Hi Landcarers

Central West Lachlan Landcare are thrilled to welcome Paul Sullivan to share his knowledge and expertise on weed management at a workshop next week.

Paul Sullivan has worked for 38 years on weed biological and integrated control for NSW DPI, so brings with him a wealth of knowledge. Whilst Paul has played a large part in introducing and distributing many of the species that we are now seeing the benefits from in terms of reduction, he also has a sound knowledge of chemical and other alternative treatments for many of the species that are still providing significant problems in our area.

Paul has researched, developed and coordinated many projects for terrestrials Paterson’s curse, prickly pears (common, tiger and tree pear), broom weeds (English and Cape), blue heliotrope, horehound, thistles (nodding and Scotch), dock, blackberry, bridal creeper, gorse and St John’s Wort and aquatics salvinia, water hyacinth and alligator weed.

He is also actively involved in educating, training and assessment of those involved in natural resource management.

The Weeds Management Workshop runs between 1pm – 3pm on Wednesday, 19 October at the Central West Lachlan Landcare Office at Kelly Reserve in Parkes. I will pop the kettle on for a post lunch cuppa and snack (please no post-lunch napping). Please RSVP to me on 02 6862 4914 or cwllpo@hotmail.com

As I mentioned last week, we are very excited to once again be involved in activities during the Aussie Backyard Bird Count between 17 – 23 October. This is a chance for us all to have an extra focus on our birdlife and the environment that they live in.

We are running three activities, including our main walk on Saturday, 15 October where we will draw on the expertise of the Lachlan Valley Branch of the National Parks Association on their walk at Gunning Gap. Walkers are asked to meet at Forbes Railway Station at 9.15am.

The Gunning Gap walk is an easy five kilometres. Please contact walk leader, Peter Cannon on 02 6866 1225 the evening before the walk. It looks like the weather will be fine with a top of 22 degrees, so looking forward to that one!

Please also bring enough food and water for the day as well as suitable clothing, footwear, hat and sunscreen. A good pair of binoculars and a fold up chair is also recommended. Also, bring your thermos and join us for a cuppa before we head off.

Our second and third ‘Bird Week’ activities are focused on school aged children in Parkes and Forbes. The walks will be held after school on Monday, 17 October in Parkes, meeting at the park at the bottom of Memorial Hill. We will have a representative from Parkes Shire Council to talk with us about the increased habitat on Memorial Hill through the work that has been completed over the last two years.

On Tuesday, 18 October we will be holding our Forbes Kids Bird Walk at the Bird Hide at Gum Swamp, again, commencing at 4pm with a talk on the Painted Snipe Project that is being undertaken at the Swamp to increase bird habitat.

Please note that a parent or caregiver must be present with children attending any of these walks. If possible, it would be good for kids (and adults) to wear long pants, a hat, sunscreen and binoculars if you can. I will bring a few basic binoculars with me.

Please RSVP to me on 6862 4914, text me on 0418 611 053 or email cwllpo@hotmail.com if you are attending any of these activities.

As usual, links to items in this article are available on facebook or on our website at http://www.centralwestlachlanlandcare.org

Until next week, happy Landcaring!