Friends of Mt Majura (FoMM) Newsletter – August 2021

Third Sunday Working Party

Come along to the Fair on Sunday 15 August between 1 and 4pm. Choose your favourite activity – we will plant native seedlings of Blue Devils (Eryngium ovinum) and Variable Plantain (Plantago varia) in two of our seeding nodes, spread mulch at sites where contractors have recently sprayed highly invasive Chilean Needle Grass and Serrated Tussock with herbicide, check for and remove weeds such as Paterson’s Curse and Capeweed, if we find them.

Where: Register at the entrance to the nature park close to Tay and Ian Nicol Streets, North Watson

When: Anytime between 1-4pm. Come at 1pm for an introduction. Give whatever time you can spare.

Bring: Sun protection, drinking water, garden gloves and a trowel if you have them. We provide some tools, disposable gloves, hand sanitiser and a delicious cake for afternoon tea.

More information at www.majura.org

What a difference a decade and dedication makes

Nearly ten years ago, in 2012, Friends of Mount Majura began work to improve degraded grassy woodland in the nature reserve east of the residential estate The Fair in North Watson. The soil was either compacted and eroding or densely covered with herbaceous weeds such as Paterson’s Curse. Since then, the soil has been manually loosened and truckloads of woodchip mulch spread. Many woody weeds such as briar rose and hawthorn have been removed and replaced with local species which provide habitat for wildlife. Eight National Tree Day events and other smaller planting events have seen mass plantings of native trees, shrubs and flowering plants; native grasses have been direct seeded across the area. Our newest project has established seed nodes to protect herbaceous wildflowers from overgrazing and repopulate the surrounding areas via natural seed dispersal.

National Tree Day Event

Undaunted by the cold and grey wintry weather on National Tree Day, Sunday 1 August, some 45 people and a well-behaved dog enjoyed a walk led by ecologist Michael Doherty to learn about the trees that populate the nature reserve. Forecast showers did not eventuate and the sun came out briefly. We were delighted to be joined by local member for Kurrajong and Minister for the Environment, Rebecca Vassarotti, shown in this photograph with other walkers listening to Michael.

Mondays at the Fair

Each week a group of volunteers meets at the Fair site. Our current focus is removing horehound growing under old dead trees on the north-western slope, in an area which includes many native plants, including the beautiful and endangered Hoary sunray (Leucochrysum albicans) and Bear’s ears (Cymbonotus sp.).

Join us anytime between 9.30 and 12.30 on Monday mornings. We meet at the nature park entrance close to Tay and Ian Nicol Street, North Watson.

Other Events of Interest

Monday 16 August, 6.15 to 8.30 pm: The ACT Conservation Council will host a seminar at ANU on First Nations experiences and environmental justice. Registration costs $15 https://conservationcouncil.org.au/first-nations-people-and-environmental-justice

Sunday 22 August, 10 am to 3 pm: Molonglo Conservation Group is hosting a workshop on Improving Water Quality in the Jerrabomberra Creek Catchment. This hands-on workshop focuses on tools to manage water quality and biodiversity. Register at https://riversofcarbon.org.au/workshops-improving-water-quality-in-the-jerrabomberra-creek-catchment

Saturday 11 September, 9.30 to 11 am: Friends of Black Mountain are hosting a ramble among the wattle, led by Michael Doherty. Book by emailing friendsofblackmountain@gmail.com