I love a sunburnt country…but wish it would rain!
So wrote our APS NSW Hon Secretary, Heather Miles, in GardenDrum on 15 February 2018.
We cannot do the article justice in our newsletter – visit GardenDrum and read Heather’s words and see her beautiful pictures at https://gardendrum.com/2018/02/15/i-love-a-sunburnt-country-but-wish-it-would-rain/
Plants of Tasmania
There is a lovely article on Plants of Tasmania in the APS Hunter Valley Group’s Gumleaves by Andrew Pengelly. He visited Tasmania and obviously studied the local flora as he drove around. There are many photographs featuring mainly flora of Hartz Mountain.
Visit the APS NSW web site at austplants.com.au
and go to the Hunter Valley Group section.
The AGM
Our reports are posted on pages 2 and 3 and reveal another interesting year. Our meetings included talks of a high quality on a range of topics. One wonders whether the members who choose to forgo meetings would prefer an alternative program or another time. I’m sure the Committee would prefer to hear of members’ preferences than to satisfy only part of the membership.
Following the review and revamp of the Society we have the chance to utilise 21st century technology to grow again in knowledge revealing more of the beauty and the marvel of our native Australian plants.
Membership now Online
All Membership renewals for Parramatta & Hills District APS Group are now online. Please go to :
www.austplants.com.au/Join-APS
And please ensure you email address is correct as this is the way we will send out notices and your future copies of Calgaroo
Backyard Bush Tucker Species and Recipes
At our meeting on 24th February 2018 we had a great talk by Narelle Happ on native plant foods. As well as being a good communicator, Narelle speaks from experience. She grows almost all the plants she describes, and regularly uses them in her kitchen when feeding her family. As well as plant photos, Narelle illustrated her talk with pot specimens from Sydney Wildflower Nursery, which were for sale at afternoon tea. She also brought some delicious food for us to try. It was a warm day and we were greeted with a refreshing lemon cordial flavoured with Backhousia citriodora. At afternoon tea there were muffins made from wattle seed, and saltbush damper with lillypilly jam. During the talk Narelle handed around some delicious Strawberry Gum Bliss Balls – chocolate balls flavoured with ground Eucalyptus olida leaves.
In her talk Narelle divided plants by size, trees shrubs and smaller plants including herbs. We learned that only 6 species of Acacia can be eaten, but 2 of them grow locally, Acacia longifolia and A. sophorae (or alternatively Acacia longifolia ssp sophorae). The latter version is much smaller so better suited to suburban gardens. The seeds are roasted and ground into flour. Many food plants are
from our rainforests, and happily grow in Sydney’s humid summers, with extra water in dry times. Quite a number of rainforest fruits are edible and delicious. Many grow in shade so can be planted as understory plants. Some are small trees, but Narelle advocates pruning to ensure that fruit can be easily reached.
We learned that the leaves of the common Prostanthera species, rotundifolia and incisa, yield replacement herbs for thyme and sage respectively. And while Backhousia citriodora is well known as Lemon Myrtle with strong lemon flavouring, less commonly used is Backhousia myrtifolia or Cinnamon Myrtle which has a delightful cinnamon and nutmeg mix of flavours. Some Tasmannia species are called Pepper Berry, but the leaves have a much stronger pepper level than the berries. At the other end of the spectrum were the small plants like Mentha, the native mint, and the tubers of the Chocolate Lilly and Bulbine species. Narelle has now sent notes to distribute to members by email.
On display Narelle also had a selection of recent books about Australian Native food plants. These included “Wild Foods” by Vic Chericoff; “Dark Emu” by Bruce Pascoe; “Australian Native Food Harvest” by Julie Weatherhead; “Wild Food Plants” by Time Low and for those wanting to grow a bush tucker garden, “Backyard Bush Tucker” by Peter Bindon.
AGM Report for APS PARRAHILLS GROUP
24th February 2018
Present 16 members. Prior to the elections there was a group discussion.
Gordon Brooks had previously indicated that he wished to step down as Calgaroo editor.
The members issued a formal thank you to Gordon from the whole group for the excellent work he has done as editor over many years to produce a very interesting newsletter.
Gordon became “acting editor” in March 2010, and has edited Calgaroo ever since.
There was some discussion about the form Calgaroo could take and its frequency, aiming to reduce an editor’s work load. If necessary Calgaroo could largely feature group news, and be produced 6 times a year.
The members agreed to include the new elected position of “Facebook Editor” to the committee.
ELECTIONS
Jennifer Farrar presided over the elections. All positions were declared vacant.
President – no members willing to stand – position vacant
Vice-President – no members willing to stand – position vacant
Secretary – no members willing to stand – position vacant
Immediate Past President – Tony Maxwell continues in this position
Treasurer & Membership Officer – Pip Gibian nominated by Ben Turco; elected unopposed
Delegate to Region – Tony Maxwell nominated by Lesley Waite; elected unopposed
Conservation Officer – Daniel McDonald nominated by Ron Gornall; elected unopposed
Propagation Organiser – Lesley Waite nominated by Ron Gornall; elected unopposed
Facebook Editor – Marilyn Cross nominated by Pip Gibian; elected unopposed
Librarian – Sue Gibbons nominated by Ben Turco; elected unopposed
Calgaroo editor – no member willing to stand position remains vacant
AGM concluded.
After the formal meeting ended, during afternoon tea, two of our new members volunteered to take up vacant positions, as follows:
Secretary – Caroline Franks
Calgaroo Editor – Leone de Ferranti
The group is very grateful to these two members for offering their services.
Calendar
March
Sat 3 APS NSW Ltd Quarterly Gathering at Loftus hosted by APS Sutherland Group from 10.30am
Sun 4 Deadline for Calgary news and articles
Wed 14 Propagation at Bidjiwong Community Nursery 10am
April
Wed 4 Deadline for Calgary news and articles
Wed 11 Propagation at Bidjiwong Community Nursery 10am
Sat 28 Our bimonthly meeting at Gumnut Hall, Gumnut Place Cherrybrook at 2pm The speaker will be Stuart Pittendrigh who will talk about his role in “Landscaping Barangaroo”
Boongala Native Gardens & Rainforest Autumn Open Days
Malcolm and Jenny Johnston invite members to their Autumn Open Garden at 76 Pitt Town Rd, Kenthurst. Enjoy a walk around ‘Boongala Native Gardens’ which has a diverse collection of native flora from around Australia. Please feel free to enjoy a picnic lunch when you visit. A large range of native plants in gro-tubes and larger sizes will be available for purchase.
Open: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 4pm from the 2nd to the 25th of March, 2018. A guided rainforest tour is available for a small fee.
Entry: (Donated to The Royal Flying Doctor) – Adults $2, Children Free
Rainforest tour – Adults $3, Children Free
For more information contact Malcolm or Jenny at www.boongalagardens.com or on 9654 9072
“Australia’s Extraordinary Rainforest Woods”, Discussions with Morris Lake
From ABC Radio’s program Off Track, 24 Feb 2018
Details here:
https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/offtrack/australian-rainforest-woods/9448170
Vale Noel Rosten
Sadly, Noel Rosten, a dedicated and t i re le s s bu s h re ge n e r a tor a n d campaigner for the bush was killed last Monday when a car ran off the road and hit Noel while he was in his beautiful award-winning native garden on Berowra Waters Road, Berowra.
Deeper Hunger across Southern Africa
*David Twomey
The United Nations World Food Program has warned poor rains and crop infestations in southern Africa are threatening deeper hunger across the region, with millions of people, particularly children,at risk. The number of people at risk is quoted at more than 26 million.
Reuters Newsagency reports high temperatures and low rainfall have hit large swathes of land across the region, from South Africa to Zambia, while an invasive crop-eating Fall Army Worm outbreak has shrunk cereal crop production for 2018, experts said.
“Given that the region has barely emerged from three years of very damaging El Nino-induced drought, this is a particularly cruel blow,” Brian Bogart, World Food Program’s regional program advisor, said.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s drought- stricken city of Cape Town has pushed back its estimate for “Day Zero,” when residents will have to start queuing for water, to May 11 from April 16, authorities said, citing a decline in agricultural water usage.
“Capetonians must continue reducing consumption if we are to avoid Day Zero,” Cape Town’s executive deputy mayor, Alderman Ian Neilson, was quoted as saying.
Ed. Let us hope we are not plagued with high temperatures, drought and/ or crop infection. Presumably these conditions could also devastate our bush, even our gardens.
*David Twomey is editor of Eco News. See the full article at econews.com.au/ 56752/worldfood-program-warns- deeper-hunger-across-southern-africa/
Living Sustainably Free Walks & Workshop Series
These FREE workshops are run by The Hills Shire Council and are available to all residents of The Hills. Places are limited and bookings are essential at: thehillsenvironment.eventbrite.com.au
Reptilia
Thursday, 15 March, 10am—11.30am
Reptiles are fascinating animals and an important part of Sydney’s biodiversity. Gain a greater understanding of our local reptiles.
Cattai Creek Bush Walk
Thursday, 15 March, 10am—Midday
The Cattai Creek walk includes ridge top views and tracks along ferny gullies, bush regeneration sites and water treatment works. Easy walk.
Sydney Wildlife
Saturday, 17 March, 10am—11.30am
A wide variety of mammals live in the Sydney area. Learn about their behaviour, how they are cared for and protected. Specimens on view.
Plant Propagation
Wednesday, 21 March, 9.30am—11.30am
Successfully cultivate native plants from cuttings and other methods. Practical hints and demonstrations by experienced propagator.
Water Wise Household Hacks
Thursday, 22 March, 10am—Midday
How de-cluttering and changing habits will save you water, time, energy and money. Make a visible difference to your water usage.
Toongabbie Creek Bush Walk
Saturday, 24 , 10am—Midday
Explore the upper reaches of Toongabbie Creek. Discover the unique history, past impacts and current issues facing this creek. Easy walk.
Fermenting
Thursday, 29 March, 10.00am—Midday
Learn traditional methods for preserving food and making authentic vegetable dishes and tonics, like kimchi, beet kvass and sauerkraut.
Feathered Friends
Thursday, 5 April, 10am—1.30pm
Ever wondered what bird is that? Discover the birds of the Sydney region—their great diversity, unique behaviour and features.
Eucalyptus olida – Strawberry Gum and Forestberry spice.
During the talk given by Narelle Happ at our AGM on Saturday 24th February, we heard about a little known gum, Eucalyptus olida. Also known as the Strawberry Gum, it is a medium sized tree growing to 20m. Although its habitat is restricted to the NSW northern tablelands where it is a threatened species, it is now becoming more common in plantation cultivation because of its essential oil and spice qualities.
Usually, we associate gum leaves with Eucalyptus oil, but the oil extracted from E. olida leaves the oil contains methyl cinnamate which has a cinnamon and nutmeg flavour and aroma, and has plenty of anti-oxidant properties, making it very desirable.
The leaves can be used with very little preparation fresh, or can be dried and ground into a pale green powder. When used as a spice additive for food has a sweet flavour reminiscent of passion fruit and berries with spice overtones of cinnamon, nutmeg, cumin and caraway. As it enhances the flavour of fruits, a pinch of powder adds depth to fruit salads and will add extra fruit notes to ice creams, sauces, creamy dressings or fruit sauces.
When she spoke of E. olida, Narelle mentioned that plants are at present hard to find. However, the Nursery she works with (and which provided all the wonderful pot specimens of the plants she told us about) is attempting to source a regular supply of plants. Contact the Australian Wildflower Nursery, Heathcote – or better stilll, visit them at 9 Veno Street, Heathcote NSW. Ph 9548 2818 or email info@sydneywildflowernursery.com.au
NSW Draft Biodiversity Conservation Investment Strategy 2017-2037
(Excerpts from document)
Conservation efforts on private land play a vital role in protecting biodiversity, improving landscape connectivity and building resilience to climate change. Voluntary efforts by landholders can help to build a protected area system across public and private land which is representative of the ecological diversity that exists in our state.
To encourage and support conservation efforts on private land, the NSW Government has established the Biodiversity Conservation Trust to deliver a comprehensive private land conservation program. This program is underpinned by government investment of $240 million over five years, with $70 million in ongoing annual funding, subject to performance reviews. This investment will support sustainable farming enterprises and provide opportunities for landholders to diversify their income sources by receiving financial support to protect and manage areas of high environmental value on their properties.
This strategy will guide the Biodiversity Conservation Trust to deliver the government’s investment in private land conservation to areas where it will have the greatest conservation benefits. Made under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, it aims to optimise biodiversity outcomes at bioregional and state scales and sets the NSW Government’s priorities in private land conservation over the next 20 years, from 2017 to 2037.
The strategy identifies priority investment areas that will be the primary focus of government investment in private land conservation. Priority investment areas have been identified on the basis of conservation values and threats to those values in parts of the state that have not met the national ‘representativeness’ target.
Priority investment areas are identified on a subregional basis on a state-wide map in five orders of priority (see portion of NSW map below)
Areas of outstanding biodiversity value, as declared by the Minister for the Environment under the Biodiversity
Conservation Act 2016, will be automatically prioritised for investment under this strategy. These represent special areas containing irreplaceable biodiversity, such as sites critical for reducing the risk of species extinction.
5-year targets:
By 2022, private land conservation agreements will protect examples of 30 NSW Landscapes* that are either not represented within, or are inadequately protected in, the protected area system in 2017.
By 2022, diversified incomes streams will improve the financial sustainability of participating landholders relative to similar local businesses.
20-year targets:
By 2037, private land conservation agreements will protect examples of 90 NSW Landscapes* which are either not represented within, or are inadequately protected in, the protected area system in 2022.
By 2037, diversified income and investment streams will improve the financial sustainability of regional and rural communities.
What is private land conservation?
In this strategy, private land conservation is defined as: ‘Landholders who enter into voluntary agreements to protect and manage their properties (or parts of their properties) for biodiversity conservation outcomes. This may include land that is privately owned and managed as well as Crown Land, which is managed both publicly and privately, such as Travelling Stock Reserves’.
Private land conservation agreements
Three types of private land conservation agreements are established under Part 5 of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.
- Biodiversity stewardship agreements – permanent agreements that generate biodiversity credits that may be sold to provide a potential upfront financial return and annual payments to cover the cost of management actions.
- Conservation agreements – permanent or timebound agreements that will be eligible for stewardship payments.
- Wildlife refuge agreements – entry level agreements that provide a less restrictive option and can be terminated at any time, or converted into higher forms of agreements.
All existing private land conservation agreements that were entered into under previous legislation will remain in place and will continue to operate as if the previous legislation was still in place. There will be opportunities for landholders to convert existing agreements into one of the new types of agreement, however they are under no obligation to do so.
The Biodiversity Conservation Trust
The Biodiversity Conservation Trust is responsible for delivering the government’s investment in private land conservation in line with the priorities and principles identified in this strategy. The Trust administers a statewide private land conservation program focused on supporting landholders who commit to protect and manage high value biodiversity on their properties under voluntary agreements. It may use the government’s investment to accelerate participation in the program by offering financial support to landholders – especially in the parts of the state prioritised by this strategy. Further information about the private land conservation program is available on the Biodiversity Conservation Trust website (www.bct.nsw.gov.au)
The Biodiversity Conservation Trust also plays a key role in the delivery of the NSW Biodiversity Offsets Scheme on behalf of development proponents when they choose to meet an offset obligation by paying into the Biodiversity Conservation Fund. This will make it easier for proponents to comply with the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme and will enable a more strategic approach to securing offsets across New South Wales.
Further information about the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme is available on the Office of Environment and Heritage website (www.https://www.bct.nsw.gov.au/info/biodiversity-offsets-program-outcomes)
While the expenditure of funds generated through the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme will be principally governed by legislated offset trading rules, which specify the geographic location and types of any required offset (with some variations allowed), investment for private land conservation will be guided by the priorities set out in this strategy.
By managing public funding for private land conservation and private offsetting funds from developers, the Trust will be able to deliver strategic benefits, such as establishing larger and more viable protected areas.
Angophera hispida – Dwarf Apple
Many may have seen Angophera hispida, the Dwarf Apple, but few have seen its beauty up close.
Peter Shelton, editor of the APS Sutherland Group newsletter took this photograph and wrote the following:
Currently Angophora hispida is providing plenty of colour in the Royal National Park. Hairy new red growth is very striking and widespread (hispida translates to bristly). Flowering occurs in October – November, in large white fragrant clusters. This is followed by large fruit capsules and now the new red growth. This is a small tree, reaching to about 4 m, and it has a lot of potential for cultivation. It is endemic to the central coast of NSW.
Parramatta and Hills District Group
SECRETARY: Caroline Franks
Email: apsparrahills@gmail.com