Author: EJ

Thanks to the volunteers that helped with the annual nest box monitoring. Although we didn’t see any Brush-tailed Phascogales this year, there was evidence of fresh nests in some of the boxes.

Our biggest surprise was about 8 Yellow-footed antechinus using a bat box!

Walmer South Nature Conservation Reserve – Species Data

Species	Numbers by Year
	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024
Brush-tailed Phascogale	1	0	2	4	0
Sugar Glider	13	12	22	13	20
Common Brush-tailed Possum	10	4	1	6	4
Bats	11	9	10	18	12
Other	0	0	0	0	8

Notes: other in 2024 refers to Yellow-foot Antechinus in a bat box

Although there are small Phascogale numbers, those numbers don’t reflect the fresh nests that are present without a Phascogale present

Thanks to John and Emma for having us on their Muckleford property yesterday for a sticky beak tour for our members.

Muckleford Landcare members John and Emma self-funded restoration on their 20 acre property. In 2019 they planted (with help) 2,000 native trees and shrubs. The success of these plantings is outstanding – the success seems to be through deep ripping, plants have a better chance of survival because their roots can reach moisture, and natural regeneration also occurs in the rip lines.

Emma is going to be removing the plant guards this weekend, you can join her, and are welcome to keep the guards for your own planting. Contact Beth.

We are starting the year with a small event – a sticky beak tour of a member’s property to see what they’ve planted and what the restoration journey looks like.

Here is the date for your diaries – Sunday 14th April, 1pm-3pm – John and Emma’s place. Afternoon tea will be provided.

Please email to RSVP and get the address.

In 2023 we completed a project that aims to create habitat corridors on private land, and connections to roadsides. This habitat is important for supporting native species.

We found four Muckleford/Walmer landholders who wanted to plant on their properties, and whose properties are adjacent to roadsides that are missing vegetation. With this project we got to help members, but also to support habitat linkages on our roadsides.

Everyone planted 500 trees and shrubs, but will receive an extra 150 each this year to add to their corridors.

Thanks to the NCCMA for funding this terrific community project.

Following the AGM and memorial to David Griffiths, here is our committee for 2024:

President: Neville Cooper
Vice President: David Griffiths (in memorium)
Secretary: Beth Mellick
Treasurer: Eleanor Wright
Ordinary members: Chris Mackenzie, Richard Mann, Michael Billington, Brona Murray, David Mallard

If you know any residents of Muckleford or Walmer who might want to join our group, here is our membership form.

Don’t forget the neighbourhood celebration this Saturday 9th December, 4pm onwards, at the Muckleford Community Centre, 338 Muckleford-Walmer Road.

Please bring a plate of either sweets or savory food along with some drinks.

Please RSVP by sending an email to mucklefordhall@gmail.com.

Looking forward to seeing you at the gathering, to enjoy the company of fellow Mucklefordians.

The Muckleford Community Centre is hosting a free BBQ and all Muckleford residents are invited. Get to know your neighbours and celebrate the beautiful Muckleford community.

Saturday 9th December, 4pm onwards.

Bring a plate of sweets or savory and drinks. You can RSVP numbers via email to mucklefordhall@gmail.com or call 0402 389 171.

Muckleford Community Centre is at 338 Muckleford-Walmer Road.

It is with great sadness that I share with you the news that our Vice President, David Griffiths, has died.

Dave was a long time Landcare member, and landscape restoration practitioner. We have all learnt such an awful lot from him, and we will carry his wisdom with us. He became a great friend and mentor to many of us and we will miss him terribly.

As one of our committee members said, he has left a huge legacy – all we have to do is look around us, in the Muckleford region and central Victoria.

We will have a tribute for Dave at our upcoming get together on 19th November, 1pm at the Muckleford train station.

The last planting for the year is at Pam and PJ’s house – Saturday 28th October, 10am. Email me for the address.

The most important date for your diary is Sunday 19th November 2023. This is our big meeting for the year. You are welcome to come to the AGM at 1pm, or just join us for a planning meeting, drinks, food and get together at 2pm. We will discuss priorities for the next year, as well as have a chat and potentially meet new members.

Muckleford train station
Muckleford-Walmer Road
1pm AGM
2pm Get together
Email Beth to RSVP.

New Landcare members Chris and Jasmine were the second landholders to get their 500 plants in the ground on Sunday as part of the Creating Connectivity Project (as funded by the NCCMA).

The third landholders who are taking part would appreciate a hand with their planting – Saturday 28th October. Again, email Beth if you want the address.