Friends of Mount Majura (FoMM) Newsletter October 2012 (pdf)
- Majura Paddock Hand Weeding Session – Saturday, 6 October
- Working Party National Tree Day Planting Site – Sunday, 14 October
- Bird Walk – Saturday, 13 October
- Guided Namadgi Field Trip: Recovery of Eucalypts after the 2003 Fires – Sunday, 21 October
- Wildflower Walk – Sunday, 11 November
- ACT Election 2012 – Request for a Better Management of Nature Reserves
Dear Friends
Mount Majura springs into to life, the lizards are out and about after winter hibernation, the frogs call, the spring flowers are beautiful and the weeds raise their ugly heads. This is a time to explore and assist nature: see what happens at our guided walks and give a hand at our working parties.
FoMM holds one public announced working party each month. However this is not sufficient to keep on top of weeds and secure the great work we’ve done. I’ll therefore organise some additional working bees within the next month and circulate requests for help with “FoMM extra work” on short notice. I hope some of you can come along. Some extra work is scheduled this coming Saturday.
Please let me know if you have the capacity to conduct work in your own time during the week – any additional help will be very much appreciated!
Majura Paddock Hand Weeding Session – Saturday, 6 October
We completed the planting of trees and shrubs at the Majura paddock and focus now to improve the native ground cover. It is wonderful to see local forbs such as Bulbine lilies and native geraniums appearing at the paddock, some as a result of natural regeneration, some from direct seeding. Assist the spread of natives by hand removing introduced species at sensitive sites where we avoid the use of herbicide. Come early for an introduction of the native and introduced ground cover species.
When: Saturday, 6 October, 3-6pm, come for the whole time or less.
Where: meet at the parkCare notice board opposite the Hackett water reservoir off Rivett / French Streets (view this map).
Bring: Sun protection, gloves and your favourite weeding tool. Trowels work well; I’ll bring some along.
Working Party National Tree Day Planting Site – Sunday, 14 October
The focus of this working party is caring for the young plants by placing mulch around them and knocking over as many of the abundant Paterson’s Curse as we can.
When: Sunday, 14 October 2012 from 9am to 1pm; give as little or as much time as you want
Where: Meet at the National Tree Day 2012 planting site behind (east of) The Fair residential site in North Watson (map); please visit this link for detailed directions on how access the site if you are not familiar with the locality.
Bring and wear: Sun protection, sturdy shoes, leather gloves if you have them, garden clothing with long sleeves and pants – the volunteer who turns up first will receive a gift of brand new leather gloves.
All tools and equipment and will be provided.
Enquiry: admin@majura.org or 62477515
Bird Walk – Saturday, 13 October
There have been confirmed sightings of 112 different bird species in the Mt Majura Nature Reserve (Canberra Ornithologists Group). Accompany ornithologist Peter Miller for an early morning stroll and see and hear some of the species that nest, fledge and sing in spring.
When: Saturday, 13 October, 8.00am (sharp) to 10.00am (approx.)
Where: Meet at the nature park entrance Mackenzie Street, Hackett (click this map to view the meeting point).
Bring: Binoculars, if you have them and a gold coin for a species list.
Enquiry: Phone 6248 8955
Guided Namadgi Field Trip : Recovery of Eucalypts after the 2003 Fires – Sunday, 21 October
Due to a recent cancellation there are 2 vacant places at this a one-off, special event; click here for more information and register at admin@majura.org or 6247 7515
When: Sunday 21 October, 9.30am to 3.30pm
Venue: Meet at Stromlo Depot, 500 Cotter Rd, Weston Creek (click here) for car pooling.
Wildflower Walk – Sunday, 11 November
Explore the wildflowers that are blooming this season with plant ecologist Michael Doherty. Enjoy the beauty of the reserve, its grasses, trees, and views whilst you go.
When: Sunday 11 November, 1.00pm to 3.00pm.
Where: Meet at the Antill Street Nature Park entrance opposite Carotel, south of The Fair in North Watson (click on map to view the meeting point).
Bring: A camera and a gold coin for species lists.
Enquiries: Phone 6248 8955
For all walks bring sun protection, water and wear appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes.
ACT Election 2012 – Request for a Better Management of Nature Reserves
The ACT Legislative Assembly election has been set for the 20 October. Nature conservation has a very low profile in the ACT. I propose to write to the main parties about what we expect from an incoming government; here are some issues. If you have further suggestions please let me know by the end of this week.
The Greens will launch their Nature Park Conservation package tomorrow, 3 October, 12 noon in the Mt Majura nature reserve. Come along if you have the time, meet at the parkCare sign close to Majura paddock.
Dates of interest
Australian Native Plant Society Spring Plant Sale: 20 October; click here for a list of available plants
FrogWatch, the ACT annual frog census week 21-27 October: click here for further info
Swap Your Weed for a Free Native Plant: Weekend 3/4 November; click here
Warm regards from your coordinator
Waltraud
2 October 2012
