FRIENDS OF CHILTERN PARK INC
Convener: E.Collins 057 261 484
Newsletter No. 21 June 1995
Dear Friends,
Two enthusiastic teams laid three-quarters of the walking trail leading from the Chiltern Park Rest Area on the Hume Freeway into the park. The trail winds through several habitat types, past mine shafts and around a large dam. The track is a metre wide, and surfaced with line quarry stone. Vic Roads has provided funds for an information board to be placed in the rest area where the track begins. The theme of the board will be an introduction to Victorian Parks, local history, flora and fauna. .
Following the strenuous morning activity members enjoyed a shared birthday lunch in the sun and in the comfort of the rest area. Champagne and a birthday cake rounded off the celebration. This rest area is a pleasant spot, well screened from the passing traffic and its associated noise. In my opinion it is one of the best kept roadside stops on the freeway and a credit to Vic-Roads planning.
Around the park:
*Bartley’s Brewery site, on the Howlong Road, is now formally included in the park. The war on weeds is continuing on the site. John Reeve is persisting with spot poisoning of thistles. Spurge control will resume in the coming months.
Regent Honeyeaters are enjoying the flowering Grey Box and scattered flowering Ironbarks. Regular monitoring indicates that they remain in a large group. When they pair and disperse to breed we will need a lot of assistance to locate them.
* Spreading Wattle, Acacia genistifolia, is brightening the understorey with its dense covering of large, pale cream flowers. The phyllodes of this wattle, which act as its leaves, are flattened and sharply pointed. Spreading Wattle ‚ is particularly attractive in the early morning and late evening sun. There are some fine examples in the block from Magenta to Frogs Hollow.
From the Ranger:
The director of National Parks, Mr. Mark Stone, visited the park on June 2. He was impressed with the Cyanide picnic area and the clarity of the information board. He also inspected the quarry and the current CRA drill sites. .
Ideas for the information board to be erected at the rest area are welcome. The theme will be ‘An Introduction to Victorian Parks’ along with local history and park flora and fauna. .
From the meeting: .
Another 150 trees are ready for planting at the tip reserve. Volunteers welcomed.
*Dharnya trip {Barmah State Park) June 17/18. Includes a tour of the Yorta Yorta sites {Sat)
Tour of Barmah State Park on Sunday, with Ranger Scott Thompson..’ . .
Accommodation cost: $12.00 each Tour $5.00 each. Travel by own car as numbers insufficient for bus hire. Enquiries to John Reeve 060 33 1 229.
*Tip sites adjacent to the Regional Park. Wodonga City Council is seeking a new landfill site. Of their six options,four are adjacent to the park boundary. Members expressed concern over these sites and the developments will be closely monitored.
*Revegetation areas. Ranger John has had old tracks ripped. Members are asked to assist in the covering of the ripped areas with litter from the forest floor.. This will, assist with re-seeding.
*Format of the AGM was discussed. It was decided to hold it in conjunction with the July meeting. After lunch the group will go for a bush walk. See main notice for details.
NEXT MEETING SUNDAY JULY2 AT 9.OOAM .
PLACE: BARNAWARTHA BLOCK AT THE WALK TRACK SITE
OR: IF YOU ARE COMING A T LUNCH TIME, THE SOUTHBOUND FREE WAY STOP.
BBQ LUNCH BETWEEN 1-2PM. ELECTRIC BBQ AT THE REST AREA. BYO FOOD.