The Scoop
Barrington Tops NP – Upper Hunter, target weeding field days
Join in some target weeding in our alpine areas of the National Park. Workdays have been arranged to target removal of broom around Junction Pools and Edwards Swamp area, on the southern end of the Barrington plateau. For more information ... read more
Plant of the Month: Ribbon Gum
Twenty third of March is National Eucalypt Day so with that in mind it’s time for another gum PotM. This month’s PotM is the Ribbon Gum (Eucalyptus viminalis), there’s a couple of them growing near the bridge at Bunnan on the Scone-Merriwa Road, I’ve looked at these... read more
Fauna Feature: Blue-banded bees
by Sebastien Doleac Blue-banded bees (Amegilla cingulata) are native to Australia and can be found all across the country except in Tasmania. Their size varies between 8 and 14 mm. Although blue-banded bees have a sting, they are not aggressive and present no danger.... read more
Wendy Lawson from Broke Bulga Landcare nominated for Singleton citizen of the Year
Wendy was nominated for Singleton Citizen of the Year for her work with many local contributions including environmental protection, tourism and viticulture. Wendy has been president of the Broke Bulga Landcare for over 20 years, Treasurer of the Singleton Landcare... read more
Chris Jackson (Wollombi Valley Landcare) Environmental Citizen of the Year Award
At the Australia Day Awards Ceremony held in Cessnock on 26 January, Chris Jackson was awarded the Environment Award and named Environmental Citizen of the Year. Chris received the Award in recognition of his work with Wollombi Valley Landcare Group over the last... read more
Weed of the Month: Formosa lily
(Lilium formosanum) Formosa lily, also called Taiwan Lily, as that is its origin, is a weed (introduced to Australia in the 70’s) that I am seeing pop up more and more each year in the Hunter Coastal areas along roadsides, wasteland and bushland and widely... read more
In the Spotlight: Dungog Commoners Landcare
Welcome to Dungog Commoners Landcare group. You will see the group in action and the reasons to join... read more
Hunter Region Landcare Awards
NOMINATIONS CLOSED This week the Hunter Region Landcare Network launched our Regional Landcare Awards, alongside Greater Sydney, Mid Coast, & other regions around NSW! We would like to invite you to nominate a member of your local community and attend our... read more
Plant of the Month: What’s in a name? Hard Quandong
(Elaeocarpus obovatus) Also known as Blueberry Ash, Whitewood, Grey Carabeen, Freckled Oliveberry and Grey Carrobeen, despite the plethora of names it is not related to the other Quandongs (Santalum spp.), Ashes (Mountain Ash, Red Ash, Claret Ash, Himalayan Ash) or... read more
Weed of the Month: Coolatai grass Hyparrhenia hirta
Regional Priority Weed Objective – ASSET PROTECTION An invasive drought, fire and herbicide tolerant tussock forming perennial grass. It is found in all Australian states and territories. The main infestations on the East coast were south-eastern Queensland,... read more
Bird species feature: Regent Honeyeater
It’s been a big year for the Regent Honeyeater, and the captive bred birds released in the Hunter region this year are doing well and settling into a life in the wild, a significant step in protecting this critically endangered species. It’s the work of... read more
WaterBug Survey Kits available
Does your Landcare site have a creek or river nearby? If so, Hunter Local Land Services and the National Waterbug Blitz would like to encourage you to participate in a Waterbug Blitz! Hunter Local Land Services has 2 waterbug survey equipment kits to give away, which... read more
Earthcare Park Landcare discovers microbats
Earthcare Park Landcare conducted a microbat survey earlier this month (November 2020) with the help of Forest Fauna Surveys. While not all results are in yet, the harp traps provided evidence that two species of microbat are utilising the site- the Little forest bat... read more
Lochinvar Public School bird habitat haven takes flight
Before After Thanks to HRLN, Solo Garden Organics, Maitland City Council, and the Community Environment Program through MP Joel Fitzgibbon, Lochinvar Public School students and their families now have a beautiful example of a bird habitat haven which demonstrates... read more
Gardening Responsibly
A new initiative has been brought to my attention that may help all of society to garden responsibly- and prevent weed invasion over the fence and into our natural areas- called the Plant Sure Scheme. Click on www.gardeningresponsibly.org.au – or watch a short... read more
Tilligerry Landcare Environmental Trust Grant
Tilligerry Landcare in partnership with NPWS receives $76,000 NSW Environmental Trust grant to improve Koala Habitat at Big Swan Bay. Over the next three years, Landcare and the Worimi LALC Green team will be conducting weed removal, clean up days, and planting... read more
Regenerative Agriculture Field Day
Soil exudates and microbes – how do you know when your soil is in good health? Spend the day with Colin Seis! A field day was held Sunday 11th October with the Luskintyre farming community where we learnt how to combine native grasslands, pasture cropping, and... read more
Plant of the Month: Choccie Lily
Mmmm Chocolate (Lilies!) One of the most anticipated Spring arrivals in woodland and forest areas in this area is the blooming of the Chocolate Lilies (Dichopogon fimbriatus) not only for the attractive purple flowers but also for the chocolate scent they have. While... read more
Bar-tailed Godwit
This species, listed as a Critically Endangered Shorebird of Australia, has been recorded flying 11,000kms across the globe non-stop! So when they reach the mudflats of our estuaries, they need lots of good food sources such as molluscs, worms and aquatic insects, and... read more
Greater Bank has partnered with HRLN
Greater Bank has partnered with HRLN as part of the 75,000 Trees Program to celebrate the Greater’s 75 Year Anniversary. Two projects have been selected to receive trees (plants) in the Hunter: 1- Luskintyre Landcare wildlife corridors The aim of this project is to... read more