February 2007 newsletter

In this issue:

• Woody Weeds Working Bee – 18 February 2007
• Friends of Mt Majura Meeting – 11 March 2007
• Walking With the Ants – 25 March 2007
• FoMM 2006 Statistics
• Sustainable Hackett – Public Meeting 28 February

Dear Friends

Welcome to everyone in 2007. I hope you’ve had a refreshing break and I’m looking forward to catch up with you at one of our events.

Woody Weeds Working Bee – 18 February 2007
Controlling woody weeds is one of the most valuable contributions we can make to maintain and enhance the values of our local bushland. So if you have some time to spare please lend a hand at our next Woody Weeds Working Bee
When: Sunday, 18 February, from 8.30am onwards
Where: meet at the fire trail behind Mackenzie Street opposite Brennan Street; access via a walk-way between 53 and 55 Mackenzie Street
Bring: sun protection, sturdy boots and full body covering clothing; all equipment will be provided.
We’ll remove woody plants not native to the area using the search-and-destroy method. Novice weeders are encouraged to be early for an induction to target weeds and the safe handling of equipment.

Friends of Mt Majura meeting – 11 March 2007
I warmly invite you for a meeting on Sunday 11 March from 6.00 to 7.30 pm at 9 Selwyn Street, Hackett to discuss FoMM future direction and actions. Everyone is welcome; please RSVP to me.
A FoMM Action Committee was set up to discuss and plan actions and distribute work. In 2006 we met twice in February and August. Since then committee members including the secretary have moved on to other places and priorities. As I’ve entered full time work I’m not able to sustain the previous level of activities without your help. Everyone please think about whether or how you could become involved in planning or participating in FoMM’s affairs.
There are lots of things you could possibly do or become involved in such as writing articles and reports, promotional work, planning and organising walks or talks, staging events such as World Environment Day celebration, raising funds, monitoring, managing a seed bank and raising seedlings for revegetation projects, making a poster, placing notices at park entrances, compiling species lists and more.

Walking With the Ants – 25 March 2007
Join ANU myrmecologist Ajay Narendra for an ant discovery walk on Mount Majura.
When: Sunday 25 March, 4.30 to 6.30 pm
Where: meet at Helms Place park entrance off Rivett Street, Hackett
Bring: sun protection, sturdy boots and a magnifying glass if you have one.
Kids (with adults) are especially welcome.
Ants play a leading role in the environment as predators and scavengers. Their highly social organization, effective communication and amazing navigation skills have been the object of research for generations. Mt Majura has a rich diversity of ants including several species of bull ants. This walk will provide you with a glimpse into the fascinating world of one of the most dominant group of animals on the planet.

FoMM 2006 Statistics
The table below shows some statistics of the volunteer work conducted in 2006. The numbers were drawn from our monthly reports to the government. In 2006 FoMM members spend more than 1000 hours to assist conservation work in the Mt Majura nature reserve, with almost half of the time spent on weeding. We held 18 working bees with an average attendance rate of 6 people. In addition we organised 3 specialist guided walks (trees, birds, wildflowers) and celebrated World Environment Day with a walk, talks and tea on Mt Majura. A highlight of the past year was the finalisation of a plant species list for Mt Majura, which is available from our website.

Public Meeting 28 February
Finally let me to draw your attention to a special meeting coming up soon:

That’s it for now. Warm regards,

Waltraud
FoMM co-ordinator
ph 6247 7515 or admin@majura.org