Friends of Chiltern Mt Pilot NP Newsletter #293 April 2020
Dear Friends,
With the continued lockdown associated with coronavirus/COVID-19, gatherings continue to be postponed until further notice. Exercise close to place of residence is still allowed and it is great to get reports from Chiltern locals.
The Bitter Cryptandra (Cryptandra amara) is doing very well this year and the autumn orchids are out.
Autumn Greenhood photo by Leshya Perkins
Parson’s Bands (Eriochilus cucullatus) photo by Leshya Perkins
Red-tip Greenhood (Pterostylus sp. aff. parviflora). Photos: Leshya Perkins
Boisduval’s Autumn Moth – Oenosandra boisduvali – Eileen Collins
Jan Heywood captured this series of poses of a striking female Autumn Moth.
Males are greyish with the white head tuft and the same barred legs.
They fly weakly on cold autumn nights, so this is a good time to look for them.
When disturbed they often drop to the ground and display their black and orange abdomen, a signal to would be predators that “I don’t taste nice”. The larval food plants are eucalypt species including Grey Box, E. microcarpa.
Boisduval’s Autumn Moth (Oenosandra boisduvali) – photos: Jan Heywood
Boisduval’s Autumn Moth (Oenosandra boisduvali) – photos: Jan Heywood
Boisduval’s Autumn Moth (Oenosandra boisduvali) – photos: Jan Heywood
Natural and human revegetation – Mick Webster
At Grasslands block we have attempted to stabilise eroded slopes by planting Acacia paradoxa (Hedge Wattles) with some success, but we are getting a lot of help from naturally established Golden Wattles coming up from below. Sometimes it’s just better to let nature take over …
Golden Wattle (Acacia pycnantha) regrowth – Photo: Mick Webster
Our big mother Callitris is doing an amazing job in spreading her offspring, up to 80 metres away …
White Cypress-pine (Callitris glaucophylla) – Photo: Mick Webster
Ranger’s Report – Brian Pritchard
Like everyone the current health situation has changed our world a little bit. Some staff are working from home whilst others are still out and about but following social distancing protocols.
All camping areas and most visitor sites in the park are closed and regular patrols are monitoring and educating any visitors.
Only exercise close to place of residence is still allowed in the park. Enforcement of current health rules can only be undertaken by Victoria Police.
The government is also aware that the current situation may lead to an increase in illegal activities.
A 250ha burn has been completed in the Pilot section near Wooragee and a 60 ha burn near Red Box is programmed for this week.
Contractors have completed cleaning and clearing of road culverts around Chiltern and a grading program should commence soon.
Fox baiting is continuing around Barambogie and several pigs have been destroyed near Mt Pilot.
Rainfall For March: 130 mm. Total for 2020 year-to-date: 183 mm. In 2019 we had 72 mm up to the end of March.
NEXT MEETING – CANCELLED
Due to the coronavirus/COVID-19 outbreak, Park Victoria’s latest advice is that all gatherings / community group activities are to be postponed until further notice.
Membership It’s Time to Renew
Memberships expired on June 30th 2019. 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 year. 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 vital to our cause. Membership expires on June 30th of each year.
Please ensure your contact details are current.
Please find enclosed my membership of $15 for 2019-20. The fee covers the whole family and includes 11 newsletters.
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