Dear 'Friend': I have attached the most recent issue of FriendsNET, the quarterly newsletter from the Victorian Environment Friends Network, along with a summary of the recent Grantville Conference.
VEFN ConfSummary20091.pdf FriendsNET691.pdf
They have been sent to you by someone who is a "land carer" - If you wish to be removed from our future mailings, please just email us at hayburn@bigpond.com. If this has been passed on to you and you wish to be added to the distribution, simply send an email.
The documents are in PDF format and you will need Adobe Acrobat to read them. This can be downloaded for free at Adobe Web site at: http://www.adobe.com.au/products/acrobat/readstep2.html. The VEFN Committee suggests you update to the latest version as recommended by Adobe for your system.
Bernie Fox, 03 9741 9859 Victorian Environmental Friends Network Committee 28th November
Other News 'snippets' (you are welcome to advise future contributions):
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Affiliation with Friends Network
We encourage unaffiliated groups to affiliate with the Victorian Environment Friends Network. If the Network is to maintain credibility we need maintain rigour about affiliation and have a majority of groups represented. Recently there have been few new affiliations but we know there are plenty of unaffiliated groups across the state. Affiliation is free and is according to the criteria listed at http://home.vicnet.net.au/~friends/affiliating.html
Contact Geoff Durham <gadurham@bigpond.com> 03 9533 0246
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‘Seeding the Future’ DVD
The enclosed Conference Summary details the launch of Judy Allen’s wonderful DVD on native seeds. The contact for people wishing to obtain a free copy of ‘The Natural Gardener, Seeding the Future, seed collecting and cleaning for friends, landcare and gardeners’ is <Nicole.Biscan@melbournewater.com.au>
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King Devil and Orange Hawkweed Survey: Bogong High Plains
Native to Europe, Hawkweeds have recently become established on mainland Australia, posing a serious threat to Australian biodiversity and to the structure of natural communities. Hawkweeds spread quickly via runners and above-ground roots, forming dense mats and out-competing native vegetation. In grassy ecosystems like the High Plains, dense patches of the weed dominate the spaces between grass tussocks that are vital for the survival and recruitment of native flora and fauna.
Four survey sessions will be conducted during the flowering period and each session requires 8 volunteers. Each session will be 5 days long, Monday to Friday. Attendance for the full session is preferred but is not essential. Accommodation will be provided at Falls Creek. Breakfast and snacks will also be provided.
The surveys for 2009/2010 season are over the following dates:
Session 1: November 30 – December 4 (Mon - Fri)
Session 2: December 14 – December 18 (Mon - Fri)
Session 3: December 28 – January 01 (Mon – Fri)
Session 4: January 25 - January 29 (Mon – Fri)
If you would like to take part in a survey session please contact: Lauren Bell <lbell@parks.vic.gov.au> Mt. Beauty 03 5754 4693
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Brolga Research Project
Inka Veltheim from University of Ballarat is undertaking a PhD research project on brolgas in south west Victoria. The project will aim to identify seasonal movement routes between breeding and non-breeding sites and involve monitoring of breeding sites to gain a better understanding of the Brolga’s breeding success and the survival of young. The success of the project relies on the goodwill of landholders and Inka is currently looking for landholders who may have knowledge on the location of breeding sites in Victoria. She would like to establish a number of sites for monitoring breeding success. Inka is also interested to hear of any other records (historical or current) including of injured or dead Brolgas in south west Victoria. For all Brolga sightings, Inka can be contacted on <vicbrolgas@gmail.com> or <nkaveltheim@students.ballarat.edu.au> 0439 557 880
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Working with Corporate Volunteer Groups
People & Parks Foundation is an independent charitable organisation whose purpose is to connect people with parks in order to educate them about the natural environment and to build a stronger relevance in peoples lives. They want to know if there are more Friends groups that would be interested in working with their corporate volunteer groups.
Ideally projects should meet the following criteria:
. Min: 3 hours
. Max: 6 hours
. Min group size: 10
. Max: no maximum
. Start / End times: Normally earliest start is 9:30, latest finish 4:30pm
. Location: Melbourne Metropolitan area (at this stage, further afield later)
. Days: Weekdays (Monday to Friday)
If required, the company involved in the project will be approached to fund any items such as seedlings etc needed for the project to go ahead.
Contact Rachel Laurie, Program Coordinator <rlaurie@peopleandparks.org> 03 8627 4890
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Views of Conservation Volunteers
UltraFeedback is a small research company specialising in health-related research currently looking at how regular contact with nature through conservation groups can be beneficial to health. They are looking for Friends of Parks and other conservation volunteers to complete a quick online survey and ask " Might you be able to help?"
The survey can be accessed via http:/www.ultrafeedback.com/survey/911 . It will be open until early December, and we’d like to hear the views of conservation volunteers from all parts of Australia. It is hoped through this research can assist improve the health of the community by increasing participation in volunteer conservation projects. The results of this study will also be presented at the Healthy Parks Healthy People conference in Melbourne next April.
Contact Melissa Hatty UltraFeedback" <melissa.hatty@ultrafeedback.com> 03 9439 7789
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Coastcare Week 2009
Coastcare Week starts on the 7 Dec. For more information http:/www.coastcare.com.au or <enquiries@landcareaustralia.com.au>
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Schemes Mullum Trust Ongoing Grants
Aims to support and engender projects which have significant, ongoing, or catalytic environmental outcomes. Such projects are preferred to those with specific localised environmental outcomes, although projects which are locally based but have far reaching impacts are also encouraged.
Details: 9208 7000 <simitchell@deloitte.com.au>
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Entomological Society of Victoria “Moths of Victoria”
The Entomological Society of Victoria has published two volumes of their “Moths of Victoria” series. Part 1 is “Silk Moths & their allies”, an excellent illustrated book with attached CD ($12) ideal for anyone with an interest in identifying our local moths. Part 2 “Tiger Moths & their allies” has just been published.
Contact <vicmoth@entsocvic.org.au> for details or their website is http://home.vicnet.net.au/~vicento/vicent.htm
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City of Manningham Environmental Seminar
Manningham’s Environmental seminars (1st Wednesday of the month except January) provide an opportunity to hear speakers on diverse environmental topics in a relaxed and friendly
atmosphere. The seminars are free, no booking is necessary and a light supper is provided afterward. The venue is South Warrandyte Hall 66-68 Hall Road, South Warrandyte. Melways Ref. 35 J8. Starting time is 7.30 pm.
Wednesday 7 December : Bell Miner and associated Eucalyptus dieback with Amanda Dare PhD. Amanda will discuss whether the minor call frightens off other psyllid predators; the impacts Bell Minor presence on insect and spider predators of the psyllid, and what habitat structure is preferred by the Bell Minor.
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Native Vegetation Investigation
The Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) is inviting representatives from Landcare, conservation and revegetation groups, the CFA, CMAs, and state and local government to attend regional workshops on remnant native vegetation. Workshop participants will learn about VEAC and native vegetation investigation, as well as the extent, condition and connectivity of native vegetation in their own region based on major spatial analysis. General discussions will be held to promote the sharing of extensive local knowledge and to provide feedback following analysis of the major issues facing remnant native vegetation.
VEAC's Discussion Paper on remnant native vegetation is tentatively scheduled for release for public comment early next year and will contain considerable information (but not recommendations) on Victoria's remnant native vegetation. The workshops will greatly assist in developing the scope of the Discussion Paper.
Remaining Dates:
Mildura - 11:00am-3:00pm, Friday 4 December 2009; Banksia Room, DSE Offices, Corner Eleventh Street & Koorlong Avenue, Irymple
Melbourne - Monday December14, 2009
Time: 10.00 am to 4.00 pm to be confirmed
Venue: in or near the CBD to be confirmed
Lunch will be provided. To assist with catering please RSVP to: Paul Peake 03 9637 9896 or Rebecca Hartnett 03 9637 8324
Further information http://www.veac.vic.gov.au/index.htm
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Double Trouble - The Invasive Species Council's pests and climate change ebulletin
The latest issue of Double Trouble, ISC’s pests and climate change ebulletin can be found at http:/www.invasives.org.au/newsletter.php?NewsletterId=16. You can also register to receive this newsletter via email from http:/www.invasives.org.au/subscribe.php
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Other events are listed on individual Friends Group web-sites, many of which are listed at <http://home.vicnet.net..au/~friends/>