Amongst all the Trad work, there was a nice surprise in a compost heap when someone’s nest was discovered under the plastic sheet…

La Nina kept on giving, with big rainfalls having the usual effect of bringing torrents to the ephemeral creek – and washing away the bridge planks.

The friendly fauna this month included a lovely crochet broad-leaf gecko (thanks Anna!) and a kookaburra on the track.

On the flora side, Linda planted several plants, Mike weeded on the northern boundary, and there was the general tradding.

A visit by some local firies helped to break up the usual Trad campaign.

Trad was attacked at all parts of the park, and Mike did some sterling rake work.

A moving service was held at Else-Mitchell for Liz, a treasured member of the bushcare group.

Trees were planted, Mike played a touching musical farewell, and her favourite hat held pride of place on the park lizard.

Vale, Liz

This session had it all – cicada wall of sound, plantings, gift bags, and crochet.

Some Hakea sericea (bushy needlewood or silky hakea) were planted in the planting zone close to Frazer Rd.

Morning tea was enlivened by lovely pre-Christmas gift bags (thanks Council!). And Anna showed off her fantastic crochet skills with a couple of cute critters.

And the cicadas kept singing.

Some heavy rainfall had an impact on an Allocasuarina near the playground, with a major branch breaking off.

Sad for the tree, but the water was as always most welcome.

This month it was Tradding with a difference.

With one of the group doing a painting course, it appeared several members also have artistic talents.

Nathan, for example, showed an impressive portfolio of botanical drawings at morning tea.

And then it was back to the Trad.

The Trad campaign continued, but everyone still seems keen to don the gloves and do battle with the green enemy.

And progress is being made, with the park revealing some surprises – emerging Bleeding Hearts, and Liz (of course) unearthing some “truffles”.

First there was the bushfire break, and then the COVID-19 break. So it was great to get back to Else-Mitchell again after all the disruptions.

The happy group, social distancing of course, got stuck into some serious Trad work after learning about the new COVID-19 ways of working. Sanitise!

At morning tea, officer Nathan shared his extensive knowledge of eucalypts and the history of the local area.

It was terrific to join together again to help the park in its battle against Trad.