Our two-day immersive workshop in Merrijig was a true celebration of the senses. Set against the backdrop of autumn bushland and crackling fires, participants explored the incredible diversity of local fungi through a curated display of specimens. With expert guidance from Alison and her wonderful assistants Claire and Marita, attendees had the chance to examine fungi up close—admiring their textures, colours, and unique features.
Up2Us is pleased to announce funding has been secured through the Partnerships Against Pests program to provide subsidised Agricultural Chemical Users Permit (ACUP) training for local landholders. This valuable opportunity supports our community's efforts to effectively manage pest animals and weeds on private property.
Samantha Armstrong, Engagement Officer for Vertebrate Pests at Agriculture Victoria, shared expert insights into integrated rabbit control, emphasising strategies like coordinated baiting, warren destruction, and timing interventions with rabbit breeding cycles.
Rabbits cost Australian agriculture over $200 million each year, with just seven rabbits eating as much as one sheep! Her message was clear: long-term success comes from combining efforts across properties and taking advantage of rabbit biology.
Despite a cold evening at Blue Range Creek Campground, 14 locals joined ecologist Bertram Lobert for our first spotlighting adventure—and we were rewarded with 8 sightings of the endangered Southern Greater Glider!
Each autumn, after the first rains fall across Mansfield and the surrounding high country, you might notice large moths fluttering around outdoor lights and windows. These impressive insects are rain moths — one of Australia's most fascinating and little-understood native species.
Delatite Landcare Group are thrilled to announce our upcoming field day featuring Regenerate Earth founder and soil microbiology expert Phill Lee. This must-attend event will transform how you understand the relationship between your farming practices and the health of your land.
Twelve participants, young and old, gathered at Mt. Terrible Wines to learn about native pollinators with Karen Retra. Karen, known for her deep passion for nature and native bees, delivered an engaging presentation on the importance of pollinators in our gardens.
In late 2023, a striking sighting was made near Barjarg that caught the attention of a local nature enthusiast—a Lace Monitor displaying the rare and beautiful Bell’s form.
Get in quick! The MASS nursey is upgrading its nursery and must get rid of it’s current stock. All indigenous species from ground flora to shrubs and small trees, everything must go. Just in time for the imminent planting season.
Last Monday, Kim and Rhiannon from Up2Us had the pleasure of attending the Gadhaba Local Aboriginal Network's Meet and Greet Gathering at the Railway Station Precinct in Mansfield. The event, which featured a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony followed by a barbeque dinner, provided a wonderful opportunity to connect with both familiar faces and new community members in a culturally rich setting.
Up2Us Landcare Alliance, alongside local residents, is advocating for stronger planning regulations to protect native trees and vegetation in the Mansfield Shire. Rapid growth in the area has led to increased tree removal, prompting concerns about the loss of remnant vegetation.
This beautiful image of an Eastern Bearded Dragon was taken on a private property in Barjarg. The Eastern Bearded Dragon, once common in the Mansfield region, is now listed as vulnerable in Victoria.
Up2Us had the pleasure of welcoming Frogs Victoria President, David De Angelis, who guided us through the practical steps of creating a frog-friendly space in the backyard or paddock.
Last week, Up2Us Landcare Alliance was proud to attend the Parliamentary Friends of Landcare Showcase at Parliament House in Melbourne. It was a fantastic opportunity to join more than 50 Landcare and environmental volunteer groups from across Victoria to celebrate the power of grassroots action and community-led environmental stewardship.
Last Friday, Kim and Jess from Up2Us joined Mansfield Primary School for their Clean Up Australia Day event, where students enthusiastically took part in collecting rubbish and learning about the importance of keeping their environment clean.
Join us on Sunday, March 16th, for a Woody Weed Field Day at Gonzaga Reserve, Old Tolmie Road, Barwite. This free event will cover herbicide use, control techniques, financial support options, and equipment recommendations. Learn from expert guest speaker Cam Paterson and hear from landholders successfully managing Blackberry infestations.
Last week, we wrapped up our Extension Training with Landcare in Mansfield, with 16 enthusiastic participants taking part in an engaging and immersive program.
Last Tuesday evening, 16 eager participants joined Ecologist Bert Lobert for a spotlighting event to look for hollow bearing fauna at Blue Range Camping and Picnic Area.
