Watershed Landcare are launching a new project which will provide landholders with the opportunity to increase their knowledge of aspects that influence soil health.
The Digging Deeper into Watershed Soils project will explore improving soil health with a focus on soil health issues within our region; soil biology, soil water and soil acidity; and adapting management decisions as a result of understanding the landscape. Read more
November 19 marks an important milestone – Watershed Landcare turns 20!
That’s quite an achievement considering that the Landcare movement in Australia is only 25 years old.
Watershed Landcare spoke to Sam Hamilton who was involved from the outset and did a stint as Chairman of the then fledgling organisation.
“Back then Landcare in our region consisted of a whole lot of small groups with set boundaries, acting independently and focused on their own needs.” said Mr Hamilton.
“As specific programs concluded and some of the smaller groups waned, representatives from the different groups came together to form a steering committee and over time individuals became members.”
“Eventually it developed into Watershed Landcare as we know it today.” he continued.
Watershed Landcare now has a footprint of around 900,000 ha, approximately the Mid-Western Regional Council area, and has run countless events and projects over the last 20 years focusing on raising awareness of environmental issues and promoting and supporting innovation in sustainable agricultural practices.
Although no longer involved in committee, Mr Hamilton is an active member of the Grazing group and has participated in a number of projects on his Lue property.
So what makes Watershed Landcare relevant to landholders 20 years on?
“Landcare is not an event or a project, it’s a movement.” Said Mr Hamilton.
“By promoting innovation and bringing sustainability into agricultural production, getting people to do business in a sustainable and viable fashion, it creates not just something that will be around in 100 years time but be profitable today.” he continued.
Watershed Landcare would like to invite our members and the community to help us celebrate this significant achievement.
We will be holding our AGM followed by a BBQ dinner at 6pm on Friday 25 November at the Straw Bale Shed, Australian Rural Education Centre.
Come along for a fun and relaxing social evening with other Watershed members.
This event is free to attend but please RSVP for catering purposes by Monday 20 November.
For more information or to RSVP contact Claudia Wythes, Watershed Landcare Coordinator, on 0412 011 064 or claudia.wythes@watershedlandcare.com.au.
Watershed Landcare will be hosting a workshop on Multi Species Pasture Cropping with Colin Seis, pioneer of this innovative cropping technique which was developed right here in the Central Tablelands.
The concept developed over a beer when Mr Seis, together with Daryl Cluff, started exploring the idea of ‘fast tracking’ improvement in degraded soil and grassland while producing crops for human consumption and/or stock feed.
