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In early April, Mulloon’s Penny, Jono, Sharni and Tony headed out to Central West NSW for a big week delivering two Field Days in Gulargambone and Dubbo, and a Boots on Ground Day in Eugowra.

It was a fantastic week of sharing the science behind what we do and teaching practical approaches to support landscape rehydration. Neighbours from each catchment came together, sharing what they had previously tried on their own properties—what held up, what succumbed to the power of water, and what lessons could be taken forward.

At Gulargambone and Dubbo, Penny spoke about the impact of gravity and solar energy on landscapes and the role of plants in managing these forces. We then headed out on foot to read landscape patterns and processes and discuss how these concepts show up in the real world. We also spoke about where interventions might be useful, and how landholders can prioritise actions, starting outside of their waterways.

At Eugowra, participants saw firsthand the key in-stream interventions that can help dissipate the high energy flows that cut through the upper catchment and how rehydrating the landscape can help reduce flash flooding downstream. Tony demonstrated the critical role of engineering design when constructing a log sill and rock weir, before the group got stuck in together building brush mattresses and packs – simple, practical tools that landholders can take home and use straight away to tackle erosion. The team also talked through the use of photo-point monitoring stakes to help track changes in landscape function over time.

Pictured left: Construction of log sill and rock in Eugowra

Click on images to enlarge.

Thanks to all our hosts for making the week possible: Two Eight Two Eight Cafe, Sandra and Roger, Belinda and Shane, and Kerstin, Mark and Torben. We appreciate your time, your local knowledge, and your willingness to share your journey with others. Also, a big thank you to Dom and the rest of the Central West Local Land Services team for your hard work in organising and providing the necessary funding to run these events.

 

The Boots on Ground event is jointly funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and Central West Local Land Services.