This week members of Yass Area Network of Landcare Groups (YAN) welcoming Minister Tara Moriarty and the Landcare NSW Board at the Murrumbateman Landcare Community nursery to discuss what our Landcare groups are doing and show the work of our volunteers in the nursery and the Climate Ready Revegetation project.

The Volunteer Landcare NSW Board hail from all across NSW and this visit gave them an opportunity to see first-hand what our volunteer run nurseries are achieving. They heard about our structures, processes and challenges in running the nurseries and some of the fantastic project work and outcomes we are achieving now, and what we are planning in the future.  

We were pleased to hear of the NSW Governments commitment of $8.2 million towards the NSW Landcare Enabling Program. As one of the many groups across NSW that will benefit from the shared services that this funding will enable we look forward to continuing our work in protecting and enhancing biodiverse, productive and climate ready landscapes across the Yass Valley District.

The $8.2 million allocation is aimed at bolstering Landcare NSW operations and support structures. This funding will be utilised in various strategic initiatives, including the employment of up to 7.5 full-time equivalent staff to offer centralised assistance to host organisations such as YAN and coordinators funded through the Program. Additionally, a Shared Services Hub will be established to provide comprehensive support in administration and human resources to these entities. Landcare NSW will spearhead the implementation and management of a state Community of Practice, facilitating gatherings, conferences, and regional events to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange. Plus, a Digital Landcare solution is on the horizon, aiming to streamline reporting processes and enhance knowledge sharing among program participants. The initiative will focus on developing and maintaining strategic partnerships to bolster Landcare's self-sustainability and lessen reliance on direct NSW Government funding in the medium to long term.

The Minister left with half a dozen plants grown from our Climate Ready Revegetation project seed by our nursery volunteers for her own garden. These plants should feel right at home in Queanbeyan and we look forward to hearing of the progress of these seedlings.

When we took over the care of our property in 2005, the western portion was a bleak prospect. Past clearing had spared only a very few scattered trees. The superphosphate and sub-clover that was applied in the 1970s, plus the requisite fifty wethers, ensured that tree regeneration was kept in abeyance. The Millenium drought was in full swing, which added to the desolation. Much of the ground layer was grazed down to mineral soil. We named this area ‘West End’ reflecting its location, and referencing the suburb of Brisbane where we had lived in the previous decade.

We knew that the phosphorus had subsided back to native soil levels and that tree regeneration was likely after the removal of livestock, providing the remaining trees were healthy. But the large Red Box were carrying heavy loads of mistletoe, which, while important to the ecosystem, were likely to soon kill these critical trees. In an act of desperation, Jon climbed the beleaguered trees in his Dunlop Volleys using a rope ladder and a ‘saw on a stick’, and removed all the accessible mistletoes. I dragged the leafy mistletoe carcasses to a small gully which assisted in rapid stabilization of some eroding areas. The trees survived and thrived.

West End in 2005 in its original state. ‘Top Dam’, where our first planting took place, is the small dark area near the tree located furthest left in the frame.

Planting in the drought seemed foolish, but we started at a very small scale, around an existing small dam (Top Dam, pictured), so we could water the tubestock in the dry early years.

Over the next 15 years there have been five stages of revegetation, each one differing in its approach. Our aim has been to create an open woodland, with a diverse perennial ground layer, and trees and shrubs at different densities to provide structural diversity, suitable for both grazing and native fauna habitat. Nature itself has done much of the work, providing abundant eucalypt regeneration and a strong, drought-tolerant, erosion-resistant perennial ground layer, but little in the way of shrubs.

We have been particularly impressed with the positive effects that planting Acacia has had on the microclimate, soil, and understorey diversity, as well as providing excellent habitat for birdlife. Fifteen species of wattle are now established, 12 of which are local and three of which are from the NSW western slopes.

One project has been a ten-year trial to compare the effects of regular burning (with no grazing) and grazing (with no burning) on the ground layer, and to test which regime might be better for increasing plant diversity, and whether burning favours establishment of native herbs.

Top Dam in 2022.

Although we have previously hosted field walks on Gang Gang, none have been on this part of the property. For those interested in seeing the results of the different planting and management approaches, an opportunity to do so is planned for Sunday April 7^th. The event, led by Alison Elvin and myself, is titled Restoring vegetation structure and function for climate resilience. It is open to members of all Landcare groups within the Yass Area Network. Your local group can be contacted through the Groups menu.

Written by: Sue McIntyre

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Want to see more?

Please join us for a guided field walk by Alison Elvin & Sue McIntyre to see the results of this restoration first hand. 

Date: Sun. 7th April 10:00am-1:00pm

Location: just 20 min from Murrumbateman 

Details and to register at the link below;

Restoring vegetation structure and function for climate resilience

Thanks to everyone who joined us at the Wattle Valley nursery to help thin, weed and keep thousands of plants steaming ahead until they are planted out across the district later this year. A wonderful effort and it was lovely seeing your friendly and enthusiastic faces.

See the Video of the days activities here Bowning Bookham Landcare Growing & Thriving

Click Below for the video;

Yass Landcare Network of Landcare Groups (YAN) is delighted to announce that Gary and Hansie Armour, ‘Te Kooti’, Bookham are this year’s winners of the JCH Betts Memorial Landcare Award. 

Nan and Mary-Jane Betts recently presented the award on behalf of YAN and congratulated Gary and Hansie Armour for their amazing achievements, and role modelling sustaining agriculture with protecting and value adding to the environment.

Mary-Jane said; “We are thrilled to present the John Betts memorial Landcare award to Gary and Hansie. Gary’s amazing results over many years of enhancing Te-Kooti with his handy ability to repurpose old tools! Seeing Gary demonstrate his homemade tree seeder and achieving many kilometres of tree lines is fantastic.”

“There is nothing more satisfying seeing tree lines establish returning multiple benefits and diversity back into our landscape.” Mary-Jane continued.      

Nan added: “John (Betts) would have loved seeing Gary and Hansie’s property today, he was a great advocate for protecting our environment, land, and water; Gary will no doubt, inspire others for what is achievable.”

This award recognition celebrates Gary and Hansie's unwavering dedication spanning over two decades toward the rejuvenation and transformation of their property, 'Te Kooti'. 

Upon taking over the land from Gary’s father in 2001 during a dry spell, they encountered a stark, treeless landscape due to previous land clearing practices. 

Their commitment to environmental restoration was evident as they actively engaged with local organisations advocating for landscape revegetation. Notably, their participation in projects like 'Webs of Burrinjuck' encouraged landowners to establish tree lanes connecting Childowla Road with existing habitat pockets on their properties. They both completed a Holistic Management Course, enhancing their grazing practices and decision-making capabilities.

Inspired by mentors Leon Garry and John Betts, Gary initiated trials in direct seeding of trees and shrubs. The efficiency and impact of this method became evident as Gary, using a converted plough, accomplished a monumental feat, sowing a one kilometre stretch across five rows of trees in just a day. This monumental achievement, a stark contrast to the labour-intensive tube stock method, solidified their conviction that direct seeding across their expansive 1000 Ha property was the optimal approach.

Gary estimates that he has completed 20 kilometres of multi row tree lanes since he started. The tree lanes run along existing fencing lines and mostly in a north south direction to cut across the prevailing westerly winds.

Upon receiving the award Gary said he was humbled to receive this award,

“John Bett was such a role model for me, and I like nothing more than watching my soils improve and native grasses return as the years roll by”

Hansie said, “It has been wonderful to see the results achieved by Gary’s dedication. In our business model the soil comes first by using our sheep as a tool in the process, birds and wildlife return. The cream on the cake for us is that it also improves our bottom line."

Gary and Hansie remain committed to their journey of environmental restoration and sustainable agricultural practices. They are active members of the Bowning Bookham Landcare group regularly attending the groups Landcare Farming grazing days and recently hosted a field day on their property showcasing the method of direct seeding which has been used to revegetate their property. 

The Yass Landcare Network proudly honours Gary and Hansie Armour for their visionary stewardship, innovative practices, and unparalleled commitment to environmental sustainability.

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About the JCH Betts Memorial Landcare Award

The JCH Betts Landcare Award commemorates the memory of John Betts, a foundation member of YAN, who made a major contribution over many years to Landcare in the Yass region. The award is made to a person who has made an outstanding and long-term contribution to Landcare. The winner is chosen by the YAN committee.