The Mudgee Small Farm Field Days are over for another year, the rain as usual did grace us with a visit, but it did stay away enough for the days to progress on.

The Wateshed Landcare Lecture Series proved popular again, with over 350 people attending talks over the two days.

“We had a great turn out to our lecture series, with all talks well attended, the beekeeping series proved the most popular.” said Watershed Landcare Chairman, Craig Dennis.

We also had many visitors to the Waterwise Garden; to chat to our botanical experts about plant selection, improve their serrated tussock identification skills, obtain some tube stock, or just to warm up by the fire and have a chat.

“A big thank you to everyone that came to have a chat and attended the talks, to the speakers and to the volunteers that helped out, these events wouldn’t happen without your help.” said Mr. Dennis.

“I would also like to thank our supporters, Ulan Coal, Scott Lillis and Windyhill Nursery for the donation of native tube stock, which did sell well over the 2 days.” he continued.

The Central Tablelands LLS officially launched their 2015 funding and grants round on Friday at the Field Days.

The Federal Government is contributing $1.3 million in funding for major environmental initiatives and delivery of local conservation and sustainable agriculture projects in our region.

During their speeches, Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton, Director of the Central Tablelands LLS, Reg Kidd and Central Tablelands LLS General Manager, Peter Sparkes all acknowledged the long-term contribution of landcare groups to sustainable land management practices, natural resource management and the communities of the Central West.

Watershed Landcare and Green Day even got a special mention!

“This is a positive step in dispelling the myth that landcare groups are just tree-huggers.” said Mr Dennis.

“Watershed Landcare's goal is to provide a catalyst for the community through education, coordination and support of the socio-economic and physical environment of the region. It's great to see that this is not only recognised but valued.” he continued.

The Mudgee Small Farm Field Days Lecture Series and Waterwise Garden are supported by Watershed Landcare through funding from the Federal Government's 25^th Anniversary Landcare Grants.