Category: Articles

CALENDAR SEPTEMBER TO DECEMBER 2009

For activities organised by the Threatened Species Group, RSVP is needed to Sylvia van der Peet. 5361 4001. For FOGG activities, please contact the FOGG member listed.

September 7 (Monday): 10 am Red Gum Walk meeting re placement of signs. Margo 5356 4524.

September 12 Saturday 10 am: Spring picnic and our AGM. Meet at car park on Mirranatwa Gap. Also its the state-wide Friends Network Biennial Conference at Grantville. Contact
Kathy McDonald 5356 4679.

October 1 to 4 Thursday to Sunday. Grampians Wildflower Show Halls Gap. Contact Kathy 5356 4679. Including on
Thur 1st 7.00 – 9.00pm official opening and an evening presentation at the hall (courtesy of the Threatened Species Group). Brendan Nugent will speak on Daviesia laevis research.

October 12,13 Monday & Tuesday. TSG Pollinator Baiting in the Grampians / Pre burn survey Grampians National Park. Camp at Borough Huts Grampians National Park – Optional. Led by … Read the rest

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Fire meeting GNP Ofice 21st July 09

On Tuesday 21st July I deputised for president Stan and attended a meeting at the GNP office in Halls Gap. This was a follow-up meeting that was held in Dunkeld on the 9th June 09, which Stan and I attended regarding "Prescribed Burns".

The speakers were Graham Parkes, Jill Read and Glenn Rudolph from GNP and Mark Corr  – acting District Fire Manager DSE (while Geoff Evans is on leave). A map prepared by Ballarat University titled "Biophysical Units Within the Greater Grampians Landscape Management Unit" was presented and was the cause of much discussion but with no conclusions.

Another meeting is planned for October 09.

In a final comment Graham Parks pointed out that Halls Gap was saved by a prescribed burn in the Mt Lubra Fire of 2006.

Ewen C Johnson… Read the rest

Fungi Frolic at Zumsteins, Saturday 18th July 09

This was well attended for a cold and misty morning. Many fungi were found and approximately 26 were identified with a large number unable to be identified. As we had no fungi expert with us we worked from books. Some of us could identify a few.

A classic example of the beautiful Red-capped with white spots "Amanita muscaria" was found. This being approximately 140 mm across the cap and growing in one of it’s favourite spots under a pine tree among the needles.

Some examples of the striking "Omphalotus nidiformus" were found but were past their best. This is the one that glows green in the dark and is quite a sight.

Our group voted the outing a success and all seemed to gain some knowledge about fungi. The venue was excellent and should be considered for another visit in the future.

Ewen C Johnson… Read the rest

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Volunteering in the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park

As a member of the Friends of Grampians Gariwerd you can help to conserve and protect our natural environment and enhance the visitor’s experience of parks and reserves. Joining a Friends Group has many benefits – for example providing an involvement in conservation, meeting like-minded people and receiving informative newsletters.

There are numerous volunteer opportunities within the Grampians National Park (GNP). Individuals or groups can choose to participate in a number of projects including the Halls Gap Botanical Gardens, the Grampians Walking Track Support Group, Parks Victoria’s Campground Host Program and Conservation Volunteers Australia – Park Champions, and Naturewise Holidays.

h3. Halls Gap Botanical Gardens

The Halls Gap Botanical Gardens is a native garden maintained by volunteers and local community support. While not the responsibility of Friends of the Grampians Gariwerd if you would like to volunteer to assist with the gardens please “contact FOGGs”:mailto:

h3. Grampians Walking Track Support … Read the rest

Fungi Frolic – 10am

July 18 Saturday 10 am: Fungi Frolic.

Meet at Zumsteins picnic area near toilet block to then travel to a site which will be decided according to rainfall. 

Contact Ewen: 5383 6294 … Read the rest

Margo Recognised at Kookaburra Lifetime Achievement Award

[Posted by Frank – FOGG Secretary]

On the 16th of May at the Skyhigh Restaurant in the Dandenongs, FOGG members accompanied Margo Sietsma to the 2009 Kookaburra Awards ceremony. Margo was nominated for a Kookaburra Lifetime Achievement Award for her integral part in the in FOGG’s involvement in the protection, conservation and development of the Grampians National Park – something she has been doing since 1985!

The judges indicated that there were a lot of excellent nominations and that it was extremely difficult to even produce a short-list, let alone an individual winner. While Margo did not receive the reward it is significant that she was recognised by Parks Victoria as one of the nominees for the Kookaburra Lifetime Achievement Award.

I am sure you will all join me in congratulating Margo and look forward to her continued involvement in FOGGs.

Margo Sietsma 
For those who aren’t aware, Margo has produced … Read the rest

Friends of Grampians Gariwerd