FRIENDS OFCHILTERN PARK INC
Convenor: ECollins 057 261 484
Newsletter No. 28 February 1996
Dear Friends,
After the summer recess we are gearing up to tackle 1996. Do I hear you say” what
summer?” Well as I write this I can assure you it has arrived at last. Recent days have registered temperatures in the 30’s and higher ones are promised.
As usual the campout in January was a jolly affair. On Saturday evening we walked All Nations Road and part of the White Box Walk. The full moon made the evening pleasant but gliders and possums were not to be seen. A White- throated Nightjar called incessantly and Scott finally located it perched in a dead tree. The morning walk planned for the Skeleton Boundary Track loop had to be abandoned due to unforeseen circumstances.
Cyanide Dam was the venue for the February tea meeting. A selection of
Rat’s famous pizzas accompanied by salad proved to be a very good choice If you’re ever hungry in Chiltern try one.
Spotlightmg along Skeleton Boundary Track turned up many spiders, some Kangaroos, a very active Feathertail Glider and an inactive Brushtail Possum. Glider squeals could be heard but no sightmgs were made.
The Regent Honeyeaters raised two young at their Magenta site. They
fledged on December 27 watched by six delighted birdos. They remained
around their nest tree for a further eight days.
Young Regents have been recorded in and around the park but no adults have been seen. The latest record has come from Bright. So if you are visiting foothill country please keep a look out for Regents.
The unusually wet season has accelerated the understorey growth along Curtain’s Road. Three years ago it was the target of a control burn and for a long time looked quite bare. The Golden Wattle and Dillwynia has responded vigorously and next spring the flowering should be spectacular..
KANGAROOS ARE FRIENDLY AGA IN
At the fourth Eastern Grey Kangaroo count conducted by “Friends” in mid-January 1996, 271 kangaroos and 5 Black Wallabies were counted. This is about the same as those counted in April 1995.
Larger groups of about 30 animals have re-formed and are utilising their favourite ranges on either side of the park boundaries. All animals appear in good condition. The adolescents seem to have grown very considerably in the last three months.
Contributed by John Reeve.
From the meetings.
I.Our application for funding to fence remnant and historic areas was unsuccessful.
2.It was decided to arrange an opening celebration for the Freeway walking track. Ranger John is
waiting for the display to arrive. The board is already in place.
3. Weed control by CNR has been very successful. St. John’s Wort is well under control. Sweet Briar, Blackberries and Bridal Creeper have also received attention.
4.Friends have agreed to take part in the Botanic Guardians scheme devised by CNR. If you are interested in learning new skills this could be for you. It involves monitoring and assessing sites where rare or threatened species occur. It also involves an ongoing commitment.
5. Presentation of Kangaroo and Regent Honeyeater reports.
6.Rubbish dumping in and around the park continues to pose a problem and requires constant attention.
7. Rehabilitation sites.
a] Rutherglen Road, The old shire storage area has been cleaned up , ripped and fenced. Friends will cover the ground with forest litter, collect grass seed and spread it. Presence of power lines precludes the planting of trees.
b] Howlong Road. This a similar site but is also suitable for revegetating with trees.
c) Chiltern Valley No 2 Dam. Planting of understorey plants and vegetation along water edges.
d]Pooley’s Trail, Weed pulling and monitoring.
These sites wll be programmed for attention when required. Details will be in the relevant newsletters.
NEXT MEETING SUNDA Y MARCH 3 8.00AM CHILTERN TIP RESERVE. CLEAN UP OZ DAY WE NEED YOU TRY TO SPARE A LITTLE TIME THANK YO U.