Stewardship saving woodland landscapes

THE Geelong Landcare Network has joined Corangamite Catchment Management Authority’s Grassy Eucalypt Woodlands Stewardship project.

With funding from the Federal Government’s National Landcare Program, the organisations have partnered to protect the grassy eucalypt woodlands between Shelford, Inverleigh, the You Yangs and Meredith, and the Victorian Volcanic Plains’ natural temperate grasslands.

Less than five per cent of these original landscapes are remaining, so the Network and CCMA are engaging with private landowners, and will run workshops, to ensure the critically endangered woodlands and grasslands, and their native fauna, are protected and enhanced for the future.

CCMA project officer Jess Lill said those owning private land are encouraged to express interest in participating in the Stewardship Program.

“We need their help to protect and enhance these critically endangered communities,” she said.

“The protection of these woodlands and grasslands is so critical for the survival of many plants and animals unique to the Victorian Volcanic Plains, like the common dunnart, golden sun moth and striped legless lizard.”

Geelong Landcare Network workshop project officer Jo Solomon said her organisation has joined the program to further promote the project, educate the community, and attract landowners to two information sessions in October, before a seed collection opportunity in December.

“This is an exciting initiative to be part of, conserving our biodiversity that’s disappearing so fast,” Ms Solomon said.

“GLN’s involvement is all about bringing people together, both landholders and their neighbours, and creating a community around these stewardship and conservation efforts to ensure their longevity.

“The program is finishing in 2023, but Landcare will be focused on this in the long-term.”

The information workshops will help participants discover what the grassy eucalypt woodlands are, understand the fauna that call these habitats home, and the areas’ cultural significance.

They will go on a tour of two program properties of different qualities in Inverleigh and Sutherlands Creek to see how they’re managed, and they will be able to talk to the CCMA about how best to manage their own unique property.

Representatives from Greening Australia and the Wadawurrung community will also be involved.

Visit bit.ly/3zWDQoh to register for the Grassy Eucalypt Woodlands Stewardship, or geelonglandcarenetwork.org.au for more information.