about
The Southern Otway Landcare Network (SOLN) is a voluntary, not for profit, community organisation with skilled staff, volunteers, over 400 members and the ability to make a difference.
Based in Australia’s iconic Otway Ranges of Southern Victoria, SOLN plays a central role in the protection and restoration of biodiversity in a flagship region – of national, environmental significance.
SOLN is an umbrella organisation that unifies 5 Landcare groups:
- Aire River
- Apollo Bay
- Barham River Catchment
- Wye to Wongarra
- Habitat Guardians (press for more information)
The SOLN Team
SOLN is transparently and efficiently governed by a Committee of Management.
President: Roslyn Jamieson, rmj2160@gmail.com.au [voice] 03 52377760 or 0417749994
Vice-Chair: Simon Pockley, simonpockley@gmail.com, [voice] 0418 575 525
Secretary: John Marriner
Treasurer: Ken Forrester, Peter Gardiner
Our team of professional, qualified staff ensures our work is scientifically credible and best practice.
ABN: 60675195251
Incorporation number: A0011936S
Coordinators:
Team Leader: Quenton Gay: quenton.landcare@soln.org
Kristen Lees: kristen.landcare@soln.org
Jack Pascoe: jack.landcare@soln.org
Libby Riches: libby.landcare@soln.org
Address:
69-71 Nelson St. Apollo Bay Vic. Australia 3233
Ph: 03 5237 6904
Fax: 03 5237 6734
In rain, hail or shine, we implement our environmental projects with the help of conscientious and caring volunteers. (Press here to learn how you can volunteer).
Why SOLN needs your support
SOLN tackles global environmental issues at a local level, using scientifically-based, direct action.
Habitat Loss and Animal Extinction
The Earth is currently experiencing a massive extinction event that is unique in terms of the speed and breadth of extinctions. The cause is the impact of just one species: Homo sapiens.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature 2007 Red List, an annual report on the cconservation status of the world’s species, shows that one in four mammals, one in eight birds, and one in three amphibians are now in danger of extinction.
Australia has one of the worst records of biodiversity loss. Close to half of all mammal extinctions in the last 200 years have occurred in Australia. Approximately 13% of all Australia’s known vertebrate species have been listed in Australia’s national Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 as either ‘threatened’ or ‘vulnerable’. The number of terrestrial bird and mammals assessed as extinct, endangered or vulnerable on this list rose by 41% in the last decade (ABS 2006).
SOLN deals with these issues by restoring and protecting the unique waterways of the Otway Ranges from source to sea. They include: the Aire, Ford, Barham, Wild Dog, Grey, Kennett and Wye Rivers as well as Skenes, Petticoat, Smyths, and Separation Creeks. The waterways are home to a variety of rare and endangered species within a rich and biodiverse eco-system.
Climate Change
The impact of Climate Change is already being felt in the Otways. We are experiencing increased temperatures, extended dry periods, and a higher risk of catastrophic fire. SOLN’s activities serve to bind the community in a collective effort and are an essential component of community and ecological resilience.
Our work
At any time, SOLN is conducting a diverse range of on-the-ground activities to restore and protect biodiversity.
These activities include: fencing, pest plant and animal management, community planting days, development of interpretive signage, construction and maintenance of shared paths, water quality and
wildlife monitoring, seed collecting, cleaning and storage, as well as the development of associated educational materials and delivery of educational programs and events.
SOLN has developed strong, award winning partnerships with relevant Government Agencies such as Barwon Water, the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, Colac Otway Shire and Parks
Victoria.
The quality of our work is acknowledged through various awards, including, most recently, the Victorian Coastal Award for Excellence 2010.
You can volunteer to help
Volunteering for SOLN is good for the environment, good for animals and good for you!
SOLN volunteers not only play a vital role in the restoration and protection of precious natural habitat, they can benefit from:
- Making new friends
- Learning new skills
- Enhanced employability (according to research, 73% of employers would employ candidates with volunteering experience, more readily than those without)
- Improved health (according to The Healing Power of Doing Good, by Allan Luks)
We value your skills, talents and willingness to help. You can contribute to this important work by sharing your skills and interests…[more]
Habitat Guardianship Program
Join our Habitat Guardianship Program or join a friend as a gift!
When you become a Habitat Guardian, you will be supporting projects that restore and protect habitat for our threatened, native plants and animals.
Habitat Guardians are a tax deductible donation. Postage charge is included in the price of the Guardianship, and may take 2-3 weeks for delivery.
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$22 Habitat Guardian: helps us collect and propagate native seeds.
You receive: SOLN membership for 1 year + Habitat Guardian Certificate. - $92 Habitat Guardian: helps us plant 15 native trees. You receive: SOLN membership for 5 years + Habitat Guardian Certificate.
- $167 Habitat Guardian: helps us build wildlife corridors to connect habitats. You receive: SOLN membership for 5 years + Habitat Guardian Certificate.
- $293 Habitat Guardian: helps us protect endangered animals by repairing damaged river systems. You receive: SOLN membership for 5 years + Habitat Guardian Certificate + Invitation to VIP Habitat
Guardian Special Event.