Articles – Page 69 – Friends of Grampians Gariwerd

ACTIVITY REPORTS

January 10 : Annual Ptilotus erubescens (Hairy- tails) Survey. Once again we had very pleasant weather with which to start the year’s activities. This year we handled the counting of flower heads differently, with individuals keeping their own tallies for each area. This worked far better than the old system. But we still need to sharpen the understanding of the boundaries of the areas. That said, we have now got many years of fairly reliable data which can be used to measure grazing impacts in the area. We still need someone to wrestle the data into a short article.

The total number (2566) was well down on last year’s very high number (5696), but still healthy. Numbers fluctuate yearly, ranging from only 181 at our first count in 1997 to a high of 6,152 in 2004. Consistent with previous counts, the benefits of excluding grazers was very evident. It was … Read the rest

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

This year has started a bit on the slow side with not too many members attending the two activities organised so far this year. We have tried both Saturday and Sunday to see if we can get members from near and far to have a chance to attend. For one thing I realize that it is best not to try to arrange an activity for a long weekend public holiday as many members have made other arrangements to attend other state wide events.

The drought (1.5 mm rainfall for January and February 09 here on the north western side of the Grampians) and the severe heat wave late January early February plus black Saturday has severely effected our native flora and fauna.

The Prickly Tea-tree and the rare Monotocas are very seriously stressed, maybe beyond recovery.

On the 27th February we received a letter from the Regional Manager Parks Vic … Read the rest

FROM THE EDITOR AUTUMN 2009

As I write this on a mild autumn day in the Grampians I, along with all our members, am still grieving for those in the rest of the state who have suffered so terribly from the recent bushfires. We are thankful that we have so far been spared from any major fires here, though the Horsham fire was not that far away. Those who were here during our 2006 fires have had painful memories revived. Many of us know folk who lost their homes, folk who died. Three at least had a close connection with our area. Lynn Stone who has brought her exquisite silk flowers to the Wildflower Show the last two years was one who lost her home in Marysville. Jenny Barnett who worked so hard for the Victorian National Parks Association died with her husband John in their Steele Creek home. Jenny worked closely with the Hamilton … Read the rest

Mt William Creek Walk (April 4-9)

(Working title only – name may be changed.)

This is a walk organised by Project Platypus, It will involve landcare members and other interested people walking approximately 80km along a predetermined track adjacent to the creek from Kalymna Falls to Dadswell’s Bridge. The walk is expected to be a 6 day event starting at the head of the Mt William Creek and following the waterway through public and private land until it meets the Wimmera River. A core group of walkers will walk the entire length of the creek, whilst other walkers will join in at certain lengths along the creek. There will be sporadic evening events for walkers and local communities.

Further details will be available in February. It would be great if some FOGG members could join for at least some of the days, as it is important that we connect the Park with its neighbours. The Park … Read the rest

Finding Frogs Census Week (March 22-28)

The WCMA is conducting a Wimmera wide Finding Frogs Census. Initial results from October suggest that rare Growling Grass Frogs continue to survive in the region as are several other species. Researchers are still busy analysing the information from the November survey but have been pleased with preliminary results. The next census will be in March and will target frog species which normally call in autumn.

People seeking information, or wanting to take part in the census can call Bronwyn on 5382 1544.

(From the WCMA newsletter.)… Read the rest

TSG – Grampians Pincushion-lily Survey

Help search for the endangered Grampians Pincushion-lily – Borya mirabilis.

Contact person Sylvia 5361 4001… Read the rest

25 Years of FOGG

… Read the rest

TWENTY FIVE YEARS OF FOGG

2009 marks the 25th anniversary of the Friends of the Grampians-Gariwerd, including the years we were just Friends of Grampians National Park. Parks Victoria will be presenting us with a framed photo to mark the occasion. What goes in the photo will probably be decided at a committee meeting this week, and will eventually be put up here on the website. But I am really enjoying looking through old photos, both mine and those people have been sending me. As they come in, I’ll be putting a selection up for all to enjoy.
Margo S, editor.… Read the rest

(Labour Day Weekend) Survey of Grampians Monotoca

Assemble at the Scout Camp for a 10 am start. This is an all day event.

Survey to check the number of a little known rare Grampians plant Monotoca billawinica (Grampians Monotoca). A small colony of this Monotoca located beyond Cooinda Burrong was included in the sample of plant material used to determine the species. The aim is to see how many plants have survived the dry years since the original surveys in February / March 1989.

Female Flower

Male Flower

It is about a 2.5 km walk in and out through fallen trees, etc following the original old single wire party phone line to Wartook Reservoir to this colony’s location which is in a timbered heath area.

Along the way in there will also be a check for the more common Monotoca scoparia.

Please note:

You will need to carry your lunch, water, etc and also

… Read the rest

TSG – Southern Pipewort Survey – CANCELLED

Due to insufficient rain this survey has been cancelled.

Threatened Species Group activity near Woohlpooer Southern Pipewort Survey (Eriocaulon australasicum).

Contact person Sylvia 5361 4001. … Read the rest