Else-Mitchell’s very own Mike Purtell was honoured at the annual Blue Mountains Seniors Recognition Awards for his fantastic contribution to the environment.
Congratulations Mike, and richly deserved.
After a long break for fire, smoke, and rain, it was good to return to Else-Mitchell for a productive morning of bushcare.
The varied tasks included checking out the impact of drought, cleaning up flood damage, planting new plants (thanks Linda!) collecting seeds, and Trad weeding.
Careful what you wish for – 220mm of rain was certainly welcome, but also rearranged quite a bit of the landscape within Else Mitchell.
The sheer volume of water was most unusual, even flowing over the top of the dam, which might have been unprecedented. Of course, the planks on the bridge were washed away, as usual.
Finally, some rain, and with it some happy mushrooms and a chance to get back to the Trad.
The hot and dry summer continued into 2020 and the plants were suffering.
Multiple days of 40-plus temperatures were having an impact, with the tree ferns by the bridge in obvious distress.
On a positive note, the local community was doing what it could to alleviate the stress on flora and fauna. People (including bushcare members) watered plants, while others placed water bowls around the reserve.
There was even a “Wildlife feeding and watering station”, with a sign that ended “Thanks, and stay safe” – a reminder of the dangerous fire season this summer.
The last session of the year was cancelled due to a severe heat warning, so no Christmas morning tea to celebrate Malcolm’s 20 years of bushcare.group.
However, a small hardy group turned up early for some watering of thirsty plants. And to have a cup of coffee in honour of Malcolm.
Thanks to Karen and all the members of the group for another terrific year of bushcare in our special pocket park.
A busy session for the group saw a variety of activities with maintenance a major focus.
The revegetation “island” and the new tree plantings were watered and re-guarded. Trad was, of course, a central focus again, with maintenance targeted at the gully area between the bridges.
More unusual activities were the cutting up of a large branch fallen across a path, and some remediation at an area showing evidence of biking.
The major focus this month was Trad maintenance along the creek line at either bridge, as well as seed collection.
While everyone was concentrating on the weed at their feet, Liz’s eagle eye spotted a hidden gem above our heads: Plectorrhiza tridentate, or tangle root orchid, which is uncommon for the area.
This follows on from Liz’s recent discovery of Podohydnangium austral, or “false truffle” underground fungi. Where would we be without her.
A couple of days of good rain on 10-11 October brought welcome relief from the dry and saw the “ephemeral creek” flowing strongly.
A wonderful plant identification session was held at Else-Mitchell Park on a sunny Sunday morning after the wild winds of preceding days relented.
Almost 20 people from the Blue Mountains Conservation Society Plant Study Group and local bushcare groups came together to update and extend the existing park plant list and learn about the plants of the park.
Led by Margaret, with her amazing knowledge of the site and the intricate nature of plant ID, the two groups shared their treasury of knowledge.
The morning provided an opportunity for informed discussions and led to a deeper understanding of the park and its native and introduced plant life. A Tawny Frogmouth was an extra bonus.
Thanks to all those who attended, particularly the members of the Blue Mountains Conservation Society Plant Study Group.
