Hi Landcarers

After a dry winter and the rain that we have had over the past couple of weeks, we are likely to see the emergence of weeds.

Do you know how to find out more about weeds in our area. Are you across most of the common species that we have to deal with? Perhaps you are a weed encyclopedia and love to study new weed trends!

We are fortunate that now we have a plethora of information available to help identify and manage weeds. These resources can be found in books and online.

I am going to cover off on a few of these that you might find helpful, starting with

The Council of Australian Weed Societies Inc have a list of reference books, including reference books on weeds in specific areas of Australia, poisonous weeds (including Pretty But Poisonous)

Most landholders would know that the Department of Primary Industries releases their Weed Control for Cropping and Pastures in Central West NSW. The DPI also have Naxious and Environmental Weed Control Handbook. Both of these books contain information on weed management, legal responsibilities associated with pesticide use, reducing herbicide spray drift, cleaning and withholding periods.

The DPI have some useful information on their website including Weeds of National Significance (WONS), National Environmental Alert List weeds, water weeds and native plants considered weeds.

The DPI also have NSW WeedWise App that provides key information to help users reduce the impact of noxious and environmental weeds in New South Wales (NSW). This app profiles over 300 weeds.

There also is an emergence of weed foraging books for those who like to make the most of weed issues. The Weed Forager’s Handbook (A Guide to Edible and Medicinal Weeds in Australia) has chapters on appreciating weeds, edible and medicinal weeds, weed recipes and weeds in the garden. I even found one book titled Edible and Medicinal Weeds of Melbourne Walking Tours.

What to do if you can’t identify the weed that is making your life difficult? Bring your weed into Council or the Local Land Services, in an appropriate bag or container. Please don’t chuck it on the back of the ute and drag it out when you get to town. Chances are you will have to leave it with a person at the front desk and they won’t want half of your garden spread across the floor and desk.

It is good to be informed about weeds. One persons weed could be another person’s ornamental prickly pear.

Just a couple of other things…

Don’t forget that the Central West Lachlan Landcare (CWLL) AGM is next week on Wednesday, 18 October from 6pm at the Forbes Services Club. RSVP is essential for catering purposes. Please contact me on 02 6862 4914 or email cwllpo@hotmail.com

On Sunday, 25 October there will be a walk in the Cookamidgera Valley. Walkers are to meet at 2499 Amaroo Way at 9am. This is a medium, 6 kilometre walk. Please contact walk leaders Graham and Liz McCraild on 0455 915 989 the evening before the walk.

Walkers are reminded to bring enough food and water for the entire day, as well as suitable clothing, footwear, hat and sunscreen. A pair of good binoculars and a fold up chair is recommended. Don’t worry, you don’t need to carry your chair. It might come in handy for a rest when you are finished. A $2 donation per walker is appreciated.

For more information about anything in this article, please contact Central West Lachlan Landcare on 02 6862 4914, cwllpo@hotmail.com, facebook or our website at centralwestlachlanlandcare.org

Until next week, happy Landcaring!