Friends of Chiltern Mt Pilot NP Newsletter #328 June 2023
FRIENDS OF CHILTERN MT-PILOT NATIONAL PARK, Inc.
Correspondence to: Tony Murnane Secretary/Treasurer: anthonymurnane9@gmail.com
President: Vacant
Newsletter: Neville Bartlett: neville@nrbartlett.com.au
Website:http://www.friendsofchiltern.org.au/
June field day
It was a glorious sunny day and about 15 friends gathered at Chiltern Post Office and proceeded to Mt Ochtertyre Natural Features Reseve that is not far from Morris Wines to the North of the National park. The targets were olives and other woody weeds but the olives were quite a challenge because of their advanced age. Very few were small enough to be removed by hand alone.
The area near the entrance to Mount Ochtertyre Natural Features Reserve off Mt Ochtertyre Road
Removal of moderately advanced olives from the reserve
Photos: Neville Bartlett
The work was followed by a gathering, chat and bun. Two couples willl be absent for a few weeks as they enjoy travel to warmer climes.
One of our members, Pearl Lawson, had an object that she wished to have identified.
The mystery object – very light and foam-like.
Photo: Neville Bartlett
With some help later from Eileen Collins, the object was identified as the coccoon (egg case or ootheca) of a Praying Mantid. In Australia there are three families and 160 species of mantids.
Praying Mantis (Order: Mantodea) or stick insect.
Photo: Eileen Collins
Life cycle: the female mantid lays up to several hundred eggs in a distinctive case called an ootheca. Glands produce a foam that quickly hardens into the egg case. The ootheca is left attached to a twig or placed on the ground under logs or stones. The hatchlings develop through a number of stages which resemble wingless adults.
Reference: Zborowski, P. and Storey, R. “A Field Guide to Insects in Australia”. Australian Geographic
Park Scene – June image in the 2023 calendar
As we endure cold and miserable weather in June it is heart-warming to contemplate a spring scene somewhere in the Northern part of the Chiltern section of the Park.
Park scene. Photo: David Skinner
Ranger’s Report – Brian Pritchard
Thanks to the Friends group for working with us to complete the planning for next year’s Activity Plan. Once approved this will guide the activities that can be undertaken in the park over the coming year.
Another reminder that anyone wishing to volunteer with Parks Victoria needs a Working with Children Check.
Rangers are still busy dealing with illegal activities like firewood collection with offences still being detected and dealt with. Asset maintenance to repair toilets at Woolshed Falls and replace roads signs and culverts have also been completed. Staff are also undertaking condition assessments on our visitor infrastructure.
Our ranger, Hannah Clemen has resigned to take up a role with Victoria Police Force and we wish her the best in this new role which starts in mid-July. Laura Collins will continue to back fill Hannah’s role whilst we recruit an ongoing replacement.
From the first of July our Fire Team will transition to working for DEECA as part of changes related to Government Efficiency Review to streamline fire management delivery. The change will cause impacts to Parks Victoria that are currently being worked through, but our rangers will continue to deliver programs.
Rainfall May 2023: 48 mm. Total for the year to date 2023: 308 mm.
The corresponding total until the end of May 2022 was 434 mm.
The average annual rainfall for Chiltern is 689 mm.
Data supplied by Mick Webster.
NEXT MEETING – SATURDAY 1st JULY 2023
Depending on numbers, there are a few activities. Weeding at Chiltern Valley No 2 Dam along with some maintenance of the 2022 planting at Frog’s Hollow and some olives to remove off Chinese Track.
Please bring weeding equipment, gloves, a chair and morning tea. As usual, bun will be available.
Meet at the Chiltern Post Office at 9:00am.
Dates for the remainder of 2023 and 2024
For 2023: Saturday 1st July, Sunday 6th August, Saturday 2nd September, Sunday 1st October, Saturday 4th November and Sunday 3rd December 2023.
For 2024: Sunday 4th February, Saturday 2nd March, Sunday 7th April, Saturday 4th May, Sunday 2nd June, Saturday 6th July, Sunday 4th August, Saturday 7th September, Sunday 6th October, Saturday 2nd November and Sunday 1st December 2024.
Rule of Thumb: For even months, the field day is held on the first Sunday of the month and for odd months, it is held on the first Saturday of the month.
Membership – It’s time to renew
Membership will expire on June 30th 2023. Thank you to all who have taken out membership this year. We hope you will continue your support. Friends have achieved a great deal during the past few years. Surveys for plants, birds and monitoring, maintaining and surveying mammal boxes, tree planting, weed control and provision of brochures, interpretive signage and park furniture are just some of our contributions. Your support for our activities is valued and your membership renewal is important to our cause.
Please ensure your contact details are current.
Please find enclosed my membership of $15 for 2023-24. The fee covers the whole family and includes 11 newsletters.
Name:…………………………………………………………………………………….. Telephone:……………………………………
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If you wish to use electronic payment the details are:
Acc Name: Friends of Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park
Bank: WAW Credit Union Co-operative Ltd (Cuscal Limited)
BSB number: 803070
Acc number: 81167
Please add your surname to the transaction.
Please advise treasurer, Tony (Email: anthonymurnane9@gmail.com), when you have made the payment to help us keep track of payments.