Greetings Christmas Hills Landcarers,
This newsletter is to update you with news and events related to Christmas Hills Landcare.
Included in this newsletter:
1. “Helping a neighbour with weed control” the next CHLG event - Sunday, 28th April
2. Nillumbik Landcare Network – draft Terms of Reference – your feedback due by Monday 8th April
3. Christmas Hills Landcare Fauna Monitoring program update
4. Christmas Hills Landcare Group 2012 Annual Report available online
5. Local Bushfire Safety Information
6. CHills Lounge – Friday 5th April
1. “Helping a neighbour with weed control” the next CHLG event - Sunday, 28th April
Our next event has us return to Judith Ellerton’s property on Skyline Road North. Although much of the bush is recovering well since the property was burnt in the 2009 fires, its recovery would benefit from the control of some environmental weeds that have proliferated in response to the fires, in particular some weedy wattle and melaleuca species.
Come along and learn to recognise these weeds, have demonstrated some of the relevant control methods available, then practice some of these methods using tools from the Christmas Hills Landcare Tool Trailer, thus giving Judith a much appreciated hand.
It is likely to be hard work – on very steep slopes in cool, and possibly wet and windy, weather – so come prepared. Please note that there is no power or shelter on the property, but we will endeavour to have facility to boil water (for hot drinks). BYO plate of afternoon tea, and chair.
More details in the attached flier.
2. Nillumbik Landcare Network – draft Terms of Reference – your feedback due by Monday 8th April
The Christmas Hills Landcare Group has been working with the other Landcare groups in Nillumbik with the formation of the Nillumbik Landcare Network. This has come about following the successful application for funding for a part time Landcare Facilitator submitted by Strathewen Landcare Group on behalf of the ten groups in Nillumbik. Damian Magner is the new facilitator, and he has been working with representatives from each of the groups in Nillumbik (I have been representing Christmas Hills) to develop draft Terms of Reference for the Network, as well as draft Terms of Reference for the Administration Group that is proposed as part of the overall network structure (see attached structure diagram and draft ToRs).
Each of the groups are now being invited to consult their respective membership before the ToRs are finalised and the network established. If you have any thought or comments on any of the proposed Network structure or draft ToRs, please send them to me no later than Monday 8th April, so that I can compile them for presenting at the next Nillumbik Landcare Network meeting.
3. Christmas Hills Landcare Fauna Monitoring program update
The main component of the Christmas Hills Landcare Fauna Monitoring Program involves the use of motion-sensing infra red camera by landholders to see what fauna they can detect on their properties. In 2013 most of the cameras have been set to take short videos and already we have a few great videos. When we get an image or video of a significant species (typically a threatened species) we are uploading the image/video onto our website, and plotting the location of the image capture on an online, web-based map for all to see. For example why not have a look at:
In addition, the presentations given at each of the 2011 and 2012 end-of-year events that summarised what the cameras had captured in each of the those years are now available online here (2011) and here (2012)
4. Christmas Hills Landcare Group 2012 Annual Report available online
Each of you should by now have seen a copy of the 2012 Annual Report that presents a summary of our events and projects for the 2012 calendar year. It Is also now available online here.
5. Local Bushfire Safety Information
The Country Fire Authority has published a range of Community Information Guides for people who live, or work in areas of high bushfire risk. Specific guides are available for a range of locations including Christmas Hills, Bend of Islands, and other surrounding locations. The booklets contain a host of valuable information about being prepared and staying safe during the summer months, and can be accessed via the internet on…. www.cfa.vic.gov.au/guides
6. CHills Lounge – Friday 5th April
The CHills Lounge (Christmas Hills Community Happy Hour) is on again from 5:30pm onwards Friday 5th April at the Christmas Hills North Fire Brigade Station on the corner of Ridge and Muir Roads. A great way to meet and socialise with your neighbours, these are held on the first Friday of every month.