Tag: Landcare NSW

Scotch Broom Eradicated at Aussie Ark Sanctuary!

Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius), one of the most invasive and destructive weeds in the Barrington Tops, has officially been eradicated from the Aussie Ark Sanctuary.

Introduced as an ornamental garden plant in the early 1900s, Scotch Broom spread aggressively across the region, where it smothered native vegetation, destroyed wildlife habitat, and fuelled extreme bushfire risk.

In 2016, Aussie Ark, in partnership with Scone Landcare and the Department of Primary Industries, released English broom gall mites (Aceria genistae) as part of an ambitious biological control program.

These tiny insects have proven to be an effective, natural solution, and today, Scotch Broom has vanished from the sanctuary.

Managing Director of Aussie Ark, Tim Faulkner, calls it an “ecological miracle”, crediting the mites with helping restore balance to the landscape.

Scone Landcare’s Ruth Hardy says:

“Scone Landcare recognised the invasive weed Scotch Broom had overrun native vegetation in the Barrington Tops sanctuary…By working with Aussie Ark and the Department of Primary Industries, our volunteers were able to translocate gall mite stems to the facility, with monitoring and control efforts making a lasting difference.”

From Jodie Lovell, NSW Landcare Enabling Program Manager at Landcare NSW:

“This is an outstanding example of what can be achieved when passionate organisations like Aussie Ark work hand-in-hand with local Landcare groups. The eradication of Scotch Broom from such a significant sanctuary is not just a local win – it’s a model of success that could be replicated across the state.”

“Landcare NSW is proud of Scone Landcare to have played an important role in this long-term, science-backed effort to restore native landscapes.”

To learn more about this wonderful project:

Scone Landcare helps Aussie Ark banish Scotch Broom

P.S. Aussie Ark has a surplus of mites – please email admin(at)aussieark.org.au

Photos: Aussie Ark

Applications Now Open: 2025 Healthy Cities Landcare Grants

Landcare Australia and Bupa have partnered to deliver the Healthy Cities Landcare Grants, as part of Bupa’s Healthy Cities Challenge.

This funding will support environmental community groups and organisations to establish native plants (trees, shrubs and groundcovers) across Australia in urban and peri-urban landscapes to enhance biodiversity and positive health outcomes.  

Each application must contribute to the establishment of native plants and host community events open to the public. 

Eligible Planting Sites

The Bupa Healthy Cities Landcare grant planting sites must be:

  • In an eligible urban or peri-urban region;
  • Within public natural open space areas accessible to the community (e.g. parks and reserves);
  • Within 300m of an urban home, or easily accessible by public transport;
  • In a location suitable for recreational physical activity such as walking and cycling; and
  • Include a minimum of 500 plants.

Grant Funding Available 

Grant applications should be for a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $25,000 (ex-GST). 

Please note: If your group has a particularly good project that requires more than $25,000 funding and can be established by August 2026, please call Landcare Australia to discuss the proposal.

Key Dates

Applications open: Tuesday 22 July 2025
Applications close: Friday 29 August 2025, 5pm AEST
Successful applicants notified: By Friday 21 November 2025
Final report due and project complete: Monday 31 August 2026

For further information on the 2025 Healthy Cities Landcare Grants, please visit the Landcare Australia website HERE

To apply now

Watch Creating Canopies in Action!

There’s something special about coming together to plant trees. The fresh air, meeting new people, knowing you’re helping to create a cooler, greener Sydney – it’s always a fun, rewarding experience.

This video captures how special Creating Canopies truly is. You’ll see volunteers of all ages getting involved, working side by side to plant native trees and shrubs across Greater Sydney.

If you’d like to join in, it’s not too late! We’re still planting and would love to welcome you along.

Creating Canopies brings people together. Volunteers often highlight the sense of connection, community, and shared purpose they feel on the day. Whether you come with the kids, some friends, or on your own, you’ll be warmly welcomed and guided by the Creating Canopies team. Every tree planted is a step toward a healthier city and community.

Those interested in volunteering or seeking more information on upcoming planting days can sign up for Creating Canopies updates HERE.

The project is funded by the NSW Government’s Greening our City grant. For more information visit:

https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/greening-our-city-grant.

About Creating Canopies:

Landcare NSW and Greater Sydney Landcare are planting 300,000 trees by the end of 2025 as part of the Greening our City program to help mitigate urban heat in Greater Sydney. Proudly funded by the NSW Government.

About Greater Sydney Landcare:

Greater Sydney Landcare is a not-for-profit charity dedicated to creating resilient landscapes and connected communities across Greater Sydney. We empower volunteers to plant native trees, conserve koalas and their habitats, care for their local waterways, and rejuvenate degraded environments. Join us in making a lasting impact. Learn more at greatersydneylandcare.org.

About Landcare NSW:

Landcare NSW acts as the conduit between Landcare members and key decision makers, working to ensure its members are supported at every level by providing leadership, skills, resources, and representation. For more information, visit landcarensw.org.au.

Photos: Greater Sydney Landcare

Celebrate National Tree Day With Us!

We’re inviting the community to get their hands dirty for a great cause this National Tree Day!

Join Greater Sydney Landcare and Landcare NSW in collaboration with Liverpool City Council for a fun and meaningful day of tree planting in Carnes Hill, as part of the ‘Creating Canopies’ project to plant 300,000 trees by the end of 2025 to help mitigate urban heat in Greater Sydney.

This is more than just planting trees but about creating cooler, greener, and healthier spaces for our communities and generations to come.

It’s a great way to get outdoors, meet like-minded people, and learn the importance of urban greening in our communities.

Event Details
Date: Saturday, 26 July 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM AEST
Location: 95 Rosedale Cct, Carnes Hill NSW 2171

FREE to attend with a sausage sizzle lunch, training, gardening gloves, and tools provided.

All ages welcome!

To attend, register via Greater Sydney Landcare’s Eventbrite page:

https://events.humanitix.com/national-tree-day_creating-canopies-in-liverpool

Creating Canopies brings people together. Volunteers often highlight the sense of connection, community, and shared purpose they feel on the day. Whether you come with the kids, some friends, or on your own, you’ll be warmly welcomed and guided by the Creating Canopies team. Every tree planted is a step toward a healthier city and community.

Those interested in volunteering or seeking more information on upcoming planting days can sign up for Creating Canopies updates HERE.

The project is funded by the NSW Government’s Greening our City grant. For more information visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/greening-our-city-grant.

About Creating Canopies:

Landcare NSW and Greater Sydney Landcare are planting 300,000 trees by the end of 2025 as part of the Greening our City program to help mitigate urban heat in Greater Sydney. Proudly funded by the NSW Government.

About Greater Sydney Landcare:

Greater Sydney Landcare is a not-for-profit charity dedicated to creating resilient landscapes and connected communities across Greater Sydney. We empower volunteers to plant native trees, conserve koalas and their habitats, care for their local waterways, and rejuvenate degraded environments. Join us in making a lasting impact. Learn more at greatersydneylandcare.org.

About Landcare NSW:

Landcare NSW acts as the conduit between Landcare members and key decision makers, working to ensure its members are supported at every level by providing leadership, skills, resources, and representation. For more information, visit landcarensw.org.au.

Photos: Greater Sydney Landcare

Marching Forward, Together

We were excited to see Amanda Foxon-Hill and Tracee Burke from Mid Lachlan Landcare featured in the May 2025 issue of Landcare Australia’s ‘In Focus’ magazine.

From the article:

Tracee and Amanda share the role of Local Landcare Coordinator for the Mid Lachlan Region. Mid Lachlan Landcare is a community-based, not-for-profit organisation that is committed to restoring the environment, improving agricultural sustainability, and supporting communities around Canowindra and Cowra in the Central Tablelands region of New South Wales.

Key to our organisation is capacity-building within our landholder network that encourages the adoption of sustainable and regenerative grazing management practices that deliver on financial, social, and ecological outcomes.

We are also committed to providing natural resource management education for all ages that aims to connect people with food production and strengthen the links between urban and rural communities. We are dedicated to building resilience across the landscape through on-ground works and education aimed at improving biodiversity and a better environment for all.

In what ways would you like to see the Australian landcare movement March Forward?

March marks the first year anniversary of job-sharing a Local Landcare Coordinator role. We’ve worked together for 18 months. With that realisation my shoulders relax, I breathe out and break into a smile. It’s been a challenge, and we did great!

This year Tracee and I have learned how to march forward together by observing nature and noting that everything has its pattern, its time to shine, to set seed, and to retreat. That there is no discordance in the ebbing and flowing of a healthy box gum woodland, thriving paddock or eclectic garden, only cycles that reinvigorate and support each other as nature progresses towards its goal.

While it’s fair to say that sometimes we learned these lessons the hard way, one person’s flow catalysing the other’s ebb, leaving us revitalised and comfortable as we march forward together.

 

Article originally appeared in the May 2025 issue of Landcare Australia’s ‘In Focus’ magazine
Photo: via Mid Lachlan Landcare

Family Fun Day: Help Plant a Greener Future in Blacktown!

Looking for a fun and meaningful way to spend time outdoors with your kids and friends? Join Greater Sydney Landcare and Landcare NSW for a relaxed, family-friendly community planting day at Whalan Reserve in Blacktown.

This hands-on event is part of the Creating Canopies project – a joint initiative of Greater Sydney Landcare and Landcare NSW, proudly funded by the NSW Government under the Greening our City program. The goal? To plant 300,000 native trees and shrubs across Greater Sydney by the end of 2025, helping to create cooler, greener spaces, and combat urban heat.

Event Details
Date: Saturday, 5th July 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM AEST
Location: Whalan Reserve, Catlin Close, Whalan NSW 2770
Cost: FREE to attend with lunch, training, gardening gloves, and tools provided!

All ages welcome!

To attend, register via Greater Sydney Landcare’s Eventbrite page: https://WhalanReservePlanting.eventbrite.com.au

Since 2020, Creating Canopies has brought thousands of Sydneysiders together to get their hands dirty for a great cause. The results speak for themselves:

  • 250,000 native trees and shrubs planted
  • Over 5,000 volunteers engaged
  • Over 300 community planting events held
  • 35 corporate groups have participated and given back to the community
  • Benefits spread across 18 Greater Sydney Local Government Areas

The project is delivering more than just environmental benefits. As Steve Hartley, The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) Executive Director Resilience and Sustainability, said, “Tree planting projects actively increase canopy cover and provide much needed shade to reduce the impacts of urban heat. More tree cover provides cleaner air and helps protect and boost the health of local communities,” Mr Hartley said.

Creating Canopies brings people together. Volunteers often highlight the sense of connection, community, and shared purpose they feel on the day. Whether you come with the kids, some friends, or on your own, you’ll be warmly welcomed and guided by the Creating Canopies team. Every tree planted is a step toward a healthier city and community.

Those interested in volunteering or seeking more information on upcoming planting days can sign up for Creating Canopies updates HERE.

The project is funded by the NSW Government’s Greening our City grant. For more information visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/greening-our-city-grant.

About Creating Canopies:

Landcare NSW and Greater Sydney Landcare are planting 300,000 trees by the end of 2025 as part of the Greening our City program to help mitigate urban heat in Greater Sydney. Proudly funded by the NSW Government.

About Greater Sydney Landcare:

Greater Sydney Landcare is a not-for-profit charity dedicated to creating resilient landscapes and connected communities across Greater Sydney. We empower volunteers to plant native trees, conserve koalas and their habitats, care for their local waterways, and rejuvenate degraded environments. Join us in making a lasting impact. Learn more at greatersydneylandcare.org.

About Landcare NSW:

Landcare NSW acts as the conduit between Landcare members and key decision makers, working to ensure its members are supported at every level by providing leadership, skills, resources, and representation. For more information, visit landcarensw.org.au.

Photos: Greater Sydney Landcare

Regenerate & Create!

In early November 2024, Watershed Landcare delivered an unforgettable two-day experience that combined hands-on environmental restoration with artistic expression. Hosting 36 Year 9 students and staff from St Leonard’s College in Melbourne. It brought to life the power of collaboration and creativity in landscape regeneration while connecting city kids with the country.

Held at Franks Breakaway Farm on the banks of the Cudgegong River, the program aimed to immerse students in the principles of holistic land management through hands-on activities. The event kicked off with a Welcome to Country by Uncle Peter Swain, who shared the “Tiddalik the Frog” Dreamtime story. This timeless tale conveyed the shared responsibility of caring for land, water, and community, setting the tone for the days ahead.

Under the guidance of Watershed Landcare and Dr Laura Fisher from Mulloon Institute, students learned about the four interrelated ecosystem processes: water, mineral, energy cycles, and community dynamics. The focus was on improving landscape rehydration, which is vital for restoring soil health and ecosystem resilience. Before the students arrived, meticulous preparation had been undertaken, including contour earthworks, seeding, and mulching to create an optimal environment for planting native vegetation.

Armed with tools and tree guards provided by the Watershed Landcare Nursery, the students rolled up their sleeves and got to work. Together, they planted native species along newly constructed contour banks, a strategy designed to slow water runoff and improve soil moisture retention. Mulching and watering followed to ensure the young plants had the best chance of survival. It was a powerful experience, reinforcing individuals’ critical role in restoring degraded landscapes.

Afternoons were devoted to creativity, with Laura Fisher and Maddi O’Brien leading an interactive art workshop. Students were invited to reflect on their connection to the landscape and channel their impressions into lino prints. These designs were then pressed onto a large collaborative mural, creating a stunning visual representation of their shared journey. This artistic process engaged students on an emotional level, deepening their understanding of the interconnectedness of ecosystems.

The two-day event was not only educational but also deeply inspiring. Cheryl Nielsen, one of the key organisers, noted the unique synergy created when art and ecology come together. “I’ve witnessed the transformative power of integrating art into environmental projects,” she said. “It enhances learning and leaves a lasting impact on participants.”

Watershed Landcare’s success with “Regenerate & Create” highlights its ability to deliver tailored, meaningful experiences that connect people to the land. Whether it’s students from Melbourne or local community groups, they offer bespoke programs that educate, inspire, and create lasting memories. If you’re looking for a unique adventure that combines learning with hands-on action, Watershed Landcare is ready to bring your vision to life.

This initiative is made possible by the NSW Landcare Enabling Program, a collaboration between Local Land Services and Landcare NSW supported by the NSW Government.

 

Author: Maddison O’Brien, Local Landcare Coordinator, Watershed Landcare
Photos: Gus Armstrong via Watershed Landcare

Protecting Threatened Species and Agriculture in Shoalhaven

The Shoalhaven region, 200 kilometres south of Sydney, hosts a wide range of native wildlife, from more common species such as long-necked turtles and swamp wallabies to threatened species like hooded plovers, brush- tailed rock wallabies and the elusive spotted-tailed quoll. It’s also a prime region for agriculture that contributes significantly to the local economy. But this balance of thriving ecosystems and agricultural productivity faces serious threats from introduced predators – particularly the European red fox, wild dog feral cat.

To tackle the issue of foxes, the Shoalhaven Fox Control Program was launched in 2018 by the Shoalhaven Landcare Association. The program came about after local landholders began seeing the heavy impact foxes had on their livestock and wildlife and wanted to be involved in the solution. Initially, a five-month trial covering 13 properties, removed 50 foxes. These results showed how effective a coordinated approach could be and quickly led to a full-scale community-based effort.

The 2019/2020 summer bushfires ravaged the regions bushland and farmland alike. The impacts of foxes increased, with nowhere left for wildlife to hide. These bushfires also brought about federal government funding for Gillian Basnett, the National Feral Cat and Fox Management Coordinator, through the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, to help community groups grapple with the impacts of these invasive predators. Gillian has worked with the Shoalhaven Fox Control Program to review their fox management plan to improve outcomes, provide resources and some training to the group and to assist with strengthening relationship with key partners in the region.

This assistance, along with further funding found by the group for the Shoalhaven Fox Control Program Coordinator, Ryan, the project has gone from strength to strength. Today, the program operates across 104 private landholdings, in a more targeted and coordinated way, with trained volunteers and land managers all working to curb the fox population, reduce their impacts and protect the Shoalhaven’s environmental and agricultural assets. The program links with fox and wild dog management being undertaken by others in the region such as NSW National Parks and Wildlife, Local Land Services and local government, who also work with Greg Mifsud, the National Wild Dog Management Coordinator. These coordinated, introduced predator management programs are successfully protecting both the Shoalhaven’s ecosystems and threatened species and local agriculture.

Did you know?

There are five National Management Coordination programs working to help support, encourage and empower communities to manage key pests? National management coordinators have taken a lead role working with Landcare and NRM groups, industry, communities, farmers, land managers, Indigenous Rangers, researchers, agencies and councils to reduce pest impacts on agriculture, environment, cultural assets and human health.

With core funding from the Australian Government, and support from their respective organisations (Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, South Australian Department of Primary Industries Regions, Australian Pork Ltd and Australian Wool Innovation) and partners, national coordinators:

  • Provide national leadership and strategic coordination for sustained management
  • Facilitate networks to promote cooperation, collaboration and ongoing investment
  • Raise awareness of impacts of pest species
  • Connect people with their peers, technical expertise and provide ‘how to’ information
  • Encourage adoption of best practice methods
  • Share research and land management stories.

To help Landcare groups, farmers, and land and pest managers tackle these six feral species the Coordinators have created user friendly websites, resources and newsletters. You can get in contact; learn how to plan, manage and improve your management programs; access latest research; or check out some of the pest management programs being undertaken across Australia.

Wild Dogs
National Coordinator: Greg Mifsud
Website: www.wilddogplan.org.au

Feral Deer
National Coordinator: Annelise Wiebkin
Website: www.feraldeerplan.org.au

Feral Pigs
National Coordinator: Heather Channon
Website: www.feralpigs.com.au

Feral Cats and Foxes
National Coordinator: Gillian Basnett
Website: www.feralcatandfox.com.au

Feral Rabbits
National Coordinator: Heidi Kleinert
Website:  www.pestsmart.org.au/toolkits/european-rabbits

CISS useful resources
PestSmart: www.pestsmart.org.au
FeralScan: www.feralscan.org.au

For more information, please visit: Shoalhaven Landcare Fox Control Program

Watch these videos to learn more about these projects here: Protecting threatened species and agriculture in Shoalhaven

This initiative is made possible by the NSW Landcare Enabling Program, a collaboration between Local Land Services and Landcare NSW supported by the NSW Government.

 

Authors: Shoalhaven Landcare and the National Feral Cat and Fox Management Coordination Program
Banner Photo: Shoalhaven fox program workshop supplied by Ryan Wall
Middle Photo: Greg Mifsud, Gill Basnett, and Heather Channon supplied by NWDAP
Bottom Photo: National Coordinators and Ben Watts supplied by NFPAP
Article published in Landcare Australia’s ‘Landcare In Focus’ May 2025

Wildlife Revealed at Ngurang Reserve

In 2025 Watershed Landcare and the North East Wiradjuri Company (NEWco) launched an exciting new initiative – Connection by Fire. This collaborative project blends cultural land management with biodiversity monitoring at Ngurang Reserve, just outside Rylstone, combining traditional knowledge with scientific research to enhance the landscape.

One of the major events planned as part of the project is a cultural burn in winter. This practice, used for thousands of years by First Nations people, reduces fire hazards, clears excess vegetation, and encourages the growth of native plants, providing habitat for a diverse range of species. To track the ecological impact of these efforts, a research partnership is underway with Annabell Murray, a Western Sydney University and UNSW Master’s student, who will study the vegetation’s response to cultural burning.

Wildlife cameras were installed over the holiday season as part of the monitoring efforts, capturing a fascinating glimpse into the reserve’s inhabitants. To help process the images and data, a Wildlife Camera Workshop was held in Kandos, where 15 dedicated volunteers gave their time and effort to help review the footage. Their enthusiasm and keen eyes helped uncover some incredible discoveries, adding valuable insights to the project. The day was a celebration of community-driven conservation, made possible by the leadership of John Marshall from the Central West Wildlife Carers Network & NEWco, who generously hosted the event at their centre in Kandos.

Among the most frequently sighted birds were the white-winged choughs, which roamed in family groups ranging from three to thirteen individuals, and the stately wonga pigeons, strutting their distinctive plumage through the undergrowth.

The reserve is undoubtedly a hotspot for native mammals, with cameras revealing an array of species, including lace monitors, possums, lyrebirds, echidnas, and wombats. Among the more elusive creatures was the Antechinus—a small, carnivorous marsupial known for its high-energy lifestyle and brief but intense breeding period. While this discovery was not unexpected, it was significant, as some Antechinus species are listed as endangered due to habitat loss and predation by invasive species.

One of the most captivating sequences captured on camera was of a red-necked wallaby, a keystone species within the forest. These curious and intelligent animals were seen sniffing and digging in the soil, searching for native truffles. This behaviour plays an essential role in the ecosystem—by digging, wallabies aerate the soil and help disperse fungal spores that contribute to tree growth and soil health. Their foraging is a perfect example of the interconnectedness of Australia’s bushland.

The biggest highlight of the survey was the confirmation of koalas living within Ngurang Reserve. Across multiple recordings, nine separate sightings were documented, along with sound meter data capturing their distinctive vocal calls. This evidence strengthens ongoing efforts to protect koala habitats in the region.

Not all of the reserve’s inhabitants were welcome, however. The cameras also recorded several introduced species, including foxes, feral cats, and even a large black cat of unknown origin. A spotted wild boar also made an appearance, highlighting the need for ongoing feral animal management to protect native wildlife.

With the Connection by Fire project now in full swing, there’s much more to come. A series of upcoming events, including a Songline Walk with Uncle Peter Swain, the cultural burn, and further biodiversity surveys, will continue to build knowledge about Ngurang Reserve and its unique ecosystem.

For those eager to get involved or learn more, email info@watershedlandcare.com.au and become part of this important work. The discoveries so far have only begun to reveal the wonders of Ngurang Reserve, strengthening the call to protect and preserve this unique landscape.

This initiative is made possible by the NSW Landcare Enabling Program, a collaboration between Local Land Services and Landcare NSW supported by the NSW Government.

 

Author: Maddison O’Brien, Local Landcare Coordinator, Watershed Landcare
Photos: Watershed Landcare
Article published in Landcare Australia’s ‘Landcare In Focus’ May 2025

Grassland Earless Dragons

Grassland Earless Dragons:
Great Ecosystem Indicators

Grassland Earless Dragons have proven to be a wonderful species when discussing the importance of maintaining grassland ecosystems in Monaro, NSW.

Throughout the second half of 2024, Upper Snowy Landcare Network, in partnership with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, have been rolling out a local schools program aimed at educating students about the Monaro Grassland Earless Dragon, a threatened species endemic to the Monaro region.

These dragons are found in the endangered ecological community of natural temperate grasslands which are home to a variety of unique flora and fauna, many of which are threatened due to factors including land clearing and feral species. Not only are these dragons a fascinating and elusive creature, they’re also a bit cute, reaching a maximum size of 15cm in length and displaying a spectacular array of patterns and colour. They form homes in wolf spider burrows, sun themselves on rocks, and prefer partially open, lightly grazed grassland.

The education program consists of delivering a presentation to students, teaching them about the dragon’s habitat and diet, physical characteristics, and the key threatening processes leading to their decline. This is followed by an identification activity and a craft activity where students get to paint their own 3D model of the dragons. These models were produced with the help of the University of Canberra who assisted us in 3D scanning an earless dragon specimen which is now used to produce these 3D printed models.

We have attended 5 schools across the Monaro region, engaging with about 140 students who have responded with interest and enthusiasm to learning about this unique reptile.

By connecting students with the animals and plants which make up these ecosystems we hope to build a deeper sense of belonging to, and caring for our native grasslands.

This initiative is made possible by the NSW Landcare Enabling Program, a collaboration between Local Land Services and Landcare NSW supported by the NSW Government.

 

Author: Magdalene Lemcke, Upper Snowy Landcare Network Coordinator
Photos: Upper Snowy Landcare Network
Article published in Landcare Australia’s ‘Landcare In Focus’ May 2025
Further information please email: contact@uppersnowylandcare.org.au