Author Archives: fobif

FOBIF July walk: Exploring the valleys

Posted on 20 July, 2020 by fobif

Yesterday’s FOBIF walking group was divided into two for the expedition into the upper reaches of the Columbine Creek catchment—COVID 19 regulations obliging us to keep each group’s numbers below ten. The two groups approached the circuit from opposite directions, … Continue reading →

Posted in News, Walks | 2 Comments

Next FOBIF walk on 19 July

Posted on 13 July, 2020 by fobif

The planned FOBIF walk led by Jeremy Holland will take place next Sunday 19th July. We will meet as normal at Community House in Templeton Street, Castlemaine at 9.30am. Total walk distance will be 8.5 km and you will need … Continue reading →

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NEW FOBIF greeting cards

Posted on 6 July, 2020 by fobif

Eight new FOBIF greeting cards (series 2) are now available. They feature photographs of our local bushlands by Frances Cincotta, Joy Clusker, John Ellis, Patrick Kavanagh, Sarah Koschak, Doug Ralph, Bronwyn Silver and Albert Wright. Our first series has now … Continue reading →

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Have your say on cats and dogs

Posted on 6 July, 2020 by fobif

Recent research, funded by the Australian government’s National Environmental Science Program, has reviewed data from more than 60 studies on domestic cats: Domestic cats are killing an estimated 230m native Australian birds, reptiles and mammals every year, according to new … Continue reading →

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FOBIF walk in Fryers Ridge

Posted on 22 June, 2020 by fobif

The first FOBIF excursion since March attracted a group of 10 walkers. The forecast didn’t look good but it turned out to be good walking weather with no wind or rain. Christine Henderson who led the walk and lives in … Continue reading →

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FOBIF walks are back!

Posted on 14 June, 2020 by fobif

The planned FOBIF walk led by Christine Henderson will take place next Sunday 21st June in the Fryers Ridge area. It will be between 6 and 8 km. Due to current restrictions and regulations we can only have a maximum … Continue reading →

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New find in Muckleford Forest!

Posted on 11 May, 2020 by fobif

A small population of a daisy-bush never found in Mount Alexander Shire before (as far as we know) has been discovered in bushland to the north of Newstead. Found growing under Grey Box and Yellow Gum trees, the erect daisy-bush … Continue reading →

Posted in Nature Observations, News | 1 Comment

Mushroom identfication workshops now online

Posted on 19 April, 2020 by fobif

Although the world is in lockdown, the fungi are running riot out there in the forest! The recent rains could mean we are in for a bumper fungus season. Why do fungi matter in our forests and gardens. What makes … Continue reading →

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A couple of ways to stay connected . . .

Posted on 6 April, 2020 by fobif

Andrew Skeoch, is live streaming his morning bushwalks each day on his listening earth FB page – starting 7.30am. Andrew is a well-known environmentalist and nature sound recordist who lives on a large bush block in Strangways. Watching his daily … Continue reading →

Posted in Nature Observations, News, Walks | 2 Comments

Photographers of the Goldfields show closes early

Posted on 22 March, 2020 by fobif

Due to the Coronavirus the Photographers of the Goldfields 2020 exhibition at the Newstead Arts Hub show will not be open for the final weekend in March. People wishing to pick up purchases can do so at the Arts Hub … Continue reading →

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