Author Archives: fobif

Death on the race

Are we being melodramatic? Maybe. Check this out: That’s a patch of Hardenbergia, on the side of the maintenance track on the Coliban main channel, south of the Fryers-Taradale road. There’s quite a lot of Hardenbergia on that stretch: in … Continue reading

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AGM!

The Annual General Meeting of the Friends will be held on Monday October 9 at the Ray Bradfield Rooms, Castlemaine, at 7.30 pm. Committee elections will take place at the meeting. All members are eligible for election to the committee, … Continue reading

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Vale Phil Ingamells 1947-2023

Environmentalists around the state are mourning the sudden death of Phil Ingamells, who died suddenly at home last month. Phil spent a decade in Castlemaine in the nineties, and was active in the local campaign for a Box-Ironbark national park. … Continue reading

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Wattles orchids, and a tunnel transit

Beautiful weather enticed a strong group to join FOBIF’s August walk through the Maldon Historic reserve yesterday. The area is noted for its biodiversity, and though it’s still early in the season, there was plenty to see, including several species … Continue reading

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Here’s the thing: weeds are beautiful.

Yes, they are–unfortunately. It’s a curious fact that most weeds have spread widely because they’ve been planted for their ornamental appeal. It’s only when they get out of control that they start to lose some of their appeal. The picture … Continue reading

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Summer is coming: get informed!

Canada? Greece? Canary Islands? Hawaii? Recent and current fires in the northern hemisphere are a sign of the times, and not a very encouraging one… And we’ve been advised to expect a warm dry summer…We’re not trying to fear monger, … Continue reading

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The up side of cold weather

OK, it’s cold. And a bit damp. On the other hand, any negative thoughts about this should be softened by the horrific reports we’re getting about heat waves in the northern hemisphere… And the good side is that mosses are … Continue reading

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Promises, promises

‘The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action wants your feedback on the draft of Victoria’s Bushfire Management Strategy, which will set the vision for bushfire management in Victoria for the next 10 years.’ You can find the strategy here. And … Continue reading

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The long walk: creek valleys, ‘category 1 climbs’

A hardy group of five set out in brilliant frosty weather yesterday for FOBIF’s June long walk. Walk conditions were perfect, as was the length of the walk, estimated as between 12 and 24 kilometres. We suspect the second estimate … Continue reading

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A downbeat note: the destruction goes on

A downbeat note for FOBIF’s walkers along Wewak track yesterday was the sight of yet more evidence of timber theft along this track. Wewak track seems to be a favourite spot for timber thieves, and their efforts are threatening to … Continue reading

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