Projects

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Formed in late 2001 the Friends of Glenfern Valley Bushlands have worked to restore the natural bushland, improve visitor facilities and educate and involve the community.

Half-day working bees are held monthly on an alternating Saturday or Sunday basis. Members and interested supporters meet on-site to take part in weeding, planting and talks about indigenous plants and weeds.

Working bees aren't all hard work! We meet at 9:30am and, by the time we sign in, have a chat and walk to the work site, it's about 9:45. At 11-ish we stop for our famous morning tea, chat and informative talks. After one more easy hour of work we're packing up and admiring how much we've achieved! You can find the upcoming working bee dates here.

Current

• Ongoing weed control. 
• Melbourne Water grant for follow-up weeding along Ferny Creek. 
• Successful Community Discovery Day. 
• Environmental & Bushfire Reduction Project - removing pittos at the eastern end of the reserve.
  (See also, "Dandenong Ranges Wildlife Recovery, Weed Control & Fuel Reduction Program Achievement" publication by Port Philip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority​. The Glenfern grant is mentioned on page 11.)
• New main carpark and entrance. 
• Development of quarry into an environmental and educational destination

Past

• Walking track maps erected at entrances. 

• Walking map. 
• Track signage. 
• Weed removal and replanting along the New Road fence line. 
• Gravelling of Glenfern Ridge Track. 
• Sponsorship of Upwey South Primary School essay prize. 
• Removal of all large Boneseed and Pine trees. 
• Fence erected around perimeter. 
• Removal of 68 cubic metres of rubbish and more than 20 car bodies. 
• Extensive planting and revegetation. 
• Installation of picnic tables and seats.

• Brochure holders mounted. 
• Fauna surveys showing more than 80 bird species. 
• Flora list established which includes at least 15 regionally significant plants and 1 state significant EVC in Valley Grassy Forest. 
• Educational School visits. 
• Information shelter designed and built.
• Caring for Our Country Grant - plan the most cost-effective approach to woody weed removal in the Eastern end of the Reserve. 

The happy prizewinners of the
Upwey South Primary School essay competition.

Perimeter fencing installed to keep out
motorbikes and 4WD vehicles.

Before: Damaged caused by 4WD vehicles & trail bikes (2004).

After: Bushland regeneration (2009).

New information shelter.

New front entrance with indigenous spirits attached.