ARE NATIVE GRASSES RIGHT FOR YOU?

This talk will be presented by Andrew Fairney, CEO of Seeding Natives Inc.

• habitat restoration from the ground up, specific to local wildlife species including threatened species;
• ideal for year round grazing for horse
• perennial native grassland for vineyards and orchards;
• perennial native pasture; and
• water wise lawns for homes and businesses.

It will be held at the Hills Environment Centre (formerly Adelaide Hills Natural Resource Centre), 4 Crescent Drive, Norton Summit on Tuesday  12 November, 7-8.30 pm. To book, email valhunt@ahnrc.org  Gold coin donation. Light supper included.

OFF TO THE SUSTAINABILITY FAIR!

The Hills Environment Centre (formerly Adelaide Hills Natural Resource Centre) will be at the Uraidla Sustainablity Fair on Sunday 3 November at 10 am. Come and say Hi at our marquee at the Uraidla Primary School and share in the Hills Harvest Exchange, our veggie swap that is now in its seventh year. If you are looking for a positive sense of community and/or something pleasing to do, please contact Val Hunt on 8390 1891 or valhunt@ahnrc.org about volunteering on the day.

YOU CAN GROW NATIVE FOOD PLANTS IN YOUR BACKYARD

Native foods have intense and intriguing flavours and are becoming more common in Australian cuisine. Many of the edible food plants can be grown at home – even in the hills. Neville Bonney is the author of “Knowing, Growing and Eating Edible Wild Native Plants” and is the go to person to learn about the various edible native foods. Neville will be talking about the different plants, the fruits and how to cook with them including seaweed and fungi, at the Hills Environment Centre, 4 Crescent Drive, Norton Summit on Sunday October 20th. The workshop will run from 10am – 3pm and includes several tastings – think of Quandong gelato, muntries jam or wattle seed bread.

The cost is $20 per person which includes the multiple tastings, tea/coffee and light snacks.

Neville will also discuss how the first peoples used particular plants and compare its use in modern cuisine. The workshop is limited to 25 people so email valhunt@ahnrc.org now to reserve your seat.

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.