All Categories - Friends of Glenfern Valley Bushlands

Glenfern Committee Update

16/12/2021

On Thursday we celebrated David's tenth and final year as president of the Glenfern committee. I've known David as a relaxed and humorous leader, and he's been at the helm for so many wonderful achievements at the reserve. One need only scroll through this page to be reminded of that.

David has elected to stay on the committee as a general member, and will be able to assist the transition to our newly elected president: Jackson Ellis!

Jackson starting volunteering with the Friends of Glenfern Valley Bushlands in April 2018, and joined the committee in 2019. Please join me in welcoming Jackson to his new role at Glenfern.

After ten years as president, David decided not to stand again for nomination as he wants to focus more of his time playing the Japanese flute to his hives of bees, and kitesurfing on Aura Vale Lake (all allegedly).

- Daniel

* The Friends of Glenfern Valley Bushlands AGM was held on 9 December 2021.

Midweek Conservation & Conversation Photos, Nov 2021

1/12/2021

Our last volunteering session at Glenfern this morning for the year. Just a small turn out but we got some urgent tasks ticked off. Including brush-cutting and track repairs.

Council has replaced the damaged Glenfern sign – thanks YRC.

Good news: Our Welcome Leaf has been repaired and reinstalled at the main entrance, thanks Jackson – nice work.

A super big thanks to all our volunteers and supporters who have helped out during this challenging year.

ALERT Snakes are active in Glenfern. We encountered a small Copper Head on the track down to the quarry.

Keep in mind that pandemics come and go but Glenfern is here forever.

Bush Restoration Photos, Nov 2021

25/11/2021

Our first major working bee back since the lockdown 6 finished was a ripper. The weeds had been enjoying many months of growth uninterrupted – until that fateful day: the 21st of November.

Check out our photos from areas 10 and 11, taken by myself, Daniel, as well as Linda and Nicole.

Upcoming: Bush Restoration, 21 Nov 2021

17/11/2021

Welcome to our Bushland Restoration Morning. With a small miracle, the weather will be clear for Sunday and we'll be able to go ahead with our first weekend restoration in a long time.

We meet at the central car park. No experience needed, we'll show you what to do. We will provide tools and hand sanitiser, but BYO gloves. Please be aware that snakes may be active.

There are a few instructions that we need to follow...

On your arrival there will be the usual attendance form to sign in, plus a form to declare that you comply with the vaccination requirements. Please note that this is NOT a disclosure of your vaccination status.

See our recent email for details of those requirements mandated by the Yarra Ranges Council or contact us if you didn't receive it.

Please carry your mask with you. You don't need to wear it, but bring it with you just in case.

Bring your own gloves and morning tea. Observe social distancing of 1.5 metres.

We look forward to seeing you at the reserve if you have a spare hour or three to join in.

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Appreciating Our Native Flora

30/9/2021

If you walk in the lower part of the reserve near the creek, where the moisture levels are higher, the paths are bordered by the lovely Snow-daisy bush, Olearia lirata, which is now flowering abundantly.
In drier spots the Olearia shrub grows up to a metre in height, and in spots with more shade and moisture, it can reach 3 metres high.

The Olearia is an important food source for caterpillars and offers shelter, nectar and pollen to insects.
It’s a great garden shrub for shaded positions and responds well to pruning after flowering. In long dry periods you will need to water it.

The climbers Austral clematis, Clematis aristata, and the Wonga vine are also coming into flower and can be found in the lower reaches of the reserve. They attract bees, butterflies, other insects, and their tangle provides nesting sites for small birds

Photos and words by Marleen

Trees Planted At Glenfern!

17/9/2021

It has not been an easy time for the Glenfern volunteers - we have not been able to do volunteer work during the lockdown. However we have been waiting to plant some trees since the beginning of this current lockdown. Today contractors were able to come to Glenfern and plant the trees for us. They were planted on the western end of Area 3, on the eastern side of Manna Gum Track. Great job - thankyou Aaron and Nick from Weedsmart.

While taking the photos of the new trees a kangaroo was spotted in Area 2 sitting in a small thicket. See the enlargement!

We seek the cooperation of all visitors so that we can keep our animals safe and undisturbed; please stick to the paths and keep your dogs on a lead.

Enjoy the reserve.

Photos and words by David Moncrieff

GVB Newsletter #44 Winter 2021

24/8/2021

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Upcoming: Bush Restoration, 18 July 2021

14/7/2021

UPDATE: As you would guess, the restoration day has been COVID-cancelled. Hope to see you next time.

Howdy folks. Join us this Sunday in the Glenfern bushlands. A great opportunity to venture off the paths and into the wilderness. All are welcome.

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Midweek Conservation & Conversation Photos, July 2021

7/7/2021

Today we worked in Area 7, which was cleared of Sweet Pittosporum in 2016. It was an area that we hadn't ventured into for over a year and we were so pleased to see the amazing regrowth of indigenous shrubs, trees, under-storey and native grasses all looking very lush and healthy.

I've included some before photos so you can see how thick the Pittosporums were and how nothing grew beneath them. There is also an after Pittosporum removal where it does look very barren.

Thanks for everyone who came along and lent a hand. It was so good to get out in nature with friends after lockdowns and bad weather.

Photos by Linda Fullagar

Upcoming: Midweek Bush Restoration, 7 July 2021

4/7/2021

Yeah! We are getting together this Wednesday 7th July for a Conservation and Conversation morning at Glenfern Valley Bushlands. We will check out Area 7 and see how it is faring then stop for a get-together and morning tea. It will be nice to back in the bush again.

All welcome.

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