A big thank you to the wonderful weeders who removed 409 weeds last month, particularly Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and Briar Rose (Rosa sp) that had lots of seed pods as well as some very mature Cootamundra Wattle (Acacia baileyana).

Our next weeding work party will be the first Saturday of next month …

We shall focus on removing non-local Billardiera heterophylla (Bluebell Creeper), Acacia baileyana and naturalised woody species in the peripheral north-western bushland areas of the Australian National Botanic Gardens (ANBG), near its Northern Annex, and nearby areas in Black Mountain Nature Reserve.

A delicious morning tea will be provided about 10:30am.

Date

Saturday, 6 October 2018, 9am to 12 noon

Meet

Near the electricity sub-station, Frith Road

Bring

Enthusiasm, your family and friends, water (and a small digger, if you wish). Everyone is welcome.

Wear

Hat, sunscreen, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves, stout shoes.

Please book

If you are planning to come, please email your name and phone number to friendsofblackmountain@gmail.com or phone 0437 298 711, as this helps with the catering. Also, having your contact number helps us to let you know if arrangements need to change at the last minute (for example, adverse weather conditions).

Tony Wood has led these popular orchid walks since 2011, and has photographed more than 60 orchid species that are native plants on Black Mountain.

Join him to see some spring flowering native terrestrial orchids and learn more about this fascinating group of plants. There is some off-track walking so wear sturdy shoes. Bring your hand lens.

Date

Sunday 7 October

Time

10:00am & repeated 1:30pm

Meet

At the car park on the mountain side of Caswell Drive (from Belconnen Way drive south towards Glenloch Interchange).

Bring

BYO enthusiasm, friends, morning tea, hat, sunblock, water & stout shoes

Book

Numbers are limited to 15 for each walk. Phone Tony on 6254 1795 to book, or for more information about the walks.

Happy walking, and here’s hoping the spring weather will bring out the beauty of Glossodia magna or a Thelmitra species' flowers.

47th Black Mountain spring wildflower ramble

Saturday 13 October 2018 - 9.30am sharp to 12noon or later

Location Belconnen Way entry just before Caswell Drive turnoff - watch for balloons

Celebrate the spring flowering on beautiful Black Mountain with a social ramble for wildflower lovers in the tradition established by Nancy Burbidge, and continued by George Chippendale. Discover the surprising diversity of tiny orchids, bush peas, wattles and billy buttons on easy bush tracks with experienced guides and good company. All springs are not the same. The pattern remains but timing and abundance vary with the weather. Friends of Black Mountain welcomes all comers, be they experts or those who have never slowed down to see the somewhat cryptic diversity. We plan several guides, with helpers, who will take different directions.

BYO morning tea, water, hat, sunblock and stout shoes.

BOOKING ESSENTIAL to ensure we have enough guides.

Contact friendsofblackmountain@gmail.com or Linda 0437 298 711