This event is part of the Rivers of Carbon – Crookwell project, proudly funded through the NSW Environmental Trust.
Come and learn about one farming family’s vision for a better future. Join us at Red Hill, a large sheep grazing property near Crookwell NSW, for a Rivers of Carbon field day showcasing the benefits of riparian restoration in the context of farming the land in a sustainable and productive way. This workshop is for farmers and the community.
Caring for the land is a long-held passion for Tom McCormack who started planting shelter belts and fencing out bush remnants in the 1980’s. Working with his family, today over eighty per cent of the plantings link up to create wildlife and biodiversity corridors that are strategically placed to improve farm productivity and biodiversity outcomes. A win-win situation!
The McCormack family own and manage a diverse farming enterprise, running a Merino/first cross ewe flock, prime lambs and cattle. This field day is an opportunity to learn about how they incorporate sustainability techniques into their farm plan that deliver benefits to livestock, their family and the environment.
What can I expect on the day?
There will be talks at the shearing shed in the morning by the Rivers of Carbon team, the McCormacks and Upper Lachlan Landcare, followed by a paddock drive (car-pooling) to look at examples of projects at different stages of development, including Rivers of Carbon sites. Learn about the benefits of sustainable land management and how revegetation and erosion management can contribute to farm productivity.
About our Speakers
Tom, James and Natasha McCormack
The McCormack family have been undertaking restoration works on their property Red Hill for over 40 years. They have experienced the benefits of land restoration on their farm first-hand, including increased farm productivity and sustainability outcomes.
Repairing the land while maximising productivity is very important to the McCormack’s as they want to ensure the land is resilient and productive into the future.
Lori Gould
Lori Gould is the Rivers of Carbon project manager who co-founded the program with Director Dr Siwan Lovett 11 years ago. Over the past 25 years, she has specialised in riparian rehabilitation projects that focus on engaging the community in improving biodiversity, water quality and sustainable agriculture outcomes in rural landscapes.
Lori is practical, approachable and a great person to talk to about all things riparian. She is a skilled community practitioner and is always willing to share her experiences with others.
Ruth Aveyard
Ruth Aveyard is the coordinator for the Upper Lachlan Landcare group, a role she has had for the past eight years. She is experienced in both on-ground works and community engagement, she supports several focus groups including a dynamic Grazing Group and dedicated Connectivity Crew.
Her role at Upper Lachlan Landcare Group supports individual members and local Landcare Groups to care for the environment and improve the landscape.
Register Below
Or head to our Eventbrite page via this link.
What should I wear / bring?
You will need to appropriate shoes, hat and clothing suitable for being outdoors on a farm. BYO chair, keep cup, water bottle, pen and paper. Morning tea and lunch will be provided.
As we are car-pooling on farm, we would appreciate your help if you have a 4WD to help get people around.
Biosecurity Risk: Please ensure that your car, clothing and boots are clean of mud to minimise the movement of weed seeds and other biosecurity risks.
Can I bring children?
Yes – if you intend to bring children please ensure they are registered so we can cater for everyone.
What others have said about past Rivers of Carbon events:
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‘Thanks for a terrific workshop at the Gibson’s farm in May. The organisation was excellent, everything was ready to go, there was adequate time to talk to folk between activities, a clean easily accessed toilet is always a bonus and the food was delicious. I really appreciated the story that the farmers shared, it was quite inspirational, it helped me gain a deeper understanding of the long-term challenges and flexibility required to rejuvenate the landscape. This event for me was a great reminder of what is being achieved and the wonderful community of people working together to rehabilitate our rivers.’
What is Rivers of Carbon – Crookwell?
Rivers of Carbon – Crookwell is a project that builds on the work of the successful large-scale Rivers of Carbon Program, a proven model that focuses on connecting and linking ongoing and new riparian rehabilitation sites with remnant vegetation to provide many ecological and social benefits. The region of Crookwell is a key area of connectivity in the southern tablelands. This project is being developed in response to a strong community desire to act. Project activities will include fencing and revegetating riparian areas, strategic small-scale erosion control works to improve water quality, and linking habitat to form contiguous wildlife corridors.
The Rivers of Carbon – Crookwell project is supported by the NSW Environmental Trust.
