Category Archives: News

Loop walk from Crusoe Reservoir

One highlight of Sunday’s walk was our lunchtime view south from Big Hill. Along the highway to Bendigo, we often see Big Hill from the highway, but rarely get up close. From on Big Hill could see back past Castlemaine … Continue reading

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Planned burns and threatened species

Readers may be interested in this article from The Guardian, which documents how a planned burn proposed for an area of Box Ironbark Forest at Whroo (near Rushworth) has been cancelled following a community-led ecological survey. The planned burn was … Continue reading

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Final 2024 FOBIF walk, 20 October

Euan Moore will be leading next Sunday’s walk in the Crusoe Reservoir/Big Hill area. The walk will longer than usual (12km) and there will be some climbing. You  can see more detail on our walks page.  People should bring lunch … Continue reading

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Introducing the amazing new tool – PLANT SELECTOR

Calling all gardeners in the Mount Alexander Shire! PLANT SELECTOR is your essential tool for choosing indigenous plants that will not only thrive in your garden but also support local wildlife. With expert local plant knowledge at your fingertips, you’ll be … Continue reading

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A walk in the Fryers Ranges

The weather and the wildflowers put on a fantastic show for September’s wildflower walk in the Fryers Ranges on Sunday September 15th. After a cold start to Spring, the bright sun, hilly track and stunning array of flowering trees, shrubs … Continue reading

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Vale Naomi Raftery

It is with regret and sadness that we report the death from cancer of Naomi Raftery, FOBIF committee member for several years, and secretary from 2014-2018. In that period Naomi was an important part of all of our work, including … Continue reading

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FOBIF spring walk, 15 September

Christine Henderson will be leading the 6-8 km September walk in the Fryers Ranges. We will be meeting as usual at 9.30 am at the Community House in Templeton Street, Castlemaine and travelling by convoy to Taradale. If you would … Continue reading

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Fire: paying attention to the detail

Over 100 people packed into the Senior Citizens Hall last Tuesday to hear fire behaviour scientist Phil Zylstra question the science and logic behind current planned burning systems. The talk focused on current programs centred on the reduction of leaf … Continue reading

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Wild discoveries: an exhibition of nature photography

Nature embodies breathtaking complexity, subtle and intricate relationships and ineffable beauty. Much remains hidden to the casual eye, yet much can be revealed through the photographic lens. Minute details of a feather or moss, connections in colour and texture, colours … Continue reading

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A Winter Walk in Black Hill Reserve

Our August walk took us further afield than usual, to Black Hill Reserve near Kyneton. Lionel Jenkins and Barb Guerin lead a dozen other walkers on a loop of just over 5km. The dominant tree species are Manna Gum, Messmate … Continue reading

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