Friends of Mt Majura (FoMM) September 2010 Newsletter (pdf)
- Working party Majura Paddock – this Sunday 19 September
- Working parties at the old Ainslie tip – Sunday 3 October and Sunday 10 October
- Frogwatch, Spotlight walk, Wildflower walk
Good afternoon Friends,
and welcome to spring and a new edition of the FoMM newsletter. All the lovely rain will bring out the Good, the Bad and the Ugly.
The Good: Expect a floriade of wildflowers and orchids this spring and listen to the chorus of frogs.
The Bad: Weeds are happily growing and require our heightened attention and a concerted attack.
The Ugly: Mr and Mrs Rabbit who missed out on treatment during the past control program are breeding – well – like rabbits.
I’m not sure how to address the rabbit problem right now as Government funds apparently dried up. However we can reduce the impact that weeds have on native wildlife: let’s have a party. We will run a series of weeding parties at the Majura paddock (the 2009 and the 2010 National Tree Day planting sites) and at the old Ainslie tip (the 2008 National Tree Day planting site); the latter will be under the auspice of the Mount Ainslie Weeders.
If you want to find out all about our local frogs, learn how to identify different species and take action to protect these fascinating creatures, Frogwatch is the annual event for you. Please see below details of a seminar, field trips and a contact to register your interest.
Those of you who haven’t seen a sugar glider, here is your chance: Jenni currently prepares a spotlight walk probably in the 4th week of October. Places will be strictly limited. Watch this space for further announcement and to register.
Michael Doherty has kindly agreed to lead a wildflower walk on Sunday, the 31 October, 2 pm, meeting point to be confirmed; put the date in your diary. We are currently updating the plant species list for the Mount Majura and Mount Ainslie nature reserves with some new and fascinating findings; the list will be available for a gold coin donation on the walk or you can download it from our website prior to the event.
Spring is a perfect time to get involved. Join in the fun, help protect the environment and learn about the amazing wildlife in our backyard.
It would be great to see you around.
Waltraud
Working party – this Sunday 19 September
When: Sunday 19 September, 9 am – 12 noon
Where: Majura paddock opposite Hackett reservoir off Rivett and French Streets
What: chemical treatment of herbaceous weeds using backpack sprayers and weed wands; manual removal of weeds around seedlings; mulching seedlings using removed weeds and litter; sowing native grass seeds.
Bring and wear: sun protection and gloves (some gloves will be provided), stout shoes, long sleeves and pants.
We will provide tools and morning tea. All welcome, come for an hour or the whole time.
Please note: If it is raining on the day we’ll postpone the working bee to the following Sunday, 26 September, same place, time and arrangements.
Enquiries: admin@majura.org or Ph 62477515
Working parties at the old Ainslie tip – Sunday 3 October and Sunday 10 October
When: Sunday 3 & 10 October, 9 am – 12 noon
Where: old Ainslie tip
What: weeding and mulching, sowing of native grass seed. It will be all hands on deck for both sessions as the arrival of spring will bring on new growth of thistles, Paterson’s Curse, Indian Hedge Mustard some of which appearing in the bush around the planting site at the old tip.
Bring: sun protection and wear covered footwear, long sleeves and pants; morning tea will be provided.
Enquiries: Margaret Clough, Ph 62475561
Leap into Frogwatch this Spring
Frogwatch is an exciting community activity that is open to everyone with an interest in frogs. It aims to involve large numbers of volunteers to undertake frog monitoring in the ACT and region. To participate, simply come along to one of the free training events, where you will learn all about our amphibian friends. You will receive your free Frogwatch Kit that includes all you need to know to participate in the ACT and Region Frog Census in October 2010.
For more information and to register for the Training Events, or for the 2010 Frog Census, contact:
Emma Keightley – ACT & Region Frogwatch Coordinator
Ginninderra Catchment Group
Ph: 6278 3309
Email: frogwatch@ginninderralandcare.org.au
Introductory Seminar
DATE: Wednesday 22nd September, 2010
TIME: 6:00 – 9:00pm
VENUE: Australian National Botanic Gardens – Education Centre (Crosbie Morrison Building) Clunies Ross St, Acton
RSVP: ESSENTIAL
Advanced Frogwatch Training Field Trips
These field trips are aimed at experienced Frogwatchers, who would like to further develop their identification and monitoring skills. Participants will have the opportunity to investigate important components of frog habitat, and talk with expert ecologists in the field. Please be prepared by bringing sturdy shoes, a torch and warm clothing and wet weather gear if necessary.
Field Trip 1 – Queanbeyan Region
DATE: Monday 11th October, 2010
TIME: 6:00 – 8:30pm
LOCATION: Queanbeyan Region. Details will be provided upon registration.
LEADER: Dr David Hunter
Field Trip 2 – Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
DATE: Tuesday 12th October, 2010
TIME: 6:00 – 8:30pm
LOCATION: Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. Details will be provided upon registration.
LEADER: Dr Murray Evans
Field trip 3 – Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve
DATE: Wednesday 13th October, 2010
TIME: 6:00 – 8:30pm
LOCATION: Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve. Details will be provided upon registration.
LEADER: Dr Will Osborne
