Across the Yass Valley, a dedicated group of volunteers regularly gather to test water quality at key sites—keeping a close eye on the health of our local waterways. These citizen science efforts are part of the Waterwatch program, supported by Ginninderra Catchment Group, and they play a vital role in helping us understand and protect our rivers.

Among the most exciting aspects of this work are the regular waterbug surveys, which involve taking a closer look at the small creatures that live in our creeks and rivers. Recently, Yolandi Vermaak, Waterwatch Coordinator from Ginninderra Catchment Group, pulled on her waders and headed out to Hattons Corner on the Yass River, one of our regularly monitored sites, to do just that.

Sampling involves collecting waterbugs from a range of habitats—riverbanks, sandy bottoms, and rocky areas—to get a diverse and representative mix. The bugs are rinsed into a bucket, then poured into flat trays for close inspection. Each tray is carefully combed through to identify and count the different types of water-dwelling invertebrates.

Why waterbugs? Because they’re excellent indicators of river health. Some species, like mayfly nymphs, are particularly sensitive to pollution and other environmental changes. Their presence in good numbers during this latest survey was a promising sign. Other species found included dragonfly nymphs, water boatmen, water skaters, and freshwater molluscs like basket shells—all contributing to a rich and balanced aquatic ecosystem. There were a few pests there too like the introduced gambusia (mosquito fish) which affects native fish and frogs.

Together with the regular water testing done by our wonderful local volunteers, these waterbug surveys help paint a clearer picture of the condition of our rivers and streams. It’s encouraging to see such signs of health in the Yass River, but ongoing monitoring remains essential.

Want to get involved? Whether you're interested in testing water quality or exploring the world of waterbugs, we’d love your help! Contact our YAN Coordinator, [email protected] or Yolandi Vermaak, Waterwatch Coordinator, [email protected] to learn more about becoming part of this grassroots science effort. It’s a hands-on way to care for our environment—and a great excuse to get your feet wet for a good cause.

Written by Sarah McGrath, YAN Coordinator & Waterwatch Volunteer

A determined and cheerful group of volunteers braved a chilly, damp morning in Binalong to get hundreds of native plants in the ground as part of the Bowning Bookham Landcare Group’s Habitat Hops project. The planting took place on Chris and Gina Grubb’s property, ‘Billabong’, where they are working to restore and reconnect habitat across the farm.

Volunteers came from far and wide—Bungendore, Canberra, Yass, Binalong, and of course, Bowning and Bookham—united by a shared vision for healthy landscapes and thriving biodiversity. Despite the weather, spirits were high, and the teamwork was inspiring.

Before picking up the pottiputkis and tree guards, the group gathered around a large map of the property as Chris and Gina shared their plans. This particular planting aimed to connect two remnant stands of Blakely’s Red Gum and link nearby farm dams with corridors of native vegetation. These habitat links are essential for birdlife, providing food, shelter, and nesting sites.

A diverse mix of plants was selected, tailored to the site’s lower slopes and flats. Flowering species like acacias and callistemons will provide rich foraging for birds and insects. Dense and spiky shrubs such as Acacia paradoxa and needle-leaf hakeas will offer shelter and nest protection. And a good selection of eucalypts and large trees all from the Climate Ready Revegetation nursery mix will add to the structure, genetic diversity and resilience to the landscape.

Part of the planting zone included salt-affected ground. Here, hardy species like saltbush and hopbush were planted to help stabilise the soil and kickstart recovery in this degraded patch.

Throughout the morning, volunteers worked efficiently—digging, planting, setting up guards, and ferrying materials. Morning tea was a highlight, with delicious cakes shared in the paddock. Younger helpers were thrilled to discover healthy earthworms and bugs in the soil, and many got right into the action with pottiputki planters and muddy hands.

There was a special satisfaction for volunteers who had previously spent time in the nursery growing the plants—they were now seeing the results of their efforts take root.

The skies opened just after lunch, giving the newly planted seedlings a perfect soak. The group gathered again in the afternoon for a guided tour with Chris and Gina, who showed off other revegetation work around the farm. One particularly promising site was a new planting along the Boorowa River—set to become a thriving haven in the years ahead.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined the planting, supported nursery work, or contributed to species selection through the Climate Ready Revegetation project. With each planting, we’re helping to realise the vision of vibrant, resilient farms that support both production and biodiversity.

Want to get involved?
Follow Bowning Bookham Landcare on Facebook and Instagram or subscribe to our newsletter. The group meets monthly to share ideas and a meal at the Bowning Pub—new faces are always welcome.

Written by Sarah McGrath, Coordinator, Bowning Bookham Landcare Group

7 people braved the morning fog and cold at the Reserve behind the school for the second mini working bee to remove weeds and clean up debris that has blown in from the surrounding area.

It was another successful morning: in one and a half hours we removed: some serrated tussock (the rest will be sprayed at a convenient time) ;15 Briar roses; 5 Cotoneasters; 50 St Johns Worts; 75 Sifton bushes; 4 very large Hawthorns, 10 Cootamundra wattles, and 1 bag of litter. The rest of the serrated tussock and the large blackberries will be tackled later (too much to remove by hand). Unfortunately, some people still use the reserve as a dumping ground. An old 2-seater swing bench seat has been dumped. Please take these items to the tip.

Removal of Sifton Bush (Before & After)

The Reserve is recognised as a valuable original native box gum woodland The Sutton Landcare Group now has permission from Crown Lands and we have started weeding and cleaning up.

It is always amazing to see how much can be done by a small, enthusiastic group of people. We all learnt from each other again and enjoyed a coffee and a chat at the Bakery afterwards.

If you live near the Reserve, or you would like to help Sutton Landcare to make the Reserve a true community asset, with paths for walking, and seating, please roll up your sleeves and join us the next time! It is a great way to learn about our natural environment and how we can care for it, and to meet other people from our community.

Written by Arnold Dekker, Coordinator Sutton Landcare Group

A small group was at it again this week — collecting leaf samples from Yellow Box (Eucalyptus melliodora) for genetic testing. This time, the focus was on remnant paddock trees — the beautiful giants scattered across our landscape. A 5-metre-long homemade device was needed just to reach some of the lowest branches!

The leaves have now been mailed to our geneticist friends at the Botanic Gardens of Sydney, who will analyse the genetic makeup of each tree. This work will help us better understand the genetic diversity already present in our landscapes — and how much we're enhancing that diversity through the Climate Ready Revegetation project.

Genetic diversity gives plants (and animals) the capacity to adapt to change over generations. That’s why increasing genetic diversity in the tubestock grown at our local Landcare nurseries is a key focus of YAN’s Climate Ready Revegetation project. As the climate gets hotter, we want to give our revegetated areas the best chance to survive and thrive. To increase genetic diversity, we source seed from a wide range of provenances. But the only way to be sure we’re achieving that diversity is through genetic testing. We started sampling back in March, and are excited to learn the results later in the year!

The latest Practioner Updates from the Research Centre for Ecosystem Resilience (ReCER) at the Botanic Gardens of Sydney gives a great overview of the relevance of genetic research to conservation and restoration. 

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The Climate Ready Revegetation Project has been assisted by the NSW Government through its Environmental Trust. Landcare Australia Michael King grants enable us to purchase seed from diverse provenances.