MT ROGERS DECEMBER NEWSLETTER 2017

MURRUNGUNDIE GUIDES’ VISIT

On Monday 13^th November hours after we’d continued our assault on the Tree of Heaven with Anne, Ted and Diana, Angharad and I hosted a group of about twenty Murrungundie Guides for a stroll on Mt Rogers. They normally meet at Charnwood near the Mt Rogers Scouts’ Hall but wanted to renew acquaintance with the place.

In August 2010 some of their predecessors planted shrubs 50m in from the Wickens Place carpark. This sprummer the shrubs flowered again.

Four leaders, including Rhonda who’s been an inspiring, local Guide Leader for over 30 years, took over from the girls’ parents at 18.00 hrs. We strolled along the Tween Tanks track where Angharad introduced them to the Frogmouths. Father was on the nest with a just-visible chick. Mother, in typical Frogmouth pose, was on a nearby branch.

We pointed out the differences in the trees’ ages by their sizes noting that the others had been planted as the four suburbs were built around Mt Rogers 45–50 years ago. The view across CSIRO land and Hall to Spring Range offered the chance to mention the opportunities of the Centennial Trail’s walks. As we came within 200 m of the summit the impact of Gungahlin & Crace was clear and treeless.

Once at the summit the girls began working out the compass points and where their homes were. Rhonda asked them what they thought the Trig Point was for. As we walked we found ourselves being asked questions about the plants, the birds we saw and heard (the Bronzewing pigeons were calling) and the likelihood of snakes and lizards. There were always excited interactions between the girls. Currawongs’ calls increased as pre-dusk approached.

The Guides divided into patrol groups to work out the next few weeks’ programs whilst drinking water and eating their snacks. They were able to complete missions in their Nature Play CBR Passports having seen birds, a few flowers, the different trees and shrubs, bugs, beetles and the distant views.

We pointed out the wild oats, relating them to porridge and saying the plants were normally taller but the rain pattern had kept the stalks shorter. On the return journey we paused at the Bench Mark Tree for further drinks and a few photos.

As we neared Wickens Place again, one adult heard “And we can see the sunset!”. If only more learning and fun could be scheduled outdoors!

  

OUTDOORS CLASSROOMS

Summer obviously has its drawbacks for being outdoors but once the restrictions of school hours have passed perhaps we can all adopt the concept of getting up with the sun. Outdoor activities could then be achieved in the cool of the day. Nature PlayCBR Passports can be obtained via the Nature Play website, http://www.natureplaycbr.org.au/. The passports suggest Missions for the children to find species and objects outdoors. There are also several Playlists of Things to do before you’re…should anyone need activity ideas.

One idea I had but have never tried is to take children on a bus ride from stops in Fraser, Spence, Charnwood, Melba to southern ACT. With a notebook or clipboard in hand they can check off observations of hills, clouds, weather, trees, animals, birds and inanimate objects seen as they’re driven along. Fares costs apply & changes may be needed unless travel happens before 10.15 am. There’s the advantage of air-conditioned comfort.

PLAY AND PLAYGROUNDS

If you find yourself with “Google-time” in the holidays, search for Forest Kindergarten. You’ll see refreshingly natural approaches to learning that allow urban students to follow their curiosity, to learn through applying their imagination and to co-operatively develop their physique using structures from nature. Some playgrounds around Canberra are becoming more natural to allow for unstructured play. There’s http://www.environment.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/906472/Explore-Canberra-Parks-and-Recreation-Guide.pdf ... which lists playgrounds and reserves in each ACT area.

WATER

Please ensure that birds visiting your garden have a clean dish of water for drinking or bathing. We have a terracotta plant pot saucer that also has a flat stone in it so small birds can reach the water. A new response to feeding birds has emerged:https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/09/feed-the-birds-stop-the-demonising-and-tell-us-how-to-do-it-properly
With the warmer weather water is more important than feeding the birds we share our places with. We’ve come to know Brown Thornbills in our shrubby garden. They come through seeking insects ans other invertebrates several times a day. Pest control without toxic chemicals!

BLACKBERRIES

Ginninderra Catchment Group was awarded a grant for Blackberry spraying on land that’s drained by Ginninderra Creek. Contractors have reached the Mt Rogers infestations we recorded.

OTHER NOTES

I suspect the approximately 100 ml of rain we received will be welcomed by weeds species. Until the soil dries out again it’s quite ‘easy’ to dig out species like Flatweed. These are the yellow Dandelion-like blooms on nature strips that await mowing. Each bloom can have about 50 separate flowers and consequently the same number of readily blown away seeds. If you have these flowers try to use a catcher when mowing, put the mowings in a black plastic bag for several weeks to ‘cook’. Then, stealthily, put the bag-full in the garbage bin. We’ve found in the past that chopped-off Flatweed heads continue to develop seeds if just lying on the ground.

Our next working-bee will be on Sunday 28^th January but I’m sure our dedicated Mt Rogers landcarers will keep the observations coming in.

Has anyone seen Superb Parrots this ‘season’? I have a theory the Rainbow Lorikeets are deterring them from feeding on local Loquat trees.

Phil’s responded to the rain by checking the erosion channels regularly.

 

ENJOY the HOLIDAY SEASON!

Rosemary  (6259 4724)