eNews #9

• 11th May - Armidale Urban Rivercare Group May Working Bee
• 14th May - Member Muster - Sustainable Farming with Native Grains by Kerrie Saunders
• 17th May - Dinner with Harnham Landcare
• 27th May - Telling Your Stories - Workshop with Outback Storyteller Annabelle Brayley
• 21-24th September - Landcare National Conference (Gold Coast)

Adapted from Tarwyn Park Training’s “Learning from Plants” series

Common Names: Ribwort, Lamb’s Tongue, Ribgrass

Scientific Name: Plantago species

Succession Role: Late Succession Accumulator

Plantain is a hardy perennial herb found across lawns, cropping paddocks, pastures, and even footpaths.

Researchers from Western Sydney University, the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, and the University of Tasmania are seeking landholders across northern NSW to take part in a new study on grassy woodland revegetation.

If you’ve planted native grassy woodland species in wide blocks (30m+) over the past 5 to 30 years, your experience is invaluable.

Australia’s gardening industry is unknowingly contributing to the spread of invasive weeds, according to the Invasive Species Council (ISC).

Tens of thousands of plant species are sold by garden retailers, yet fewer than 25% have been assessed for their potential to become invasive.

Popular plants like agapanthus, gazania, and Japanese honeysuckle are among those identified as threats to native ecosystems.

This publication from Sustainable Farms outlines the design and construction of high-performing dams.

Farm dams are a key asset in the agricultural landscapes of eastern Australia, providing essential water for stock, crops, households and for native wildlife.

In the context of a changing climate, water loss from farm dams by evaporation is likely to increase due more extended dry periods, meaning traditional dams may become a less secure farm water source.

WE’RE READY TO PLANT SOME TREES AND SHRUBS

The next North Armidale Walking Tracks (NAWT) working bee will be on Sunday 4th May, 9.00 – 12.30

An area at the “Four Ways” has been slashed and cleared of rubbish, and a number of spots dug over ready for planting.

We look forward to seeing as many as possible to celebrate our achievements during this (and past) seasons- especially welcome are those we haven’t seen for a while, and new faces.

Climate Friendly, Australia’s leading carbon farming service provider, is hosting a free day-long field event focused on how carbon projects can benefit agricultural businesses while generating income through Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs).

Experts will explain the benefits of implementing projects under the Environmental Plantings and Soil methods, including shade and shelter for stock, improved soil health for productivity and the creation of critical koala habitat.

Join us to learn about the vulnerable birds of prey of the Northern Tablelands, see a summary of results from last breeding season, and learn about our plans for the coming year.

• What you will learn:
• The ecology and behaviour of birds of prey of the Northern Tablelands
• Breeding-pair productivity and trends with Dr Steve Debus
• Update about the acoustic, nest camera and GPS tracking project with UNE PhD student Mick Wakefield
• Photography presentation from birder and volunteer Leeza Wishart

Thursday 22 May| 6pm - 8.30pm | Armidale Bowling Club

NSW Farmers would like to invite you to attend a free Business Plan Ready Workshop held in conjunction with the Rural Financial Counselling Service and Farm Business Resilience Program.

This program will provide farmers and landholders with the opportunity to commence or update their Farm Business Plan with the guidance of the Rural Financial Counsellors.