​The Glenfern team was at the GrassRoots Market today. A little wet early on but it was great to be part of the community event (opening of UT CRASH) and to work with the Township Group. Our new marquee worked a treat. Many thanks to all the volunteers that could helped out today.

​Well what a surprise! On Wednesday morning our hardy volunteers were hard at work on pitto regrowth when they discovered a painted button quail, well camouflaged in the undergrowth. A new find for Glenfern. Great photos by Anne Comer.

This afternoon we went for a walk in Glenfern and noticed how much it has suffered without rain. Many of the Peppermints on the upper slopes look under stress and smaller plants have dried brown leaves but are still alive. Let's hope the recent rain came in time to save them.

Next Wednesday, April 4th, is our regular Conservation and Conversation morning. We plan on working in Area 7 removing any Pittosporum seedlings and other weeds (which are still appearing despite the drought) in this recently chipped area. It is fairly open underfoot so the weeds are quite obvious and we can show what to do if required.

If you would like to join in meet us at the main, middle gate, Glenfern Road at 9am. The gates will be open so you can park inside. At 11am we stop for a cuppa and chat. Morning tea is provided but please bring gloves and your tools.

Mike Sverns found this little Fantails nest and eggs at the bushlands.

UPDATE: The working bee scheduled for Saturday 17 March has been cancelled as that day has been declared a day of Total Fire Ban.

Sunday was a warm and sunny day, and our first bushland restoration morning for 2018. We spent it in Area 9, where only years ago it was covered in pittos. But thanks to the chopping and chipping of those Pittos – and the subsequent plantings – it has been returned to a wonderful grassy slope.

At morning tea Linda spoke about the native (non-psychedlic) hemp plant, pictured below.

Thanks to everyone who came along to help, and welcome to some new faces. 
Please check our yearly planner (the pinned post on this page) to see when you can come along and join us for a morning in the bushlands.

We hope you have had a wonderful summer break and are refreshed for the new year.

Our first bush restoration morning for the year is on Sunday February 18, 9.30 onwards.  

At this bush restoration morning will be working in Area 9 which is between Wallaby Walk and Ferny Creek so it should be quite pleasant. This area was once densely covered in Sweet Pittosporum that inhibited the growth of indigenous plants so there was virtually no understory. Since 2009 they have all been progressively removed by contractors that were funded through a series of Melbourne Water grants. The Friends group each year walk through this area removing any weed seedlings that are popping up. You will be amazed to see the regeneration of the indigenous species including the beautiful Copper Bearded Orchid which had not been recorded at Glenfern before.

Meet at the main, central entrance and we will walk to the site. The gate will be open so you can park inside. There will be a break at 11am when there will be an informative talk and morning tea. Please wear sensible clothing and footwear and bring gloves and a water bottle. Morning tea and tools are provided.

Don't worry if you are not confident in identifying weeds versus indigenous plants as we will show you the difference as well as weed removal techniques. New members welcome.

Hope to see you there!

PS: If it's a total fire ban or teeming with rain the working bee will be cancelled.

On Saturday night we had our Christmas picnic and twilight walk.

Down at the old quarry we ate, and from the nearby frog-bogs the frogs sung.

As the sun went down we turned on our torches and made our way through the reserve and observed the following:

- twelve ringtail possums
- four other possums (only their eyes were visible)
- one brush-tail possum
- one sugar glider
- one juvenile powerful owl
- two microbats
- frogs galore
- kookaburras
- one giant moth
- an emerald moth
- click beetles
- and an unidentified pale-bellied roosting bird that I’m going to call Kevin.

​It was quite the spectacle, and a lovely end to the year. Thanks to all who’ve been part of it in small and big ways – not forgetting medium ways. Happy holidays.

Saturday was a warm and humid day and saw us working below the quarry (areas 10 & 11), and later, along the creek. 
At morning tea, Andrew gave a talk about how to identify the beautiful Yellow Box Eucalyptus. And Mike shared with us his experience of making a rare sighting of a Scarlet Honeyeater; the last reported sighting of this stunning small bird in our reserve was in 2010. More details of this story will be shared in our next newsletter, along with some photos. 
This was our last working bee for the year. Thanks to everyone who joined us for one or more of our bush restoration mornings! The reserve is looking all the more better for it.