As we head into the winter months, perhaps for some, ‘Resilience’ might take on a different meaning, protecting animals and crops, for example, with very cold temperatures and frosts being experienced in the latter part of May. Tragically for some, it is dealing with a mouse plague, seemingly coming from the good season particularly throughout NSW.
At the Mulloon Institute (TMI), our work continues in the cold and the warmth. Currently, our scientific team are extremely busy installing monitoring instruments in the catchment, while plans are underway for workshops in the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
The past three months has seen a flurry of activity, with the focus on our work and its relationship with carbon sequestration gathering speed. The Federal Government has also further developed its interest in this area with some substantial commitment in its Budget 2021-22 directed to soil and incentives for farmers to get involved. Of particular interest are the ‘Soils and Stewardship’ and ‘Water and Infrastructure’ initiatives.
Following is a snapshot of the many activities undertaken by TMI, Mulloon Consulting and Mulloon Creek Natural Farms over the past three months. It really is stimulating leading an organisation that is achieving so many positive outcomes around our nation in addressing landscape repair and rehydration.
[Image: Structure DM4 at Duralla]
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Climate Change award winners! |
We're thrilled with this recognition of our work in the Mulloon Catchment to rehydrate the landscape, capture carbon in the process and help cool the earth!
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Landcare, Soil & Carbon Links |
Chairman Gary Nairn AO has been attending various events, including the Parliamentary Friends of Landcare launch, the National Soil Advocate’s forum and a workshop with Resource Consulting Services.
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Helping train landscape planners |
To adequately respond to the great need that exists in Australia for rehydrating and restoring degraded landscapes, the Mulloon Institute urgently needs help to train more staff in landscape planning and hydrology.
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Mulloon Rehydration Initiative |
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In late March 2021, another flood event occurred in the Mulloon catchment. Which amazingly means two ‘1-in-50-year’ flood events in little more than six months! So what did the stream gauges show us?
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An exclusive workshop for landholders taking part in the Mulloon Rehydration Initiative was held during March with Landscape Planner and grazing expert Sam Skeat.
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We've been installing soil moisture sensors as an important part of the MRI’s integrated monitoring program.
We have encountered various layers of soil on the floodplain during the installation, as well as pressurised aquifers.
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Live climate station data |
Did you know you can access live climate data from the two weather stations installed at Mulloon Creek Natural Farms, as part of the ongoing scientific monitoring for the
the Mulloon Rehydration Initiative?
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Seeking planting volunteers |
With the planting season coming to a close for winter, we’re keen to recruit volunteers for spring plantings as it's usually our busiest time. And we’d love your help!
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Mulloon Creek Natural Farms |
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News from our living laboratory on Mulloon Creek Natural Farms, with updates on our latest round of Ecological Outcome Verification and changes to Poultry Management.
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Look out for Mulloon Creek Natural Farms in the latest issue of 'Market' magazine where several regenerative farmers and producers are highlighted.
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We have many exciting activities underway across the country, with lots happening in Queensland with the Upper Herbert Sediment Reduction Project for Terrain NRM and workshops and design work for NQ Dry Tropics, plus a landscape rehydration trial in Western Australia, workshops held in Victoria and a workshop coming up in the Northern Territory.
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In April 2021, TMI's Peter Hazell, Bill McAlister and Joe Skuse travelled to a property near Numeralla (east of Cooma, NSW) to catch up with the good people from Back to Country and to work with them in bringing life back to an eroded, fire ravaged landscape.
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Landscape rehydration curriculum |
Pete Hazell and Laura Fisher have begun mapping out components for a Landscape Rehydration Curriculum as part of TMI’s five year ‘Landscape Rehydration Capacity Building’ project, funded by the NSW Environmental Trust.
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The Mulloon Law Committee are suggesting amendments to the Crown Lands Management Act, so that it proactively encourages and facilitates the rehabilitation and rehydration of Crown Land.
The committee have also welcomed Dr Gerry Bates to their number.
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CEO Carolyn Hall has taken up the extra role as an Executive Director of the Institute, Peter Irish joins us as a Landscape Planner, Ira Dudley-Bestow is our new Science Officer, and at Mulloon Creek Natural Farms Matt Narracott joins us as the Farm Manager while Gareth Law has moved to the Poultry Manager position. |
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Workshops + presentations |
Mulloon Institute staff have been presenting to a wide variety of audiences across Australia, from students and farmers, to people who care about how their food is produced. If your Landcare group, school or community organisation is interested in a workshop or tour, please contact us via info@themullooninstitute.org
Check out our news blog for all the event reviews and photos.
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* These are privately organised workshops, please contact the hosting organisation about attending. If your Landcare group, organisation or school is interested in a similar workshop or a tour of Mulloon Creek, please contact us via info@themullooninstitute.org
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Until the 'Spring Resilience', I wish you all the very best for the winter months ahead.
Cheers,
Gary Nairn AO
The Mulloon Institute, Chairman
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