JULY 2022

From the Upper Merri Landcare Facilitator

Welcome to the latest newsletter from the Upper Merri Landcare Facilitator and the Merri Creek Management Committee. Please find below information on local initiatives, opportunities and funding.

To subscribe see link below.

If you would like to share photos, events, updates and projects through the Upper Merri Landcare News. Please email through your submissions to: chriscobern@mcmc.org.au

Recent Events

Upper Merri Landcare - Nesting Box Workshop

On Wednesday 29th June at the Wallan Scout Hall and the Wallan Community Park, the Upper Merri Landcare Facilitator Chris Cobern held a nesting boxes for wildlife workshop for members of the Wallan Scout Group and Wallan Environment Group.

Chris explained the importance and the benefits of nesting boxes for our native birds and arboreal mammals; and demonstrated how to install the nesting boxes safely and correctly, and then how to monitor them using the Mitchell Shire Council's nest box inspection camera.

Wallan Environment Group - Taylors Creek Working Bee

On Sunday 10th July the Wallan Environment Group (WEG) held another working bee and planting day at Taylors Creek Reserve in Wallan. A group of dedicated WEG volunteers planted 270 indigenous plants in the area north of the Watson St entrance. Most of the plants were grasses and rushes used as infill plantings.  

Wallan Scouts - Wallan Creek Restoration Project

On Saturday 2nd July the Wallan Scouts held a working bee to prepare the site for the planting of 500 indigenous plants. The various Scout sections, from Joeys to Rovers, will be doing the plantings over July.

The purpose of the project is to stabilise the bank of Wallan Creek adjacent to the 1st Wallan Wallan Scout Hall in Wallan. The issue being addressed is erosion caused by stormwater run-off from neighbouring roads into Wallan Creek. The aim is to produce a stabilised bank, covered in easily managed native vegetation that gives the creek an attractive, friendly and cared-for appearance. The project is supported by the Wallan Environment Group.

Coming Up

Grazing Management Webinar

Jason McAinch, Macedon Ranges Shire Council's Private Land Conservation Officer has a passion for grazing management. In this webinar, Jason will share the fundamentals of grazing management that will improve the persistence, productivity and biodiversity of your grassland pastures.

This webinar will be held on Tuesday 16th August from 7:30-9:00pm. 

To register go to - Grazing Management Webinar - Macedon Ranges Shire Council (mrsc.vic.gov.au)

National Renewables in Agriculture Conference and Expo 2022

The National Renewables in Agriculture Conference and Expo will be held on Thursday 18th August. The conference will be held at the Albury Entertainment Centre.

A follow up field trip will take place on 19th August, with a choice of visiting either Mytilineos RSD Corowa Solar Farm or piggery using bioenergy. To learn more visit - HOME

Pulpit Rock Bushwalk - Sunday 24th July

Join the Mitchell Environment Group on Sunday 24th July exploring the Tallarook Ranges and enjoy panoramic views with a picnic lunch from the Pulpit Rock summit. All welcome - suitable for most ages and fitness levels.

RSVP's and for more information click here: Pulpit Rock Bushwalk.

Funding Opportunities

Victorian Landcare Grants and Victorian Junior Landcare & Biodiversity Grants

The Victorian Landcare Grants are now open for up to $20,000 to support Landcare and environmental volunteering groups and networks for on-ground works, education and capacity building activities.

The Junior Landcare Grants are available for projects that involve and educate young people in valuing and caring for native plants, animals and natural environments. Information here.

Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party - Community Grants 

The Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party (VSTWP) is providing community groups and organisations with the opportunity to apply for grants to manage serrated tussock.
Grants of up to $5,000 (GST excluded) are available to deliver a project which meets the priorities and criteria outlined in these guidelines.
Please see the guidelines and application form below, which includes how to submit the grant application, contact details and the criteria for assessment.

Grants are currently open for application: 
Apply here: VSTWP Community Grant Application form
Guidelines here: VSTWP Community Grant Guidelines

Landcare & Other Resources

Identifying Native Grasses with Doug Frood - video series

A series of 7 videos with Doug Frood, renowned botanist, will open your eyes to what's at ground level.

Video topics include: introduction to Grey Box Grassy Woodlands; Taxonomy, ID by Ligule; identify the parts; identify Spear Grass; identify Wallaby Grass; Walk ID in Balmattum Reserve. Link here.