BURKE RD. BILLABONG RESERVE NEWS - NOVEMBER 2013

FALLING TREES

The recent windy weather has caused a number of trees to shed branches, with the most devastation caused by a tree near the Chris Cross track and shared path intersection. The falling branch took down several other lower limbs, some small shrubs and left considerable debris in the reveg area.



Thanks to City of Boroondara for organising the removal and the large pile of red gum mulch for our use. Thanks to the contractors for minimal disruption of our understorey plantings


INFO SESSION WITH DR G. LORIMER

Dr. Graeme Lorimer visited the reserve at our last workday and we were able to trap some of his considerable knowledge to help us in our work. He has produced a report for the Committee and also updated the list of plants that he found in 2006. The Committee will be using the information to develop our plans for the coming years.

He said he was impressed with the work that had been done at the reserve and expressed appreciation.

WILDLIFE

In October there were 9 microbats, 1 solitary male in tube 3 and 8 in tube 12 (one of the newer tubes with wall-to-wall carpet). The 7 females in that tube were pregnant, all weighing in between 18 and 22 grams, whereas the males were between 13 and 15 grams.

COMMUNITY WORK DAYS

On the Friday work day we planted the plants left over from RMIT into the culvert and picnic areas. Other work has been "speed weeding" (slashing) around plantings in the 2008 area, picnic area banks, and between Burke Rd. bridge and 2013 RMIT area.

FIRST FLOWERINGS

The basalt daisy (Brachyscome multifida) and tufted bluebells (Wahlenbergia communis) which were planted this year are now coming prettily into flower.

GUNYAH

Work is proceeding on the 'Gunyah' with the roof run-off falling on to the drain covered in pebbles, the bank behind bricked and mulched. Seating is still planned.

The grass has covered the edging and is nearing mowing height.



THE NEXT COMMUNITY WORK DAYS

FRIDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2013
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

&

SUNDAY 24 NOVEMBER
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Stanley Barker,
Burke Rd. Billabong Committee of Management.
www.vicnet.net.au/~fobrb