Friends of Chiltern Mt Pilot NP Newsletter #298 September 2020
Dear Friends,
This newsletter is much shorter than usual as the COVID-19 restrictions have necessarily impacted on how much could be done.
However, thanks to the members who live in Chiltern, weeding has been carried out to the extent that I can report that the substantial crop of Caper Spurge has been successfully subdued.
Pulling Caper Spurge June 1993 – we’ve been at it for more than 27 years!
Our monthly field days can now resume, and details can be found below.
Local artist commissioned for Chiltern mural project – Neville Bartlett
The following is part of a media release from DELWP.
Chiltern artist Kirrily Anderson has been selected to highlight some of the area’s most recognised inhabitants in a life size mural that will appear on a wall at the Chiltern Recreation Reserve later this year.
The mural will depict a wide variety of species, ranging from the well-known and loved Regent Honeyeater, a Barking Owl, the rare and delicate spider orchid, and the majestic Ironbark which provide essential food and shelter for these species.
The aim of the mural will be to show people what is in their area, and to encourage them to stroll along some incredible trails, take in the views, and seek out some of the rare and beautiful plants and animals found in the area, some of which are found nowhere else in Australia.
Planning is now underway for the installation of the mural, with work anticipated to commence in October.
Friends 2021 Calendar – Neville Bartlett
We have received some excellent images and a judging panel will now make a selection for the calendar.
Thank you very much to those who have contributed images.
Around the Park
Most water storages have been filled but Cyanide Dam and the two dams on Bartley’s Block have not yet reached capacity this year. Hopefully, they will fill completely next season. It is a delight to see water lying by roadsides once again.
Mick Webster reports that some of the Banksia marginata plants on Settlers Road have been ravaged by a wallaby or wombat. Plants were restored or replaced, and steps taken to make the guards more difficult to dislodge.
The Friends’ FaceBook group has some excellent photos of orchids, other flowers and birds taken over recent weeks.
Dusky Wood Swallow – photo by Trevor Ierino
Sacred Kingfisher – photo by Trevor Ierino
Purplish beard orchid – photo by Trevor Ierino
Friends AGM
Our usual form of AGM featuring a walk in the Park, dinner at the Senior Citizens hall, AGM and a talk is not appropriate while the current COVID-19 restrictions continue to shape so much of what we can do.
Therefore, we have decided to have the AGM via email. The steps will be:
1. Send out the annual report of activity and a financial report. Comments and suggestions will be most welcome. Along with these reports will be a call for nominations for office-bearers and the committee with a deadline for nominations.
2. A list of resolutions to accept the reports and an election for the positions will be sent out to all members with responses by email required by the date of the ‘AGM’. This will most likely take place in November.
3. At the end of the ‘AGM’ day, results will be reported back to members. The AGM results will then be formally reported to Consumer Affairs Victoria as required for all registered organisations.
Rainfall For August: 72 mm. Total for 2020 year-to-date: 567 mm. In 2019 we had 329 mm up to the end of August.
The higher rainfall this year is having a great impact on flowering.
NEXT MEETING – SUNDAY 4th OCTOBER 2020
Friends activity can now re-commence after the recent coronavirus/COVID-19 restrictions. We will be limited to groups of 10 or less so we have two activities to carry out. Bun from the Chiltern Bakery will be supplied as usual.
One group will plant grasses at Bartley’s Block in the area previously occupied by Vinca. Some clearing of Cape Weed and other weeds will take place in the week beforehand.
The second group will tackle weeds near the bird hide at Chiltern Valley No 2 Dam. Mick and Tony have cleared the track again but more needs to be done at the picnic area near the hide.
Meet at the Chiltern Post Office at 9:00am (*AEDT). Contact for the day: Neville – 0412 399 239.
NOTE: daylight saving commences earlier that morning.
Membership – It’s time to renew
Membership expired on June 30th. 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 2020-21. The fee covers the whole family and includes 11 newsletters.
Name:…………………………………………………………………………………….. Telephone:……………………………………
Email:…………………………………………………………………………………….. Receipt required: Yes / No
Address:…………………………………………………………………………………… Postcode: ……….
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 Tony (anthonymurnane9@gmail.com) or Neville (neville@nrbartlett.com.au) when you have made the payment to help us keep track of payments.