The Scoop
Wettenhall Environment Trust – Small Environmental Grants Scheme: Expressions of Interest open on December 1st
“Providing support for people undertaking projects that will make a positive difference to the natural living environment, in land, sea or air, rural or urban. We support grassroots organisations and individuals, and academics who are working with on-ground community... read more
Paddock Trees for Koalas
Do you have isolated paddock trees on your property, or remnant vegetation that can potentially provide stepping stones for koalas and other fauna? Our Landcare networks on the Mid Coast are currently looking at properties within Koala ARKS for potential future... read more
Queens’ Jubilee celebration at Bolwarra
Another 500 trees have been planted at Bolwarra Sports Complex thanks to community support in Maitland. We are well on our way to reaching 2000 trees at this site, not including understory plants. While it is unusual to be planting into summer, we are taking... read more
First Nations Feature: Listening to Indigenous Voices
Listening to Indigenous Voices – Land & Farming Sunday 20th November, 2 – 4pm, James Theatre, Dungog Land & Farming is the first of the Listening to Indigenous Voices Series. With the evolving evidence of extreme weather events, now is the time to... read more
Register Your Interest as a Citizen Scientist for Shorebirds
Assist University of Newcastle PhD Candidate, Mattea Taylor, in disturbance monitoring of Shorebirds around high tide. These surveys will be conducted over consecutive months, from October 2022 to April 2023. Register your interest here to become a Citizen Scientist... read more
Propped Up: Soils Ain’t Soils – Part 2
A couple of months ago I started a trial of some different “Premium” potting mixes, it has been a fairly cool start to spring so seedling growth was a little slow, and some seedlings had gotten frosted and died but most of the plants have now grown enough to see any... read more
Shorebird Feature: Results from Welcome Shorebirds Events
With support from Hunter Local Land Services through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program, Hunter Region Landcare Network hosted a weekend of collaborative events with the University of Newcastle (UoN) and the Hunter Bird Observers Club... read more
Woodland Bird Feature: Stanford Merthyr Infants School Celebrate National Bird Week
Stanford Merthyr Infants School celebrated National Bird Week by kicking off their Woodland Birds program with two visits from our Project Officer Meg. In preparation for future woodland bird education and activities, the students turned their focus to the most... read more
The Soil Food Web: Part 1 Introduction
Last month, we learned that soil is not an inert growing medium – it is a living and life-giving natural resource. It is teaming with billions of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes that are the foundation of an elegant symbiotic ecosystem. Lets start learning about... read more
Understanding Your Property By the Property Detective Part 5
Geology Understanding the Geology of your locality is a basic piece of information for property holders as this gives a strong indication of the soils that cover the geological strata. This information is available through the NSW Government website at:... read more
Plant of the Month: Who’s a Sap?
The next group of Eucalypt like trees we’re looking at are the bloodwoods. The bloodwoods derive their common name from the large amount of sap they produce, previously listed in the Eucalyptus they were split off into the Corymbia genus in the 1990’s. Apart from the... read more
Training opportunities: RegenTV
Each month we’ll feature resources for training, learning, and up-skilling in bush regeneration techniques and other Landcaring activities. This month’s feature is from RegenTV – The Australian Association of Bush Regenerators (winners of the 2022... read more
Landcare Sightings: Eastern Bearded Dragon
Spotted by Victoria, one of our Project Officers, whilst putting in the leg work for Camera Trapping at Congewai. This handsome Eastern Bearded Dragon (Pogona barbata) was found up a tree, basking in the last of the afternoon sun. You can find these bearded dragons... read more
Bushfire Restoration Grants
The Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife invites applications to support revegetation activities for communities in the Local Government Areas (LGA) listed as impacted by the 2019-20 bushfires Applications close: Sunday 30 April 2023, unless the funds are... read more
Landcare Muster – Last chance to share your ideas!
A Landcare Muster is a gathering for Landcarers across the Hunter region to come together to share and celebrate our achievements, and look to the future with ideas and inspiration. We are asking you as Landcarers to tell us how you would like to celebrate together.... read more
Fire Danger Ratings Have Changed
You can find the new Fire Danger Ratings to check the fire danger for your area on the RFS website, Fires Near Me NSW smartphone app and on roadside signs. Find out more here: New fire danger rating system to keep communities safe this bush fire season – NSW... read more
Turtle Monitoring Citizen Science
During November, the researchers at 1millionturtles.com would like everyone to be out and about near their local waterways, keeping an eye out for turtles crossing roads and helping them get to the other side safely, looking for sightings of turtles emerging to nest... read more
Fern Creek Landcare: An Intergenerational Landcare Story with Peter Dalton and Gabrielle Stacey
Gabrielle and Peter recount how the unlikely duo combined the Landcare experience and institutional knowledge of an older generation with the marketing knowledge and fresh perspective of a diverse younger generation — showing how intergenerational partnerships are the... read more
Meet Daintry Gerrand, our Regional Agricultural Landcare Facilitator (RALF)
Daintry is part of the Natural Resource Management Team at Hunter Local Land Services, who works alongside our Landcare Coordinators at HRLN. Daintry has a strong focus on connecting with the community – landholders, Landcare community and agriculture industry:... read more
Want to start a Landcare site in the Maitland LGA?
Maitland City Council is seeking Expressions of Interest from interested people that are willing and committed to improving and regenerating a location near you as part of a Landcare group Click here to register:... read more
Shorebird Feature: Beach-nesting Birds
Nesting season has begun for our local beach-nesting birds! These shorebirds and seabirds are extremely vulnerable to disturbance from people during this time and, unfortunately, these warmer months are also when humans flock to the beaches. Disturbance during nesting... read more
Congratulations to Elizabeth Riley!
Congratulations to Elizabeth Riley, from Hunter Valley Wine Country Landcare for being appointed as an Independant Director on the BOARD OF Landcare NSW. Liz, being a steward and carer of land herself, she also works day to day with viticultural landowners and... read more
Woodland Bird Feature: The Noisy Miner (a native nuisance?)
The noisy miner is one native species that has benefited greatly from human alterations to woodland and forest habitat, enabling it to increase in abundance and distribution. In short, the Noisy Miner has become an overabundant species. Why is this a problem? Large... read more
Soil Health Basics
If you have spent time in the garden, in the paddock or digging up your backyard, you would see some signs of life in the soil- earthworms, curl grubs, ants, spiders, etc; And these are only a few of the ones you can see with the naked eye. Soil is not an inert... read more
Understanding Your Property By the Property Detective Part 4
The object of our investigations is to have a sound understanding of the property we work upon. This selection of maps builds upon the geology and terrain of the property. It also gives an idea of the areas we will investigate over a period of time to make us very... read more
Plant of the Month: She’ll be Apples!
Within the Eucalypts and close relatives the common names of many of the groups do make a bit of sense, Ironbarks, Stringybarks, Boxes are all named for their bark, the Bloodwoods are so named for the large amount of sap they produce but what about these things called... read more
September Shorebird Feature
Some say Spring has sprung a little early this year and some flowers and birds may agree with you! Observations of Beach-stone Curlews and Far Eastern Curlews have already been reported on our shorelines from mid-August. With the ‘official’ beginning of Spring, comes... read more
Understanding Your Property By the Property Detective Part 3
What a wonderful feature Google Earth has for property holders and Landcarers. From its tool bar we are able to get historic images of our property over time and we can also obtain a convenient Latitude and Longitude to use as a geographic point to help us locate... read more
Environmental Restoration and Rehabilitation Grants
Environmental Restoration and Rehabilitation Grants of up to $200,000 for projects that achieve long-term outcomes for the NSW environment.... read more
Grass ID courses with Harry Rose coming up in October!
Keep an eye on the HLLS Events page (https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/regions/hunter/events) read more
Bell Frog Way Report – GGBF Education Session
Through funding from NPWS under the Save our Species (SOS) Program, Hunter Region Landcare Network facilitated the final Bell Frog event for the financial year. On Thursday, June 30th, we held a Green and Golden Bell Frog Education session – an evening of... read more
Winner of Australia’s Favourite Tree Announced
Take me to the river… “The contest is over, the dust has settled and one magnificent tree stands above the rest. It twists and turns as it gathers water from deep underground, reaches for the sky and sends generous branches in improbable directions. For... read more
Woodland Bird Feature: Spring is in the air – literally!
Have you noticed the warmer days already? Don’t take any notice of that thing on the wall that thinks spring starts on the 1st of September; spring is well and truly underway by then! There are (I think) at least two springs; the first being “early spring”, which... read more
Tools, Tricks and Tips: Use it or lose it
Do you get sick of dropping tools in the garden or in the bush and spending the next half hour trying to find them? Well, this little trick may save you a little bit of time. It’s simple (and fun), wander off to your nearest car parts or electronic supplies... read more
Plant of the Month – Mallees
Plant of the Month: “I don’t mind at all if you call me a Mallee Boy.” The famous song by John Williamson refers to the Mallee Region of Western Victoria an area famous for it’s stunted multi-stemmed Eucalypts known as Mallees. The Mallee growth form is a fairly... read more
2021 State of the Environment Report Released
The latest State of the Environment Report has been released and it makes for some fairly grim reading, in short There are now more non-native plant species in Australia than there native ones Of the 450 gigalitres of water for the environment promised under the... read more
Propped Up: Soils ain’t Soils
There used to be a series of ads extolling the virtues of a prominent brand of motor oil, the tagline being “Oils ain’t Oils”, rather than getting into a discussion on different base oils, viscosities, additives and uses it’s enough to say just as “oils ain’t... read more
Plant of the Month: Not Rocky, the Bulbine Lily (Bulbine bulbosa)
Spring is just around the corner, you may not believe me but it is, and that means the wildflowers will be out soon. One of the more spectacular ones in this area (the Upper Hunter) is the Bulbine Lily (Bulbine bulbosa) a spectacular yellow lily to around 70 cm in... read more
Understanding Your Property By the Property Detective Part 2
How did you go? Sixmaps should have enabled you to build a picture of the DP and Lot numbers associated with your property using the map contents guide box. As well you should now have the area and perimeter of each Lot by using the area measure on the tools bar. You... read more
Wettenhall Environment Trust – Small Environmental Grant Scheme
“Providing support for people undertaking projects that will make a positive difference to the natural living environment, in land, sea or air, rural or urban. We support grassroots organisations and individuals, and academics who are working with on-ground community... read more
Hunter Power Project Community Grants
Snowy Hydro is committed to strengthening communities in the local and regional area of the proposed Hunter Power Project. As part of this commitment, we have established a Community Investment Fund to benefit local communities. Community groups and organisations... read more
NSW Environmental Education Awards 2022
We encourage all environmental educators working in NSW to nominate yourself or perhaps a hero, a mentor, or a collaborator. It might be someone who actively inspires others or someone who beavers away relentlessly (we won’t say ‘tirelessly’) in the... read more
Fern Creek Landcare on SBS ‘Change Agents’ Podcast
Image source SBS News & AAP One of Hunter Region Landcare’s own – Gabrielle Stacey – HRLN Project Officer and Coordinator of Fern Creek Landcare, was interviewed with her mentor and predecessor, Peter Dalton, for the SBS Podcast ‘Change Agents’. They... read more
Calling Young Conservationists aged 12 – 18 years – share your story with the nation!
As part of the NextGen Landcare Youth Forum to be held on the 23rd of August, Intrepid Landcare is inviting young people aged 18 and under to submit an expression of interest to share their story amongst the lineup of speakers we have in the program on the day. If you... read more
Well Being Benefits of Landcare
Loading... Taking too long? Reload document | Open in new tab View, Print and Download [65.17 KB] Following the release of the sobering State of the Environment Report of 2022, it’s important to engage in actions that support our well being. Experienced Landcarers... read more
Bolwarra Landcare
The dedicated crew from Bolwarra Landcare met on Sunday morning, July 17th, for their monthly session. They began their morning with a bird survey, observing 19 species of birds in their 20 minute survey, and submitting their results to Birdata. Amongst their... read more
St Josephs Primary School Dungog visits Dungog Common
Thanks to Hunter Local Land Services, Hunter Region Landcare Network, and Dungog Commoners Landcare, students in Years 3-6 were treated to a rewarding field trip of water testing, and a hike along. Students learned how to collect a water sample and then had a go... read more
Broke Bulga Landcare restoring the iconic River Red Gum
Broke Bulga Landcare is helping to restore the River Red Gum along Wollombi Brook between the towns of Broke and Bulga, linking the two communities with a common goal. They have a small pilot project restoring River Red Gum to four private properties at this stage,... read more
National Landcare Week August 1 – 7
“Landcare has never been more important and relevant as we manage and plan for the future during uncertain times. The annual Landcare Week campaign celebrates and acknowledges the thousands of Landcare networks and groups, facilitators, and other environmental care... read more
Weed Watch
As stated in the released State of the Environment Report, “the number of exotic plant species in Australia has surpassed the number of native plant species.” According to The Sydney Weeds Network, “About 65% of weeds invading reserves and bushland are ornamental and... read more
Shorebird Article Series:
This month we defer to a wonderfully informative series of Shorebird Articles written by Neil Fraser of Tomaree Birdwatchers, published by the EcoNetwork Port Stephens. Featuring survey results, maps and handy links; this series is a must-read! Pictured: Bar-tailed... read more
Wing Threads – The Adventures of Microlight Milly
Images source: wingthreads.com Amelia Formby (AKA ‘Microlight Milly’) is now 3 weeks into her 20 000km flight around Australia, to raise awareness, educate and “to inspire action to protect the habitats of our amazing migratory shorebirds.” The project, titled ‘Wing... read more
Return of Native Flora & Fauna at Hunter River Reserve
They were heard long before they were seen – the ya-hoos and babbles of a gregarious family of Grey-Crowned Babblers (Pomatostomus temporalis subsp temporalis). The vulnerable Eastern subspecies of babbler moved through the Woodland at Hunter River Reserve,... read more
Plant of the Month: Brigalow
A dandy old horsernan is Brigalow Mick-Which his name, sir, is Michael O’Dowd -Whatever he’s riding, when timber is thick,He is always in front of the crowd.BRIGALOW MICK by Harry (“Breaker”) Morant Images from: plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au Aside... read more
Propped Up: Wet and Wild
By now you should have had a chance to look around your yard and find a spot for maximum winter sunshine and good access (with any luck there will have been a sunny day or two in the past month) and thought about potting up and growing benches. This month we’ll be... read more
May Rising from the Embers Land & Cultural Festival
I hope some of you were able to attend the Rising from the Embers Land & Cultural Festival last month. Hunter Region Landcare Network were fortunate to have been a participant at the festival, showcasing Landcare alongside First Nations organisations with a focus... read more
Callaghan Campus Landcare Group – EOI’s
Hunter Region Landcare Network is working in collaboration with the University of Newcastle to establish a Landcare group to help maintain the stunning bushland on Campus. Fill out the form below to express your interest in participating;... read more
McCullys Gap Landcare – June Committee meeting
HRLN members and staff were treated to a visit to McCullys gap for our June committee meeting. Despite the gloomy weather, we all had a lovely time getting to know the local landcarers and hear from their experiences. McCullys Gap is a small community of approximately... read more
Understanding Your Property by the Property Detective
As Landcarers we want to understand the features of the properties that we work on. This can be as Landcare Groups or individuals with a farm or small block of land that is our rural escape location. In the a series of articles, we will attempt to gain and... read more