August - November

Spring Outdoors

2009

A regional program of environmental events brought to you by Banyule City Council, Manningham City Council and Nillumbik Shire Council.

As the sun returns and we all come out of hibernation, Banyule City Council, Manningham City Council and Nillumbik Shire Council are once again coming together to celebrate with a series of fun environmentally themed events.

Offering something for everyone, the Spring Outdoors program encourages families and friends to spend time together while getting their hands dirty and learning about our natural environment.

Please note that while almost all events are free, most require you to book ahead. Places may be limited, so please book early to avoid disapointment.

Saturday 29 August, 10.00am-12.00noonDesigning and Maintaining a Native Garden Presented by Nillumbik Shire Council and Sustainable Gardening Australia (SGA)Learn how to create and maintain a beautiful, healthy and neat indigenous garden with careful plant selection, pruning, appropriate fertiliser and some watering and mulching. Cost: FreeWhere: Edendale Farm, Gastons Road Eltham. Mel Ref. 22 A1Bookings: Essential. Georgia Ramsey: 9433 3210

Wednesday 2 September, 7.30pm-8.30pm Saving the Macquarie PerchPresented by Manningham City Council with Tim Curmi Native Fish AustraliaThe endangered Australian Macquarie Perch have disappeared from much of their original habitat. A translocated healthy population in the Yarra River will be discussed. Cost: FreeWhere: South Warrandyte Hall, 66-68 Hall Road South Warrandyte. Mel Ref. 35 J8Bookings: Not required. For details Lyn Meredith: 9840 9326

Wednesday 9 September, 7.00pm-9.00pmCompost and Worm Farm Workshop Presented by Nillumbik Shire CouncilStarting up your own compost or worm farm? Wendy and Ross Mather share their secrets from 25 years of experience making compost and happy worm farms. Cost: Free Where: Edendale Farm, Gastons Road Eltham Mel Ref. 22 A1Bookings: Nillumbik Operations Centre: 9433 3500

Sunday 13 September, 9.00am-4.00pm Waterwatch Training Presented by WaterwatchBecome an accredited Waterwatcher by attending this intensive Waterwatch training program. Learn how to test stream water quality and collect and identify water bugs. Cost: Free (BYO lunch) Where: Currawong Bush Park Conference Centre, Reynolds Road Warrandyte. Mel Ref. 34 H6Bookings: Essential. Megan Kemp: 9457 9816

Wednesday 16 September, 6:45pm-9.00pmSustainable Homes Gardening SessionPresented by Banyule City CouncilFantastic presenters with amazing experiences will inspire you to grow your own food, introduce you to the best indigenous plants for your area, and even solve your composting dilemmas.Cost: FreeWhere: Centre Ivanhoe, McCubbin Room, 275 Upper Heidelberg Road Ivanhoe. Mel Ref. 31 F7Bookings: Essential: 8470 8373

Saturday 19 September, 9.00am ride/10.30am artist talkBike Tour D’ArtPresented by Nillumbik Shire CouncilLearn more about the beautiful public artworks around Eltham on this bike tour along the Diamond Creek trail. Concludes at the Eltham Library Community Gallery with an artist talk on the Nillumbik Art Collection. Cost: Free (BYO bike, helmet, water bottle and sunscreen)Where: Eltham Library, Panther Place Eltham. Mel Ref. 21 J5Bookings: Essential. Georgia Ramsey: 9433 3210

Saturday 19 September, 7.00pm-8.30pmPark in the DarkPresented by Friends of Ruffey Lake ParkEver wondered what lies in the dark down at Ruffey Lake Park? It’s more exciting than you might imagine! Friends of Ruffey Lake Park celebrate their 4th anniversary with a twilight wildlife hunt. Where: The Boulevard Entrance, Ruffey Lake Park, Doncaster Mel Ref. 33 F10Cost: Free (BYO sturdy shoes, torch and your family/friends!)Bookings: Essential. Tom Dowsley: 9846 7601

Sunday 27 September, 10.00am-12.00noonCatch a Carp Day Presented by the Greensborough Angling ClubJoin volunteers from the Greensborough and District Angling Club and Julia from Waterwatch to rid the Kalparrin Lake of a few carp. Enjoy a relaxing fishing experience close to home! Cost: FreeWhere: Kalparrin Gardens, Yando Street Greensborough Mel Ref. 10 H12Bookings: Essential. Megan Kemp: 9457 9816

Saturday 3 October 10.00am-12.00noonGrowing Organic Fruit and Veg in Nillumbik Presented by Nillumbik Shire Council and Sustainable Gardening Australia (SGA)Come along and learn about growing your own food under Nillumbik conditions. The workshop will cover issues such as Nillumbik soils, possums and shading. Cost: FreeWhere: Edendale Farm, Gastons Road Eltham. Mel Ref. 22 A1Bookings: Georgia Ramsey: 9433 3210

Saturday 3 October, 10.00am-12.00noonWalk at Browns ReservePresented by Banyule City CouncilJoin local ecologist Doug Frood on a wildflower walk around Browns Reserve. Doug has extensive knowledge of this site and will highlight some of the indigenous plants found in the area. Cost: FreeWhere: Browns Reserve, Albion Crescent Greensborough Mel Ref. 11 C11Bookings: Megan Kemp: 9457 9816.

Sunday 4 October, 8.00am-10.30amBirds Along the River and RidgePresented by Parks Victoria Join Conrad Annal (Warrandyte State Park Ranger in Charge) as we walk along the Yarra River stopping along the way to learn more about Warrandyte State Park’s fascinating bird life. Cost: Free (BYO binoculars and bird book if you have them)Where: Pound Bend Reserve picnic area, Warrandyte. Mel Ref. 23 A11Bookings: Essential. Manningham City Council: 9840 9348

Thursday 8 October, 7.00pm-8.30pm Composting and worm farming seminarPresented by Manningham City CouncilEver wondered how to set up a compost bin or worm farm but unsure of where and how to start? This workshop that will assist you to set up and maintain your own compost bin or worm farm. Cost: FreeWhere: Manningham Council Depot, Blackburn Road Doncaster East. Mel Ref. 34 D2Bookings: Essential: 9846 0579

Saturday 10 October, 9.00am-5.00pm; and Sunday 11 October, 9.00am-4.00pmAustralian Plants Expo: Australian Plants for Sustainable GardeningPresented by Australian Plants Society Yarra Yarra GroupPlant sale, book sale, huge display of Australian native flowers, presentations and displays.Cost: $4 per adult, children freeWhere: Templestowe College, Cypress Avenue Templestowe. Mel Ref. 33 D7Bookings: 9435 7786

Saturday 10 October, 11.00am-1.00pmCelebrating Indigenous Culture: Darrabi Aboriginal Bush Food and Reconciliation GardenPresented by Nillumbik Shire CouncilJoin Trevor Gallagher, Aboriginal elder, to learn more about our indigenous culture and native seasons. Participate in a cleansing ceremony, learn about bush foods and make rope using traditional methods. Suitable for all ages. Cost: Free (‘Native Flavours’ picnic lunch provided)Where: Darrabi Aboriginal Bush Food and Reconciliation Garden, Fergusons Paddock, Hurstbridge (behind Hurstbridge Primary School) Mel Ref. 263 A7Bookings: Essential. Georgia Ramsey: 9433 3210

Sunday 11 October, 10.00am-1.00pmVegetable Seed SavingPresented by Nillumbik Shire CouncilCome and learn about techniques of growing vegetable seeds. This workshop will cover seed selection, harvesting, processing and storing to ensure the conservation of genetic heritage in our heirloom vegetable varieties. Cost: $15 Where: Edendale Farm, Gastons Road Eltham. Mel Ref. 22 A1Bookings: Living and Learning Nillumbik: 9433 3744

Tuesdays 13, 20 and 27 October and Wednesdays 14 and 21 October, 6.30pm-8.30pmSustainable Garden Seminar SeriesPresented by Manningham City Council and Sustainable Gardening Australia (SGA) The industry-standard Sustainable Gardening Australia Seminar Series will cover all aspects of sustainable gardening from garden design to soil improvement and plant selection.Cost: Free Where: Manningham City Council, 699 Doncaster Road Doncaster. Mel Ref. 33 F12Bookings: Essential. Manningham City Council: 9840 9348

Thursday 15 October, 7.00pm-9.00pmGreen Your Home – Retrofitting and Renovating AdvicePresented by Nillumbik Shire CouncilWhether you are retrofitting or renovating, this workshop will demonstrate affordable and creative ways to help improve the sustainability, design and comfort of your home.Cost: FreeWhere: Edendale Farm, Gastons Road Eltham. Mel Ref. 22 A1Bookings: Georgia Ramsey: 9433 3210

Saturday 17 October, 10.00am-3.00pmManaging a Bush Block for Biodiversity and Bushfire Management Presented by Nillumbik Shire CouncilThis field day will involve site visits to a small number of properties to discuss techniques for bushland management. The tour covers bushland ecology, basic plant identification, land management, fuel loads, habitats, revegetation, and assistance available to landholders. Cost: FreeWhere: Dunmoochin (location confirmed on booking)Bookings: Georgia Ramsey: 9433 3210

Saturday 17 October, 10.00am-12.00noonWeedbusters with Friends of Salt CreekPresented by Friends of Salt CreekJoin the Friends of Salt Creek and Associated Parklands for a Weedbusting Day in the Rosanna Parklands and learn about local weeds. Be one of the first 100 people to bring a weed from your own garden and receive an indigenous plant to replace it!Cost: FreeWhere: Rosanna Parklands, Lower Plenty Road end, Rosanna Mel Ref. 20 A12Bookings: Not required

Saturday 17 October and 14 November, 10.00am-12.00noonCompost and Worm Farm WorkshopPresented by Nillumbik Shire CouncilStarting up your own compost or worm farm? Wendy and Ross Mather share their secrets from 25 years of experience making compost and happy worm farms. Cost: $15 per person (includes morning tea)Where: The Food Farm, St Andrews (more details on booking)Bookings: Living and Learning Nillumbik: 9433 3744

Sunday 18 October, 10.00am-12.00noonWetlands Planting with the Darebin FroggersPresented by Banyule City CouncilJoin the Darebin Froggers to translocate wetland plants to another location along the Darebin Creek, creating more habitat for future frog generations. Cost: Free (BYO gloves and gumboots. Prepare to get muddy!)Where: Meet at the Darebin Parklands office, end of Separation Street, Alphington. Mel Ref. 31 C9Bookings: Peter Grenfell: 9499 4454

Wednesday 21 October, 8.00pmMelbourne Wildlife Sanctuary Spotlighting Walk Presented by the Melbourne Wildlife SanctuaryEnjoy a spotlight walk through the Melbourne Wildlife Sanctuary at La Trobe University. A high proportion of Australia’s unique wildlife are nocturnal and emerge only at night. Cost: $10 per personWhere: Melbourne Wildlife Sanctuary at La Trobe University, Bundoora. Meet in carpark off La Trobe Avenue. Mel Ref. 19 G5Bookings: Essential. Megan Kemp: 9457 9816

Wednesday 21 October, 7.00pm-9.00pmEvening Walk: The Sugar Glider ExperiencePresented by Nillumbik Shire CouncilLearn more about local nocturnal wildlife, including micro bats, tawny frogmouths and brushtail and ringtail possums. With a bit of luck, we’ll watch sugar gliders glide straight over our heads at dusk. Cost: Free Where: Wingrove Park, Main Road Eltham. Mel Ref. 21 J8 Bookings: Essential. Georgia Ramsey: 9433 3210

Thursday 22 October, 6.30pm-8.00pmCommunity Frog Night with Warringal Conservation SocietyPresented by Waterwatch and the Warringal Conservation SocietyJoin Waterwatch and the Warringal Conservation Society at the Warringal Wetlands for a night of discovery. Identify different frog calls, participate in the Melbourne Water frog census and take a walk through froggie habitat. Cost: FreeWhere: Old Shire Offices, Beverley Road Heidelberg. Mel Ref. 32 3DBookings: Essential. Megan Kemp: 9457 9816

Saturday 24 October, 7.00am-9.00amBird Week Bird WalkPresented by Friends of Ruffey Lake ParkCalling all novice and life-long ornithologists! Come on down to Ruffey Lake Park during Bird Week 2009 and discover the diverse selection of birds that call the park home. Remember to bring a pair of sturdy shoes and your family and friends!Cost: Free (BBQ breakfast at conclusion of the walk provided)Where: The Boulevard Entrance, Ruffey Lake Park, Doncaster Mel Ref. 33 F10Bookings: Essential, Tom Dowsley on 9846 7601.

Saturday 24 October, 10.00am-12.00noonWalk Around the Edmund Rice Centre ‘Amberley’Presented by Banyule City CouncilOverlooking the Yarra River in Lower Plenty, Amberley is rich in both cultural and natural history. Explore the bushland and identify some of the species found there. The walk will include a visit to the unique buildings of Amberley.Cost: Free (Morning tea provided)Where: The Edmund Rice Centre ‘Amberley’ Amberley Way, Lower Plenty. Mel Ref. 21 C12Bookings: Essential. Megan Kemp: 9457 9816

Sunday 25 October, 10.00am-4.00pmPractically Green FestivalPresented by Nillumbik Shire CouncilA family-friendly festival featuring sustainability demonstrations, traders and suppliers, kids entertainment, food, music and more. Practical ways to change your lifestyle and reduce your footprint.Where: Edendale Farm Community Environment Centre, Gastons Road Eltham. Mel Ref. 22 A1Bookings: Not required. For information: 9433 3216

Sunday 25 October, 7.30amBreakfast with the BirdsPresented by Banyule City CouncilJoin Bird Observation and Conservation Australia for an early morning walk with experienced guides who will help identify over 70 species of birds. Bring your binoculars and walking shoes. Cost: Free (Light breakfast provided)Where: Meet at carpark, Banyule Flats Reserve, Somerset DriveHeidelberg. Mel Ref. 32 F2Bookings: Essential. BOCA: 9877 5342

Saturday 31 October, 2.00pm-4.00pm Wildflower Walk and TalkPresented by Manningham CouncilJoin Dr Graeme Lorimer for an informative amble among the wonderful wildflowers of the 100 Acres Flora and Fauna Reserve.Cost: FreeWhere: The 100 Acres Flora and Fauna Reserve, Domeney Reserve, Knees Road Park Orchards. Mel Ref. 35 E9Bookings: Essential. Manningham City Council: 9840 9348

Saturday 7 November, 11.00am-4.00pm Manningham Artists Studios TourPresented by Manningham CouncilJoin Manningham cultural services staff for a guided bus tour visiting some of Manningham’s resident artists at work. The tour will include visits to the home studios of six well-known Manningham artists.Cost: $15 per personWhere: Departing from Manningham Gallery, 699 Doncaster Road Doncaster. Mel Ref. 33 F 12Bookings: Essential. Manningham Gallery: 9840 9367

Friday 20 November, 8.30pm-11.00pm Star Gazing Night Presented by the Astronomical Society of VictoriaJoin the Astronomical Society of Victoria as we celebrate the International Year of Astronomy with a stargazing evening at Westerfolds Park. ASV astronomers will be on hand with telescopes and demonstrations. Bring a torch covered with red cellophane, and warm clothes. Cost: FreeWhere: Westerfolds Park, Fitzsimons Lane Templestowe. Mel Ref. 33 F2Bookings: Essential. Manningham City Council: 9840 9348

Thursday 19 November, 7.00pm-8.30pmCreate a Water Efficient Home and GardenPresented by Nillumbik Shire CouncilLearn ways you can reduce your water use in the home and gar-den and find out how to select the right water conservation prod-ucts and methods for you. Bring along your old showerheads on the night (maximum of two) and recieve free water efficient ones to replace them!Cost: Free Where: Edendale Farm, Gastons Road Eltham. Mel Ref. 22 A1Bookings: Essential. Georgia Ramsey: 9433 3210

For more information:

Belinda Moody

Banyule City Council Phone: 9457 9821 Email: belinda.moody@banyule.vic.gov.au Web: www.banyule.vic.gov.au

Nigel Philpot Manningham City Council Phone: 9840 9173 Email: nigel.philpot@manningham.vic.gov.au Web: www.manningham.vic.gov.au

Alison HickeyNillumbik Shire CouncilPhone: 9433 3328Email: alison.hickey@nillumbik.vic.gov.auWeb: www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au

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