The Scoop
Hunter Region Landcare Network are Looking for Committee Members to Join Our Team!
Everyone is welcome to join us on 20th November at Kurri Tafe for lunch and our AGM to see what projects and activities you might like to get involved in. Our committee has experienced landcarers, people who are new to landcare, students, young and mature aged... read more
Conference Attendance Sponsorship for First Nations People
The Hunter Region Landcare Network would like to invite First Nations members of our community to register interest in attending the 2022 Landcare NSW and Local Land Services State Conference, to be hosted in Tweed Heads in March 2022. With support from the NSW... read more
Plant of the Month: Staying Muddy
Last month we were in the mud looking at mangroves, this month we’ll go slightly closer shoreward and take a look at what grows in the hypersaline environment of the Salt Marshes. Salt Marshes occur around the high tide zone, often in shallow depressions which fill on... read more
New NSW Environmental Trust Environmental Education Grants
Open now, closing date 8 November 2021 https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/funding-and-support/nsw-environmental-trust/grants-available/environmental-education Support projects that develop knowledge, skills, commitment to, and ongoing participation in protecting the... read more
Shorebirds feature: Sooty Oystercatcher
Haematopus fuliginosus Sooty Oystercatchers are a large coastal wader, with pinkish legs and scarlet-orange eyes and bills, offset by jet-black plumage. Reaching similar sizes as their Pied relatives – about 50cm in length – their contrasting all-black... read more
Fauna Feature – Eastern Pygmy Possum
Climbing between banksias, you may spot a tiny brown marsupial feeding on the nectar. The Eastern pygmy possum (Cercartetus nanus) is a remarkable, endemic Australian species of the eastern coast, including the Hunter region. They are part of a family divided into two... read more
Healthy Farm Dams
Healthy Farm dams webinar recording by Central West Local Land Services. This webinar on healthy farm dams is a must watch for anyone interested in improving our landscape. Alison Elvin presents several examples of farm dams from the not so good to the ideal and... read more
Cactus Causing Prickly Problem
Loading... Taking too long? Reload document | Open in new tab View, Print and Download [659.68 KB] A new state-wide campaign is urging residents to be on the lookout for the prohibited sale or trade of prickly pear cacti. Image of Blind cactus, courtesy of Queensland... read more
Helping Scientists Control Lantana – Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain
Do you have Lantana camara in your backyard or on your property? Our scientists are documenting patterns in Lantana’s genetic diversity across Australia and need your help. “Lantana camara is a widespread shrub with colourful flowers. It’s poisonous to people... read more
Plant of the Month: Mangroves – Getting Muddy
There’s a concept in evolutionary biology called convergent evolution, it’s where distantly related organisms evolve the same or similar strategies for dealing with the environment in which they find themselves. One example many will be aware of are the Thylacines... read more
Plant of the Month: Please don’t pull this one out
Another couple of plants which commonly get mistaken for weeds (and pulled out) is Flannel Leaf (Astrotricha floccosa). With a home range between Newcastle and Sydney it’s found in Dry Sclerophyll Forest on sandstone, unfortunately the leaves can have a strong... read more
Ask a Plant Nerd: From Little Things
Ask a Plant Nerd: From little things. This month’s “Ask a Plant Nerd” question comes from HRLN committee member Les Pearson who asks “What’s a forb and why are they important?” The first bit is easy, a forb is a herbaceous flowering non graminoid (grass like) plant,... read more
Shorebird Feature: Crested Tern
Thalasseus bergii As many of us flock to the shoreline for some lockdown-permitted exercise, you may have spotted flocks of Crested Terns. These ubiquitous shorebirds are the 2nd largest of the Australian Terns- approximately 49cm in length and are the most commonly... read more
Hunter Region Landcare Network Workshop Grants 2021-22 for Member Groups
Thanks to the support of Hunter Local Land Services, HRLN once again has funding available for a series of Field days/workshops, hosted by our Member Groups, on topics of interest to the Landcarers in their local area. Examples include but are not limited to:... read more
Take a Coffee Break, search for Fairy Bells, or take a ride on a drone…
Have you seen our Landcare YouTube channel lately? It’s filling up with stories and adventures across the region. Immerse yourself in the world of our natural environments for inspiration: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJYvXOeppRURmfkwxfYJVA/videos... read more
National Landcare Conference Outcomes
Don’t worry if you missed joining in for the recent online conference, the presentations and discussions are available here for free until the end of September: https://nationallandcareconference.org.au/education-resources/ Prepare to be amazed, questioned, inspired,... read more
National Tree Day success in Maitland
As part of National Tree Day on Sunday 1 August, people all around Australia rolled up their sleeves to plant trees, including at Metford Oval, where Maitland Council invited residents to join in on the planting of 400 seedlings. Local schools also played their part... read more
Working Together Aboriginal Engagement Communities Program
Caring for country is what we do in our Landcare activities, but how do we incorporate Aboriginal cultural knowledge and understanding into our Landcare activities, and seek advice from our local Aboriginal community to guide us? We’ve been working with Landcare NSW... read more
Collaborations are the key…
There are many Landcare projects around the Hunter region that would not happen if it wasn’t for collaborations and meaningful networking. Check out this great video about OzFish and Landcare, featuring our very own Luskintyre community projects: If you would like... read more
Two Hunter Landcare Projects Funded – Landcare Led Bushfire Recovery Fund
Two Hunter Landcare projects gain funding through landcare led bushfire recovery fund. The Program is a $14 million Federal Government commitment to deliver on-ground activities to aid in the recovery of native wildlife and habitat in seven regions severely impacted... read more
Gresford Landcare
This group embodies the Landcare philosophy and spirit with their sense of community, continual learning and sharing of practices that care for the land and local environment. Discover what makes the longest-running Landcare group in the Hunter Valley thrive!... read more
Frog Deaths Across Eastern Australia
Have you noticed ill and dying frogs in your backyard or Landcare site? Please read this article to find out more and send any reports of sick or dead frogs (and if possible, photos) to the national citizen science project FrogID, or email calls@frogid.net.au They... read more
Fauna Feature: Joseph’s Coat Moth
Among the diverse moth species fluttering throughout the Hunter is the magnificently colourful Joseph’s Coat Moth (Agarista agricola), or painted vine moth. The name recalls a biblical story in which Joseph received a “coat of many colours” as a gift from his... read more
Woodland Birds School Program Feature – Mistletoe: Marvellous yet often misunderstood!
Although it is often considered the bane of gardeners, arborists and farmers, the pendulous clumps of mistletoe provide an extremely important resource for all manner of wildlife. Mistletoe boosts wildlife numbers in agricultural landscapes, especially insect-eating... read more
‘Renewal in the Desert’ Short Film
Grab a cuppa, some friends, and a computer interface to enjoy this short film hosted by the Australian Association of Bush Regenerators (AABR) as we celebrate a milestone or two with the production of our documentary celebrating one of the earliest bush regeneration... read more
Expression of Interests sought to present and share your story at the 2022 Landcare NSW & Local Land Services Conference in March 2022
Farmers, Landcarers and community groups with a story to tell are being encouraged to submit their ideas for an opportunity to present at the 2022 NSW Landcare and Local Land Services Conference in Tweed Heads. The conference theme is ‘Rethink, Renew, Recharge’ with... read more
Understanding Nest Boxes
This informative video from Granite Borders Landcare can help explain the need for nest boxes in our changed landscapes and explain some of the complexities in choosing the right nest box for your site or property.... read more
Plant of the Month – Of Serpents and Spinifex
Botanically the Hunter Region compares well with other regions of the world for diversity. Given our geographic location with the New England Fold Belt to the North and East and the largely sedimentary Sydney Basin to the South and West (with the Hunter-Mooki Thrust... read more
Woodland birds: Swift parrot feature
The Central Hunter Valley Woodlands and Eucalypt forests is a vegetation community that has been declared critically endangered since May 2015 (EPBC Act 1999). It is typified by limited undergrowth and a variety of eucalyptus species, including Box gums and Ironbarks.... read more
Fauna Feature: The Pale-headed Snake
On the 16th of July the world celebrates snakes. There is no better place than Australia to increase awareness and introduce you to one of our slithering residents of the Hunter, the pale-headed snake (Hoplocephalus bitorquatus). Australia hosts 14% of the world’s... read more
The 2021 Winter Shorebird Count season is here…
Hi Shorebirders, The Winter Shorebird Count season is already in full swing, starting 15 May and going through until 15 August. Birdlife Australia and the Hunter Bird Observers Club encourage you all to share your survey results when you go to local shorebird areas,... read more
Watch Your Step
When most people think of rare plants they think of large and exotic and hidden in the middle of nowhere. Oftentimes the rare ones can be found right under our feet, or in this case from London, just over our heads. “A rare species of orchid believed to have... read more
Plant of the Month: Not a Weed Either!
Following on from last month’s look at a couple of “weedy looking” natives is another native which looks like a weed and unfortunately has a weedy look alike. Bleeding Heart or Homolanthus populifolius (sometimes listed as Omolanthus populifolius) is a rainforest... read more
2021 Regional Landcare Awards
Thank you to all those Landcarers who came along to celebrate the achievements of groups and individuals in our Hunter region Landcare community. Congratulations to all our winners- Categories and winners Coastcare Award- Clean4Shore Indigenous Land Management Award-... read more
Fauna Feature: The Green and Golden Bell Frog
At the Tocal Field Day, many of you expressed interest in rehabilitating ponds for frogs. So, this month, let me tell you about a fascinating Hunter resident, the green and golden bell frog (Litoria aurea). The green and golden bell frog is typically found in... read more
Timber Production Survey for Rural Landholders
Timber production can be a viable addition to farm income but is not often exploited. Researchers at Southern Cross University are looking at why timber production is not part of the local rural economy and they need your opinions. Researchers are looking for rural... read more
Incorporating Native Biodiversity in the Wine Industry
Wine Australia Regional Program Biodiversity Workshop Hunter Valley I attended this event (HRLN sponsored) recently and was encouraged to learn about the scientific findings supporting the case for native biodiversity in the wine growing industry – and less... read more
Luskintyre Landcare in focus 2021
This new video showcases the inspiring projects and people in this wonderful group…... read more
Plants of the Month: That’s gotta be a weed?
Plant(s) of the Month: That’s gotta be a weed, doesn’t it? Well….. You know how it goes, you go wandering through the bush and see a plant which just doesn’t fit in, which just by the general look of it you just know it’s gotta be a weed. So you reach down and…. NO!... read more
Fauna Feature: Koalas
On the 3rd of May Australia celebrates Wild Koala day. It is the perfect moment to raise awareness of the endangered koalas and their threatened habitat. For this occasion, we introduce you to the koalas of the Hunter (Phascolarctos cinereus cinereus) and a few facts... read more
Motion sensor cameras available
A handy tool for spying on local wildlife activity, or looking out for wild dogs, foxes and cats, our motion sensor cameras are available for members to loan. To arrange to loan, please contact Stacy at lowerhunterlandcare@gmail.com read more
Do trees (forests) really make rain? Or do areas with high rainfall grow forests?
You may have debated this topic at a dinner party, or maybe not… Either way, it is worth pondering. And perhaps planting. An expanding body of evidence supports the idea that forests, in the right conditions, not only make rain locally but also hundreds of kilometres... read more
Luskintyre’s paddock and river plantings on track
Luskintyre Landcare group is on its way to its target of 4000 paddock trees (shrubs and trees) planted by July this year. The trees were donated by the Greater Bank as part of their 75 Year celebrations. Seven property owners (and Landcare members) are taking part... read more
Blazeaid to the Rescue
In a slight departure from their usual works, Blazeaid volunteers are currently (28th April) at Cassilis assisting with revegetation of areas following the 2017 Sir Ivan Bushfire. In the fire slightly over 4 years, ago fifty-five thousand hectares of land was burnt,... read more
Plant of the Month: Blackbutt
Plant of the Month: Blackbutt (Burrooma – Worimi) Eucalyptus pilularis A common tree in the Lower Hunter the Blackbutt is a magnificent tree to 70 metres tall with a natural range along the coast from around Hervey Bay in Queensland to the Victorian border. A... read more
Sustaining the Williams Valley Group
Take a look at this inspiring Landcare group regenerating the Weeping Lily Pilly rainforest on the Williams River. You will also see the results of the recent flood in 2021. You will want to be a part of this after watching! Join here:... read more
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