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Upcoming
Events
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June 16th | ||||
| Soil & Water Interactions |
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Previous Events The Willunga Environment Centre is proud to present many informative, fun and educational events throughout the year. This year we will present over 20 various events. So far this year we have already held several information sessions, all of which had fantasic turn outs. The following is a brief overview of some of the events we have held this year so you can see the diverse range of topics we cover. GREEN POWER
Marketing Spin or Environmental Saviour? with Georgine Duncan Topics covered:
LIZARDS
An Appreciation of Local Lizards with Gavin Kluske Topics covered:
GRANTS AWARENESS WORKSHOP
with Paul Francis & Sarah Lewis Topics covered:
AL GORE'S 'CLIMATE CHANGE PROJECT'
with Sophie Piron Topics covered:
'TURNING
CONCERN TO ACTION' - CLIMATE CHANGE
with Malcolm McDonell Topics covered:
'BIRDSCAPING
THE ENVIRONMENT'
with Dr David Paton Topics covered:
'ORGANIC GARDENING' Presented by an array of local guest speakers John Edmeades from the Willunga Farmers Market (WFM) organised
some fantastic speakers on all the in’s and out’s of organic gardening. Poppy
Hollitt from the WFM discussed how to grow organic gourmet vegetables
and passionate gardening. John Edmeades spoke on the soil, water and
ecology issues of organic gardening, along with growing Australian bush foods and
common greens. Chas Martin explored greywater systems, sustainability
and soil chemistry balance. Len Bell looked at gardening with nature and
discuss community gardens. Diana Bickford from the WFM talked on growing
organic seedlings and ‘organicness’ (ie. how to truly practice organic
gardening and what it takes to be certified ‘organic’). She also discussed
community gardening. 'Marine Parks' Presented by Phil Hollows ( Project Officer, Community Engagement DEH Marine Parks) A ‘marine park’ is simply an area reserved by
law to conserve and protect the local marine environment. In many ways, a
marine park is similar to a national park on the land, although marine parks
may allow for a wider range of uses. Use of a marine park is guided by a system
of zones, providing protection for marine environments at the same time as
allowing for a range of recreational and commercial activities. Why do we need
marine parks? Southern Australia’s marine and coastal environments are
internationally recognised for their biological diversity. Most plants, fish and other animals in our
waters are found nowhere else. We are
the custodians of this precious natural inheritance. We need to manage our use of the marine
environment wisely. Will fishing be
allowed in marine parks? Where can I
fish in Marine Park? Why is recreational fishing prohibited in sanctuary zones?
Will I be able to have a say in the zoning of marine parks? All these questions
and more were explored by Phil. 'Snakes Alive' Presented By Geoff Coombe and Chris Cotton The seminar covered:
Local and Global Food Production in a Changing Climate Animal Liberation spokesperson and mathematician Geoff Russell Geoff Russell spoke of the imperatives of agricultural and dietary change in the
face of climate change. Safe Chemical Handling For Landholders and volunteers working in Native Vegetation Workshop provided information and practical demonstrations on the best techniques for minimum and safe use of glyphosate herbicides for weeding. Workshop funded by the Adelaide & Mt Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Board. Sustainable Housing Topics included:
Birds of the Coorong With Dr David Paton The Willunga Environment Centre was proud to share
the expertise of Dr David Paton once again in McLaren Vale regarding the
Coorong and the Lower Lakes system. Dr Paton has spent three decades studying
the state of Coorong and his discussion covered the ecology of the system, the
current concerns and its prognosis. In
recent years due to the dramatic reduction of flow exiting the Murray Mouth,
the salinity of the Coorong has been increased at the expense of the plant
life, predominantly Ruppia tuberose
which is a primary food source for many bird species. The number of birds now
being supported by the Coorong wetland is but a shadow of what it was, even
since the last decade. Species such as the Fairy Tern which depend on Ruppia tuberose for food, are now
struggling for survival. The Coorong historically maintained one of their
larger populations but they are now seriously depleted. Another important aspect of the Coorong and
the lakes is that tidal movement and seasonal flooding means that waders are
able to feed on various levels of the mud flats. When the water level remains
the same, as it is now, the birds are forced to feed on the same part of the
flats, which cannot support them. In Dr Paton’s opinion the only real solution
to its repair and sustainability is to increase flow from upstream. Pure Vegetarian Cooking Class
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