February 2026 Kinglake Landcare News

Summer

Kinglake district is the traditional land of the Taungurung and Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation which in February gradually sees the change from Biderap (dry season) into Luk (Eel season) in March.

Activities just one or continuing

Bushfires dominated our attention in the Upper Goulburn district in January and some of our members in Upper Goulburn Landcare Network (UGLN) were among those hard-hit losing animals and property. Kinglake Landcare Group (KLG) is an integral part of UGLN which is currently developing plans to assist with the rehabilitation of natural assets in the affected area of Upper Goulburn such as restoration of fencing etc.

Positive news - welcome good rains in November helped keep some areas greener with the added benefits of increased animal activity such as at my place. Black Saturday in 2009 burnt all vegetation and my whole street, so as we rebuilt, we have also been gradually enhancing the creek easement through our small property. Extending pondage and riparian revegetation has reduced creek erosion, captured more water and enhanced habitat for wildlife so that now we have more fauna sightings of, for example, Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos, frogs, skinks, Blue-tongued Lizards, and Yabbies (see photos).

A Lace Monitor was even recently sighted in nearby Stony Creek and we are pleasantly surprised at the flora and fauna found there which is why we encourage volunteers to assist us control weeds and clear the walking tracks whilst enjoying the flora and fauna there.

As climate change amplifies the weather extremes we must develop the best responses to bushfire threats. Good property planning, building and maintenance for fire protection can also include appropriate weed control e.g. exotic grasses are usually drier in summer than indigenous grasses such as Weeping Grass, placement of the right species in the right places, and including escape routes, and dedicated fire water storage in our plans.

Get our free booklet

“Caring for Your Patch” covering backyard garden design, food growing, plant selection, weed and pest animal management and more, is available from Kinglake Library, KRNH, Kinglake Heritage Centre, local garden suppliers, Landcare events, some local shops and servos, or online from our website kinglakelandcare.org. On the site you can also locate detailed vegetation reports on selected local roads.

Membership

New members can contact Landcare through our website kinglakelandcare.org to join for $11 per year. Alternatively, you can be added to our free “friends” mailing list for notification of events.

Coming up

10.30am Sunday 1^st March Clean Up Australia Day at 1825 Whittlesea-Yea Road, Wallaby Springs, Kinglake West. All welcome. Light lunch provided. Other events will be advised by our mailouts.