Busy time ahead at Central West Lachlan Landcare with workshops and planting events. We are pleased to run the first Forbes Landcare Bushranger event on June 17 from 9am-11am, with the support of Forbes Shire Council, Central West Councils Environment and Waterways Alliance and Central West Local Land Services, with funding through the National Landcare Programme. 

This work will be completed to increase habitat for the birdlife at Gum Swamp, with a focus on plant species that will encourage birdlife. The project has a focus on reducing weed problems at the site, as well as planting native riparian species known to be associated with the Painted Snipe. 

Our Skillset Green Army Team have already spent many hours completing manual removal and spraying of Noogoora Burr along the Project site, but this will be an undertaking that will need follow up work completed over many years to control the problem, but it is hoped that the revegetation work that is undertaken will decrease the opportunities for weeds to thrive in the project area at least.

Why the Painted Snipe you ask? In surveys done a few years ago, the Painted Snipe was listed as one of the sighted species. This wading bird is endangered under both the Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 2003, the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and the Action Plan for Australian Birds has also listed the status of the Painted Snipe as endangered. The loss of habitat is the primary reason for the decline of this species. Some of this loss of habitat is due to draining of wetlands, trampling of habitat by stock and diversion of water. Weed infestation and feral predators are also contributing factors.

Apart from increasing habitat, we are just keen to get out and get involved. Bring your chair, water, a hat, sunscreen and please wear sturdy shoes or gum boots. It would also be helpful to have some rubber gloves. I will bring the morning tea, but you need to bring your thermos for a cuppa. When we round up, we will have a chance to enjoy morning tea together. If you are interested in joining us, please get in contact with me. 

The Lachlan Valley Branch of the National Parks Association are holding an evening with Michael and Sarah Guppy on May 31 at 7pm. Our local NPA group have members across the Parkes and Forbes Shires and run regular walks in nearby national parks and reserves. We welcome Michael and Sarah, who have over 40 years of experience in surveying birds. We will be enjoying a delicious light supper and a cuppa as well, so RSVP is essential. Please contact me, details below.

Other event, June is the Soil Pits and Kits day, which is being held at Cookamidgera on June 23 from 9am. More information to come. Visit centralwestlachlanlandcare.org or go to our facebook page. Until next week, happy Landcaring!