Hi Landcarer’s

We are looking towards a busy few months ahead at Central West Lachlan Landcare with workshops and planting events.

National Parks Lachlan Valley Branch evening with Michael and Sarah Guppy

The Lachlan Valley Branch of the National Parks Association are holding an evening with Michael and Sarah Guppy on Wednesday, 31 May at 7pm. Our local NPA group have members across the Parkes and Forbes Shires and run regular walks in nearby national parks and reserves. They are pleased to be welcoming Michael and Sarah, who have over 40 years of experience in surveying birds and their presentation will have a focus on nest predation.

Click here for more information about the couple in our article from 5 May on our website.

This will also be a good opportunity to meet some of the Lachlan Valley NPA group and learn more about walks that are planned for the year ahead in our area.

We will be enjoying a delicious light supper and a cuppa as well, so RSVP is essential. Please contact me, details below.

Forbes Landcare Bushranger Event

We are pleased to be running the first Forbes Landcare Bushranger event on 17 June, between 9am and 11am, with the support of Forbes Shire Council, Central West Councils Environment and Waterways Alliance and Central West Local Land Services, with funding through the National Landcare Programme. Gee, that is a mouthful!

This work will be completed to increase habitat for the birdlife at Gum Swamp, with a focus on plant species that will encourage birdlife that rely on shallow ephemeral wetland areas.

The project has a focus on reducing weed problems at the site, as well as planting native riparian species known to be associated with the Painted Snipe. Click here for more information about the project.

Our Skillset Green Army Team have already spent many hours completing manual removal and spraying of Noogoora Burr along the Project site, but this will be an undertaking that will need follow up work completed over many years to control the problem, but it is hoped that the revegetation work that is undertaken will decrease the opportunities for weeds to thrive in the project area at least.

Northparkes Mine Grant Success

We are thrilled to be receiving $3,000 from Northparkes Mine (NPM) to undertake work at the PAC Park Waterwise Garden. This garden was established nearly 20 years ago, with the support of Landcare, NPM, Parkes Shire Council and what was then the Department of Land and Water Conservation.

Funding will cover the cost of plants, soil, watering system and mulch and we can’t wait to get in and clean this area up. Obviously, we will be looking closely at the long term sustainability of the garden.

The Green Army team have undertaken a couple of clean ups in the area, but no funds were available to undertake any substantial work.

When we held our Motley Crew planting mornings last year, many people were encouraging us to pursue work at the Waterwise Garden and were keen to be involved, so we will be ‘getting the band back together’ so to speak and commencing work there in the months ahead.

There are many plants that have survived and thrived from the initial plantings, but due to vandalism and neglect, the area badly needs some attention.

We will keep you posted when we have received the funding, finalised our plan and are ready for planting. If you are interested in being involved in the community event, please let me know and I will keep you in our email loop.

Painted Snipe Project

Why the Painted Snipe you ask? In surveys that were undertaken some years ago, the Painted Snipe was listed as one of the sighted species. This wading bird is endangered under both the Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 2003, the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and the Action Plan for Australian Birds has also listed the status of the Painted Snipe as endangered.

The loss of habitat is the primary reason for the decline of this species. Some of this loss of habitat is due to draining of wetlands, trampling of habitat by stock and diversion of water. Weed infestation and feral predators are also contributing factors.

Apart from increasing habitat, we are just keen to get out and get involved. Bring your chair, water, a hat, sunscreen and please wear sturdy shoes or gum boots. It would also be helpful to have some rubber gloves. I will bring the morning tea, but you need to bring your thermos for a cuppa. When we round up, we will have a chance to enjoy morning tea together. If you are interested in joining us, please get in contact with me.

Soil Pits and Kits Day

One other event that we have coming up in June is the Soil Pits and Kits day, which is being held at Cookamidgera on 23 June from 9am. These days are a fantastic opportunity to learn more about soils. We will be running this event in collaboration with the Central West Local Land Services.

The day will have a focus on: soil chemistry, looking at salinity, acidity and nutrients; soil physical characteristics, including structure, sodicity and erosion; soil testing and management techniques. I will have more information on this workshop next week.

For further information and links to further information in this article, please go to our website at centralwestlachlanlandcare.org or go to our facebook page.

Until next week, happy Landcaring!