Bushcare
news
SPRING 2013
Reading Snake
Behaviour
Species to watch out for.
Nursery Volunteers’
Field Trip
Inspecting the results of their labours.
Caring for the
Hawkesbury-Nepean Estuary
Floating Landcare helping to manage the
spread of weeds.
National Tree Day
Repairing the Sydney Turpentine
Ironbark Forest.
Birdwatchers Basics
A few tips on birdwatching.
+
Staff reports
ı Volunteer reports ı Bushcare training ı Office matters ı Diary dates and events
Newsletter managed by Hornsby Shire Council
Natural Resources Branch
For more information visit
hornsby.nsw.gov.au/bushcare
BUSHCARE NEWS
Major Day Out
A celebration of our unique bushland!
Bushcare’s Major Day Out is a day
designed to give everyone the
opportunity to find out more about
our local bushland. Specifically, what
is being done and what can be done
in the bush where you live, so that
the next generation can experience
the bushland. It’s a fun day where
everyone, young and old can work
and learn alongside experts. There are
a range of activities; weed removal,
walks, planting, as well as native plant
identification and great morning teas.
There were six sites in total; Epping
sites included Midson Rd, Epping Oval,
Stanley Rd and Bedford Rd/Cooper. As
well as Observatory Park in Beecroft
and Murray Rd in Cheltenham.
Council produced banners to promote
the event at sites. All sites were
advertised in the local paper and on
our website. All people who attended
the event were treated to a site tour,
an introduction to bushcare and a
lovely morning or afternoon tea.
Some groups gained new volunteers!
If you are interested in hosting a
Major Day Out in September 2014
please talk to your Bushcare Trainer.
Working on
the roadside
Our Bushcare sites are presently
being assessed to determine if we
require traffic control plans. Our
Bushcare Trainers and field staff
will receive training in applying
traffic control plans. Should your
group work within 3m of a
trafficable road lane, please
discuss options with your trainer
or the Environmental Scientist –
Bushcare on 9847 6362. Until we
have assessed all Bushcare sites
please do not work within 3m of
the kerb.
Christmas party and
bushcare competitions
Contact Details
Hornsby Shire Bushcare
Earthwise Cottage
28 Britannia St, Pennant Hills
General Bushcare enquiries
E: [email protected]
F: 02 9484 3588
Mail: PO BOX 37
Hornsby NSW 1630
Environmental Scientist –
Bushcare
Leanne Johnston (Mon to Wed)
and Meron Wilson (Thur to Fri)
9847 6362
Bushland Coordinator
Community Programs
Danielle Sutton (Mon to Thur)
9847 6360
Nursery and Guided Bushwalk
Program Coordinator
Ross Rapmund 9847 6361
Incident and hazard reporting
9847 4848 (outside business hours)
2 SPRING 2013
This year’s Bushcare Christmas Party is a supper bush dance so you have
the opportunity to bring along your dance partner. For those of you who
don’t have dancing shoes you can sit amongst your Bushcare friends and
catch up since last year. There is plenty of space in Galston Community
Centre and its air conditioned too. Be sure to book early, numbers are strictly
limited! For details see Diary Dates. Note the previously published eNews
times for the Christmas party have changed; refer to your invitation for
correct times.
Our Beautiful Bushland – Bushcare Photo Competition
Thank you to everyone who sent in photos for the competition. All the
photos were on display in the Earthwise Cottage and on the website at
hornsby.nsw.gov.au/bushcarephotocomp during October and November.
The winner will be announced at the Christmas party.
Before and After – Bushcare Photo Competition
There were also many great entries for the bushcare before and after photo
competition. We look forward to these being used in future displays. Some
of you have made some excellent progress, particularly the grant projects.
Poetry and Prose Competition
The Poetry and Prose competition is still open.
Competition closes Friday 15 November. Thank you
ms
ite .
to everyone who has made a submission.
s
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Entries will be judged at the Christmas
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Party and the winner announced. The
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winners will be displayed at local
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/bu
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libraries throughout the year.
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My Bushcare
story
We recently asked you to submit your Bushcare story to assist us
“add the personal touch” to promoting the Bushcare Volunteer program.
Thank you to those that have submitted your stories. They are fabulous
and we wish to encourage you to continue to submit your entries.
We will be displaying them at this years Bushcare Christmas party.
We would also like to pop them on our website, Facebook, local media
releases and use on display material when exhibiting Bushcare.
So by providing your submission you are agreeing to use your photo
and your story for this promotional material.
Please give us your Bushcare story in approximately 80 words and
a photo of you at your site in your bushcare gear.
Barbara and David D
armanin.
Please submit an electronic version to [email protected].
For more information, contact Danielle Sutton 9847 6360.
David
Darmanin of
the Bambara/
Darmanin
Bushcare
group since
1996
Good to see the vegetation
community develop by
forming layers from
ground storey, mid storey
and canopy.
The return of birds and
wildlife to the area is very
satisfying to provide this
wildlife corridor.
New Bushcode
Manual
Coming soon! A Training
Manual for all Bushcare
volunteers. When you undertake
the Bushcode workshop for the
first time (or as a refresher) you
will soon receive a manual with
all the important information, a
safety guide and tips to help you
become a Bushcarer. It should
be available for all in the coming
months – look out for it!
Barbara
Darmanin of
the Bambara/
Darmanin
Bushcare
group since
1996
Its relaxing, its social, its
hard work but gives great
satisfaction and reward to
see the positive change
over the past 17 years of
doing Bushcare. This area
was once heavily weed
infested and now is
improved bush.
Group leaders
There have been so many changes over the years; originally group leaders
were the keepers of the sign-on sheets. Now due to legislative changes
some Bushcare group leaders are responsible for so much more. We are
making every attempt to keep the Bushcare program flexible and
accommodating for our all volunteers. Soon you will receive a survey
asking your opinions on the changes and ways to manage the impacts.
In February 2014 we will have a series of Bushcare Group Leader Forums
to openly discuss issues and determine a way forward. This will be for
Group Leaders only. This is your opportunity to have your say about how
the program is supported and ways we can work effectively together.
See diary dates for details.
hornsby.nsw.gov.au/bushcare 3
BUSHCARE NEWS
National Tree Day 2013
T
his year we focused on repairing a remnant of
Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest (STIF) which
as you probably know is an endangered ecological
community under NSW law, and if over one hectare it is
critically endangered under federal law. There are only
297 hectares left of this plant community in Hornsby
Shire, mostly on private property in the rural areas.
STIF was once common throughout the Sydney from
Hurstville in the south, Strathfield in the west, and north
to Pennant Hills. What remains is found in fragmented
and often weed infested patches with major edge
disturbance issues.
A few mature Turpentine (Syncarpia glomulifera) and
Ironbark (Eucalyptus paniculata) trees were growing near
the chosen site as well as some recently planted smaller
ones, so we concentrated our plant selection on filling
in the mid-storey and groundcover layers.
4 SPRING 2013
The site was prepared ahead of time by our Field Officer
Sonny Armstrong, with help from the Inala volunteer team.
It was on the edge of some very popular playing fields, so
they attached red and white striped tape to star pickets
around the edges to make the planting area really obvious.
Sonny also did a lot of plant hole digging.
Around forty visitors turned up to lend a hand on the day. It
was heartening to see so many parents bringing their
children along to give back to nature. They were very keen
to plant, and we would have run out of stock if Ross hadn’t
turned up with a few extra trays of plants from the Nursery.
The Beecroft Cheltenham Junior Rugby Association were
using the sports oval that day, and very kindly opened their
canteen to us, so we could offer our workers a drink and a
hot sandwich.
To protect the plants we staked and bagged as many as
we could. They were also given a good drink of water, as
the ground was very dry. Sonny and Inala continue to look
after the plants to increase their chances of success.
It was heartening to see
so many parents bringing
their children along to give
back to nature.
Past
news
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hornsby.nsw.gov.au/bushcare 5
BUSHCARE NEWS
Caring for the
Hawkesbury-Nepean
estuary
Lynne
S
some larpringett and P
ge Aga
a
ve on Sula Ellis (cent
pectacl re) and
e Island
.
F
loating Landcare volunteers have
participated in nine activity days
caring for the HawkesburyNepean estuary since August last year.
Rebecca Mooy, Hawkesbury-Nepean
Catchment Management Authority
Catchment Officer said the project
has been a great success with weedy
sites being managed in what are
otherwise pristine bushland remnants
in the Nationals Parks and some
council sites in the estuary.
“Floating Landcare is a great way for
people to get directly involved in
protecting these largely weed free
remnants, see new sites and meet
like-minded people. Volunteers get a
free lunch and snacks and get to learn
some new bush regeneration skills.
We all work together at the floating
landcare sites to manage the spread
of weeds and help the bushland to
recover,” said Rebecca.
Judy Jeffery, Hornsby Bushcare
volunteer said Floating Landcare
“encourages ordinary people to
appreciate their bushland heritage.”
Some of the locations that volunteers
have visited include Milson’s Passage
and Peats Bight in Muogamarra
Nature Reserve, Long, Scotland and
Spectacle Islands, Gentleman’s Halt.
Sandbrook Inlet near Brooklyn and
Hungry Beach, near West Head.
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ares ern a morning
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Floatinthe River taacle Island.
on n Spec
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Judy Je
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Weed frry removes Pamp
as
om Long
Island N Grass and Cro
fton
ature R
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6 SPRING 2013
Floating Landcare is coordinated by
the Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment
Management Authority in partnership
with Hornsby, Gosford and Pittwater
Councils and the local National Parks
and Wildlife Service in the estuary.
Hornsby Council will be hosting
Floating Landcare sessions at Bar
Island in dates are as follows.
n
n
Thursday 31 October
8.30am-2.30pm, and
Thursday 28 November
8.30am-2.30pm
Please call Kaylene/Jo-Anne on
9847 6832 to book in and receive
details to meet/pick up.
If you are interested in joining us at
Bar Island for a morning of Bushcare
contact Donna Fitton on 9847 6976
or [email protected].
Grimm enjoy
y
d
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e
W
d
n
a
Barry Lees ride to Peats Bight.
the boat
Floating Landcare is a great way for
people to get directly involved in
protecting these largely weed free
remnants, see new sites and meet
like-minded people.
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Lan Island.
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hornsby.nsw.gov.au/bushcare 7
BUSHCARE NEWS
Reading snake
behaviour
species to watch out for
I
f you find yourself being chased by
a snake, remember, if you can think
at all, that their top speed is around
7.5 kmh – that’s a fast walking pace in
open country.
There is the small but vital matter of
strike speed. This is temperature
dependent (at 13ºC they are slow-ish,
at 30ºC don’t blink). The strike zone
can be 5-15 cm for a Death Adder or
1 metre plus for a Brown Snake. To be
on the safe side leave all snakes at
least 2 metres of space.
Usually the best way to stop a snake
from having a go at you is to stand
still. Their eyesight is attuned to
movement – movement to a snake
signals predator or prey; either way,
you’ll have their full attention! Snakes
have a highly developed sense of
smell, enhanced by flicking their
forked tongue. However it is unlikely
they can smell fear – another
myth busted!
So why are they going after you? Well
it could be you look like the closest
shelter. Snakes are very keen to stay
out of the way of predators such as
kookaburras, raptors and goannas,
and with their limited eyesight they
might see you as a rocky outcrop or a
log, and head in your direction. Not
chasing, just mistaken identity is all.
Movement triggers a snake’s
defensive response. Their first
response is to flee, but if they feel
cornered, they will try to defend
themselves. Some Australian snakes
have very impressive defensive
displays, as anyone who has seen the
menacing, tightly coiled S shape of an
eastern brown will testify!
8 SPRING 2013
Snakes like to hang out in warm and
dry places, especially over winter.
Because they are able to absorb heat
energy from their surroundings
(sunshine, warm rocks, under tin etc)
snakes have one tenth the food
requirements of mammals. This
explains their extraordinary ability
to thrive in some of Australia’s
harshest regions.
What snake is that? Colour and
patterns vary widely within species.
Trying to identify snakes on looks
alone is fraught with danger and many
people suffer bites when they mistake
venomous snakes for harmless ones.
If it is during the day, down by the
creek where the frogs are croaking,
there is a good chance it is a Redbellied Black Snake. They are
relatively common near urban areas,
and one of the least aggressive of the
venomous variety. They are reluctant
to bite and often give what’s known
as a ‘dry’ bite, whereby they fail to
inject any venom. When they do inject
their venom, however, the experience
can be extremely painful and
moderately toxic. And yes, they eat
Brown Snakes.
If it is in open grassy (mice) country
– anywhere but forested lands really during the day then it could be a
Brown Snake. Brown snakes are one
of the most variable in colour and
pattern of any snake species. The
young have noticeably ring-patterned
scales, which fade in adults to all
manner of colour permutations. They
are distinctly pin-headed. Brown
snakes are perhaps Australia’s most
dangerous snake: found in most
Australian habitats including urban
settings, they are extremely reactive,
move quickly over the ground, can rear
up well over a metre and strike with
great athleticism.
Brown Snake venom is the second
most toxic terrestrial snake venom
known. Even their young are capable
of delivering a fatal bite. There is no
immediate pain or swelling associated
with Brown Snake bite, and
sometimes the only indicator of
envenomation is the wound won’t
stop bleeding. Nausea and dizziness
may become apparent within an
hour or so, and the effects can
progress rapidly.
Fortunately brown snake fangs are
small – 2.8mm long on average – and
produce one or two drops of venom
per bite. Sure, one drop may be
enough to kill an elephant, but the
smaller the fangs, the greater
likelihood they fail to penetrate – from
the hundreds of brown snake bites
that occur, on average only 15%
result in serious life threatening
envenomation.
If it is a warm night down along the
foreshore of the Hawkesbury river or
its tributaries amongst the native
vegetation, it could be a Death Adder
on the move. In the early 19th century
it was referred to as the Deaf Adder,
as it seemed immune to disturbances
and would lie hidden in the
undergrowth, giving no warning of its
presence. If accidentally touched or
brushed over, the death adder gives a
lighting fast reflexive strike. Its venom
is the fourth most toxic venom known
causing profound paralysis. Given its
viper like appearance and propensity
to bury itself down in the leaf litter,
Death Adders can be mistaken for
Blue Tongue Lizards.
What to do in
case you’re bitten
To reduce the chance of being bitten by a snake, wear
loose trousers, thick socks, and leather shoes. If you do
get bitten, stay still and as calm as possible to minimise
the spread of venom through the lymph gland system.
Bind the wound affected limb firmly and immobilise it
as soon as possible, and send for help. While waiting for
it to arrive, spare a kind thought for Eric Worrelll who
championed the collection of venom for treating snake
and spider bite.
Things you should NOT do include:
Do NOT attempt to kill the snake
er.
Death Add
Do NOT apply a tourniquet
Do NOT suck, cut or wash the bite
Do NOT apply chemicals or antiseptics
Do NOT give medication or alcohol
Do NOT let the victim walk around or be
physically active
Do NOT take off the compression bandage – it MUST
be removed at the hospital.
Treat all snake bites no matter how superficial they
may appear as a serious medical emergency. Take no
chances. For more information or help identifying
a snake log on to www.whatsnakeisthat.com.au/
nsw/sydney.html
osser.
yRS
b
e
k
a
n
S
n
w
n Bro
Easter
ard.
Liz
Blue-tongued
hornsby.nsw.gov.au/bushcare 9
BUSHCARE NEWS
Eastern Pygmy Possum
walk n’ talk
T
hreatened Species Day was commemorated with
a presentation by Paul Burcher on studies he is
undertaking on behalf of Hornsby Shire Council
to increase the knowledge base of the Eastern Pygmy
Possum (Cercartetus nanus).
These tiny creatures (15 - 43 grams) were listed as
vulnerable in NSW in 2001 and their status has not
improved. They are found along the coast of south-eastern
Australia, and inland as far as Dubbo, Parkes and
Wagga Wagga.
They are active, mostly nocturnal climbers with an almost
bare, prehensile (capable of curling and gripping) tails, and
big, forward-pointing ears. They inhabit a broad range of
habitats but in most areas woodlands and heath appear
to be preferred.
They feed largely on nectar and pollen collected from
banksias, eucalypts and bottlebrushes; and are important
pollinators of heath plants such as banksias. They eat soft
fruits and insects when flowers are less abundant.
Eastern Pygmy Possums appear to be mainly solitary,
each individual using several nests in tree hollows, holes in
the ground, abandoned bird-nests, or thickets of vegetation
(eg. grass-tree skirts). Young can be born whenever food
sources are available, with most births occurring between
late spring and early autumn.
During the cold months they go into torpor, with body
curled, ears folded and internal temperature close to
the surroundings.
Paul talked about his research into the population of Eastern
Pygmy Possums in the Cowan catchment heathland, and
then led the group into the field to inspect nesting boxes
set up to conduct his trials. There was nobody at home, but
there is evidence that man-made nests, including the PVC
erley.
ossum
my P
g
y
P
n
r
e
ast
imb
K
e
c
u
r
by B
E
astern
E
h
t
i
w
cher
Paul Bur ossum nesting box
Pygmy P
pipe with mesh lining style, were being occupied. Motion
sensitive footage showed possums emerging from the
boxes and foraging on Lambertia formosa (Mountain Devils)
and Banksia spinulosa (Hairpin Banksia).
If you are interested in learning more about this very
photogenic creature, Ku-ring-gai Council are hosting a talk
by Brad Law on Sunday 1 December. Details will be posted
on the Ku-ring-gai website and wildthings.org.au.
Hornsby Bushcare will host another walk n’ talk with Paul
Burcher in early June next year, when the chances of finding
Eastern Pygmy Possums at home will be very good.
Australian Association
of Bush Regenerators
Australian Association of Bush Regenerators (AABR)
is a key non-government organisation promoting
the study and practice of ecological restoration
and fostering effective management of natural areas
by qualified people.
Membership of AABR is open to all people with an
interest in ecological restoration and bush regeneration.
If you would like to know more or apply for
membership contact the secretary or look up the
website www.aabr.org.au
10 SPRING 2013
Birdwatchers basics
Here are a few tips on birdwatching techniques to get you
started. Be warned: this is an addictive habit!
W
hat our eyes perceive and interpret can
be very different to what is actually in
front of us so when you do see a bird of
interest try to concentrate on these attributes first:
1.
Size: perhaps best compared to something you
know well ie. is it magpie sized or wren sized?
Superb Fairy Wren. Birds
in Backyards.
Wrens by Noel Rosten.
Red-browed Firetail by er.
Ron Watts, bushcare volunte
Silvereye.
2.Silhouette: as in its shape either perched or in
flight. Sometimes the apparent lighting may be
working against you – so a silhouette may be all
you have to look at.
3.Diagnostic features: plumage (feathers),
leg length and colour, tail – its shape, size or
patterns, the beak and is it calling or singing?
4.Habit or behaviour: of the bird
5.The habitat the bird is occupying: soaring high
above, in undergrowth, the upper canopy or out
on a water body.
6.Seasonality: Sydney is home to quite a few
migrants at certain times of the year. With this
point also comes time of day, many species are
more active and easier to observe at dawn or dusk.
7.
Follow the birdwatchers code: to ensure the welfare
of the birds you are watching and the habitat they are in.
Armed with these starters you’re also going to need a few
tools to give you the edge on positively identifying that
Superb Fairy-wren from a Variegated Fairy-wren.
1.
Binoculars. A topic all of its own. Look for a pair that
is relatively lightweight, lets in lots of light when there
is little natural light available (dawn and dusk) and has
relatively strong magnification – but not like a lunar
telescope. A pair between 8 x 25 and 10 x 42 satisfies.
The first number refers to the amount of magnification
whilst the second is the diameter of the lens - the
larger this figure the heavier the binoculars will be.
Expect to pay $150 to $400 for anything half decent.
2. Field guides. There are many field guides on
Australian birds: comprehensive ones, specialised
books just on a group or a even a single species,
ones with coloured plates, ones with photographs.
The choice can be bewildering. Weight is also
a consideration if you’re lugging it around all day.
Choose one that suits you with adequate pictures
and text descriptions.
The beauty of these is that they come with recorded
calls for that extra helping hand to identify between a
Striated Thornbill and a Brown Thornbill. They weigh a
lot less than a book but rely on battery power.
3.A notebook. Indispensible. This is where you can
write all the details we discussed above including a
sketch of the bird in question. You can scribe lists for
particular reserves, times of year for particular species
and even your life list!
And finally here are some great links to where you can find
much more detailed information:
http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/
A great site with details on birds and other bird
related topics
http://birdlife.org.au/
The premier bird conservation group in Australia
http://www.cboc.org.au/
Cumberland Bird Observers’ Club for Sydney
http://www.eremaea.com/BirdlineRecentSightings.
aspx?Birdline=2
for reporting rare or unusual sightings in NSW.
http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/Nest-Box-Plans
to find bird boxes to build and place in your garden
With modern technology we now have bird apps too.
hornsby.nsw.gov.au/bushcare 11
BUSHCARE NEWS
Nursery volunteers’
field trip
O
n Wednesday, 24 July, 2013 a
combined group of nursery
volunteers who carry out their
various duties on Wednesdays and
Saturdays, enjoyed a visit to seven
sites in Hornsby Shire where the
“fruits of their labours” – native plants
– had been utilised to great effect.
The trip was organised by Nursery
Co-ordinator, Ross Rapmund and
special thanks from the volunteers go
to him for organising such a good
representative sample of the many
sites throughout the Shire where
native plants produced by the Nursery
volunteers have been planted.
First stop was the Tumpinyeri site
within Normanhurst West Public
School. Here revegetation began in
April 2010 and upon completion in
June 2013, some 1,320 plants have
been installed. Tumpinyeri preserves a
rare example of the area’s former
extensive Blue Gum High Forest and
is therefore an important sanctuary
and genetic repository for the plants,
animals and fungi of this critically
endangered vegetation community.
Our second stop was at the new
Catchment Remediation Rate
Bio-retention device installed in Spring
2012 near Apanie Place and Duneeba
Drive, Westleigh. Here volunteers
received a briefing from Council’s
Manager – Bushland Operations,
David Beharrell on how the system is
designed and built and the important
part plants play. In total some 5,000
plants have been installed here and in
the surrounds.
Our third stop was to look at progress
being made on a property on Dural
Downs Drive and the adjoining
Transgrid managed property. This is a
remnant of the Turpentine Ironbark
Forest community containing nine
canopy species including locally
12 SPRING 2013
significant Eucalyptus fibrosa (Broadleaved Ironbark). There are some
97 plant species in Mark Greaves’
patch. With successive grants over
the past three years much as been
achieved and 2,120 native plants have
been utilised to-date.
We then visited the Rural Sports
Facility at Galston where 700 trees
of 10 different species have been
sown as an offset to the loss of
Turpentine Ironbark Forest on Bayfield
Road and a massive old Eucalyptus
punctata (Grey Gum) which had been
lost due to the need to create a
turning lane and a passing lane into
Mansfield Road.
After returning to the Nursery for a
quick lunch we were off again to visit
our fifth site, Vimiera Park, Epping.
Here we were able to see how a
previously mown area had been
segregated to protect large remnant
trees. The previously mown area had
contained a lot of natural ground
layers that had persisted despite years
of mowing. Here we saw the results
of how planting tree, shrub
(16 species) and further ground layers
(15 species) – a total of 670 plants
produced by the Nursery and planted
on National Tree Day 2010 – had made
a wonderful improvement to this site
and further buffer to the adjoining
bushcare site.
Our sixth site was Lyne Road,
Cheltenham Bio-remediation Basin
where we saw the results of plantings
both inside and outside of the biobasin. This demonstrated how the
plants could be used to make the
basin blend in with the natural
surroundings whilst also contributing
to stormwater treatment control.
2,440 plants have been used here.
Our seventh site was off Magnolia
Avenue, Epping to visit the “Habitat
sland
dy Ram
By San
nteer
r y volu
Nurse
Havens” project down Magnolia
Walkway, being established by the
Ray Park Heritage Committee. In the
Committee’s words “This is a
successful revegetation site where
over 3,100 native plant tubestock have
been planted. This is a unique
bushland reserve providing native
birds, mammals and insects with
habitat and a rich variety of food
source throughout the seasons.”
An important component of the
achievements of this project has been
the involvement of local school
children in the planting tasks. What
we saw were the results of a
sustained effort which had
commenced with initial clearing in
March 2009 through to a last planting
which had been done in July 2013
to “bulk up” the area planted by
the schools.
Overall the field trip was a great
opportunity to see the results of
our labours in the Council’s
Bushland Nursery. The total number
of native plants provided for these
seven sites is 15,350. The trip gave
nursery volunteers wonderful
encouragement to continue their
efforts to contribute native plants
for so many significant purposes
throughout the Hornsby Shire.
Special thanks are due to Sonny
Armstrong of Council’s Bushland team
for his efforts in driving the bus to the
various sites, to Ross Rapmund for his
choice of sites and overall efficient
planning of the day’s trip and to
Council’s Leanne Johnston,
Environmental Scientist – Bushcare
who accompanied the group and had
the unenviable task of keeping the
honorary Nursery volunteer
timekeeper on his mark to ensure that
Ross’ precise timetable for the day
was achieved.
and nursery
Tumpinyeri’s Alan Blissett K
volunteer Michael ing
Dural D
Habitat Havens site
and the nursery volunt
eers
owns, M
ark Gr
eaves L
andcare
site
hornsby.nsw.gov.au/bushcare 13
BUSHCARE NEWS
Spring wildflowers walk
W
e were blessed with mild
sunny weather for our
annual Spring Wildflowers
walk which winds through the upper
reaches of the Lane Cove River
catchment, passing through Council
managed bushland and into the
National Park.
In spite of the dry end to winter
plants were putting on a great display.
We made our way from the
transitional soils (clay influence/
sandstone) near the ridge down into
the protected sandstone gully, all the
As we came closer to the creek
the mid storey closed in, and we
noticed more ferns and
moisture loving plants in the
understorey. Further uphill there
was a stark contrast between
an area that had been
subjected to a planned fire
some three years ago with its
now abundant wildflowers,
and the unburnt thick
vegetation on the other side of
the track.
Goodbye
from
Bushcare
volunteer...
As usual, we found a number
of plants not on our list, and
couldn’t find some that were.
Although we follow the same
track each year, we discover
new plants each time. Sandra
commented “It was a lovely
morning. I thoroughly enjoyed
the walk and the information on
the plants.”
Thank you to Bushcare staff and
fellow volunteers for all the help
you gave me – not only with
plants for our garden, but you
taught me plenty about the bush
and Bushcare. I realise that what I
know now is only a tiny
percentage of what I could learn if
I applied myself, but am happy
that I know how to remove
asparagus fern and invasive
grasses, and have some idea of
the importance of Bushcare. I am
also able to take better care of my
own garden by planting new
plants correctly to give them the
best chance of survival.
One of our Herbarium Team, Noel
Rosten was with us and sent in a
few photos he took on the walk.
I will probably see you around
Dangar Island. Life is interfering
and I never seem to be able to
come.
Jo Karcz
14 SPRING 2013
s by n
o
t
o
Ph Roste
Noel
while under the shelter of
magnificent Blackbutts and
Angophoras.
Dillwynia retorta.
.
Rainbow Lorikeet pair
Grevillea speciosa.
Registration cards
Since 2011, all Bushcare registration cards will be valid for five years.
Unfortunately they only cover Bushcode workshop attendees from the
beginning of that year. It is important to do the refresher Bushcode to brush
up on your skills and keep your accreditation current.
Do we have your current email?
Have you moved, changed jobs or just changed your email address? If so,
please update your details with us. By choosing to view you get to save trees
and you will also be one of the first people to view the latest newsletter!
Please note you need to book
into most events, and numbers
are limited. If you don’t book
the event may be cancelled.
Birdwatchers breakfast
Previously we have spotted some
interesting birds walking a short
section of the Benowie Track (part of
the Great North Walk). Hope to do the
same this year. We’ll finish with a
picnic brunch.
Leader: Andy Burton/Lindy
Williams 0419 680 054
Wear/
Suitable bushwalking
bring: footwear and clothing, hat,
water sunscreen,
binoculars, field guide,
camera.
When? Sunday 27 October
Time? 7.30am-10.30am
Where? Crosslands Reserve,
end of Somerville Rd,
Hornsby Heights
Meet: At end of the road near
Benowie Track
Book: 9424 0893 or 9424 0179.
Numbers strictly limited!
Level of Moderate, uneven
difficulty: surfaces and couple of
steep climbs.
Diary dates
Bushcode workshop
Introductory workshop for new and
returning Bushcare volunteers.
Lunch provided. Participants receive
complimentary protective clothing
and a native plant voucher.
When? Saturday 9 November
Time? 8.45am-3pm
Where? Earthwise Cottage,
28 Britannia Street,
Pennant Hills
Book: 9847 6832 or bushland@
hornsby.nsw.gov.au
Bushcare christmas
supper dance
Celebrate another great Bushcare year.
This year we have having a bush
dance, so remember to bring your
partner. If you don’t want to bring your
dancing shoes you will be welcome to
sit and catch up with your old bushcare
friends. Please note the change to the
Christmas Party times are earlier than
previously advertised.
When? Saturday 30 November
Time? 5pm-8pm
Where? Galston Community
Centre
Book:
9847 6832 or bushland@
hornsby.nsw.gov.au
Bushcode
Essential for all Hornsby Shire
Bushcare Volunteers.
Grasses and groundcovers
workshop
Presented by Bill and Noela Jones/
Lindy Williams .
When? Saturday 2 November
Time? 2pm-4pm
Where? Wallalong Crescent,
West Pymble
Meet? Outside 105 Wallalong
Crescent
Wear/
Sturdy footwear,
bring: sunscreen, hat, water, field
guides and lens if you
have them. Refreshment
and notes will be provided.
Book: 9424 0893 or 9424 0179.
Numbers strictly limited!
When? Saturday 15 February
Time? 1pm-4pm
Where? Earthwise Cottage,
28 Britannia Street,
Pennant Hills
OR
When? Thursday 20 February
Time? 10am – 1pm
Where? Earthwise Cottage,
28 Britannia Street,
Pennant Hills
When? Friday 7 March
Time? 8.45am-3pm
Where? Earthwise Cottage,
28 Britannia St,
Pennant Hills
Book: 9847 6362
[email protected].
gov.au
Group Leaders Forum
All Bushcare group leaders are invited
to a special forum to talk about how
the Bushcare program has changed
over the years, particularly over the
last 24 months. This is your
opportunity to have your say and to
discuss issues related to the program
from the group leader perspective.
Native plant giveaway day
Bring along your rates notice and
receive free local plants. For
ratepayers from Beecroft, Carlingford,
Castle Hill, Cheltenham, Epping,
Eastwood, Glenhaven, Pennant Hills,
West Pennant Hills and North
Epping only.
Conditions:
n Please bring your current Hornsby
Shire rates notice and ID
n Strictly four plants (suburban areas)
and six plants (rural areas) per
household.
n Limited stock may be available.
When? Saturday 22 March
Time? 1pm-3pm
Where? Earthwise Cottage,
28 Britannia St, Pennant
Hills
Info: hornsby.nsw.gov.au/
nursery
Earth Hour
Switch off the lights at 8.30pm
Saturday 29 March and show your
support for a more sustainable planet.
Together we have the power to make
change happen.
When? Time? Info: Saturday 29 March
8.30pm-9.30pm
www.wwf.org.au/earthhour
hornsby.nsw.gov.au/bushcare 15
BUSHCARE NEWS
What’s on for 2014
All the highly recommended photos
for Our Beautiful Bushland 2013
Competition will be exhibited
throughout 2014 at the Hornsby,
Epping and Pennant Hills Library.
For more details see first bushcare
eNews in February 2014.
We have another exciting year of
exhibitions, workshops and seminars.
Bushcare site tour – May 2014
Come and see some of our bushcare
sites that have had a control burn in the
last couple of years. See some of the
changes to the vegetation.
Our environmental scientist
– fire management
Amelia Jones will talk about
fire and bush regeneration,
the criteria for ecological
burns and how Hornsby
Shire Council manages
some of the sites.
A pygmy possum
walk and talk.
nd Photo
la
h
us
B
ul
f
i
ut
ea
B
ur
O
2013.
Competition Entries
This year Paul Burcher will
take us out earlier in the
year, late autumn, early
winter to see if we can find
some possums living in
the possum boxes.
PLEASE CONTRIBUTE TO THIS NEWSLETTER
You can send your stories or letters to the Editor in for the next
edition by 1 JUNE 2014
Fax: 9847 6362 Mail: PO Box 37, Hornsby 1630
or Email: [email protected]
This newsletter has been compiled
by the Natural Resources Branch and Bushcare volunteers.
THE BUSHLAND SHIRE
Late August
Emeritus Professor Harry Recher will
talk about local birds and their habitats
and tie that to bush regeneration.
Focussing on the local scene in a
national context especially considering
how birds respond to landcare style
revegetation. There will be time for
questions/discussion.
Wildflower walk – late
winter 2014
We will have another wildflower walk at
Pennant Hills to see the lovely flush of
flowers that happens. The walk will be
of moderate difficulty and you will need
to wear sturdy shoes, bring water
bottle, camera, hat and your field
guides. We would love to add to our
current species list.
If you have an idea for a Bushcare
workshop or seminar please contact
council’s Environmental Scientists –
Bushcare on 9847 6362 or
[email protected]
Almos
t ever y
week
there is
guided
walk t
hrough
part of
a
the Ho
r
n
s
by Shir
bushla
e
nd. Br
librarie
ochure
s and
s
a
t
Counc
il offic
es.
a free
POSTAGE
PAID
Hornsby
NSW
AUST 1630
If not claimed within
7 days please return to
PO Box 37
Hornsby NSW 1630
Hornsby Shire Bushcare Newsletter | SPRING 2013