Mount Rogers in March 2020


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

No comments:

Post a Comment