On 8 February 2021, Weddin Landcare launched their Small Environmental Grants for 2021. Weddin Landcare's Small Environmental Grants are designed to assist land managers within the Weddin Landcare district undertake small-medium scale projects that address environmental issues. This year the funding will have a particular focus on addressing and preventing erosion.

"The recent drought has left a scar on our hearts, our finances and our landscape," Weddin Landcare coordinator Melanie Cooper said.

"To assist land managers be better prepared for the next drought, Weddin Landcare have developed a special round of their Small Environmental Grants, which will focus on addressing and preventing wind and water erosion.

"Individuals, farming businesses and not-for-profit community groups who manage land with the Weddin Landcare district can apply for funding to cover 50 per cent of project costs, up to a maximum of $4,000.

"Projects may include actions such as groundcover establishment or management; establishment or enhancement of windbreaks; establishment of a droughtlot; streambank or head cut stabilisation; or approved training in grazing management or holistic management," Melanie added.

To apply for the funding, applicants need to read the Grant Guidelines and submit an application by 5pm Wednesday March 31.

The guidelines and application form can be found on Weddin Landcare's website at www.weddinlandcare.org/small-environmental-grants-2021.

Weddin Landcare will also be hosting a special screening of the innovative and inspiring documentary film '2040', directed by Damon Gameau at the Community Hub in Grenfell on Friday 26 March 2021.

"2040 takes a positive look at what we can do right now, with the best solutions that we already have to improve our planet," Melanie said.

"It discusses the incredibly important role that farmers can play and has some great ideas for ways that everyday households, businesses and local Government can make a difference."

The doors will open at 6pm for a light supper. The film will commence at 7pm and will be followed by an open discussion about actions we can take as a community.

This is a free event but please RSVP to Melanie on 0417 963 475 by 24 March as seats are limited.

With cooler weather on the horizon, Weddin Landcare are also starting to get busy again at Vaughn's Dam Reserve in preparation for tree planting in Autumn. It is hoped that a cool burn will take place in April to help suppress weeds and encourage native groundcovers. This will be followed by some targeted plantings of mainly understorey species to help restore the endangered Box-Gum Grassy Woodland vegetation community.

"Weddin Landcare will be looking for volunteers to assist with tree planting at Vaughn's Dam Reserve in Grenfell in April. We have around 500 native shrubs and trees to plant, guard and potentially water so we will need a few hands to help," Melanie said.

Around 20 nest boxes will also be installed in the remnant vegetation at Vaughn's Dam in the coming months for a variety of native wildlife including Sugar or Squirrel gliders, Antechinus, Microbats, Red-rumped parrots, Eastern rosellas, Superb parrots, Pardalotes, Kookaburras, Australian Wood ducks and Larger owls.

"We're hoping to hold several monitoring sessions at Vaughn's Dam to help determine the impact of the nest boxes on local fauna populations.

"Members of the community will be welcome to come along to learn more about our local fauna," Melanie added.

"Birding NSW will also be conducting their Autumn bird survey around Grenfell on the 20-21 March.

"Members of the community are welcome to get in touch with me if they are interested in joining the birding group on the Sunday at Company's Dam to observe and record birds."

Birding NSW come to Grenfell twice a year as part of its important bird and biodiversity area surveys.

Grenfell is their chosen site as it is part of the South West Slopes Key Biodiversity Area, otherwise known as one of 'nature's hotspots'.

If you are interested in becoming involved in Landcare activities in our local area, contact Melanie Cooper on 0417 963 475 or weddinlandcare@outlook.com or connect with them though facebook or twitter.