Event Type
When
-
Event Location
Cocketgeong station-25km west of Urana
Landcare Region
BCT Region
Event Description
Guarding the Grasslands: Native Grass Identification & Plains-wanderer Protection Field Day
- Cocketgedong StationUrana
The Plains-wanderer is a small, ground-dwelling and critically endangered bird requiring specific semi-arid grassland habitat. Once widespread throughout south-east Australia, the species is now confined to limited areas including parts of the Murray and Riverina regions of New South Wales around Hay, Narrandera, Jerilderie and Urana.
Join us for Guardians of the Grasslands and experience the renowned Cocketgedong Station, located between Jerilderie and Urana, to discover how the critically endangered Plains-wanderer is being protected.
Hear from specialist speakers: David Parker (Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water), Shanna Rogers (Murray Local Land Services), Colleen O'Malley (NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust) and Dr Meredith Mitchell (Corowa District Landcare).
- Learn about the Plains-wanderer and its habitat, as well as the regional projects dedicated to conservation of the species
- Take part in a native grass identification and management paddock walk
- Improve your understanding of managing, monitoring and protecting biodiversity
A free event with morning tea and lunch provided. Everyone welcome!
What to bring:
- Hat
- Boots/sturdy enclosed footwear
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Chair
Bookings essential by 14th October.
This event is possible thanks to the shared work of the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust and Landcare NSW under the Private Land Conservation Matters project.
Event Topics
Event Flyer
Event Photos
Event Outcomes
Number of Attendees
26
Number of Landowners
19
Growth in learning measure (Scale 1 - 100)
A survey is completed by each attendee The below fields are extracted from this survey. To access the full feedback survey please refer to the attachments section below.
Attendee Level of Knowledge before event (Average)
53
Attendee Level of Knowledge after event (Average)
67
Event Outcome
Attendees: 26 (19 landholders, 3 presenters, 2 paid staff, 2 volunteer staff)
This event was recorded by Little Gecko Media and shared resources are being developed.
Field day report- Claire Birch
The Guarding the Grasslands field day took place last week at Cocketgedong Station, a 55,000-acre property situated between Jerilderie and Urana. The event offered a unique glimpse into the challenges and opportunities of managing native grasslands, hearing the first-hand perspectives from landholder, Harry Stonnill, who presented the history and ecological values of his property.
Set up for the session in the iconic ten-stand shearing shed, we delved into how the Stonnill’s have worked to preserve the grasslands, despite increasing pressure to convert these areas into cropland.
A feature of the day was learning about the critically endangered Plains-wanderer, a small, quail-like bird native to our region. Standing only 12–15 cm tall and weighing between 40–90 grams, this rare bird is facing extinction. According to presenter David Parker from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water, less than 2,000 Plains-wanderers are believed to remain, with 90% relying on privately owned land. His research over several decades has supported findings that these birds are extremely selective about their habitat, and only 2.5% of native grasslands are suitable for their survival. Chris Allen from Murray Local Land Services delivered information about Local Land Services' work in supporting Plains-wanderer conservation efforts, including managing pest animals and other threats.
The field day presented the opportunity to explore the property’s native grasslands, rich with diverse plant species. Colleen O’Malley from the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust led a species identification session, enhancing participant’s understanding of how the vegetation supports the delicate ecosystem, including the habitat needs of the Plains-wanderer.
The day wrapped up with a delicious barbecue lunch prepared by the Jerilderie Fishing Club - a perfect end to a day of learning and connection with our local environment.
Thank you to everyone who made this event a success:
* The Stonnill Family
* Colleen O’Malley from NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust
* Chris Allen from Murray Local Land Services
* David Parker from Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
* Virginia Bear from Little Gecko Media/Landcare NSW for images and footage
* Corowa District Landcare volunteers, Kerrie Ormond and Brendan Christy
* Jerilderie Fishing Club Association
Feedback from the attendees
What did you like about the event?
- In-depth, informative talks
- Awareness of more biodiversity
- Hearing from several people and landholders
- Connection building between landholders and project staff
- Easy-going, relaxed atmosphere
- Great event. Should repeat in other areas of the plains.
What do you want to learn next?
- More about the habits of Plains-wanderers
- Recognise how to implement on farm
- More about native grasses and indigenous land management
- Invertebrates of the grasslands
- Future programs
- bush stone curlew
- Grasslands, conservation, everything!
Suggestions on how this event could be improved?
- More out in the field
- longer walk