the WCMN went on a bus trip showing new work sites and areas of interest. The tour took in works done on private property and crown land and discussed issues such as roadside weeds before stopping for lunch at the Mt Korong picnic area. It was a good way for members of the CMN to see what works have been occurring and enabling them to pass on information to the public. A tour designed for members of the public will be organised for November or December. More information will be provided at a later date or people can leave their names with me to be contacted directly.

In September I was invited to speak at the inaugural meeting of the Kara Kara CMN at St Arnaud. I made a PowerPoint presentation about the history of the Wedderburn CMN and works that have been done. It was very well received and generated several discussions about how the Kara Kara CMN could do similar works. It proved to them that much work can come from small concepts.

Wendy Murphy

Korong Bushland Reserve Planting Day

Six members of the Wedderburn CMN braved the wet weather conditions to take part in the rescheduled Loddon Plains Landcare Network planting day at the Korong Bushland Reserve on October 13^th. Approximately 600 shrubs and grasses were planted on the day.

Open Day at Bush Heritage Australia

We had our open day as part of the Loddon festival last weekend. It was booked out with 19 visitors, coming from Melbourne and Ballarat. All had a great time and were impressed with our conservation efforts at the Nardoo Hills. They saw a lot of Diuris protena which is now at its peak of flowering. The locations on the reserve where this species is now occurring has increased again compared to last year. Two new plants were recorded on the reserve, Xerochrysum bracteatum and Pheladenia deformis, both common species but not seen there. before. I have included a few photographs including one of a brown falcon, taken by Greg Hargreaves of Wedderburn.

Jeroen Van Veen

Wedderburn CMN Planning Day

The Wedderburn CMN planning day was held this year at Parks Victoria Inglewood on the 15^th of October with seventeen people attending. Alison Jeavons chaired the meeting as we first went through highlights of the year followed by a discussion of our annual review document and our DSE Service Agreement. The main topics under consideration were those associated with:

Environmental Threats /Issues and the WCMN’s Responses to these perceived threats such as pest animals and plants, the fragmentation of habitat, the degradation of habitat, protection of threatened species and monitoring of changes. Responses to threats included such aspects as habitat building, habitat expansion, creation of biolinks, fox control, spraying of weeds etc

Education and Involvement of the General Community such as presentations, bustrips, newsletters, newspaper articles and websites etc

Administration Aspects of the CMN such as networking, funding and governance etc.

High on the priority list was the management of the $577,000 which the WCMN has obtained over a three year period from the Federal Government’s Caring for our Country scheme for use in our Box – Gum Grassy Woodlands Project which was mentioned in the last newsletter. After much discussion we all headed off for a pub lunch at one of the local pubs before returning to more discussion which was periodically interrupted by water leaking through the roof of the Parks Vic building onto the table – hence the assortment of buckets and various other containers seen in the photograph. Overall, the day was a productive one.

Michael Moore

Volunteers can take part in important research.

For the past few months we, and a few other WCMN members, as well as some TAFE students have been assisting with monitoring and recording vegetation data at a number of sites adjacent to Mallee fowl mounds in the Wychitella Nature Conservation Reserve. This work is a follow up from data collected in 2008 and is important work to study changes in the vegetation surrounding Mallee fowl mounds

There is still a significant amount of this work still to be completed, not only the vegetation surveys, but also the kangaroo exclosure plots as well as 50 metre transects of all the EVC types in the Wychitella Nature Conservation Reserve.

The vegetation surveys can be very time consuming, but we have found that even one extra volunteer to help makes a huge difference in the time taken to do the work. Sometimes it requires a bit of a bushwalk to get to the site, sometimes the site is heavily vegetated and requires some gymnastic activity to carry out the counts, so a reasonable level of fitness and flexibility is no doubt an advantage. Some sites will be a lot less physically challenging than others.

It would be really helpful to have more volunteers to help get this important work completed before the weather gets too hot to make it pleasant.

Participating in the surveys is a fantastic way to become more familiar with the local native plant species. When you count every single plant in a 10 metre square you can learn a great deal. It’s a great way to experience different areas of the Wychitella Nature Conservation Reserve, while doing something useful and worthwhile. A knowledge of plants is not necessary as the surveys are an excellent learning exercise. To get involved call Wendy on 0438384053 or email wendy.murphy@dse.vic.gov.au

Annette Robertson and Lynton Schriever

Photo - Volunteers, Peter Watts and Lynton Schriever carrying out a vegetation survey

SPRING WILDFLOWERS ARE EVERYWHERE

Wildflowers are abundant. There are so many plants flowering right now it is difficult to write about only a few.

Orchids interest many people. Lots of varieties are flowering. The large Waxlip orchids are in huge numbers. You may also see lots of the much smaller but equally as attractive Blue Caladenias, and Pink Fingers. There are also plenty of yellow speckled Leopard orchids. We have seen Green Comb Spider orchids for the first time this year, in the areas we regularly visit. The beautiful and uncommon Northern Golden Moth orchids are also flowering. Greenhood orchids have almost finished.

The Friends of Kooyoora Wildflower Show was once again a wonderful event, full of examples of our local wildflowers and information about them. The huge display of wildflower specimens were collected with a special permit from Department of Sustainability and Environment. This is the best opportunity for the visitor, and locals to view such a comprehensive and locally relevant display.

This year, the spring wildflowers are certainly exhibiting a dazzling array of colours. Orchids that are pale pink, purple, green, yellow or white, pea bushes with flowers of yellow, red and orange, and even a variety with cream and brown flowers are in bloom. The bright yellow bulbine lilies are highly visible now, and soon the purple chocolate lilies will also be on show.

The construction of a bird’s nest is a marvel of nature. White winged choughs build mud nests. We have observed one being built from scratch this month. It took only a week from the foundation layer to the birds sitting on the nest.

The pleasant spring weather is an ideal time to admire and appreciate the colours of nature found in the spring wildflower display. A walk in the bush almost anywhere this month will reward you with a great display.

Wedderburn Conservation Management Network “Observers”

Attached photo: Green Comb Spider Orchid

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE IN YOUR BACKYARD

The Wedderburn CMN are conducting a free bus tour of their worksites and places of interest in the Wedderburn area.

Monday December 6^th leaving at 10am from the Traveller’s Rest Area Wedderburn (behind Jacka Park)

Lunch provided (free)

Please bring sturdy walking shoes and appropriate clothing for the weather conditions

RSVP by December 1^st to Wendy Murphy Wedderburn CMN Ranger ph 0438384053 or wendy.murphy@dse.vic.gov.au

Update on wheel cactus at Buckrabanyule

Injecting of Wheel Cactus continues on private land and roadsides around Buckrabanyule. Regular Tuesday workdays have resumed, meeting at my shed, Mount Buckra, 1307 Borung-Charlton Road, Buckrabanyule at 8.15 am. Any one interested in helping would be most welcome. We provide equipment and instruction; wear suitable clothes and boots and bring eye protection: sunglasses are fine. It is best to ring me on 5492 7567 or Beth Crutch on 5492 7541 before setting out to join us.

The battle against invasive cacti nationwide has moved a big step forward with Biosecurity SA sending a submission to Canberra last week for Wheel Cactus, as the frontrunner of all invasive cacti in Australia, to be declared a weed of National significance [WONS}. I was very happy to help with some data on distribution and cost of controlling the pest weed here in Victoria.

Janet Richardson

Secretary, Wychitella and District Landcare Group

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD

The Wedderburn CMN is conducting a free bus tour of their worksites and places of interest in the Wedderburn area.

Sunday September 26th leaving from the Loddon Visitor Information Centre

(24 Wilson St Wedderburn) at 10am

BBQ lunch provided (free)

Please bring sturdy walking shoes and appropriate clothing for the weather conditions

RSVP by Sept 22 to:

Wendy Murphy Wedderburn CMN Ranger

ph 0438384053 or wendy.murphy@dse.vic.gov.au

SHRUB VIOLET BUSH FOUND IN FLOWER

Nature Notes: August 2010

So much rain! So much response from plants, animals and nature in general! This month has kept the observers very busy, with a great deal to stimulate our interest in the local biodiversity of flora and fauna.

We have noted responses in plants. Many beautiful sundews – the flat red type known as scented sundews are flowering with prominent large white flowers on sunny days, tall sundews are also very conspicuous, and in large numbers. Green rock ferns have multiplied incredibly and are much larger than recent years. In many places the ground is dotted with the small white flowers known as early Nancy. And of course the Orchids! Dwarf Greenhood orchid numbers are massive this year. Now is the time to start really looking out for a variety of Orchids – the common blue caladenia are starting to appear in some numbers, and we have also seen mosquito orchids.

Two shrub violet plants have been found, in full flower in the Wychitella Nature Conservation Reserve. Apparently these beautiful plants were once common in the district, but are now rarely seen. It would be very interesting to learn more about this plant from the longer term residents of the district.

The birds are also busy. Sighted sitting on nests have been - Grey shrike thrush, Magpies, and White Winged Choughs. Also, a Little Eagle has been seen in the vicinity of its nest from last year, and the aggressive behaviour of the small bird, Jacky winter indicated that it too was protecting a nest. A group of Silvereyes have been observed. They appeared to be the southern form that migrate from Tasmania. Grey Fantails continue to maintain an entertaining presence.

If you would like to find out more about the Wedderburn Conservation Management Network you can see us at the Kooyoora Wildflower Show, or come on our bus tour – See more information in the “Naturally Loddon” A wonderland in Spring brochure.

Wedderburn Conservation Management Network “Observers”

Photograph is of the Shrub Violet flower

Loddon Plains Landcare Dinner a success, despite the weather

Eighty six people turned out for the Inaugural Loddon Plains Landcare Network on Saturday 4^th September at the Serpentine Hall. The night was sponsored by the Inglewood and District Community branch of the Bendigo Bank. The attendees enjoyed a meal prepared by the East Loddon Lions Club and also music by Kinja. Ron Murray and Sarah James make up Kinja and provide a unique combination of indigenous Australian culture (fantastic didgeridoo playing) with Celtic singing and fiddle playing. We also heard a dreamtime story handed down by Ron’s ancestors.

It was great to see such good attendance given the difficult driving conditions due to the amount of rain that fell over the weekend. A planting day had also been planned for the Saturday, but had to be cancelled due to the weather conditions. The planting day was going to be an opportunity for city people to come out and volunteer their time to plant trees on four locations in the Loddon Shire. The planting day will be re-scheduled for 16th October.

The event was also part of the Loddon Shire’s, month long activities showcasing the natural environment of the Loddon Shire called Naturally Loddon.

Article by Penny Wall

Photo by Mal Brown - the Hocking and Wall family enjoying the evening

Landscape Restoration Project – Project Officer Position

Project Officer Position – Part-time (2-3 days/wk) Short term contract (6 months)

The Norman Wettenhall Foundation has provided a grant to the Loddon Plains Landcare Network Inc. for a landscape restoration project across the network’s area in North Central Victoria. Applications are sought from suitably experienced persons for the role of Project Officer to work with the Landcare and Conservation Groups in the network to develop an area-wide biodiversity plan. The plan will identify existing natural assets, threatening processes, priorities for protection, enhancement and restoration including potential landscape-scale biolinks. Importantly, the blueprint will include a social/cultural overlay that captures community interest and builds on work the community has already done.

Organisational skills and the ability to engage with the community is a vital part of the role. Community ownership of the project is critical to its success. The Project Officer will work closely with the Network’s Committee of Management.

The position description can be downloaded from www.nrmjobs.com.au

Applications in writing close 5.00 pm 27 August 2010

Loddon Plains Landcare Network Planting Day and Evening Dinner

Loddon Plains Landcare Network is a collective of farmer, Landcare and other environmental groups located northwest of Bendigo working to improve the natural environment.

As part of Naturally Loddon – a month long series of environmental events across the Loddon Shire – the network has organised a tree planting day at four sites, from Wedderburn to Durham Ox , for Saturday , 4 September. Urban volunteers are needed to join with network members and share this enjoyable and rewarding day.

A dinner (with entertainment by Kinja ) will be held in the Serpentine Hall to celebrate the day’s landcare work. Volunteer tree planters and network members are welcome to attend.

The day’s timetable

11 am Arrive at sites, briefing, lunch (provided)

12 pm Planting, guarding, watering trees and shrubs

5 pm Arrive Serpentine Hall (Drinks and nibbles)

6.30 pm Dinner and Entertainment

9 pm Close

What to bring

Volunteers should bring with them a hat, sunscreen, gloves, water bottle, waterproof boots and a change of clothes for the dinner. All planting equipment will be provided.

Who to contact

All volunteers and network members participating on the day must register with Penny Wall by Tuesday 25 August.

(Ph: 54361262; M: 048836126

E: apwall@aussiebroadband.com.au).

Please advise Penny of any dietary special requirements

KINJA TO ENTERTAIN LANDCARERS

Made possible by the generous support of the Inglewood

and Districts Community Branch of the Bendigo Bank

Ron Murray and Sarah James (pictured above) celebrate the cultural heritage of their ancestors in a blend of indigenous Australian and Celtic music. In many ways Ron and Sarah that playing together is their special contribution to reconciliation between indigenous and non-indigenous people in this country.

Wedderburn Conservation Management Network “Observers” attend Outing with St Arnaud Field Naturalists.

A very frosty morning greeted us on the drive to Birchip where we met with members of St Arnaud Field Nats to tour the “Wetlands”

First Stop was Keith and Helen Barber’s property. The wetland area on their property was initially created by Keith’s grandfather and has received an environmental water allocation with the completion of the Wimmera Mallee pipeline. Keith had photographs of a wide variety of bird and animal species that use the wetland including plumed ducks and carpet pythons. We viewed his frog pond which has been one of the environmental considerations from the pipeline project.

Peter then escorted us to the Birchip Landcare wetland area which was nominated for a Landcare award this year. A most interesting project, illustrating use of a redundant bunker area, to capture water runoff. The community usage of the area and recycling of water was conveniently demonstrated to us by a truck wash in progress.

Lunch at Lake Tchum, where a committee member gave us a picture of the utilisation of the lake, particularly since it has been dry for years and has recently filled with water from the pipeline. We witnessed an Australian Raven take an egg from a plovers nest at the water’s edge.

Another Birchip Landcare member ( Dorothy) showed us her frog pond. This one impacted by kangaroos and rabbits, and intermittent available water supply from a domestic tank. She gave us an interesting historical perspective of past droughts in the 20’s and 40’s when her family had to walk off the farm due to lack of feed for too many sheep.

Mary Fielding’s farm, and neighbouring catchment dams provided yet another view of water catchments. The catchment dams on her property continue to hold water, however her frog pond had failed due to lack of tank water supply. The area has an increasing population of Chariot Wheel which is currently being researched.

This was a great opportunity to view the importance of water for biodiversity in the Mallee. It was also valuable to view the effects of the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline project and its political and practical applications for farmers and the environment.

A most interesting day. Annette Robertson and Lynton Schriever

Photograph - Keith and Barbra's frog pond

Assistance required for work with endangered plants

DSE biodiversity officer Julie Whitfield is again looking for assistance with her work in the Wedderburn/Charlton area. Julie works towards the protection and sustainability of rare and endangered plants. Her timetable and contact details are given below.

DATE	ACTIVITY	MEETING TIME/PLACE
Thursday 19th August	Searches for old records of Dainty Phebalium in the Wanyarra area.	10am at the corner of Rooneys lane and Dunolly-Rheola rd. Vic roads ref Map43 E6
Thursday 26th August	Count and map extent for Dainty Phebalium Phebalium festivum In the Wedderburn Nature Conservation reserve.	10am at the corner of Gibson road and the Wedderburn/Wychitella road. Vic roads ref Map29 B7
Wednesday 8th September	Planting Day for Velvet Daisy Bush in Korong Vale and BBQ provided.	Meet at 9:30am at the corner of Korongvale-kinypanial road and Boort Wedderburn road. Vic roads ref Map29 D7
Sunday 12th September	Counts and searches for Golden Moths Orchid at Mt Jeffcott.	Meet at the base of Mt Jeffcott at 11am Vic roads ref map28 D7
Wednesday 15th September	Counts and searches for Golden Moths Orchid	Meet at base of Howells Hill Scenic lookout Vic roads ref map 28 H6 Opposite the quarry

email: Julie.whitfield@dse.vic.gov.au

Or phone 03 5430 4461 mobile 0407 340 729

LPLN Committee of Management Elected

Loddon Plains Landcare Network held its AGM in Serpentine on Tuesday 20 July. The newly elected members of the Committee of Management are shown in the photograph attached.

Front, left to right:

Mal Brown (Northern United Forestry Group) - President

Michael Moore (Wedderburn CMN) - Secretary

Wendy Murphy (Wedderburn CMN & Friends of Kooyoora & Inglewood Landcare) - Committee member

Back, left to right:

Jean McClymont (Salisbury West Landcare) - Treasurer

Bill Twigg (Salisbury West Landcare & East Loddon Landcare) - Committee member

Laurie Maxted (Loddon Vale Landcare) - Committee member

Penny Wall (North Central Landcare & Northern United Forestry Group) - Vice President

Dennis Demeo (North Central Landcare) - Committee member

All members of the committee are volunteers with a strong commitment to sound Natural Resource Management. The committee will meet monthly at the Loddon Shire Council Offices, Serpentine, to discuss the ongoing business of the network.

Victorian Mallee Fowl Recovery Group Line Search, Powerline Track, Murray Sunset National Park

On Sunday 1^st August we joined members of VMRG to conduct a line search of an 2 square km area which had been burned in 2008.

The search was well organised with teams of 9-10 people covering a 2km grid. Conservation and Land Management students from Sunraysia TAFE also participated. The searching through mallee country that had been burnt two years ago was relatively easy, with some challenging walking in diagonal directions over sand dunes. I could not resist comparing carrying out the same task in our local area, which is much more densely vegetated country. Existing tagged mounds were found. At least three emu nests were also located, some with eggs.

A hearty lunch, provided by the Nangiloc and District Kindergarten, gave us sustenance for the afternoon search, which was in some unburnt country and was more difficult terrain.

The day was an enlightening experience. It gave us the opportunity to participate in a well organised and coordinated search, with adequate numbers of volunteers and ample safety and data recording equipment. It also allowed us to assist in gathering of valuable information regarding the effect of bushfire on Malleefowl population.

Article by Annette Robertson and Lynton Schriever

Photograph of emu eggs - Annette Robertson