On 13 October a group of 18 people joined SLG for a walk around the Sutton Village Reserve. The group was led by Dr Sue McIntyre, a local, highly respected plant ecologist.

There are predominantly 6 species of Eucalypt in the Sutton area: The Yellow Box Eucalyptus melliodora), Red Gum (Eucalyptus blakelyi), Apple Box (Eucalyptus bridgesiana), Scribbly Gum (Eucalyptus rossii, Brittle Gum (Eucalyptus mannifera) and the Red Stringy bark (Eucalyptus macrorhynga). That makes identifying Eucalypts here slightly easier as there are 800 different species of Eucalypt in Australia. To confuse us, the juvenile leaves are not the same as the adult leaves!

To identify eucalypts, you look at the leaf shape, the fruit and the seed pods (shape, number and positioning) and the bark as these three aspects can help a lot to identify the tree you want to know more about. Other aspects are the general look of the tree or the smell of the leaves when you crush them.

We also talked about the value of a varied understory, for the smaller birds and the need for some control of grass growth to give the small native ground covers and forbs a chance to thrive.

All in all, it was an interesting and educational walk on a gorgeous Saturday morning.

Written by Arnold Dekker, Sutton Landcare

Thanks to all the dedicated volunteers who joined us at the Bowning Bookham Landcare community nursery for our seed sowing day! Together, we managed to sow thousands of seeds that will grow over the coming months into vital plants and trees. These will eventually find their way into landscapes across the Bowning Bookham district, contributing to our Habitat Hops project.

As the saying goes, "many hands make light work," and this couldn’t have been more true for the day. With so many eager participants, thousands of pots were quickly filled and sown, filling the nursery with an incredible variety of around 50 different plant species.

The majority of the species we’re growing in the nursery are for the Climate Ready Revegetation Project. These species are selected based on whether they are suited to climatic conditions expected for Yass by 2027, which could be hotter and wetter or hotter and drier. We source seed from various provenances, or locations, to introduce genetic diversity and hopefully improve climate adaptability in the plants we are growing. This approach ensures that the hard work of our volunteers and landholders today will result in thriving and resilient vegetation for future generations.

This year, we're excited to introduce four new local species into our nursery: 

- Calytrix tetragona (Common Fringe Myrtle) 

- Dianella revoluta (Black-anther Flax-lily) 

- Einadia hastata (Berry Saltbush) 

- Pultenaea spinosa (Grey Bush-pea)

These additions are a significant step towards enhancing the biodiversity of the area, helping to restore native habitats and supporting local wildlife.

We couldn’t have done it without the amazing energy of our volunteers. You make these days enjoyable, and your efforts are key to the success of projects like this. Stay tuned as these seedlings flourish and make their way into the landscape as part of our Habitat Hops initiative! 🌱

More information on our Habitat Hops project can be found here.

Written by Sarah McGrath, YAN Cooordinator

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Habitat Hops Project

Bowning Bookham District Landcare’s Habitat Hops Project has been assisted by the NSW Governments Environmental Trust.

Yass Landcare were very fortunate to have perfect weather for their second Waterwatch activity and first Habitat Hunt along the Yass Gorge.

The morning began with an acknowledgement of country and an engaging story of early life in and around the gorge by Pam Bell. Pam talked about the stepping stones which are still there today and how they were put in place so children could cross to go to school.

Ross Webster then gave the attendees an update on the Yass Gorge, the importance of the gorge for Yass and as a very precious ‘geological hotspot’ for geologists and natural scientists.

Yolandi Vermaak from Waterwatch Upper Murrumbidgee provided children with nets to begin the search of ‘what is living in our river’. Yolanda identified and explained the importance of many creatures that were found and proclaimed our river water is in ‘good health’. Waterwatch Educates and raises awareness in schools and the community on issues concerning catchment health.

Dr Melissa Snape Senior Ecologist - Urban Biodiversity with EPSDD Conservation Research, ACT Government led the children along the gorge on the Habitat Hunt. Fun Facts and images on wildlife in many forms where hidden across a large area of varying habi- tats, the children each had an answer sheet and habitat image to fill in and tag the appropriate habitat for the animal.

With over 30 enthusiastic attendees, both Yolanda and Melissa had their work cut out for them, answer a swarm of questions from both children and parents alike. Everyone seemed to want to know more!

The children were able to search, clamper, climb and rock hop as they took in this fabulous area in the heart of Yass and at the end of the activities they were engaged in finalising their work sheets on the grass under the big old gum tree before heading home.

Morning tea was provided by Yass Landcare between activities and there was much conversation and laughter between the groups on what they found, overall a very success and fun filled morning as an end of school holiday activity.

Written by Kath McGuirk

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our Landcare Children’s Play with Clay Day! It was a delight to see creativity flow as the children crafted some truly wonderful and unexpected creations from clay.

From beautiful kokedama to squishing seed bombs in little hands, their imaginations knew no bounds!

We had a fantastic time together on that cool spring morning, filled with laughter, chatter, and fun. The excitement and joy on the children's faces made the day even more special, as they embraced this hands-on, nature-based experience.

Your participation helped make this event a success. We look forward to more moments like this in the future!