Come for a morning woodland stroll with bird enthusiast Peter Miller to spot, observe, listen to, and learn about the amazing variety of Mt Majura’s birds in Spring.
Where: Meet at nature reserve entrance gate near Tay St / Ian Nicol St intersection, The Fair, North Watson (see volunteer registration point on this map)
Enquiries: Email or phone 0408 429214
Wear: appropriate clothing for the weather, sturdy shoes, sun protection.
Bring: Gold Coin donation for a Mt Majura bird species list.
Recommended: Binoculars, a bird guide or app* if you have them. *See for instance Michael Morcombe & David Stewart apps for Android and Apple.
Click here for more information.
Scarlet robin, a species declared vulnerable in the ACT. The photo shows a male with its brilliant red chest. (Photo: David Cook, COG)
Join in FoMM’s Spring weed blitz, let your killer instincts flow free and help to pull, dig out, hack, bump off, and massacre horehound. Give as much time as you like.
Where: “Sheep camp south” Mt Majura ridge; click on this map to view the location of the sheep camp (red marker) and access routes (green lines).
How to get there:
(1) From the nature reserve entrance Kellaway Street car park turn left then walk uphill (southeast) on the fire trail named Hancock road; pass the transmission power line easement after about 500m and continue walking uphill close to the saddle; turn left and walk the trail uphill in northeast direction to access the stock camp. The walk will take about 30 minutes from the Kellaway Street nature park entrance.
(2) From the nature park entrance Mackenzie Street (roughly opposite Grayson Street) walk in east direction along the maintenance road (Blue Metal Road); at the saddle turn right and pass the upper Hackett water reservoir and walk uphill in southwest direction to access the stock camp.
Bring: Sun protection, sturdy shoes, drinking water, and gloves if you have them.
Enjoy: A beautiful spring day and fantastic views over Canberra and Majura Valley.
Enquiries: Email
Click here for more information.
Horehound Marrubium vulgare is a common perennial weed of disturbed sites with nutrient-enriched soil such as stock camps. (Photo: Waltraud Pix)
Other news and events:
Weed Swap – 2 & 3 November 2019, from 8.30am to 4.45pm
Weed Swap is a joint initiative of the Australian Native Plants Society and the ACT Government to encourage residents to remove woody weeds from their gardens, safely dispose them and select free Australian native plants as an alternative to grow in the gardens.
What to do: Remove the woody weeds from your garden and bring the remains to the green waste recycling centre at either Canberra Sand and Gravel in Belconnen or Corkhill Brothers near Mugga Lane tip.Visit the swap stall at these locations and receive an Australian replacement plant of your choice. The plants are clearly labelled and volunteers will offer planting and care advice.
Target species for removal: garden weeds such as cotoneaster, firethorn, privet, broom ivy and periwinkle can be swapped for a free native plant including ground covers, grasses, small medium and large shrubs and some trees.
For more information: visit the Friends of Mt Majura table at the Hackett community party, Hackett Shopping centre, Saturday 26 October or click here.
Canberra Nature Park Draft Reserve Management Plan released
The ACT Parks and Conservation Service has developed a draft plan to guide management of the Canberra Nature Park for the next 10 years. The Canberra Nature Park has 37 reserves in and around urban Canberra, including Mt Majura. These reserves give our city its distinctive character as the nation’s ‘city in the landscape’. They protect important forest, woodland and grassland ecosystems and provide habitat for our native wildlife, including many threatened species. They provide the extraordinary opportunity for nature-based experiences and an active lifestyle that so many Canberrans value, contributing significantly to the health and wellbeing of the community. Have your say on the proposed management of Canberra’s Nature Park by 16 December.
Biosecurity alert – Mexican feather grass
Nassella tenuissima (Mexican feather grass) is a nationally prohibited species. It is a prohibited import. Closely related to serrated tussock, but even more invasive. If allowed to spread it would have a massive impact on agriculture and nature conservation. Mexican feather grass is a serious weed to Australia. It is hardy, drought tolerant, unpalatable to stock and difficult to control. Mexican feather grass is being eradicated from 4 sites in the ACT, having established and spread as a result of illegal sales in 2008. Please report suspected sightings to either Canberra Nature Map or iNaturalist Australia app. Click here for more information.
