Friends of Mount Majura (FoMM) Newsletter – May 2017

Dear Friends,
Welcome to the May edition of the FoMM newsletter. The latest big news is that another new orchid species has been recorded for Mt Majura! A population of Little Dumpies (Diplodium truncatum) was recently found, the first record of this orchid for Mt Majura! See the photos here. Mt Majura sure is a special place for plants, making our restoration work even more important. So we appreciate any help you can provide to protect this wonderful reserve, whether this is volunteering at our working parties, keeping dogs on leashes, riding mountain bikes on formal trails only, contacting us if you see an unusual plant or animal, reporting any illegal activity like firewood collection, or spreading the word to other locals. It all helps!
See you on the mountain.
Jo Lynch, FoMM Secretary

One of the Little Dumpy (Diplodium truncatum) orchids found on Mt Majura. (Photo: Petersan on Canberra Nature Map)

Working Party – Sunday 21 May 2017, 1pm to 4pm
Join FoMM’s weeds working party and help remove Japanese Honeysuckle and other woody weeds growing in and around the drainage line close to the Hackett reservoir. Come early for an introduction and give as much time as you want. You need no experience to attend this event; instructions and tools will be provided on site.
Where: Meet at ParkCare notice board opposite of the water reservoir off Rivett Street and French Street intersection, Hackett.
Bring and wear: Sun protection, body covering garden clothing and sturdy shoes; if you have them bring your gum boots.
Enquiries: ph 6247 7515 or Email

Click here for more information.


The drainage line in November 2013 after many volunteer hours over the years. The continuous supply of seeds from nearby gardens requires annual removal of woody weeds and vines from this area. (Photo: Waltraud Pix)

Walk through the woodlands with bird enthusiast Peter Miller to spot, observe, listen to, identify and learn about the amazing variety of birds on Mount Majura. We are particularly interested in the Scarlet Robin Petroica boodang. If you spot a Scarlet Robin please take a picture and register on Canberra Nature Map or let us know. The Scarlet Robin is declared a vulnerable species in the ACT and NSW – read this Canberra Times article.
Meet at nature reserve entrance Mackenzie Street, roughly opposite Grayson Street, Hackett.
Please bring: Binoculars, a camera if you have one, walking boots and a Gold Coin donation for a bird list.
Enquiries: 6248 8955 or Email
Click here for more information.

A male Scarlet Robin, Petroica boodang. The species is at risk of extinction and declared vulnerable in the ACT and NSW. (Photo: Canberra Nature Map, taken on Mt Majura)

Watch this great video where local Steve Bittinger takes us for a walk on Mount Majura and shows us some of Mount Majura’s wide variety of habitats and historical points of interest!

Other news and events:

Conservation Council ACT World Environment Day Dinner – Saturday 3 June
Join the Conservation Council annual dinner at the National Arboretum where Janet Jeffs of Ginger Catering will cook up a treat using local, seasonal produce. A three course meal plus champagne and canapes to start and your ticket includes wine. The MC is Lish Fejer who is entertaining, energetic and environmental all in one. Book your ticket now.

Open Art Competition – ‘People Caring for the ACT Region’s Lands and Waters’
ACT Region Catchment Groups Art Exhibition and Prizes. Entries close 9 June 2017. Exhibition 22-30 June 2017, Fitters Workshop, Kingston Art Precinct. Exhibition open 10am to 5pm daily. The three catchment groups in the ACT see this as an opportunity to show other people how Parkcarers, Rangers and Waterwatchers care for the ACT Lands and Waters. Click here for more information.

Bushfire Management: Balancing the Risk – Friday 21 & Saturday 22 July
Community symposium discussing research, strategies and expectations for fire management in the ACT in a changing environment, with the National Parks Association ACT, Conservation Council ACT Region, Parks and Conservation Service and Emergency Services Agency. You can obtain more information here or just go straight to bookings which are available now.

Albert Morris Ecological Restoration Field Trip and Award – Broken Hill, 22-24 August 2017
Many interested people from all over Australia are converging on Broken Hill in early Spring to celebrate the 80th anniversary of one of the world’s earliest restoration projects: the Broken Hill Regeneration Reserves. This will mark the inauguration of the Albert Morris Ecological Restoration Award hosted by the Australian Association of Bush Regenerators, Australian Network for Plant Conservation, Greening Australia and the Society for Ecological Restoration Australasia. Read more here, watch this video about the upcoming event and read the special Broken Hill issue of AABR News.

Volunteer opportunity available at the Australian Network for Plant Conservation (ANPC) Inc. office
Do you have an interest in plant conservation? Are you looking for volunteer work while studying, searching for a job or during retirement? A volunteer position at the ANPC’s National Office is now available one day a week on Thursdays from 10am to 2pm. The office is based in the Crosbie Morrison Building at the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Volunteers receive a free annual parking permit for the Gardens and free ANPC membership. Specific Duties: office administration; marketing and promotion; website updating and maintenance; membership – assisting new and existing members, updating database etc; editing and production of Australasian Plant Conservation; and helping to organise conferences and workshops. What the position offers: an opportunity to increase skills, confidence and employment prospects; valuable experience working for a national non-profit organisation; experience in using various computer software packages; administration and organisation skills; scientific writing and publishing skills; and exposure to Australian plant conservation issues and projects. Click here for more information and to download the position description.

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