The 2024 Murrumbateman Field Days showcased  biodiversity, colour, and curiosity as the Murrumbateman Landcare Group brought to life the theme “Insects in the Web of Life.” Designed to draw attention to the vital roles insects play in our ecosystems, the display captured the imagination of visitors of all ages.

At the heart of this year’s event was a stunning artwork by Landcare member and artist Janette Hannan. Janette’s creation depicted a fascinating local landscape alive with insects and other animals, each species intricately interwoven in a tapestry of life and predation. This remarkable piece brought into focus the complexity and beauty of our local ecosystems, from predators to pollinators. Adding depth to the display, Janette also shared information and images of the endangered Key’s Matchstick grasshopper, found at Murrumbateman’s Crown Reserve. Alongside this rare and remarkable grasshopper, her vibrant illustrations of butterflies, moths, and lady beetles created a colourful backdrop, drawing visitors into a world often overlooked.

Field Days are always an opportunity for hands-on learning, and this year was no exception. Over 120 children took part in the Insect Hunt activity, scouring the display to find images of twelve different types of insects hidden throughout the tent. The excitement was contagious, and every child who completed the hunt took home a special sticker featuring Janette’s beetle and butterfly artworks. Many children, and adults alike, enjoyed examining insect samples under magnification, marvelling at the details of tiny creatures up close. A yabby in pond water was a particular crowd-pleaser, sparking questions and interest in aquatic habitats.

Landcare’s collaboration with ACT for Bees brought a fresh perspective on Sunday, as Julie Armstrong delivered an engaging talk on the importance of planting for pollinators. Her insights highlighted how both farms and home gardens can become havens for pollinating insects, supporting biodiversity and enhancing productivity. It was an inspiring reminder of the power of planting and planning to make a difference in our ecosystems.

Like each year the tent was fileld with plants from the Landcare nursery, which were freely shared with visitors eager to introduce native plants into their own landscapes. Throughout the day, discussions sprang up about the role of Landcare, habitat restoration, and how individuals can contribute to conservation.

The Field Days also hosted a range of complementary displays, with representatives from Local Land Services (providing the tent), Birds Australia, and organisations addressing the challenges of feral animals and weeds. The message was clear: Landcare is about collaboration, education, and community action.

We extend heartfelt thanks to the many volunteers who made the day possible, the speakers, and, of course, everyone who came along. It was a pleasure to see so many enthusiastic faces and to feel the energy of a community united by its passion for the land and all its inhabitants.

Written by Sarah McGrath, Local Coordinator

Thanks to the combined efforts of the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust and Landcare NSW under the Private Land Conservation Matters Project, the Yass Area Network of Landcare Groups (YAN) recently hosted a dynamic workshop titled A Bird in the Hand, Data in the App. This interactive day brought together community members passionate about the natural world to learn how to use citizen science apps and identify local flora and fauna.

The day kicked off with introductions to two key citizen science apps, Nature Mapr and Birdata. These tools are streamlining how data is gathered, empowering everyday people to make meaningful contributions to scientific knowledge. Participants were shown how to log data on local biodiversity through these apps, underscoring the significant role that citizen science plays in monitoring and preserving our environment.

Dr. Michael Mulvaney provided an inspiring overview of recent discoveries in the Southern Tablelands region, highlighting the power of collective data. He shared insights into the role that citizen scientists have played in tracking the endangered Gang-gang cockatoo’s breeding sites and identifying their food sources. Contributions like these not only add to scientific knowledge but directly influence conservation efforts for species preservation. Additionally, the data submitted through these platforms has allowed Landcare groups and local councils to manage weeds more effectively by spotting them early. This targeted action has saved resources by preventing the spread of invasive species.

In a practical bird identification session, Dr. Margot Oorebeek guided participants through spotting some of the common birds found in the Yass region, including visitors to the Yass Gorge like the Rufous Whistler, known for its unique “falling leaf” call pattern. Margot emphasised that bird identification is as much about listening as it is about observing, giving attendees a sense of confidence to contribute to ongoing bird surveys by BirdLife Australia, including the Birds on Farms project.

After a morning of learning, the group headed to Yass Gorge for a picnic lunch and a chance to put their new skills into practice. The peaceful environment of the Gorge offered a perfect backdrop to connect with nature and explore the region’s rich biodiversity. The group was introduced to the work that the Friends of Yass Gorge have been undertaking to restore and protect this unique are in the heart of Yass. 

Under the shade of a magnificent river red gum, Pam Bell shared the cultural heritage of Yass Gorge, also known as "the Cliffs" by the Ngunnawal people. She spoke about the Gorge’s significance and how it connects with other culturally important areas, tracing the pathways the Ngunnawal people traditionally travelled across Country. This added a profound dimension to the day, fostering a sense of connection between ecological conservation and cultural respect.

Throughout the afternoon, participants exchanged tips on identifying plants, birds, and insects, finding delight in the abundance of life that thrives within the Gorge. The enthusiasm for citizen science and the desire to contribute to the community’s understanding of local biodiversity was evident.

For those inspired by the workshop, there is an ongoing opportunity to join the Friends of Yass Gorge and help preserve this treasured part of Yass. If you’re interested in joining the community efforts, please reach out to Sarah, [email protected].

Whether you're a seasoned naturalist or a curious newcomer, your contributions are invaluable to fostering a deeper understanding of Yass’s unique environment.

Written by Sarah McGrath, YAN Coordinator

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

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