Exploring the Splendour of Native Orchids

Join us at Dungannon (Krambach) and learn all about Native Orchids from expert orchid enthusiasts from the Australasian Native Orchid Society Inc.  Fred Fetherston, Dennis Sinclair and Wayne Weatherstone will share their knowledge of locally occurring orchid species -  what to look for, how to protect them and why they are so significant in the landscape. We will examine the complex relationship orchids have with fire and fungi; and how Indigenous people utilised and cultivated these highly evolved plants. The field component of the day will take us up Krambach Mountain where will see a range of epiphytic orchids (hopefully in full flower) growing in a very special Dry Rainforest community.  We will have an opportunity to discuss key threats to orchids in the environment and how to manage these threats.

Above: Ground Orchids, such as Greenhoods, require specific conditions to flower, and do not respond well to excessive mowing or heavy soil disturbance / compaction.

Owners, Tyrone and Melissa, will share their story of Dungannan - the long history of primary production on the property, as well as new approaches to sustainable land management and conservation on the property.  Dungannan contains high conservation value vegetation, including both Sub-Tropical and Dry Rainforest communities,  and is home to Koalas, Spotted-tailed Quolls, Grey-Crowned Babblers, Phascogales, many species of Glider, microbats and other Threatened Species. We will be joined by staff from the Biodiversity Conservation Trust, Council and Landcare on the day, who will share their knowledge and support with landholders.

This your opportunity to visit a beautiful property where sustainable primary production is being combined with conservation.  You will learn about how to manage and maintain high-value biodiversity on your own land, and will have time to network with like-minded landholders from our region.  A light morning tea and lunch will be provided.

The field component event will involve considerable walking over rough tracks and is only suitable for able-bodied people.  It is free for all Landholders in the MidCoast Area, Landcare members and volunteers, but a fee may be charged for others (consultants, external staff etc) at the discretion of MidCoast2Tops Landcare.

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.