Autumn Fungi Workshops

The Central Victorian Fungal Ecology Workshop series is on again this autumn, presented by ecologist and environmental photographer, Alison Pouliot.

These workshops may be of interest to naturalists, conservationists, artists, foodies and anyone keen to know more about the amazing world of fungi.

Workshops include an extensive display of local fungi species, an illustrated and interactive seminar, and an exciting foray deep into our local forests.

Date: Saturday 28^th & Sunday 29^th May 2011 (same workshop on both days)

Time: 11am – 5pm

Location: Parks Vic. Depot Inglewood

What to bring: lunch, wet weather gear if necessary, a magnifier or fungi field guide if you have one.

Bookings: Michael Moore - 5494 3542 emandem@iinet.net.au

Further Info: alison@alisonpouliot.com

Wheel Cactus and Raven Research

A research group within DPI is seeking information to assist in the formation of a model in which weeds are spread by birds, particularly ravens. It would be appreciated if you have any information concerning interaction of these birds (or other bird species) with wheel cactus e.g. observations or awareness of such behaviour, that you pass this on to Rodney Jones at:

rodney.jones@dpi.vic.gov.au

Guest Speaker Program - Land for Wildlife

At our January meeting we were given a talk by Terri Williams of the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE). Terri is, among other things, associated with the Land for Wildlife program which is organised through DSE in cooperation with the Bird Observers Club of Australia. We were informed that this valuable program which began in 1981 can now claim that there are some 9,000 properties in Victoria taking advantage of the completely free and voluntary scheme. The scheme encourages private landholders to provide habitats for wildlife on their properties. One of the valuable aspects of this resides in the fact that there is a large percentage of native flora and fauna located on private land outwith the reserve system and therefore dependent upon private landholders for their survival.

We were informed that if people are interested then upon application the property in question is visited by an expert such as Terri who inspects the property and gives advice as to how it can be, if necessary, brought up to the required standard for registration as a member property. Registration as a member does not in any way alter the legal status of the property. Advice is also available on how the wildlife habitat can be managed and integrated with other uses of the property. Apart from playing a vital role in the survival of species as mentioned above the habitat can play a major role in sustainable agriculture and provide landscape connectivity. Other advantages to the scheme include; newsletters, other publications, field days and contact with like minded individuals. Membership is open to all sorts of properties from small to large. Terri can be contacted through DSE Bendigo.

Note - you get a sign like the one above to hang on the gate.

Article – Michael Moore

Group Self Assessment

The Wedderburn CMN is currently undertaking a Group Self Assessment to provide an overview of where each member sees the group in terms of stability, motivation and drive and to provide a comparison to where the group sat two years ago. Each paid up member was sent a form which asked them to rank their opinion of the overall health of the group ranging from ‘Trail Blazers’ down to “Just Hanging On’. There was also a group health element which asked respondents to rank different aspects of group health both now and two years ago, to determine where things have improved and where things have fallen away, or need working on. The group sat down at the February meeting to discuss the results which was a very positive exercise providing some great, honest feedback both from members who have been with the group for many years and those who have only recently joined. Results varied greatly among the members, but an overall feeling was that the group was “Rolling Along Smoothly” and had gone ahead from two years ago. Most aspects of the group health element were positive, especially in terms of communication, network development, financial and information resources, but a lot of work needs to happen in terms of attracting members to take on more administrative roles within the group. From all the results gathered a report will be generated and actions taken to try and work on the lowly ranking elements.

Article – Wendy Murphy

Box Gum Grassy Woodland Project

The three year Box Gum Grassy Woodland project is progressing well, although the wet weather hasn’t helped in getting on ground works completed. Many of the outputs have already been met including the creation of a WCMN library, the erection of two malleefowl signs on Wychitella Rd, (with Loddon Shire assistance), Land for Wildlife and Weeds of the Wedderburn Area speaker nights and providing information to the community via websites, newsletters etc.

In terms of on ground works, over 100ha of weed control has occurred, 100ha of linkages created and 100 ha of rabbit control. There is more work that needs to be done and land holders who have shown interest will be contacted shortly to begin works on their properties. Being a three year project, if you are interested in having works done, but can’t participate this year, feel free to contact the group to register your interest for future years. Contact information is given at the end of the newsletter.

Article - Wendy Murphy

Malleefowl (in the Mallee)

The Wychitella Nature Conservation Reserve is the home of the most southerly known population of Malleefowl. It is possible to learn a great deal about this threatened species from the information sign at Jacka park rest area in Wedderburn. The Wedderburn Conservation Management Network, in conjunction with the Loddon Shire have recently erected signs on the Wychitella Road, alerting motorists to be aware that Malleefowl have been seen crossing that road, and to take care.

The opportunity to learn more about the Malleefowl and visit different areas was not to be missed by the WCMN “Observers”. At Wandown Flora and Fauna reserve (near Boundary Bend) they joined with members of the Victorian Malleefowl Recovery group to assist with research field work. This involved collecting Malleefowl feathers from the vicinity of active mounds. The DNA from these feathers will be examined for genetic study of Malleefowl populations. At this time of year Malleefowl chicks are hatching and some were sighted during the fieldwork. Eggshell pieces were also collected for DNA.

The Malleefowl mounds at Wandown are quite different from those seen locally. Very sandy, and shaped with great care, displaying the active attention of the birds currently working the mounds. This was an excellent opportunity to gain an increased understanding of this most interesting bird that we are fortunate to still have in small numbers in the local environment.

Article - Wedderburn Conservation Management Network “Observers”

Photo Caption: Malleefowl sign on Wychitella Road

Some photographs of malleefowl monitoring in Wychitella NCR using non-invasive cameras