Ecoportal

Booked out: Slow Mushrooming - identifying edible fungi (Saturday)
2024-05-18 09:30 - 15:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Wooragee hall & community centre, Wooragee hall & community centre, 1001 Beechworth-Wodonga Rd, Wooragee, 3747
Fungi are diverse, delicious and sometimes deadly. With interest in foraging for wild food on the rise, learning to accurately identify fungi reduces both poisoning risk to humans and harm to the environment. This event will also be useful for those who just want to learn to identify fungi (and not collect for eating).
Wooragee Landcare is delighted to again host Alison Pouliot – ecologist, photographer and renowned presenter for these popular sessions.
Developing the skills to find fungi requires slowness, not speed. The workshop will focus on assisting participants to identify a few edible species thoroughly, rather than many superficially. We will engage multiple senses to examine the major diagnostic features of edible fungi alongside their toxic lookalikes.
We will also follow the principles of ‘ecological foraging’ – an approach based on care, conservation and an understanding of ecosystem dynamics.
Following an interactive indoor identification session around a specimen table we will then head to a private property to search for fungi.
Please note that no fungi will be collected during this event.
Please bring your lunch. We will provide tea/coffee etc and a bikkie when you get there.
Bookings: https://events.humanitix.com/slow-mushrooming-identifying-edible-fungi-2024-saturday
$45 for Landcare members; $55 non-Landcare members.
More information 0427 287 285
The landcare member price applies to a member of any landcare group, and you are welcome to join Wooragee landcare if you’re not a landcare member.
Note the workshops on Saturday and Sunday are the same, so just book for one of them.
This workshop is being presented by Wooragee Landcare. Financial support from Friends of Chiltern Mt Pilot National Park, Chiltern Landcare and Wooragee Landcare has enabled us to subsidize the tickets.

ACF-AWR Australia’s Biggest Bushwalk
2024-05-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Check the event listing for venue details, Australia
We love nature! So we’re getting active in nature to help protect Australia’s iconic wildlife.
Did you know that over 80% of Australia’s animals are found nowhere else other than in our very own big backyard? Sadly, 619 of these Australian animals are threatened species, losing their homes to habitat destruction and climate change every single day. The Sloane’s Froglet, the Freckled Duck, the Gang-Gang Cockatoo, and the Murray Cod are a few examples of endangered species in the Albury Wodonga region.
In May 2024, we’ll be taking on the Australia’s Biggest Bushwalk challenge and raising funds to help bring our beloved animals back from the brink.
Join us!
When: 18 May, 10.00 am to 12.00 pm
Where: Wonga Wetlands, 2377 Riverina Highway, Splitters Creek, 2640
What: Walk one or more of the trails in this map – 0.5 km (green trail), 1.2 km (blue trail) or 2.5 km (red trail). Walk as little or as much as you like.
We’ll enjoy a BYO picnic lunch after our walk and please join us for a chat and an enjoyable time with like-minded people.
What to bring: Your lunch, something to drink (no alcohol), clothes suitable for the weather, closed shoes, sunscreen, mosquito repellent
Other things you may like to bring: A chair, binoculars, camera
What you can’t bring: Your dog or your bicycle (to protect the wildlife)
Other actions you can take:

Sponsor our team to help us reach our fundraising goal
Sign up to the Australia’s Biggest Bushwalk and take the challenge yourself or create a team of friends or colleagues
Sign the ACF petition for laws that actually protect nature

We look forward to seeing you. RSVP now!

Slow Mushrooming - identifying edible fungi (Sunday)
2024-05-19 09:30 - 15:00 | Wooragee hall & community centre, Wooragee hall & community centre, 1001 Beechworth-Wodonga Rd, Wooragee, 3747
Fungi are diverse, delicious and sometimes deadly. With interest in foraging for wild food on the rise, learning to accurately identify fungi reduces both poisoning risk to humans and harm to the environment. This event will also be useful for those who just want to learn to identify fungi (and not collect for eating).
Wooragee Landcare is delighted to again host Alison Pouliot – ecologist, photographer and renowned presenter, for these popular sessions.
Developing the skills to find fungi requires slowness, not speed. The workshop will focus on assisting participants to identify a few edible species thoroughly, rather than many superficially. We will engage multiple senses to examine the major diagnostic features of edible fungi alongside their toxic lookalikes.
We will also follow the principles of ‘ecological foraging’ – an approach based on care, conservation and an understanding of ecosystem dynamics.
Following an interactive indoor identification session around a specimen table we will then head to a private property to search for fungi.
Please note that no fungi will be collected during this event.
Please bring your lunch. We will provide tea/coffee etc and a bikkie when you get there.
Bookings: https://events.humanitix.com/copy-of-slow-mushrooming-identifying-edible-fungi-2024-sunday
$45 for Landcare members; $55 non-Landcare members.
More information 0427 287 285
The landcare member price applies to a member of any landcare group, and you are welcome to join Wooragee landcare if you’re not a landcare member.
Note the workshops on Saturday and Sunday are the same, so just book for one of them.
This workshop is being presented by Wooragee Landcare. Financial support from Friends of Chiltern Mt Pilot National Park, Chiltern Landcare and Wooragee Landcare has enabled us to subsidize the tickets.

Whistlestop High Tea 2024
2024-05-19 13:00 - 16:00 | Check the event listing for venue details, Australia
Back by popular demand is this gourmet bike ride on the High Country Rail Trail, with spectacular views of Lake Hume and the hills beyond.
The ride is 24 km from Huon Reserve, over the Sandy Creek Bridge, along the shoreline of Lake Hume to Tallangatta and return.
Bike riders leave Huon Reserve, off the Murray Valley Highway, at 1.30pm. Registration from 1pm.
Traditional 1950’s style high tea served at Sandy Creek Bridge and Tallangatta.
Tickets $30/adult, $10/youth, children under 12 free. Family group $60 (2 adults, 2 youth over 12)
Bookings WILL CLOSE Wednesday 15th to allow event catering.
Bookings are essential!

Gardens for wildlife
2024-05-23 19:00 - 20:30 | Masonic Hall, 101 Appin Street, Wangaratta, 101 Appin Street, Wangaratta, 3677
The APS Wangaratta Inc. group will be hosting Sophie Enders, the Project coordinator for Swamps, Rivers and Rangers (SRR) at our May meeting. Sophie has extensive involvement in local conservation, having previously worked in the Bush Regeneration Team at Wangaratta Council. Sophie has long been involved in both bird and mammal monitoring in North-East Victorian region and works with community groups and private landholders as well as both government and non-government agencies.
One of the focuses of SRR is to encourage communities to plant native species to provide habitat and food sources for local native fauna. Sophie’s presentation will be on ‘Gardens for Wildlife’

Heathwood & Pioneer Park Walk ‘n’ Weed
2024-05-29 09:00 - 11:00 | Check the event listing for venue details, Australia
Join Parklands Rangers undertaking a variety of practical park stewardship tasks in this beautiful reserve.
This is an opportunity to work alongside our Rangers experiencing the ‘how to’ of caring for our local bush. Tasks will vary month to month and according to the season and your capacity. You may be doing a flora survey, removing redundant fences, replacing barbed wire with wildlife friendly plain wire, weeding, checking nestboxes, removing tree guards and more. No experience necessary.
Take in the fresh air, get close to nature and learn about the local environment and how Albury City and community groups are working to protect threatened species, improve habitat and link habitat corridors across the region.
When: 9.00 to 11.00am (2 hrs)
Where: Meet on Poplar Drive: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WTEVzFVZ4NJpZ5fx9
What is supplied: All tools and any specific safety equipment needed.
What to bring: BYO drinking water. For your safety, please wear covered shoes (preferably boots), long pants, long sleeves and a hat.
Sometimes things change at the last minute and we need to be able to contact volunteers. Please register for the sessions you will attend.
Please register!
Thank you to Albury City Council for financial support for this program.

Thurgoona Community Stewardship Drive
2024-05-31 09:00 - 11:00 | Check the event listing for venue details, Australia
Join Parklands Rangers undertaking a variety of practical park stewardship tasks in this beautiful reserve.
Learn how to remove the invasive plant species threatening this popular recreation area. This is an opportunity to work alongside our Rangers experiencing the ‘how to’ of caring for our local bush. No experience is necessary – our Rangers will help with plant identification and removal techniques.
Take in the fresh air, get close to nature and learn about the local environment and how Albury City and community groups are working to protect threatened species, improve habitat and link habitat corridors across the region.
When: 9.00 to 11.00am (2 hrs)
Where: Table Top Road, https://maps.app.goo.gl/BKnkiFEmbmZ1U1J98
What is supplied: All tools and any specific safety equipment needed.
What to bring: BYO drinking water. For your safety, please wear covered shoes (preferably boots), long pants, long sleeves and a hat.
Please register! Sometimes things change at the last minute and we need to be able to contact volunteers.
REGISTER HERE!
Thank you to Albury City Council for financial support for this program.

Birdlife Ovens and Murray: Mt Granya Outing
2024-06-01 09:00 - 15:00 | Check the event listing for venue details, Australia
Welcome Winter with our June outing to the Mt Granya area led by expert birder, John Shepherd. Please meet at the Bellbridge toilet block for a 9am start (parking is available). Note that there is some gravel road driving during the day so people with sedans may wish to share a ride with a 4WD owner.
Program
Pre-lunch (morning tea sometime during this period)

Start at Granya campground and walk up to the Scout Hut area.
Drive up the Tallangatta Road to a gully and the end of Firebrace track – a short but steep walk up this gully along the track.
Drive to the watershed on this road to bird and have lunch, plenty of parking on the gravel.

Post-lunch

Drive the steep track out to Mount Granya summit, birding around the lookout and the communication towers.
Finish around mid-afternoon.

Bring

binoculars
boots or strong shoes
hat/beanie
a chair(s) and
morning tea
lunch
water

North East Regional Sustainability Alliance (NERSA) Bi-monthly meeting
2024-06-03 10:00 - 12:00 | CSU Go TAFE Wangaratta Campus, Tone Road, Wangaratta, Victoria, Australia
The North East Regional Sustainability Alliance (NERSA) is a network of community sustainability groups which acts collaboratively with communities, agencies and organisations across the region. Meetings are held every two months. Anyone is welcome to attend.
This meeting will be held in the video-conference room at the GoTAFE/CSU campus in Wangaratta. You may join us face to face or zoom in. Please contact Jenny Davies for the zoom link. Email address: jdjbdavies@gmail.com

Border Bushwalking Club - Walking Back into the Ice Age
2024-07-02 19:30 - 21:00 | Check the event listing for venue details, Australia
Members and friends are invited to come along to our next Club Night to be educated, entertained and
enthralled by what is sure to be unique presentation by former Tallangatta Secondary College geography
teacher and alpine geology expert, Ted Minty and his wife, Glenda.
Ted and Glenda will be taking us on a ‘virtual tour’ through the glacial landscapes of the Kosciuszko Main
Range, focusing on the most recent glaciation which left us those beautiful moraine-dammed lakes:
Cootapatamba, Albina, Club and Blue Lake. Ted and Glenda’s presentation at a previous Club Night,
focusing on the geology of the High Plains, is still talked about by members who attended, so this one will
undoubtedly be just as fascinating.
Tuesday 2nd July
“The Venue” 5 McFarland Road Wodonga at 7.30pm. Doors open at 7.00pm
For more information and updates about BBC activities, check www.borderbushwalkingclub.com.au

Fed Hill Community Tree Planting 2024
2024-07-07 09:00 - 11:00, 2024-07-14 09:00 - 11:00 | Check the event listing for venue details, Australia
Residents, families and friends are invited to help the Friends of Federation Hill plant trees and shrubs to provide wildlife habitat and links on the hill behind Barton St, Wodonga.
When: Two Sunday Mornings in July (7th & 14th) – 9am to 11am.
Where: Fed Hill Reserve, Wodonga. Park in Street and take walkway through Daniel Rhodes Park at 43 Barton St. At top of park turn right and walk 100m to access the Dam area.
BYO: Preferably wear boots and dress for the weather. We will have spare gloves, etc but if you wish to come equipped, you could BYO:
* Gardening Gloves
* Bucket
* Long handled Shovel &/or a Mattock.

RSVP: Verbal registration beforehand would help logistics but simply turning up on a morning will be fine and appreciated.
For more information contact our group coordinator Simon Fisher 0438247478.

GIVEAWAY PRIZE — Satisfaction that you have helped the environment.
All welcome!
Presented by Wodonga Urban Landcare Network with the generous support of our sponsors.

Birdlife Ovens and Murray July outing: Livingstone National Park
2024-07-07 09:30 - 15:30 | Livingstone National Park, NSW, Livingstone National Park, northern end of the park via Wrigleys Rd
Date: Sunday 7th July
Location: Livingstone National Park, NSW
Time: 9.30am to 3pm (approx)
Meet: 9:30am at the carpark at the northern end of the park, via Wrigleys Rd, off of O’Briens Creek
Rd: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rc4zxqKvZNdieTHr6
Leaders: Darcy Creece (Sthn NSW Birds on Farms on behalf of Birdlife Ovens and Murray) and Sarah Danckert (Murrumbidgee Field Nats)
Details

It’s about a 1hr 15min drive to the meeting point from central Albury. The best route is to turn off the Olympic Hwy at Gerogery, and travel via Morven, Cookardinia and Mangoplah.

The carpark at Livingston NP is accessible via 2WD, but we plan to head further into the park, which will require a 4WD, so it is encouraged to bring one, and we will try to organise carpooling on the day for those who only have a 2WD.

The national park is hilly, so expect uneven terrain, but nothing too steep for the parts we’ll be doing on foot.

Please note: there are no amenities at the park.
Highlights

woodland birds such as robins, speckled warbler, white-browed babblers, and details of the local vegetation courtesy of the field nats.

Bring

binoculars
notebook and pen/app if you wish to record birds and/or plants
good walking shoes or boots
suitable clothing for the weather conditions
hat/beanie
morning tea
lunch
chair
water

You may also like to check out the Livingstone National Park webpage which provides more information about the park
https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/livingstone-national-park/visitor-info

Have your say: Greater Hume Council proposed tree clearing
2024-08-01 08:00 - 17:00 | Online
Greater Hume Council wants to seal an existing dirt road – Jelbart Road, Jindera. The existing remnant vegetation by the road provides a corridor for wildlife.

The stretch of road to be sealed is only around 1.5km long and Council has indicated that they propose to remove somewhere between 80-90 trees of various DBHs and distances from the centre of the existing road. Some clearly cannot be a threat to falling onto the road as their main trunk leans towards the private landholding.

The proposal does not align with Council’s vision of “valuing community assets including natural resources”. Nor its commit to an “urban forest” environment.

The area is a known corridor for squirrel gliders, and a range of other hollow dependent fauna. It also a seed collection area used by the Local Land Services.

Please email Council – mail@greaterhume.nsw.gov.au and urge them at least to change the proposal so that the road still get sealed, but significantly few trees are removed and any trees that are hollow bearing have the hollows kept on site and placed within the existing remnants at a height of at least three metres.

You have until August 6th.

Birds on Farms SNSW and Birdlife Ovens and Murray Winter training workshop
2024-08-03 09:00 - 15:00 | Tabletop area: details available on registration, Tabletop
BirdLifeAustralia’s Birds on Farms SNSW project team invite you to our FREE guided birdwatching workshop to learn more about your birds from the Ovens and Murray BirdLife Branch of local experts.
The Birds on Farms program aims to raise awareness about woodland birds and their habitats, and share opportunities for you to getinvolved in helping save your birds. Join us and see how years of dedicated habitat restoration has created a bird friendly sanctuary for threatened and declining woodland birds.
Share – your bird knowledge in a friendly relaxed environment.
Learn – from local birders how to make your place more bird friendly.
Explore – exclusive Birds on Farms monitoring sites with the volunteers who monitor them.
If you are a birdwatcher and would like support to build your bird identification skills and local bird knowledge this training workshop will help you learn more about our local bird species, how to conduct bird surveys, and simple ways you can help Save Birds. Save Life.

When: Saturday 3rd August, 2024. 9am to 3pm.
Where: a Table Top property – details provided on RSVP.
What to bring: Sun/rain protection, sturdy footwear, binoculars (if you have them), a water bottle, chair and a birding friend!
Morning tea and lunch provided.
RSVP: to Darcy Creece – darcy.creece@birdlife.org.au

CANCELLED: North East Regional Sustainability Alliance (NERSA) Bi-monthly meeting
2024-08-12 10:00 - 12:00 | CSU Go TAFE Wangaratta Campus, Tone Road, Wangaratta, Victoria, Australia
Please note this meeting has been cancelled. Apologies for any inconvenience.
The North East Regional Sustainability Alliance (NERSA) is a network of community sustainability groups which acts collaboratively with communities, agencies and organisations across the region. Meetings are held every two months. Anyone is welcome to attend.
This meeting will be held in the video-conference room at the GoTAFE/CSU campus in Wangaratta. You may join us face to face or zoom in. Please contact Jenny Davies for the zoom link. Email address: jdjbdavies@gmail.com

Sloane’s Froglet Citizen Science at Bonegilla (take two)
2024-08-24 16:00 - 17:30 | Gullifer lane rail trail access, Bonegilla, Gullifer lane, rail trail access, Bonegilla, 3691, Australia
ACF-AWR are proud to partner with Wodonga Urban Landcare Network (WULN) for this exciting, nature-based, citizen science event with Karen Retra.
Karen will take us on a beautiful, slow, approximately 2.5 km walk and show us how to use the FrogID app to record your important citizen scientist findings. We hope you will hear the call of the endangered Sloane’s Froglet!
We will also enjoy Karen’s passion for, and extensive knowledge of, many aspects of our local environment as we walk the High Country Rail Trail near Killara (pictured).
WULN has provided more information about the Sloane’s Champions project and how to use the FrogID app that you may want to check before attending the event.
You don’t want to miss this event! Please RSVP. You’ll receive more information about getting to the event and what to bring once you RSVP.
Please note this event was postponed due to weather previously. Please confirm your attendance using this new booking link.
We understand if the weather is wet and cold, while it may suit the frogs, you may choose to stay home.

Birdlife Ovens and Murray: Spring outing
2024-09-01 09:00 - 14:30 | Check the event listing for venue details, Australia
Details
CSU

walk around CSU Thurgoona and the wetlands.
Opportunities to see a wide range of birds, especially parrots, including Musk, Little & Rainbow Lorikeets. Also the usual water birds and the possibility of a surprise or two.

Corry’s Wood

After morning tea a short drive up to Corry’s Wood, where as the name suggests, there is more of a focus on woodland birds.
Double-barred Finches and Speckled Warblers are a possibility. Also a range of honeyeaters and Golden Whistlers.

Location: Charles Sturt University, Thurgoona and Corry’s Wood, Thurgoona
Meet: CSU: Northern end of the carpark on Shuter Avenue, opposite Stringybark Court (Gardens Medical CSU) @ 9am

Presentation - Plant me instead: Stop the spread of Albury-Wodonga’s worst garden escapees
2024-09-04 17:30 - 18:30 | Albury Council Building, 553 Kiewa St, Albury, NSW
Learn how innocent attempts to beautify your garden can be a disaster for parks, bush and native wildlife. Gardens 4 Wildlife Project Officer, Lizette Salmon, will discuss our worst garden escapees, why they’re a problem, how they disperse and what you can do to stop the spread.
Tickets free, but bookings essential by 11pm Monday 2 September.
Venue: Robert Brown Room (ground floor), Albury Council Building, 553 Kiewa St, Albury.
For more information contact Lizette Salmon at g4w@wodongalandcare.org.au or ph 0468 320 647.
This event is hosted by Gardens 4 Wildlife Albury-Wodonga (a Wodonga Urban Landcare Network program) and Seed Savers Albury Wodonga, with generous support from AlburyCity.
Image: Italian lavender and watsonia garden escapees on Monument Hill, Albury. Photo by Danny Jones.

Koalas of Castle Creek and surrounds
2024-09-07 14:00 - 16:00 | Leneva Hall, 3081 Beechworth-Wodonga Rd,, Leneva, Victoria
Koalas have been recorded from Castle Creek, Leneva and the Baranduda Range. However this iconic species is facing a number of threats including urban development, habitat fragmentation and destruction, vehicle strike impacts, disease and predation.
Join ecologist Jim Blackney who will present on this fascinating species covering

Threats to Koala populations.
Koala behaviour & habitat needs.
Habitat restoration to support Koalas.
Who to contact for injured Koalas.
Koalas in our local area & how you can get involved in monitoring.

The talk will be followed by afternoon tea and a short woodland walk in the bush surrounding the Hall.
Free, but registration required.
Book here: Koalas of Castle Creek

Hidden Farm Field Day
2024-09-08 09:00 - 13:00 | Check the event listing for venue details, Australia
Wodonga Urban Landcare Network in conjunction with Leneva Castle Creek Landcare are excited to invite you to a field day to look at landscape restoration in tricky terrain in the Castle Creek catchment near Wodonga.
Hidden Farm’s steep and often rocky slopes are being transformed. The once barren paddocks are now interspersed with shelterbelts to protect stock, creekline revegetation is thriving and is slowing erosion and improving water quality and planned revegetation to enhance habitat for the Swift Parrot and Regent Honeyeater is literally blossoming. The property owners have demonstrated that there is no time like the present to get started on healing the land and their achievements in a short period of time are truly astounding.
Join us to hear their story, celebrate their success and be inspired to start your own landscape restoration journey.
Book here Hidden Farm Field Day

Border Bushwalking Club - Mt Buffalo short and sharp
2024-09-14 07:30 - 17:00 | Check the event listing for venue details, Australia
There are a number of very short walks on Mt Buffalo that give great views. We often pass them by in favour of bigger walks. Whilst they are all fairly steep, they are short and I’m in no rush. Participants can chose to do all or some of the walks on offer.

Lake View: 2km. Great views of Lake Catani. Mostly on footpad with a short Rocky bit at the top.
The Horn: 1km. 360degree views. A lot of steps with a Rocky part that includes a handrail.
The Monolith. 2km. Great views and some history. Narrow track and some steps near the top.
The Old Galleries. 1km. Walking through a rocky wonderland.
Cathedral/ Hump. 2km. Walking past spectacular rock formations and ending with a view. The top part is a scramble but isn’t compulsory.
Rollasens Falls or Eurobin Falls. If people feel like a short walk on the way down we can add one or both of these.

I’m hoping for a sunny September day but if the weather isn’t good I’ll postpone for another day.
please phone me to book in.

Grade 3 Medium
Leader: Bernadette
Phone: 0419241687
Participant numbers:12
Final booking date: TUESDAY Sep 10th
Some short rocky scrambles
For more information and updates about BBC activities, check www.borderbushwalkingclub.com.au

Friends of Chiltern-Mt Pilot NP Field day & AGM
2024-09-14 15:00 - 21:00 | Check the event listing for venue details, Australia
The 2024 AGM for the Friends group will be held on Saturday 14th September 2024 and includes a wildflower walk, shared dinner then AGM and talk entitled “Peas in the Park” by Glen Johnson
• There will be a walk in the Park guided by Glen Johnson. Meet at the Chiltern Post Office at 3:00pm.
Food can be delivered to the Senior Citizens Hall beforehand if desired.
• Gather at the Senior Citizens Hall at about 5:30pm for a dinner. Please bring a plate of food and
whatever you wish to drink. Some soft drinks and juice will be provided. Please advise of what you
plan to bring so that we have a suitable variety available.
• The Friend’s AGM will take place at about 7:30pm followed by a talk entitled “Peas in the Park” by
Glen Johnson.
Peas in the Park – Spectacular, diverse, and essential to ecosystem function – we’ll investigate and
marvel at our unique Pea flora. It’s not all eggs and bacon!
Our Speaker – Glen Johnson
Glen has over 30 years of multi- agency experience in biodiversity conservation and threatened species management with the Victorian Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action (DEECA). Glen left DEECA in Jan. 2024 and is now a Senior Ecologist with Wild Research Pty Ltd (working mainly on threatened frog recovery projects). Glen has worked in a diversity of environments from mallee to alpine, forest to riparian, and box ironbark to lowland grassy ecosystems. He has extensive experience in the conservation of numerous threatened species in the Park.

Platy-Project, Second Field Event 14 September 2024, 4 - 6 pm
2024-09-14 16:00 - 18:00 | Check the event listing for venue details, Australia
Have you ever had that magical moment of spotting a platypus in the wild?
Join us at this event to learn where to look for, and how spot, platypus in the wild for this great ACF/UNSW #CitizenScience project.

Image: Young platypus on a log in McMahons Creek, Yarra Ranges, Victoria. Credit: Doug Gimesy.
ACF-AWR is excited to be hosting three events again in 2024 for the wonderful citizen science platy-project.
This is our third and final event and the second of our field events for this year.
We’re thrilled to be involved in the ACF and University of NSW citizen science Platy-Project again in 2024.
Join us and help researchers understand more about this elusive animal and how we can better protect it.
When: 14 September, 4 – 6 pm
Where: Willow Park, Car Park, Pearce Street, Wodonga, VIC.
What we’ll be doing:

We’ll talk through the best ways to spot a platypus and how to not get tricked by other creatures;
We’ll practise our platy spotting skills with a walk around the creek to identify the best platy spotting habitat; and
We’ll also net and look at the water bugs to see what platypus food is in the area.

You may want to then invest time to watch and wait for a platypus to reveal itself at the end of the event. We’ve been watching platypus in the area recently.
We can’t promise you will see a platypus, but you’ll be well equipped to keep looking for platypus at your nearest river or creek to help researchers understand more about this incredible creature and help prevent further declines in their numbers.
Join us at our upcoming platy-project event!
RSVP as soon as possible so you don’t miss out. Places are limited to ensure the event is safe and the best experience for all of us.

Great Southern Bioblitz - Albury Wodonga
2024-09-20 - 2024-09-23 | Across AlburyCity, City of Wodonga, online, Albury and Wodonga, NSW & Victoria, 2640, Australia
Discover the nature of Albury Wodonga during the Great Southern Bioblitz (that’s GSB)!
Parklands Albury Wodonga, Wodonga Urban Landcare Network, and Murray Landcare Collective are again hosting the GSB in Albury Wodonga in 2024.
And we’re delighted to see other regional Landcare and Friends groups are also participating, including Corowa District Landcare across Federation Council.
Join in to add your observations and record the nature of Albury Wodonga, from river to hills.
This year the GSB observation period is Friday 20 September to Monday 23 September, 2024.
All observations made during this time can be uploaded to iNaturalist within 2 weeks after the event to be included in the BioBlitz tally.
We’ll be hosting a series of local community events to record observations, and you can add your own observations as well. Get the free iNaturalist app, log in to record your local nature sightings, and everything you add during the GSB period will automatically appear as part of our Albury Wodonga project or elsewhere in the Southern Hemisphere, if you’re outside our local area.
Optionally, join our Albury Wodonga project to keep up to date on what’s happening and see the records as they flow in.
See inaturalist.org/projects/great-southern-bioblitz-2024-albury-wodonga
Plants, animals (mammals, insects, fish, birds), fungi and more – what will you find this September?
Events in Wodonga in conjunction with the Great Southern Bioblitz include:

Slow nature walk at Jack Perry Reserve – 10am, Friday 20 September
Moth night at Castle Creek Bushlands – 7pm, Saturday 21 September
Slow nature walk at Castle Creek Bushlands – 10am, Sunday 22 September
Using iNaturalist workshops, Hyphen – morning and evening sessions, Tuesday 24 September

Slow nature walk - Jack Perry reserve
2024-09-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Jack Perry Reserve, Axford Boulevard, Wodonga, Victoria, Australia
Join Wodonga Urban Landcare Network and Parklands Albury Wodonga on a slow nature walk through Jack Perry Reserve, Wodonga. We will be on the lookout for nature observations to upload to iNaturalist for the purpose of adding some regional records to the Great Southern BioBlitz. Karen and Veronica can help you navigate the iNaturalist app.
We’ll share tips for noticing nature, how and why to record what you find, and how to use the iNaturalist app to help confirm the ID and contribute to biodiversity knowledge.
What to expect: This urban reserve is home to many interesting plants, animals and fungi. Please be aware that we will be walking on gentle slopes, on a natural, unpaved and possibly wet surfaces.
What to bring: your mobile or other camera; dress for the weather and wear closed shoes, long pants, and a hat.
We suggest downloading the iNaturalist app and creating a user account if you want to add your records from your mobile as we go.
You can also just attend the walk for interest if you prefer. Or take photos to add to iNaturalist (or other online platform) after the event.
Meeting place: At the reserve entrance opposite 54 Axford Boulevard (not on Victoria Cross Parade).
This is a free event, but please register to let us know you’re coming.

Moth night - Wodonga
2024-09-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Castle Creek Bushlands, Castle Creek Rd, Wodonga, Victoria, Australia
Join us for an enchanting Moth Night at Castle Creek Bushlands, Wodonga, as part of the Great Southern Bioblitz!
We’ll set up a moth sheet and special lighting to attract and observe a variety of moths and other nocturnal invertebrates in their natural habitat.
Bring a torch, dress warmly, and don’t forget your camera or smartphone if you’d like to help document our discoveries.
Experience the hidden nightlife of our local bushlands and contribute to citizen science during this unique evening of moth-watching and exploration!
We suggest downloading the iNaturalist app and creating a user account if you want to add your records from your mobile as we go.
You can also just attend the night for interest if you prefer. Or take photos to add to iNaturalist (or other online platform) after the event.
What to expect: It will be dark and the moth sheet will be located a little way into the bushland, so we’ll likely walk approximately 1-2km during the event. Please be aware that we will be walking on slopes, on a natural, unpaved and possibly wet surfaces.
Where: Meet at Castle Creek Bushlands access off Castle Creek Rd.
Google map: goo.gl/maps/TjytEF1aSseYcpiN7
Please register – this is a free event, with limited places available.
This event is co-hosted by Parklands Albury Wodonga and Wodonga Urban Landcare Network.

Slow nature walk - Castle Creek Bushland Reserve
2024-09-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Castle Creek Bushlands, Castle Creek Rd, Wodonga, Victoria, Australia
Join Wodonga Urban Landcare Network and Parklands Albury Wodonga on a slow nature walk through the Castle Creek Bushland reserve, Wodonga. We will be on the lookout for nature observations to upload to iNaturalist for the purpose of adding some regional records to the Great Southern BioBlitz. Karen and Veronica can help you navigate the iNaturalist app.
We’ll share tips for noticing nature, how and why to record what you find, and how to use the iNaturalist app to help confirm the ID and contribute to biodiversity knowledge.
What to expect: As usual, you are in for a treat in this special reserve, with a flush of spring wildflowers and the days warming. Expect to focus on the ‘slow’ and ‘nature’ and ‘noticing’ rather than the walk – exercise is not the priority! Please be aware that we will be walking on slopes, on a natural, unpaved and possibly wet surfaces.
What to bring: your mobile or other camera; dress for the weather and wear closed shoes, long pants, and a hat.
We suggest downloading the iNaturalist app and creating a user account if you want to add your records from your mobile as we go.
You can also just attend the walk for interest if you prefer. Or take photos to add to iNaturalist (or other online platform) after the event.
Where: Meet at Castle Creek Bushlands access, along Castle Creek Rd.
Google map: goo.gl/maps/TjytEF1aSseYcpiN7
This is a free event, but please register to let us know you’re coming.

Using iNaturalist workshops
2024-09-24 10:30 - 19:00 | Hyphen – Wodonga Library Gallery, 126 Hovell St,, Wodonga, Vic, 3690, Australia
Are you interested in observing and documenting nature?
Join us for a hands-on training session using iNaturalist, a popular citizen science platform!

What You’ll Learn
– Tips for obtaining or confirming identifications of your observations
– How to contribute to the identification of sightings by others
– Ways to tailor iNaturalist to your specific interests

Two Session Options:
1. Morning Session: 10:30 am – 12:00 noon
2. Evening Session: 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Choose the time that best suits your schedule!

What to Expect
– Optional: Bring your smartphone and/or laptop & your photos of nature
– You’ll have the opportunity to add photos from your phone to iNaturalist during the session
– We’ll be identifying records added as part of the Great Southern Bioblitz (taken between Friday 20 September and Monday 24 September)
– Remember, iNaturalist is just one of many citizen science tools available – come along to see if it’s right for you.
– Already uploading your finds? We’ll also highlight additional functions within ‘iNat’ that you might be interested in!

Registration
This event is free, but registration is required: events.humanitix.com/inatgsb
Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your nature observation skills and connect with fellow local nature enthusiasts.
Hope to see you there!

More Information
For any questions, please contact Karen at Wodonga Landcare, karen@wodongalandcare.org.au or 0428 629 099.

Birdlife Ovens and Murray October Outing: The Patch, Ettamogah
2024-10-05 08:00 - 12:00 | The Patch, Ettamogah (private property)
Come and enjoy a morning’s birding around the property of one of our highly experienced birders: you’re guaranteed to see a wide range of birds.
Meet at 101 Highlands Lane, Ettamogah which is at the very end (about 5 kms) of Central Reserve Rd (use this address in Google). Central Reserve Rd runs off Gerogery Rd at the northern end of Ettamogah Rise housing estate. Veer left onto gravel at the quarry entrance, proceed over the cattle grid past the cattle yards and continue for over a kilometre to the house where you’ll be able to park.
