The distinctiveness of the Australian landscape results more from the extensive domination by eucalypts, and their close relatives, than from any other single factor.

There are about 60 species of eucalypt in the Mid-Western Regional Council LGA/Watershed Landcare area, many of which are economically important as timber, nectar for honey production and for shade and shelter within pastoral areas.

To some there is a superficial sameness or similarity about the eucalypts, but to those that spend a little time getting to know them, there are subtle differences that all add up to give each eucalypt a distinct character.

It is extremely difficult to identify a eucalypt without a combination of these subtle differences. However, once you know what to look for, identifying eucalypts, or ‘Gum Trees’ becomes a lot easier and becomes more so with practice.

Watershed Landcare will be hosting a workshop on Native Vegetation Identification, with a Focus on Eucalypts on Saturday, 23 April at Avisford Reserve.

The morning will start with a short talk to highlight the basic features to look for, then a walk through Avisford Reserve to look at trees and find identification features.

There will be a fair amount of walking and some of the tracks get a bit steep, so good footwear is essential. Then back to the picnic tables and a look at what we found while consuming morning tea.

Come along, meet other Watershed Landcare members and be introduced to some of the local eualypts.

The workshop is free to attend for Watershed Landcare members and $10 for non-members, with morning tea provided.

We will meet at the Redbank Dam carpark tomorrow morning at 8.30am and walk up into Avisford Reserve. Look for the Watershed Landcare field day signs.

Bring sturdy shoes, water, hats, pens/pencils, rulers, writing paper/notebooks and a clipboard if you have one. The workshop will finish around 11 am.

For further information or to RSVP contact Watershed Landcare Co-ordinator, Agness Knapik, on 0435 055 493 or by email: info@watershedlandcare.com.au

This event is supported by Watershed Landcare through partial funding from the Australian Government's 25^th Anniversary Landcare grants and the Central Tablelands Local Land Services.