Today, for the first time in ages I walked
Mt Rogers whilst the dog ran himself into the ground exploring in, I assumed, a
snake-free opportunity.
The rain induced growth is both
fascinating and amazing for plants and fungi.
I went up to the summit via a zig-zagging
route and pulling up a few weeds along the way.
I was keen to check out the rain's effects
on the erosion measures we Landcarers put in place on 23rd February and 2nd
March.
Eleven of us were there on 23rd to share
solutions and begin the process of reducing the rainwater’s flow downhill. We
put branches along the edges of the eroded path down from the Trig point. On
2nd we augmented that procedure by adding rocky-weirs into the track-gully
itself to slow the water and also trap any debris. Water seems to have gone
sideways across the reserve through new and older run-offs.
Jennifer created several signs based on
wording from Phil’s research. Sarah brought expertise in landscape repair from
her own experiences in the region and David Tongway’s even broader Landscape
Function Analysis.
Julie and Jemima filled half a bucket with
broken glass from around the Trig Point. Richard continued collecting on 2nd
and later filled his own bucket with more pieces.
We have therefore done our bit for the
official Clean Up Day…but apart from the mindless bottle-smashing on the Summit
you all keep Mt Rogers so clear of rubbish every day that an official event
hasn’t been necessary for 2 decades.
Today I noticed people have begun to use
or recreate a track to the south of the Trig. At the moment they are going
across the grassy slope and gradually going down towards the south-eastern
section of the gravel path. This is great route because the grasses there are
mostly introduced species; we won’t be losing any native vegetation.
More on the erosion efforts and why,
where, when, how and what…in the Page added to this blog site, at top right, called 'Mt Rogers Erosion project Notes 2020'.
Ted recorded that a contractor has been
spraying African Lovegrass (ALG) between the main path and houses’ back fences
in the past week (10th to 15th). Ted has joined Steve by daubing isolated ALG
tussocks deeper into the reserve and alongside the cross-country tracks. Steve
has persisted with spraying the ALG to the north of the Wickens Place Carpark
as it threatens the most biodiverse part of the whole 65ha reserve.
On Saturday 22nd February Chris sent two
phone-photos of a Frogmouth he’d found in Keane Place. Later and after Angharad
had checked the bird I took it to the Belconnen Veterinary Hospital in
Weetangera. When I emailed on Monday I found out that it wasn’t seriously
injured so euthanising was avoided. We had sound advice from ACT
Wildlife 0432 300 033 who suggested the Belconnen vet and
Gungahlin Veterinary Hospital would handle wildlife.
The Frogmouth was collected from the vet’s
by an ACT Wildlife carer. After it has recovered it will be returned to Mt
Rogers as a result of the form I filled in. A good surprise for its mate as
they mate for life I believe.
I noticed a couple reading the Information
Sheets on the seats today. Another thank you for Morgan and family for
reinstalling these and in such a sturdy way.
The next working bees are scheduled for
Sunday 22nd March and Monday 6th April.
We’ll be in touch again briefly to notify
about the details.
Thanks for the community you have created
and maintained on Mt Rogers,
Rosemary
