Mother Earth is a common expression for the planet earth in a number of countries and regions, which reflects the interdependence that exists among human beings, other living species and the planet. For instance, Bolivians call Mother Earth Pachamama and Nicaraguans refer to her as Tonantzin.

The Coles Junior Landcare School Garden Grants offer of up to $1,000 to schools groups to help create gardens in their grounds or community, such as a bush tucker garden, water wise garden or veggie garden. All schools, kindergartens, daycare centers, and Scout youth groups are eligible to apply.

The School Garden program encourages students to learn about the environment through “outdoor learning” and interaction in developing their own school gardens.

Further information, including details on how to apply, are available at the attachments below, or online at: http://www.juniorlandcare.com.au/grants-2/coles-grant

The Guidelines for the first funding round of the Federal Government's Carbon Farming Futures program have just been released. Applications can be submitted for funding of up to $605,000, for projects to be carried our by 30 June 2015.

Funding through this Action on the Ground program is for projects that trial ot demonstrate agricultural greenhouse gas emission reductions or carbon sequestration.

The Monaro Landscape Connectivity project aims to work with land managers to actively manage patches of native vegetation. Management activities may include:

• Fencing to manage stock access;
• Strategic planting of native trees and shrubs; and
• Controlling exotic plants

Assessors play a crucial role in sustainable natural resource management by representing community perspectives on a range of funding decisions. You could be involved in assessing funding applications for initiatives including Caring for our Country and the Action on the Ground element of the Securing a Clean Energy Future plan.

Dr Chris Bourke MLA, Member for Ginninderra, today presented Landcare awards to the ACT community celebrating our local environment.

The Landcare Awards showcase and recognise the efforts of members of the community involved in natural resource management. 

"The ACT Landcare Awards and ACT Landcare Week provide recognition for the exceptional work carried out by the many hundreds of Landcare workers and volunteers in the Territory," Dr Bourke said.

Landcare Week activities over September – ACT and region

The following is a list of Landcare Week activities in the ACT in September 2011. Where information is available – contact details for each group has been provided. In some cases it has not been possible to provide these details. Typically with most Landcare activities you should wear a hat and warm, sturdy clothes and shoes and bring water and a snack. Equipment is provided if it is a working bee. 

Have you ever wondered how we can live an enjoyable, healthy and fulfilling lifestyle in cities and suburbs?

Want to explore how we can live wisely within our natural environment?

Intention: To agree and action the community hub/city farm we want to see in Canberra.

Guided Spring Wildflower Community Walk
- Farrer Ridge Nature Park

Meet at top of Muresk Street Farrer at 10am.
Bring cameras, binoculars, hat, & wear walking shoes.

More information: Phil Selmes, Parks Stromlo depot: 6205 7384

All welcome.

For more information about the group, see the Farrer Ridge Parkcare Group web page.

Barney's Gully

Erosion control in a sensitive environment.

• Observing your land for challenges and opportunities
• Discussion of potential remedies to observed challenges
• Low risk/low cost/low maintenance techniques to reduce erosion, rehydrate flood plains, improve water quality, fertility and biodiversity