May 2008

What’s Happening!

By Kim Pantano

Life between the two Environment Centres is certainly busy and challenging! They both have great teams of jolly vollies but each have a uniqueness that creates a different volunteering experience. I have recently completed funding applications for both centres for solar roof panel systems. Seemed a bit crazy that the environment centres weren't running on green energy- as we should be setting the example. So far we have received a $12,000 rebate for each centre and are just waiting to find out if our Community Assistance Grant applications are successful and it will all be go. We have also put in an NRMA grant application and a Q150 Grant application. I'll let you know how we go. We have however received confirmation that we have received a $2300 grant through GVEHO to support the administration of the centre. Check out this month's calendar as there is heaps happening and book into one of the great events!

Our April Workshop is "Creating a Rainforest Garden Using Native Plants" and will be facilitated by Gavin Magarry from our Pine Rivers Community Nursery.

WE HAVE LOTS OF FUN SO BECOME A KUMBARTCHO VOLUNTEER - NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. Phone 07-3264 3953

Hope you enjoy our newsletter and if you would like to contribute to its content let me know. See you all soon

Kimbo

Calendar

15th May
Kumbartcho Management Committee Meeting
7pm at Kumbartcho Environment Centre - ALL WELCOME

17th May
Workshop 4 - "Creating a Rainforest Garden Using Native Plants"
"A canopy of trees whose branches reach like arms up to the sky and a forest floor which is cool and inviting" Join Gavin Magarry - Nursery Manager of Pine Rivers Community Nursery and create this Eden at your place. An asset to both your property and local fauna species.

31st May
Environmental Trivia Night Saturday
7pm Kumbartcho
Join us for a fun night for all the family! $5 per person which includes tea, coffee, nibbles and prizes. BYO drinks. You won't have to be Einstein to answer these questions.
RSVP to Kim by 28th May

1st June
"In the Mud- Wader Birds of Hays Inlet"
Sunday 1pm - 2.30pm: Osprey House
As the tidal mud flats of the Inlet are exposed the wader birds begin their feasting, searching for tasty delights before the sea returns again. Join the Osprey House Volunteers and let them share their insight into these fascinating birds.
RSVP Kim

7th June
"Going Potty"
Kumbartcho
Join the volunteers at Pine Rivers Community Nursery and see what it takes to grow local native plants for revegetation. Learn about seed collecting, propagation and potting up. Suitable for the whole family. Wear closed-in shoes, a hat and bring a water bottle. Great native plants from the Hays Inlet Catchment for sale.
RSVP Kim

8th June
"Mermaids of the Inlet"
Sunday 10am Osprey House
Early sailors often mistook Dugongs as 'mermaids'. These unique mammals graze on the seagrass beds and visitors will be amazed by the interesting stories and their vulnerability due to the presence of man.
RSVP Kim

Nursery Report

by Gavin Magarry, Nursery Manager

We have had a bumper growth in turnover this financial year due to a reprieve from the drought last spring which escalated the demand for native plants. The success of the nursery has only been possible due to the great efforts of the jolly vollies and the nursery team including Irene and Donna. A big thanks to everyone! The down side is we will have to register for GST in the new financial year which will give our terrific treasurer Gary more work. Sorry mate!

Our projects for the next 8 weeks include the building of our new frost/prop house and more nursery benches. Both these jobs are HUGE so if you have any welding skills or some muscles give me a call as we would love the help.

Plant of the month

Elaeocarpus grandis - Blue Quandong

Beautiful fast growing rainforest tree forming buttress roots, growing 20-35m tall. Likes full or filtered sun, moist condition but is adaptable. Has whitish bark, shiny dark green foliage and white flowers in Autumn/Winter, the edible bright blue fruit attract birds, and bats. Food tree for Bright Cornelian butterfly. Popular farm forestry species. Plenty in the nursery but they don't last long.

Weed of the month

Cats Claw Creeper or Ivy (Macfadyena unguis-cati)

Vigorous woody climber that has tendrils ending in 3 sharp hooked claws. Dark green opposite leaves divided into2 lance shaped leaflets about 5 cm long and 1.5cm broad. Showy bright yellow bell shaped flowers. Invasive weed which smothers large trees and shrubs. Especially troublesome along coastal and hinterland streams in Queensland and northern NSW. Seeds water and wind dispersed, but also propogates by runners. Removal by digging up tubers is almost impossible, but the stems of individual vines can be cut close to the ground and the basal end should be painted with 100% Glyphosate. Treat leaves and regrowth with glycophosphate in recommended dilutions.