The Link Volunteer Newsletter Issue 66

VOLUNTEER SUPPORT UNIT

DIRECTOR’S UPDATE

Dear Volunteers,

Once again this has been a very exciting time for our parks with fifteen Friends of Parks groups receiving over $190,000 in Community Grants funded under the State NRM Program 2011-12. The projects are as diverse as our parks and I want to congratulate the successful groups and wish them all well with their work ahead. Following from this announcement we met with the State NRM Program managers to find out any 'tips' on how to increase Friends or Parks opportunities for the next round of grants. The Volunteer Support Unit will be updating the 'helpful hints' information to reflect these conversations. The Manager of the State NRM Program has also agreed to meet with the Friends of Park Inc. Board to ensure that they are also aware of the best ways groups can maximise their opportunities in future rounds.

Congratulations also to the Friends of Southern Parks, the Walking Trails Support Group and Minton Farm Animal Rescue Centre. I understand they were successful in the recently announced FAHCSIA Volunteer Grants. I am aware that there was a limited success rate for Friends of Parks applications for this program. I will endeavour to make a time to follow-up with the managers of this process to see if we can find out how Friends can improve their future applications.

Several of our Friends of Parks Groups are soon to celebrate milestones - Friends of Onkaparinga Parks - 25 years, Friends of Riverland Parks - 20 years, Friends of Simpson Desert Parks - 25 years and Friends of Innes National Park - 25 years. Trees for Life also have celebrated with their 30th year in September. Congratulations to all of these groups for reaching such significant anniversaries.

You maybe aware, that the Friends of the celebrated their 25th anniversary at Belair on 8th October. Unfortunately I was not able to attend these celebrations however DENR Chief Executive, Allan Holmes was there. As part of the celebrations Allan and Robert Alcock, (President of Friends of the Heysen Trail), co-signed an updated Memorandum of Understanding between the Department and the Friends group. The new MoU aims to ensure we are all clear on where we are heading regarding the future direction and priorities for the trail; define each groups roles and responsibilities with regard to key areas such as future direction; planning; maintenance; marketing and promotion; clarify key contacts between the two groups and most importantly formally acknowledge the Friends of the Heysen Trail's contribution. Thanks to Robert Alcock and his team for their support in drafting the new the MoU and for incorporating the signing into the 25th celebrations. There was interest from the media around this event; the Minister put out a media release and Allan Holmes spoke on Southern Cross radio promoting the importance of the Heysen Trail and the Friends of Parks work.

While we are talking about media, if you are an early riser you may have heard me on Radio at 7:30 am on Tuesday 20th September, talking about South Australian parks and the important work of Friends of Parks. I have also been out and about over the weekends and I had the pleasure of visiting Brookfield Conservation Park where I met with Conservation Volunteers Australia who is managing the park. I enjoyed walking on the trail which was established by the Friends of Brookfield and I also had the pleasure of meeting Alan, one of the local friends, who was busy monitoring the rain gauge - the different ways volunteers contribute to our parks is amazing!

Finally, last week I was honoured to be part of the ceremony at Wilpena where the Indigenous Land Use and Flinders Ranges National Park Co- management agreements were signed. I had the pleasure of meeting Tony Bott and some of the Friends of the Flinders Ranges team where I heard about their latest project restoring ‘Guides Hut’. This work not only preserves an important part of our state's history it will also add interest and a much needed rest point along the park's cycle path. Minister Caica was so impressed that he agreed to join the Friends group - well done. Tony - I am sure the membership form is in the mail! Minister for Environment & Conservation, The Hon. Paul Caica, MP at Wilpena Until next time take care and remember 'never doubt the power of a small group of dedicated people to change their world - it’s the only thing that ever has'.

Anne Sellar, Director, Volunteers and Visitor Services, Regional Services Directorate

PROMOTING YOUR WORK! - THE VOLUNTEER SUPPORT UNIT NEEDS YOUR HELP

 Why do you volunteer in our environment?  What makes it special?  How does it make you feel?

To celebrate the International Year of Volunteers + 10, and to acknowledge the fantastic work DENR/NRM volunteers undertake, the Volunteer Support Unit would like to develop a collage of images, words and phrases about your activities. We expect the collage will be published in hard copy and electronically on International Volunteers Day in December.

We’d love your contributions of photos, words or phrases (1 word to 1 sentence in length) that represent your volunteering experience over the last 12 months. Your photographs and words can capture people, activities, places, flora and fauna – anything that is special to you or shows what you love about your volunteering.

As well as your contributions being part of this rich compilation of diverse volunteering experiences for 2011, we’d also like to possibly use them for future recruiting and promotions for Friends of Parks and wider DENR volunteering – let us know if you don’t want them to be used for future promotions.

Please send your contributions clearly labelled and with a contact person’s details to Lynn Newman at [email protected] or by mail, Lynn Newman, VSU, DENR, GPO Box 1047, Adelaide, 5001, by 21 November 2011.

If you have any questions please give Lynn a call on 8124 4841. And please share this request with your fellow volunteers.

‘GREEN WELLBEING’ A FOCUS FOR MENTAL HEALTH WEEK The benefits of connecting with nature to enhance mental wellbeing were promoted by during Mental Health Week (October 9 to 15), when DENR joined forces with Mental Health Week event organisers to provide information at a stall during Stress Less Day in the Rundle Mall.

Amelia Hurren, Cape Borda to Barossa NatureLink coordinator, stated that “Experiencing the environment, national parks and botanic gardens through recreation activities or volunteer efforts gives people a closer connection to nature, while also improving their fitness and wellbeing.” The Naturelinks program is about connecting people with nature and creating genuine partnerships for conservation.

Research has shown that spending time in nature has a number of significant benefits such as boosting energy, reducing blood pressure and stress levels, as well as improving quality of life and mental wellbeing.

According to Deakin University Faculty of Health Associate Professor Mardie Townsend, the benefits of nature- based volunteering for mental health are enormous. “Through their nature-based volunteering people experience a feeling of calmness and relaxation, at the same time gaining a sense of self-esteem and confidence because they know they are doing something really valuable not just for themselves but for future generations – it’s magic,”

The NatureLinks stall provided information about getting active in South Australian national parks and associated volunteer opportunities for people to make a positive difference to their environment and to their own wellbeing.

SAFETY ALERT

DRAFT OHSW VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK (OHSW VMF) AVAILABLE FOR CONSULTATION In response to a 2009 Workcover report that found DENR to be non-complying regarding volunteer safety, the Volunteer Support Unit has been working on a developing a system for improving and standardising how volunteer OHSW is managed across DENR.

The draft system is available on the DENR volunteer webpage for your comment and feedback. http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/Work_With_Us/Volunteering_with_DENR/OHSW_Volunteer_Management_Fram ework

The Volunteer Support Unit has started working alongside key regional and business staff and the Friends of Parls Inc board to ensure that volunteers and staff have an opportunity to discuss and provide feedback on the draft OHSW VMF. If you’d like more information or would like to arrange someone to come talk with your group about the draft VMF, please contact your Volunteer Support Ranger, or the Volunteer Support Unit (8124 4784). Alternatively, you

2 can send any comments or questions direct to Ian Radbone, Senior Project Officer, Volunteer Support Unit 8124 4838 / [email protected].

All feedback is welcome and will form part of the final review of the OHSW VMF in November 2011. This consultation closes at 5.00pm on 28 October 2011.

GET INVOLVED

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

THE BOTANIC GARDENS OF ADELAIDE VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE The Botanic Gardens of Adelaide Visitor Information Centre is calling for new volunteers. Staffed entirely by volunteers, the Visitor Information Centre gives visitors a valuable personal connection to the Gardens. The volunteer attendants enhance the experience that visitors have within the Gardens by sharing their enthusiasm for the gardens, as well as offering information and insight about the treasures of the Garden. Volunteers do not provide gardening or technical advice.

To start with, volunteers attend two training sessions that run for five hours each. Volunteers learn how the Centre runs, how to can find information for visitors, and how will they be supported while working in the Centre. Following this training, a series of guided walks in the Gardens over the following weeks allows volunteers to further develop their knowledge about the Gardens and our collections. Volunteers do not need any existing knowledge about plants or the Gardens – just an interest and a willingness to learn.

The Centre is open seven days a week and volunteer shifts last three hours, either 10am-1pm or 1-4pm. For more information call Katrina on 82229311.

BIOLOGICAL SURVEYS IN THE SOUTHERN FLINDERS 24TH TO THE 29TH OF OCTOBER Another set of biological surveys on private properties in the Southern Flinders Ranges will happen from the 24th to the 29th of October. Some spots are available for volunteers. For more information contact Cristina Vicente on 08 8841 3446 or [email protected]

BAT SURVEYS AROUND CLARE 22ND AND 23RD OF NOVEMBER The Bats in your backyard project will start annual active monitoring of three transects in the Clare Valley area. These surveys will run for two consecutive nights. The surveys will involve the use of anabat equipment to ‘hear’ and spotlight micro bats! The surveys start at dusk and are limited to 6 volunteers per night. The data recorded will be analysed by volunteers so don’t miss the opportunity to gain this rare skill and put your name down ASAP! For more information contact Cristina Vicente on 08 8841 3446 or [email protected]

TAKE PART IN THE FAIRY TERN CENSUS! NOV 2011, FEB & MAR 2012 The Fairy Tern (Sternula nereis nereis) is a threatened coastal bird that has recently been listed as Vulnerable under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and is Endangered (Schedule 7) under the South Australian National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972.

The dramatic declines in the Coorong population threaten the Fairy Tern in and the species as a whole. In the Coorong, nesting failures and the Fairy Tern current age of individuals indicate that without a successful breeding season in Photo: P. Gower the next 1-2 years this species is facing local extinction in the Coorong. We need your help to cover our large and beautiful coastline! We would like to gain a better understanding of where our birds are and how many are left through a systematic survey of known and potential breeding sites. You may already be heavily involved in bird surveys or perhaps you would like to try it out - this is a great opportunity. If possible we'd like to cover most of the SE coastline in the first survey to assess where to put our effort in the following two surveys. Survey dates have a 2 week window to allow for adverse weather conditions, fire events, and capacity. Nov 12 and 13th - contingency of 8 - 21st Nov Feb 11 and 12th - contingency of 5-18 Feb Mar 31 and Apr 1 - contingency of 28 March to 8 April)

For information or to register you interest, contact Cath Dickson on [email protected] or 8735 1184.

3 FOOD BAG PRODUCTION FOR VISITORS- CLELAND WILDLIFE PARK Assist with the production and bagging for food pellets. These bags are provided to park visitors to hand feed animals throughout the park. We will provide any relevant training to ensure you are able to complete your voluntary work safely and confidently. We require an ongoing commitment to be rostered a minimum one shift per month. Contact Allys Todd, 8130 9008 or email [email protected]

TREES FOR LIFE: VOLUNTEER GROWERS NEEDED TO HELP SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S ENVIRONMENT Through the award-winning Tree Scheme, volunteers are asked to grow and care for seedlings for landholders and revegetation projects in South Australia. The Tree Scheme operates by annual seedling orders being taken for landholders, councils, government projects and private enterprise, with Trees For Life then linking up orders with volunteer growers TFL provides all the propagation materials – seed varieties, tubes, boxes, soil and mulch – free to volunteers, along with easy-to-follow instructions. Once sown and raised, volunteers then hand over their seedlings for planting in the winter months.

Each year volunteers raise hundreds of thousands of seedlings in a bid to help continue to revegetate SA, and with the community’s support, Trees For Life is again hoping to reach this target. Those interested in volunteering don’t need to have a green thumb – it’s a perfect way for people to do something positive to help our environment, it’s free and it’s a feel-good experience. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer grower phone 8406 0500 or visit Trees For Life website for more information. http://www.treesforlife.org.au/home/

EVENTS

EARTH STATION FESTIVAL- 21-23 OCTOBER 2011, Womad EARTH STATION is a unique festival exploring our relationship with the planet alongside extraordinary music from around the world. With nineteen groups and 90 artists drawn from around the world, the GLOBAL MUSIC ranges from ancient traditions to contemporary dancehall. The festival weekend will also incorporate a series of talks by leading scientists, academics, writers and thinkers as part of THE PLANET TALKS program. Follow the link http://www.earthstationfestival.com.au/ for more information.

YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL FUTURE IS UP FOR DISCUSSION, SO JOIN IN! What will the environment look like for business, government and the community in 2020? What are the likely environmental challenges we’ll be facing and how do you think we’ll respond to them? What role will you play as a business owner, public sector employee, or community member?

Join Allan Holmes, Chief Executive of DENR at the next Stirring the Possum for a lively discussion that is sure to raise eyebrows, encourage discussion and inspire critical thinking. For this event, we welcome special guests:

 Dr Kristin Alford – futurist, technologist and communicator, Founder and Managing Director at Bridge  Prof Chris Daniels – professor of Urban Ecology and director of research at The Barbara Hardy Centre for Sustainable Urban Environments, University of South Australia  Charles Massy – author of Breaking the Sheep’s Back, a new book that exposes the story behind the A$10 billion collapse of Australia’s wool industry and looks at the important question of governance in the public interest. The discussion will be informed by KPMG’s The Australia Report 2011: Risks and Opportunities, which conclude risks emerging from our natural environment, are among the most likely and costly confronting Australia, with climate change regarded as the most severe of all risks. View the Australia Report 2011: Risks and Opportunities.

When: Wednesday, 2 November, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm (doors open at 5:15 pm) Where: The Sanctuary, Adelaide Zoo, Gate 1, Plane Tree Drive (off Hackney Rd) Adelaide Cost: Free RSVP: Registration is essential, as seating is limited. Book your ticket here.

ANOTHER MONTH OF HISTORY PLANNED FOR 2012! History SA has announced that About Time: South Australia’s History Festival in 2012 will again run for the whole month of May. South Australia’s first month-long History Festival was a great success in 2011, with over 500 events presented by over 300 event organisers across the state. During the 2011 history festival more than 94,000 people actively participated and engaged with the history of South Australia. They hope the 2012 program will be better than ever! Registrations will open in November. For more information call History SA on 8203 9888.

4 SAMPHIRE WORKSHOPS – HOSTED BY THE LAKES COMMUNITY NURSERIES NETWORK Samphires are small, native, succulent plants, which have no true leaves. Samphire wetlands are an important part of the ecosystem; they provide habitat for a large number of invertebrates (insects, spiders, snails etc) which in turn provide food for other native fauna. Samphire flats are also an important nesting habitat for wading birds.

There are 8 species of samphire in the Coorong and Lower Lakes region. Saltmarsh habitats contain more than samphires - Many saltmarshes around the Lower Lakes also contain 20-30 non-samphire species. The Lakes Community Nurseries Network will be presenting a workshop at Hindmarsh Island in November. Learn all about samphire identification & propagation with Faith Cook from Eco Pro Tem. The workshops will address:

 What are samphires?  Uses and values.  Threats and impacts on samphire species.  Species that occur in the area.  How to identify them.  How to collect seed.  Growing tube stock from seed.

When: Wednesday November 2nd 10.00am Where : Meet at the Hindmarsh Island Landcare Nursery (just over the bridge on the right) at 10am. Travel to sites for field discussion and return to Richard Owen’s property for ID and propagation. RSVP : Monday 24th October to Jo McPhee [email protected] or 0488 465 043 office 85370808

Light lunch will be provided. Please wear suitable clothing and bring own water.

HAVE YOUR SAY!

NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT (NRM) COUNCIL DRAFT STATE NRM PLAN The Natural Resources Management (NRM) Council have prepared a draft State NRM Plan. The draft plan proposes a direction for natural resource management in SA for the next decade and beyond. It aims to achieve a balance between environmental, social and economic outcomes. You are invited to give your opinion on the draft Plan. For more information go to www.environmet.sa.gov.au/haveyoursay/draftstatenrmplan, visit regional NRM Board Offices or local Council offices. Closing date for submissions is Monday 19th December 2011

SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S STRATEGIC PLAN IN ACTION Bushfire, floods and storms can affect us all. Over the past months we have all seen the terrible natural disasters in New Zealand, Queensland and Japan. How you would like to be communicated with in an emergency? The SA Government would like the community to tell them what they think! Help them to communicate in an emergency by completing an online survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/community_emergency_information_warning_systems_survey

NATIONAL SURVEY OF VOLUNTEERING IS NOW OPEN!! The National Survey of Volunteering Issues is a critical tool to help drive and shape Volunteering Australia's policy and advocacy for the coming year. The survey has been conducted annually for more than five years and the data has been used by many sources to influence decision makers about the key issues affecting volunteering. This year we are giving more emphasis to asking what priority volunteers, organisations and companies give to particular issues, what would make a difference, and what makes volunteering work well.

To ensure that the survey is relevant and reflects the views of the voluntary sector please complete the survey as one of the following:  Volunteers  Volunteer-involving organisations  Companies with employee volunteering programs

The survey is in 3 parts - you only need to do one. Simply click on the link that applies to you.

 If you are a COMPANY - https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NSVI_Companies  If you are a VOLUNTEER - https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NSVI_Volunteers  If you are an NOT-FOR-PROFIT or GOVERNMENT ORGANISATION https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NSVI_VIOs The survey will be open from 10 October to 6 November 2011 and the results will be released on International Volunteers Day on the 5 December 2011.

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GRANTS

Don’t forget, if you are applying for a grant to assist with your volunteer work with DENR, you need to discuss your application and have it endorsed by your DENR liaison ranger / officer. They can assist you in developing the grant submission, ensuring that it will be supported by the Department.

Friends groups that are not incorporated require endorsement from the President of ‘Friends of Parks Inc’ for grants requiring sponsorship by an incorporated body.

COMMUNITY GRANTS WEBSITE Australia’s largest free searchable listing of nation-wide grands and funding programs for community based and not-for-profit organisations. Visit. http://community.grantready.com.au/ to check out what grants are available.

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS FOR NOT FOR PROFITS SEEKING GOVERNMENT FUNDING The Office of the Economic Development Board within the Department of the Premier and Cabinet has instituted new accounting standards (Standard Chart of Accounts - SCOA) for not for profits seeking government funding. Knowledge of the SCOA will be vital for not for profit staff and volunteers who prepare acquittals for state government grants. Visit Not-for-Profit Accounting Specialists website www.nfpas.com.au to view the Implementation Manual for the new standards.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! APPLICATIONS FOR COMMUNITY VOICES PROGRAM NOW OPEN The Community Voices Program, an exciting and innovative initiative designed to assist community groups to promote and market themselves in the community, is now open for applications until 5 pm, Friday 2 December 2011.

The program provides a unique opportunity for community groups to work in partnership with Screen and Media students from Flinders University. It benefits all involved, with volunteer organisations gaining access to a medium they may be unlikely to access otherwise, and Screen and Media students gain valuable professional experience which will assist them in gaining employment once their studies are completed. The final products are either:

 Community documentaries which are used for promotion, training or recruitment; or  Television commercials to promote, retain and recruit volunteers.

The program also secures limited air time on commercial television stations at reduced rates, allowing community organisations to broadcast their television commercials. Who can apply: Volunteer involving community-based, not-for-profit, non-government organisations, incorporated under the Associations Incorporations Act 1985 are eligible to apply. Non-incorporated organisations may also apply through an incorporated sponsoring organisation. How to apply: Applications and Guidelines are available by visiting www.ofv.sa.gov.au/communityvoices.htm or phoning Office for Volunteers on 8463 4490. To see videos previously produced through the Community Voices program visit www.ofv.sa.gov.au/video.htm.

AWARDS

ROTARY CLUB OF BURNSIDE INC'S AWARDS FOR DENR: 'LEADERSHIP IN CONSERVATION' AND 'VOLUNTEER/S OF THE PARKS' Nominations for the Rotary Club of Burnside Inc's Awards for 'Leadership in Conservation' and 'Volunteer/s of the Parks' are now open. These awards are specifically for DENR volunteers working in parks, and for DENR staff supporting volunteers who work in parks. Please find attached the criteria and nomination forms for both Awards. The awards will be presented at a special dinner, to be held on Wednesday, 18 April, 2011, at the Belair Country Club. The nomination forms and criteria can be downloaded from the DENR website. http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/Home/Full_newsevents_listing/News_Events_Listing/111012-RotaryAwards If you have any questions, please contact Mr Bob Cooper on 0418 802 986. Applications close on 31 January 2012.

WORLD WETLANDS AWARDS Take this opportunity to get our fantastic Australian wetlands recognised internationally!! Especially in this lead up year to the Ramsar Conference next year, when the Awards Ceremony will occur. Go on the World Wetland Network website http://www.worldwetnet.org/awards/and register your favourite wetland under the Blue Globe award for great conservation, management or sustainability efforts OR under the Grey Globe awards for wonderful wetlands that are under threat. Closing date 31 March 2012

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ADELAIDE AND MOUNT LOFTY RANGES NRM FIELD DAYS WOODY WEED CONTROL FIELD DAY These field days will demonstrate the effective control of woody weeds. Please register your interest to receive updates. Where: Cromer When: 29th October 2011 Cost: Free Contact: Mt Pleasant Office, 8568 1876, [email protected]

Where: Cherry Gardens When: November 2011 - Date to be advised Cost: Free Contact: Lobethal Office, 8389 5900, [email protected]

CHILEAN NEEDLE GRASS FIELD DAY This workshop will discuss and demonstrate the identification of Chilean needle grass, the issues caused by this weed, and the appropriate control strategies and techniques. Please register your interest to receive updates. Where: Northern area When: November 2011 - Date to be advised Cost: Free Contact: Gawler Office, 8523 7700, [email protected]

EXPLORING GRASSY WOODLANDS FIELD DAY Come along to this interactive field day and explore the local grassy woodlands and learn more about the native plants in these ecosystems. Where: Charleston When: 22nd October 2011 Cost: Free Contact: Lobethal Office, 8389 5900, [email protected]

RESTORING GREY BOX GRASSY WOODLANDS FIELD DAY Do you have remnant grey box grassy woodlands on your property or perhaps your local area was home to grey box grassy woodlands prior to clearing? Come along to this field day and find out about what is being done in the Onkaparinga Hills area to restore and protect this endangered ecosystem. Where: Onkaparinga Hills When: 22nd October, 9.30am – 1.30pm Cost: Free and lunch provided Contact: Willunga Office, 8550 3400, [email protected]

EXPLORING NATIVE PLANT COMMUNITIES AT CAPE JERVIS Want to know more about the native plants of the southern Fleurieu? Then come along to this interactive workshop which will include a talk on a week night and a field walk on a Saturday morning. Dates to be advised. Please register your interest to receive updates. Where: Cape Jervis When: November Cost: Free Contact: Willunga Office, 8550 3400, [email protected]

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR SWAMP FIELD DAY Do you have a swamp or wetland and want to know more about the native plants and animals that inhabit it? Come along to this field day to learn more about our local swamps, the flora and fauna that inhabit them, and how you can get involved in protecting these vital ecosystems. Date to be advised. Please register your interest to receive updates. Where: Mt Compass area When: November/December Cost: Free Contact: Willunga Office, 8550 3400, [email protected] November/December Free

7 BITS ‘N PIECES

BE YOUR COMMUNITY’S VOICE ON SUSTAINABLE RESOURCE FUNDING The Australian Government is seeking applications from people interested in becoming a community assessor. Community assessors play a crucial role in environmental and sustainable natural resource management by representing local, community perspectives on a range of funding decisions. They may be involved in assessing funding applications for things like Caring for our Country and Action on the Ground. We are seeking applications from people with:

 broad community knowledge and experience in managing natural resources  knowledge of local natural resource management issues and opportunities  knowledge of sustainable farming practices (including commercial fishing and aquaculture)  knowledge and experience in practices and technologies that can reduce the emission of greenhouse gas from the agricultural sector and/or increase carbon stored in soil.

We are interested in receiving applications from Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians across a broad age range and from all regions of Australia. For more information, visit www.daff.gov.au/communityassessors. Applications close at 8.00am on 26 October 2011 (Australian Eastern Daylight Savings Time)

PEST PLANTS PROFILED ON FILM The Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges (AMLR) NRM Board has released the second series of weed information videos on its website and YouTube channel. These three new videos focus on Blackberry, Caltrop and a video on How to Handle Chemicals Safely. This is in addition to the Olive video already up. Each video gives a brief overview of the issues surrounding the plant, its biology and a description and demonstration of the most common and suitable techniques for its control commonly used in the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges region. The next series of videos will be on Cape Tulip, Gorse, Broom (Cape and English), Bridal Creeper and Willows. View these videos at http://amlrnrm.sa.gov.au/Publications/Videos/Pestplantvideos.aspx

BOOK LAUNCH Sturt Upper Reaches Landcare Group launched their book; Frogs, Reptiles, Mammals & How To Restore Their Habitat. Produced and part funded with the Board's NRM Achievers’ grant, you can download your free copy from the group’s website, http://www.surlg.org.au/faunaguide.php. It details native, ground-dwelling fauna that can be found in the area, such as frog, reptile and mammal species, combined with how to identify them and how to restore their habitat.

THE LINK Contributions for The Link are always welcome. Please send your information/report/request or any comments to Lynn Newman, Project Officer, Volunteer Support Unit: [email protected] or 8124 4841

” If you can dream it, you can do it”- Walt Disney

Disclaimer While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the contents of this publication are factually correct, the Department for Environment and Natural Resources makes no representations and accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of the contents. Reference to any company, product or service in this publication should not be taken as a Departmental endorsement of the company, product or service.

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