NATIVE PLANTS AND INSECTS CAN REDUCE BUG INFESTATIONS.

 

Vineyards, orchards and even our backyard fruit trees are damaged each season by insect pest species. Did you know that three native insectory plants have the potential to be used in the Adelaide Hills to enhance the biocontrol of pests? These plants support populations of predatory arthropods throughout the year. The opportunity to plant selected native insectory plants could help growers save time and resources by producing fruit with lower pest incidence, while enhancing biodiversity.

Dr Mary Retallack who recently completed her PhD researching ways these native plants help control pest insects in vineyards. She will be talking at the Adelaide Hills Natural Resource Centre at Norton Summit, on Tuesday October 8^th at 7pm.  The cost is $5 payable on the night. To book email valhunt@ahnrc.org

 Dr Retallack will discuss many issues including, the importance of biodiverse ecosystems, biocontrol of bugs, good bugs, practical examples and tips and tricks. There are millions of little insect workers in production systems who are able to provide natural biological control virtually for free, if we understand how to attract them and look after them.

 

WONDERFUL WET AND SLIMY

Free School Holiday Activity

If you live near a creek or dam, you will hear the happy sound of the frog chorus in the evenings. But do you know which species of frogs you are listening to? Steve Walker from NRM Education will teach you how to recognise the different calls of the various frogs we hear in the hills.  Wonderful Wet & Slimy, frogs and water critters of the Mt Lofty Ranges will be held at the Hills Environment Centre, 4 Crescent Drive Norton Summit, on Thursday October 19^th from 1.30- 3pm.

Steve will also introduce the children to water bugs which they need to catch and view through a microscope to see the tiny critters up close. There are numerous bugs to be found and parents and children can work together to try to identify them.

The activity is suitable for children aged between 5 and 12 years and all must be accompanied by an adult. Bookings are essential as places are limited. To book email valhunt@ahnrc.org

SNAKE AWARENESS

Spring is finally here and we will soon venture outdoors and into our gardens or go for bush walks before the weather is too hot.

It is also the time when snakes are on the move seeking food. Do you know what to do if you meet a snake?

Geoff Coombe from Living With Wildlife and Rudy from Adelaide Snake Catchers will present a Snake Awareness Workshop on Sunday October 13^{TH h} from 1 – 3 pm. The workshop will provide practical information that you can apply at home. It will include an introduction to snakes and snake behaviour,  tips of how to identify snake hazards around the home and what you can do about them, advice on how to act when meeting a snake, plus the correct and up to date first aid for snake bites.

This workshop is vital for hills dwellers, people who work in the hills, gardeners and bushwalkers.

Geoff will show you simple but effective ways of reducing snake habitat around your home and improve your awareness of snake behaviour. This information could save you and your family from snake bites or frights!

The session includes live, local snakes under controlled and safe conditions and will be held at the Hills Environment Centre (formerly Adelaide Hills Natural Resource Centre), 4 Crescent Drive, Norton Summit. The cost is $10 per person and includes a light afternoon tea. It is not suitable for children under 12 years due to the length of the presentation.

Registration is essential, so please email valhunt@ahnrc.org or phone 8390 1891 Tuesday – Thursday to book.

 

ECO-TIPS FOR THE HOME RENOVATOR

Find ways to improve the energy efficiency of an older home with often simple and practical ideas by attending a talk by Andrew Marsh, author of  ”Sustainability and the Old Australian Home.”  He is scheduled to appear on Tuesday 10th September 2019 at 7.30 – 9 pm. at the Adelaide Hills Natural Resource Centre, 1 Crescent Drive, Norton Summit.  The cost is $5.00.  The book will also be on sale on the night for $15.00.  To book, please email Val Hunt on valhunt@ahnrc.org

ECHIDNA CSI: PLEASE HELP TO SAVE THEM

Echidnas are an iconic species in Australia. Together with the platypus they comprise the unique group of egg-laying mammals (monotremes). As the oldest surviving mammalian lineage, studying monotremes has provided ground breaking insights into the evolution of all mammals. However, there are increasing concerns about conservation of this unique species in the changing environment across Australia and we lack understanding of key aspects of wild populations including their distribution, biology and diversity.

Long term studies on Kangaroo Island (SA) have already established a sharp decline in numbers, which resulted in their recent EPBC listing as endangered. In order to protect and conserve echidnas in the future it is imperative we fill these major knowledge gaps. And you can help!

To find out more about amazing echidnas and the results of the Echidna CSI/Echidna Watch project, come along to the talk presented by Professor Frank Grutzner from the School of Biological Studies at Adelaide University. Frank headed the research team that included ecological and molecular researchers, students and the Australian community. There is still time for you to get involved in this project as we near Echidna breeding season – a great time to go echidna spotting.

The talk about Echidna CSI by Professor Frank Grutzner will be held at the Adelaide Hills Natural Resource Centre, 4 Crescent Drive, Norton Summit on Tuesday 20th of August. It starts at 7.30 and the cost is $5 which includes a light supper. To reserve your seat, please email valhunt@ahnrc.org

QUIET GREEN ACHIEVERS UNEARTHED

Ten Quiet Green Achievers were presented with certificates and vouchers on Saturday June 1^st at the Adelaide Hills Natural Resource Centre (AHNRC).

“All of the recipients were nominated for their long term commitment to the environment, on either their own properties or public lands” said Val Hunt, Coordinator of the AHNRC. “They also came from right across the hills area, showing how effective it is to promote events in the hills papers”.

The Quiet Green Achievers 2019 regularly volunteer countless hours in their community for the benefit of everyone who visits public spaces or enjoys the natural landscape and wildlife of the Adelaide Hills.

BACK ROW L-R: Andrew Davidson (Chair AHNRC), Sean Wessex-Brown, Peter Sharley (partly hidden), David Jarvis, Hugh Stewart.
FRONT ROW: Ann Taylor, Tony Vincent, Toni Pillar (for Carolyn Biggs), Della Rowley, Wendy Stewart

The winners of the 7^th  year of awards are:

Ann Taylor, a member of Friends of Black Hill Morialta since 1986, minute Secretary and volunteer in Morialta National Park.

David & Sue Jarvis, members of Trees For Life, Friends of Kenneth Stirling and 6^th Creek Catchment Group.

Carolyn Biggs, a long standing member of Sturt Upper Reaches Landcare Group, involved with research and photos for their publications.

Della Rowley, for land conservation to protect Southern Brown Bandicoots on her property and managing a sustainable Bed and Breakfast “Bimbimble Hideaway”.

Peter Sharley, has improved farming land and restored native vegetation on his property by controlling woody weeds and planting over 20,000 plants.

Tony Vincent, Chair of Friends of Charleston Conservation Park, member of Mid-Torrens Catchment Group and Kersbrook Landcare Group, Treasurer of Seeding Natives and other groups, while managing a 50 ha bush block.

Wendy & Hugh Stewart. Members of 6^th Creek Catchment Group and Friends of Merchants Rd, restored native vegetation on their own property with weed control over many years and are active volunteers in the community.

Seán Wessex-Brown, for establishing a native grass lawn and a backyard for wildlife at his home, while encouraging and mentoring others to do the same and for many years of sharing his skills with the community through volunteering.