Friends of the Box-Ironbark Forests

The Guildford Progress Association has written a considered letter to the Mount Alexander Shire to express concern over plans to prune the tree in the interests of its long term health [see our Post]. It essentially argues that the proposed pruning is unnecessary and potentially damaging to the tree. The Association’s letter can be found at this link. The letter is worth reading for the detailed case it makes for leaving the tree as it is, naturally altered by the cyclone of early this year; and it asks that the Council supply a credible arborist assessment before any work is done on the tree.

 The Camp Out on the Mount is on again next weekend, 17-18 October.  As well as the Pine Purge on Saturday there are lots of other activities. To find out more click on the poster to the left. There is also more information on the Connecting Country website.

Powerful Owl and prey at Newstead by Patrick Kavanagh.

Newstead residents and readers of the Natural Newstead blog may be familiar with the spectacular and rare Powerful Owls, which have very successfully raised young down by the Loddon River. But what are the lives of these magnificent nocturnal hunters really like? And how do they sustain themselves and feed their young? Newstead Landcare member and PhD student Emmi Scherlies has been researching the lifestyles of these remarkable birds and will let us into their secrets at Newstead Landcare’s October presentation and AGM.

Don’t miss this great opportunity to discover more about Australia’s largest owl. The presentation will be on Thursday October 15^th starting at 8pm at Newstead Community Centre and will go for about an hour. A very brief AGM will follow and then some light refreshments. All are welcome to attend. Gold coin donations would be appreciated. Bookings not necessary.

For more information ring Frances Cincotta on 5476 2691 or Patrick Kavanagh on 0437 663 345.