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From the Chairman, The Mulloon Institute
As we gradually come out of 'Covid-19 hiding', we find the over-used word 'unprecedented' being replaced with a focus on 'stimulus'. Everyone, but particularly governments, are very keen to get all parts of our economy working as they did pre-Covid. In considering the Mulloon Institute's activities during May, and picking up on a comment by Research Coordinator Luke Peel, during a
Science Advisory Council Zoom meeting, it occurred to me that the MI is certainly doing its bit with respect to stimulating our local economy. But under my monthly update 'rules' I couldn't call it 'May Stimulus' so one synonym for 'stimulus' is 'motivation' thus
'Motivation May'!
We are all very motivated to get on with the job of rehydrating our degraded landscapes to support regenerative activities. That has continued to be our focus throughout May albeit still slightly restricted in what we can do and where we can go.
[Image: Peter's Pond from the air]
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Log and sill structure 'PM1' at Palerang |
Mulloon Rehydration Initiative
While bushfires have impacted our ability to implement some sections of the project there is now a light at the end of the tunnel and renewed water flow in Mulloon Creek is allowing us to study its impact on the structures that have already been constructed.
Read more
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Scientific monitoring
A new scientific paper is in the works and a detailed
Monitoring Strategy is underway for the
Mulloon Rehydration Initiative, while new monitoring equipment is being sourced for the project.
Read more
Stream gauges
Regularly maintaining our monitoring devices is an important and ongoing part of our work in the Mulloon catchment, allowing us to keep an expert eye on changes in surface and ground hydrology.
[Image: Hydrologist Tony Bernardi checking the stream gauge at the Mulloon and Reedy Creek confluence]
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Global EverGreening Alliance
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Cam Wilson explaining the erosion processes that can lead to headcuts |
Mulloon Consulting Contracting & Certifying
Work continues apace at
Mulloon Consulting
with team members working on site assessments and preparing plans for properties across the Southern Tablelands, Southern Highlands and the Hunter Valley, and further afield in far north Queensland. Read more
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ANU educational field trip to Mulloon Creek Natural Farms |
NSW Environmental Trust - Education & Training
We are happy to announce that we have been successful in winning a
NSW Environmental Trust 'Education and Training
' grant to develop an advanced curriculum in landscape rehydration, which will help practitioners gain expertise in working within larger scale settings such as whole catchments.
Read more
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Tree planting at Palerang
Backpackers working at
Mulloon Creek Natural Farms
have taken part in a tree planting effort at the Palerang property as part of the
Mulloon Rehydration Initiative
, spending several days along a section of Mulloon Creek between three structures that were installed earlier this year. New plantings are visible on the right hand side of the creek with a structure installed halfway up. Two further structures are sited above that. Can you spot them? Read more
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Mulloon Creek Natural Farms
MCNF eggs continued to be supplied to
Harris Farm Markets and other suppliers locally and in Sydney during May in reasonable numbers despite a slight slowing as the weather cools down. This is a normal situation for poultry with peak laying periods in autumn and spring.
Running a free-range, organic poultry operation on biodynamic pastures is a complex process and we are
now fortunate to have
Venezuelan couple
Roberto Gyda
and
Maria Angelica Bidirinis Rivero
overseeing our hens at Duralla with assistance from Board member and regenerative farmer Martin Royds.
Both are qualified vets, with Roberto specialising in poultry, and we are very pleased to have them on board. Welcome!
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Mulloon Board
Speaking of the Board, during May we welcomed an addition to the MI Board, Peter Howarth OAM. Peter is no stranger to MI having been a Board member in the early days and then continuing on as a key adviser. In more recent times, he has been our Special Projects Coordinator and is a strong supporter of our work through The Howarth Foundation. Having been at school with Tony Coote, his knowledge of what Tony wanted to achieve through the MI is part and parcel of Peter's goals by accepting the Board's invitation to re-join. His advice and connections have been invaluable to me as we grow the MI.
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End of Financial Year Fundraising
As we move into the final month of the financial year, a
big thank-you to a number of our supporters who have been able to assist us financially. Each and every tax-deductible donation allows us to do that little bit more in changing the way agricultural products are being produced through
regenerative farming on rehydrated landscapes.
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If you are in position to contribute financially to our work, not matter how large or small,
we would truly appreciate your
donation
to help us roll this work out across Australia
and increase the reach and breadth of landholders we work with.
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With more support over the coming month we will be able to put in place a stronger workplan for the 2020/2021 financial year. Many thanks again for the wonderful support.
Cheers,
Gary Nairn AO
The Mulloon Institute, Chairman
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