FEB – JUN 2020Your connection to our natural environment Campbelltown City Council’s Natural Areas Program

campbelltown.nsw.gov.au

Our Natural Environment Calendar

Image: 2019 Macarthur Nature Photography Competition Overall Winner Experience Nature Bron King, ‘50 Shades of green’

Acknowledgment of Land Campbelltown City Council acknowledges the Dharawal people as the traditional custodians of the land in which we live and work on. We pay our respects to the Elders both past, present and future for they hold memories, the traditions, the culture and hopes of Aboriginal Australia.

This acknowledgment recognises that the land Campbelltown is built on was in the care of the Dharawal people for more than 50,000 years. This land was neither owned nor given and the majority of the population living here now are guests on sacred land that was intimately connected to the original people.

We commit to acknowledging and respecting the skills, knowledge and harmonious connection to land for Aboriginal people. When visiting a park or reserve, please take a minute to recognise Aboriginal people’s relationship with the land, acknowledge the ongoing connection of Aboriginal people to their Country and recognise your own responsibility to travel thoughtfully.

ContentsAbout the calendar

Bushcare volunteer programBush Explorers

Junior Rangers School Holiday Program Dharawal Indigenous Guided Walks

Clean Up Australia Day Wild Koala Day

Image: 2019 Macarthur Nature Photography Competition entrant, Amy Semmelweis ‘Rainbow Bee-Eater’

About the Calendar Campbelltown boasts pristine bushland, unspoilt waterways and prolific wildlife – all within a stone’s throw of our urban centres.The Georges River and Nepean River help to naturally define our local area and provide limitless opportunity for getting outdoors and connecting with nature.

Whether it’s quietly bird-watching or spotting platypus by the creek, ripping down some serious mountain biking trails, or set-your-own-pace activities like swimming, trekking and fishing − it’s all right here in our collective backyard.

The calendar is divided into four sections that detail what events, workshops, activities and environmentally significant dates are occurring from February to June 2020.

Join us to explore the abundant beauty that lies beneath our feet, right here in our local environment.

Bushcare Volunteer Program We are fortunate to live in an area with pristine bushland and meandering waterways.

If you have a passion for the outdoors and would like to know more about local waterways, birds, insects, plants and wildlife - and pick up some new skills while you’re at it - then join one of our Bushcare volunteer groups.

We are always looking for enthusiastic residents to join our Bushcare program and help rejuvenate bushland areas of Campbelltown. You don’t need experience – we will provide you with all the training you need.

As a Bushcare volunteer you will do your bit for the environment while rubbing shoulders with interesting people, spot some wildlife and help out with tree planting, erosion control, litter removal and weed management.

There are currently Bushcare groups at:

• Noorumba Reserve, Rosemeadow• Milton Park/Redfern Creek, Macquarie Fields• Georges River Corridor, Kentlyn• Scattergood Reserve, St Helens Park• Smiths Creek, Ruse• Simmo’s Beach, Macquarie Fields • John Kidd Reserve, Blair Athol

Details available on our website.

Bush Explorers We will be running a program of free Bush Explorer events throughout 2020 which will complement our Bushcare program.

These events feature a mix of activities, including opportunities to experience a host of wildlife: be it the birds and bugs that bring the bush to life, an artist’s palette of spring woodland flowers, spotlighting animals in the night, or marvelling at the spectacle of thousands of grey headed flying foxes flying out into the night.

You will also learn about local vegetation and the wildlife that it supports, delve into the secrets of Bushcare and learn firsthand about Dharawal Aboriginal culture and heritage.

Details on our website.

Junior Rangers School Holiday Program Our Junior Rangers program is a great way to get children aged five to 10 years experiencing the natural wonders of Campbelltown.

Children are shown some of the most exciting parts of our reserves and learn about our unique plants, quirky animals and special historical sites while getting their hands dirty playing games, exploring waterways, catching bugs and rummaging around the bush.

Connecting with the environment helps them to understand the importance of protecting and maintaining our wonderful bushlands and the flora and fauna it supports.

We’re proud knowing that the future of Campbelltown’s natural environment is in such good hands.

Dharawal Indigenous Guided Walks Take a cultural journey with an Aboriginal Discovery Ranger through the Dharawal National Park and learn about the beautiful Australian landscape from a Koori perspective.

They take one of two popular tracks at Dharawal National Park on the second Saturday of every month between February and November 2020.

O’Hares Creek Lookout: Grade 1, 2.8km walk – People of all abilities and ages are welcome, including guests in prams, wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Most of the walk surface is a sealed pebble road with small sections of concrete path and metal mesh grates at the lookout. Starts at 9am.

Minerva Pool walk: Grade 3, 2.4km- This track is more of a challenging walk and unsuitable for guests with additional mobility requirements. Starts at 11.30am.

Dharawal National Park is a great destination for a day in the great outdoors, with walking and bike tracks, waterfalls and rock pools, and the chance to spot native flora and fauna.

$15 per adult$10 per childChild aged three to 15 yearsChildren under three are free

Details on our website.

Clean Up Australia Day We invite you to join us at Spring Creek Reserve, St Helen’s Park 1st March 9am on Sunday 1 March for this year’s Clean Up Australia Day where you can make a positive difference and help to clean up one of our most loved reserves. You will have the opportunity to find out about our Bushcare program and how you can be part of the Bushcare Team.

Now in its 30th year, Clean Up Australia Day encourages communities to come together and beautify their area. The program started by Ian Kiernan and Kim McKay in 1989 contributed to a change in attitude to litter reduction in Australia.

Equipment will be provided on the day, as well as morning tea, and volunteers are asked to wear long pants, enclosed shoes and a hat, and to bring drinking water.

Details on our website.

Wild Koala Day Saturday 2 May 2020

Help us to support the future of our local koalas and plant native plants on Wild Koala Day.

Council is undertaking its fourth year of tree planting within key koala habitats, planting specific food trees that our passionate wildlife carers can use to feed injured koalas in care.

Learn more about what you can do as a Campbelltown City resident to support our koala communities, and join us for a spotlighting animals of the night event in the evening of the planting day.

Details on our website.

Environmentally significant dates

February events

March events

April events

May events

June events

FEBRUARY 2020

World Wetlands Day Sunday 2 February

International Day of Women and Girls in ScienceTuesday 11 February

Business Clean Up Day Tuesday 25 February

Youth and Schools Clean Up Day Friday 28 February

Bush Explorers - Wild Wednesday Water-bug WanderNepean River Reserve, Wednesday 5 February

Bush Explorers - Serenity Stroll Frere’s Crossing, Saturday 8 February

Workshop Introduction to Bushcare Smiths Creek Reserve, Sunday 9 February

Bush Explorers - Winter Wonders – Bush Tucker Walk Spring Creek, Sunday 16 February

Bush Explorers - Wild Wednesday - Bug HuntPeter Meadows Reserve, Wednesday 19 February

Bush Explorers – Bird Watching for BeginnersPark Central, Saturday 22 February

Bush Explorers – Bush Tucker walkScattergood Reserve, Sunday 23 February

Secrets of the Seed VaultMount Annan Botanic Garden, Saturday 22 February Seedling Nature SchoolMount Annan Botanic Garden, Wednesday 5 February to Thursday 4 March

Preparing for an Autumn vegetable garden, The Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living,Saturday 15 February

Worm farming and composting The Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living,Saturday 15 February

4 Keys to organic gardening The Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living(week 1 - Soil Improving), Saturday 29 February

Garden to Table – Introduction to fermentingThe Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living,Saturday 29 February

Bush Explorers

MARCH 2020

Clean Up Australia DaySunday 1 March

World Wildlife DayTuesday 3 March

International Women’s DaySunday 8 March

Groundwater Awareness WeekSunday 8 March to Saturday 14 March

National Close the Gap DaySunday 15 March

International Day of ForestsSaturday 21 March

Harmony DaySaturday 21 March

World Water DaySunday 22 March

World Meteorological DayMonday 23 March

Earth HourSaturday 28 March

Dharawal Indigenous Guided WalkSaturday 14 March

Bush Explorers - Wild Wednesday - Serenity Stroll Simmos Beach Reserve, Wednesday 4 March

Bush Explorers - Autumn Almanac - Bug Hunt Noorumba Reserve, Saturday 14 March

Bush Explorers - Autumn Almanac - Bushtucker walkThe Basin, Sunday 15 March

Bush Explorers - Wild Wednesday - Birdwatch for Beginners Old Ford Road, Wednesday 25 March

Bush Explorers - Autumn Almanac - A Night with the BatsMilton Park, Saturday 28 March

Bush Explorers - Autumn Almanac Nature WalkIngleburn Reserve, Sunday 29 March

4 Keys to organic gardening(week 2 - Seed raising and propagation), The Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living Saturday 7 March

Garden to Table – Summer salads and stir friesThe Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living, Saturday 7 March

Keeping chickens at homeThe Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living, Saturday 7 March

4 Keys to organic gardening (week 3 - Propagation and seed saving) The Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living, Saturday 14 March

Garden to Table – Hot cross buns and Easter treatsThe Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living, Saturday 14 March

Gardening for Beginners (incl. no dig gardens)The Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living, Saturday 14 March

Garden to Table – Summer salads

and stir fries

APRIL 2020

World Heritage DaySaturday 18 April

Earth DayWednesday 22 April

Junior RangersThursday 16 April Tuesday 21 April Thursday 23 April

Bush Explorers - Wild Wednesday - Autumn Bug-HuntRiverview Road, Wednesday 8 April

Bush Explorers - Autumn Almanac - Spotlight NightPeter Meadows Reserve, Saturday 18 April

Bush Explorers - Autumn Almanac – Bush Tucker WalkSmiths Creek Reserve, Sunday 19 April

Bush Explorers - Wild Wednesday - Marvels of Migration Scattergood, Wednesday 22 April

Bush Explorers - Autumn Almanac Nature WalkSpring Creek Reserve, Saturday 25 April

Bush Explorers - Autumn Almanac - Serenity StrollThe Basin Reserve, Sunday 26 April

School Holiday – Kids Gardening and CookingThe Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living, Wednesday 15 April

School Holiday – Micro Zookeeper (Composting) The Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living, Thursday 16 April

School Holiday - Recycled Art and Craft The Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living, Friday 17 April

School Holiday – Micro Zookeeper (Composting) The Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living, Friday 24 April

Dharawal Indigenous Guided WalksSaturday 11 April

Dharawal Indigenous Guided walks

School Holiday – Kids Gardening

and Cooking

MAY 2020

International Composting Awareness WeekSunday 3 May to Saturday 9 May

World Bird Migratory DaySaturday 9 May

National Volunteer WeekMonday 18 May to Sunday 24 May

International Day for Biological DiversityFriday 22 May

World Turtle DaySaturday 23 May

National Reconciliation WeekWednesday 27 May to Wednesday 3 June

Bush Explorers - Autumn Almanac - Family Spotlight NightIngleburn, Saturday 2 May

Bush Explorers - Autumn Almanac - Marvels of MigrationPeter Meadows, Wednesday 6 May

Bush Explorers - Autumn Almanac - Nature WalkOld Ford Road, Sunday 10 May

Bush Explorers - Autumn Almanac - Nature WalkFreres Crossing Reserve, Wednesday 20 May

Bush Explorers - Autumn Almanac Bush-tucker Walk Simmos Beach Reserve, Saturday 23 May

Bush Explorers - Autumn Almanac - Serenity Stroll Scattergood Reserve, Sunday 24 May

Worm farming and composting The Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living, Saturday 2 May Garden to Table – Eastern European food culture: A mix of gardening and cookingThe Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living, Saturday 2 May

Plastic Free LivingThe Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living, Saturday 16 May

Preparing for a Winter vegetable gardenThe Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living, Saturday 23 May

Garden to Table – Jaffles, pastries, curries and piesThe Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living, Saturday 23 May

National Sorry Day

Creating a Habitat GardenThe Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living, Saturday 30 May

Bee Keeping in your BackyardThe Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living, Saturday 30 May

Garden to Table – Indian cooking The Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living, Saturday 30 May

JUNE 2020

World Environment DayFriday 5 June

World Oceans DayMonday 8 June

Global Wind DayMonday 15 June

World Day to Combat Desertification and DroughtWednesday 17 June

Bush Explorers - Winter Wonders - Serenity Stroll - The Old Ford Road9am Wednesday 3 June

Bush Explorers - Winter Wonders - Spotlight Night - NoorumbaSaturday 13 June

Bush Explorers - Winter Wonders - Nature Walk - Smiths CreekSunday 14 June

Bush Explorers - Winter Wonders - Nature Walk - Simmo’s Beach ReserveSaturday 27 June

Bush Explorers - Winter Wonders - Bush-tucker WalkThe BasinSunday 28 June

Bush Explorers – Winter Wonders – Bush-tucker walkSpring CreekWednesday 17 June

Pest Free Vegetable GardeningThe Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living, Saturday 20 June

Dharawal Indigenous Guided WalksSaturday 13 June

Bush Explorers

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THESE EVENTS

Campbelltown City Council eventsEnquiries/registration, phone 4645 4000

Campbelltown City Council Bushcare volunteer group Enquiries/registration, phone 4645 4601

Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living (MCSL)Enquiries/bookings visit mcsl.org.au, phone 4647 9828, or email info@mcsl.org.au

The Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan eventsEnquiries/bookings, phone 4634 7935

Macarthur eventsEnquiries/bookings visit macarthur.com.au

For more information w campbelltown.nsw.gov.aut 4645 4601