WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD

The Wedderburn CMN is conducting a free bus tour of their worksites and places of interest in the Wedderburn area.

Sunday September 26th leaving from the Loddon Visitor Information Centre

(24 Wilson St Wedderburn) at 10am

BBQ lunch provided (free)

Please bring sturdy walking shoes and appropriate clothing for the weather conditions

RSVP by Sept 22 to:

Wendy Murphy Wedderburn CMN Ranger

ph 0438384053 or wendy.murphy@dse.vic.gov.au

SHRUB VIOLET BUSH FOUND IN FLOWER

Nature Notes: August 2010

So much rain! So much response from plants, animals and nature in general! This month has kept the observers very busy, with a great deal to stimulate our interest in the local biodiversity of flora and fauna.

We have noted responses in plants. Many beautiful sundews – the flat red type known as scented sundews are flowering with prominent large white flowers on sunny days, tall sundews are also very conspicuous, and in large numbers. Green rock ferns have multiplied incredibly and are much larger than recent years. In many places the ground is dotted with the small white flowers known as early Nancy. And of course the Orchids! Dwarf Greenhood orchid numbers are massive this year. Now is the time to start really looking out for a variety of Orchids – the common blue caladenia are starting to appear in some numbers, and we have also seen mosquito orchids.

Two shrub violet plants have been found, in full flower in the Wychitella Nature Conservation Reserve. Apparently these beautiful plants were once common in the district, but are now rarely seen. It would be very interesting to learn more about this plant from the longer term residents of the district.

The birds are also busy. Sighted sitting on nests have been - Grey shrike thrush, Magpies, and White Winged Choughs. Also, a Little Eagle has been seen in the vicinity of its nest from last year, and the aggressive behaviour of the small bird, Jacky winter indicated that it too was protecting a nest. A group of Silvereyes have been observed. They appeared to be the southern form that migrate from Tasmania. Grey Fantails continue to maintain an entertaining presence.

If you would like to find out more about the Wedderburn Conservation Management Network you can see us at the Kooyoora Wildflower Show, or come on our bus tour – See more information in the “Naturally Loddon” A wonderland in Spring brochure.

Wedderburn Conservation Management Network “Observers”

Photograph is of the Shrub Violet flower

Loddon Plains Landcare Dinner a success, despite the weather

Eighty six people turned out for the Inaugural Loddon Plains Landcare Network on Saturday 4^th September at the Serpentine Hall. The night was sponsored by the Inglewood and District Community branch of the Bendigo Bank. The attendees enjoyed a meal prepared by the East Loddon Lions Club and also music by Kinja. Ron Murray and Sarah James make up Kinja and provide a unique combination of indigenous Australian culture (fantastic didgeridoo playing) with Celtic singing and fiddle playing. We also heard a dreamtime story handed down by Ron’s ancestors.

It was great to see such good attendance given the difficult driving conditions due to the amount of rain that fell over the weekend. A planting day had also been planned for the Saturday, but had to be cancelled due to the weather conditions. The planting day was going to be an opportunity for city people to come out and volunteer their time to plant trees on four locations in the Loddon Shire. The planting day will be re-scheduled for 16th October.

The event was also part of the Loddon Shire’s, month long activities showcasing the natural environment of the Loddon Shire called Naturally Loddon.

Article by Penny Wall

Photo by Mal Brown - the Hocking and Wall family enjoying the evening