Group photo of volunteers at WallarooΒ (above).
The weekend of 8 & 9th April saw over 20 volunteers gather at Wallaroo (Mulgoa), the Cumberland Land Conservancy’s first Cumberland Plain Woodland aquisition. The volunteers filled their morning with a variety of bush regeneration tasks, followed by a long lunch with expert speakers Mark Fuller (Cumberland Bird Observers and CLC)) and Peter Ridgeway (Greater Sydney Local Land Services) talking about Wallaroo, its birdlife and, a recently released rescued Wombat population.
The afternoon on the saturday was taken up with a learning activity, which saw the construction of two artificial habitat islands for resident Black Swans on the dam located at Wallaroo. The volunteers helped make these islands whilst all learning the skills needed to do so elsewhere. With five turtle nests found dug up by foxes around the dam this season, it is hoped that the islands will help negate such a negative impact on these and other native wildlife using it.
Artificial habitat island placement (above).
Saturday evening was spent around a campfire on the top of the hill at Wallaroo, which gave a great view of the property and the sky, which was the focus of some guided stargazing. A most animated bush poet, Greg North also added to the entertainment of the evening, keeping the volunteers laughing over dinner.
Sunday morning the campers packed up camp early and headed off to local School House Creek, Regentville, a Penrith City Council Bushcare site. Mark Fuller gave another great bird talk at the site (close to Glenmore Park) and then took the group for a walk looking for additional birds. About 20 species were discovered that morning, thought not too bad given the urban proximity.
A morning of atleast 12 volunteers then smashed the Creek site, getting into the African Olive and Lantana, helping the small Bushcare Group immensely. If you are a local to this area, the group would appreciate any extra help. Janet Rannard from PCC can be contacted about joining the group on 0407 926 386.
Next Bushcare Support Program is coming up on 13th & 14th May at Mitchell Park, Cattai and Scheyville National Park, Scheyville. Volunteers are now being invited to join. Tickets (free event) can be gained at:Β http://bookings.conservationvolunteers.org/project/night-birds-and-bats-weekend-in-western-sydney
These events are fully catered, are family friendly and have transport available from nearby railway stations. They are supported by Greater Sydney Local Land Services, with financial assistance from the Federal Government.
