For the last Strathbogie Ranges Conservation event of the year, the BOM once again obliged our request for perfect walking weather. A small but enthusiastic and highly knowledgeable group met at the base of the Big Hill Nature Conservation Reserve, keen to document this admittedly not as lost as it could be lost reserve.
Time flies, and before we knew it, another AGM was upon us. Held in the now traditional spot of the Euroa Arboretum shelter, the final meeting of the year was welcomed by fine weather.
The Euroa I48 Bushland Reserve in Creightons Creek is the epitome of hidden reserves. Completely surrounded by private land, it’s spectacular boulders combined with its remnant bush are a glimpse into what this mostly cleared region used to look like. Stunning views extend to the far south, with parts of Ruffy, Longwood and Nagambie visible from its boulder outlook.
Fingers on the Pulse: Tracking the impact of climate change on the health of ecosystems in the Strathbogie Ranges.
The Wallaby Gully Nature Conservation Reserve is truly one of the Strathbogie Ranges hidden gems. After a couple of circuit walks within the reserve, we felt it was time to go the whole way through the reserve and pop out on Ponkeen Creek Rd.
Time & Date: 9:30am-2:30pm, Sunday the 12th of November 2023
Start/End Location: Faithfull Rd, Longwood East
Length: 3km
Difficulty: Easy
Bring: Food & water, a camera, a hat, sturdy shoes
Join us and have your say.
See out Spring and join us at the beautiful Euroa Arboretum for our 2023 AGM.
RSVPs are essential, so please let us know you’re coming by emailing us at admin@strathbogieranges.org
The Fungal Connections Conference brought together some of Australia’s finest fungi minds to share their wisdom on all things fungi.
The warm welcome from Adam and Danielle proprietors of the Northern Republic and a glass of wine on arrival set the tone for the sixty people to chill out, enjoy great food and look forward to hearing from Alison Pouliot.The menu especially designed by the chef for the Festival of Fungi’s lunch was both felicitous …
Underground Lovers Book Launch & Festival of Fungi Lunch with Alison Pouliot Read More »
Australia is home to a staggering variety of fungi unlike any other, with The Strathbogie Ranges packed full of it’s own unique varieties. Thousands of undiscovered species await curious minds to discover and record them, and it’s this unknown world that brought people from across the state to learn more from fungi expert Alison Pouliot. Alison is a mainstay of the Festvial of Fungi, having captivated audiences with here huge breadth and depth of knowledge, but also her enthusiasm the elusive and misunderstood kingdom of fungi.
he grand opening of the biennial Festival of Fungi was a spectacular sight, with this years event held at the grounds of the grand old North Eastern Hotel in Euroa. Little Projector Company was back with their mesmerising light displays, customised and projected onto the walls of the pub for all to see. Over 100 curious souls entered the gate to see the Northo in a way it’d never been seen in its long history. Food trucks and a sausage sizzle delivered much needed tasty treats on the last of the cold autumn nights, with fire barrels becoming the focal points for laughter between locals and newcomers.
This route was our very first riparian walk, and is as popular now as it was then. With over 25 eager trekkers, this proved to be another fantastic walk. This is one of the all time greats within the Strathbogie Ranges, with every new corner feeling like a completely different walk. Stunning rocky gorges, cascading waterfalls, sheer granite walls and deep, serene pools of water just a few of the highlights that make this walk so special.
Strathbogie Ranges Conservation invites you to Bioluminescence to launch their 2023 Festival of Fungi. The projection event was produced by Little Projector Company in collaboration with local youth and students. The show offers a magical experience of fungi and the forest dwellers that rely on fungi. Through entering into this other world you have glimpses into the amazing lives of fungi.
The highly interactive workshop engages participants in the diversity, ecology and curiosities of the Fungi Kingdom.
The workshop begins with the opportunity for participants to explore a specimen table of mushrooms and other fungus resources collected from the Strathbogie Ranges. Participants will learn the basics of fungus identification, fungal ecology, and the natural and cultural history of fungi.
At the previous AGM, fire was the dominant concern, at this 2022 AGM it is floods! Next year is challenging to even think about! As we reflect on the changes to our lives and environment we find almost every aspect of life has been affected by climate change. While mitigation is the dominant discourse, adaptation to the already changed climate is the less explored challenge. The adaptive capacity of whole countries was on the agenda at COP27 where 84% of countries claimed to have one adaptive instrument in place although not necessarily practical strategies. This pattern of mitigation over adaptation is repeated across all levels of governance. At a regional workshop implemented by Strathbogie Ranges Conservation this year in collaboration with Monash and the University of Melbourne, it was found that Federal and State institutions in Australia are inadequately funded or prepared for adaptation monitoring and implementation.
I have concluded the field work and am analysing the data. Thanks to the assistance from all of our volunteers, we measured 1466 trees at 48 plots, and found koala faecal pellets
under 268 (18%) of trees. This is a higher proportion compared to many other areas where the Australian Koala Foundation has done research. Almost all sites were along roadsides
which were shown to be an important habitat for the koala with particularly high densities of pellets on the study plots along Bonnie Doon Rd.
Robyn Thompson
This exciting project was based at Euroa Secondary College during Term 3-4 where I was guest artist and Printmaker, working in collaboration with Teaching artist, Suzie Bates and
her Year 10 – 12 students. I am based at Dookie where I practice as a Visual Artist and Community Cultural Development Practitioner.
After being thwarted by the weather on our last attempt, the tides were turned and sunshine prevailed on what proved to be a glorious nature stroll. Not many people attempt Tenneriffe due to thinking that’s it’s not accessible to the public. It’s actually one of the easier walks to access, with the Parks Vic reserve starting at the end of Jeffries Rd. Anyone can drive right up to the reserve and walk straight in.
The sun was shining and the birds were singing for the second attempt at the Euroa Arboretum’s Open Day event. After heavy rains and statewide flooding postponed the first attempt, everyone was excited to make the most of the fine weather.
Hot on the heels of the Euroa Arboretum Open Day (V2.0), our annual general meeting was held the morning of Saturday the 19th of November, back at the Arb. Booking the shelter proved to be a prudent defence against the endless rains, which have thoroughly soaked every inch of the Strathbogie Ranges this year.
In the stoic embrace of the Strathbogie Memorial Hall, photography enthusiasts were treated to a hands on photography workshop by the supremely engaging Alison Pouliot. Alison is no stranger to Strathbogie, having hosted many memorable sessions on all things fungi to curious nature-lovers.
The series of Awe & Wonder Art in Nature concludes with two linked workshops from local artist, Anna Mackrell. For the first workshop the ten participants arrived at Euroa Arboretum to find the welcoming scene of easels set up with paper and everything you could need readily on hand so that the participants could give their entire attention to sketching.
Everyone attending the Experimental Painting workshop ‘played’ with paint, amongst some of the granite outcrops at Ruffy.
Tutor for the day, Ann Cremean, first instructed participants on mixing colours. It was obvious from the laughter and chatter, that this experimenting with acrylic paints and different brushes was a lot of fun.
Balmattum Hill, overlooking Euroa township, is a popular walking spot for many locals. On this occasion, the hill recently hosted a drawing workshop attended by those who already know it and others from as far as Melbourne, Tallarook and Nagambie.
My favourite part of the session was an activity designed to really notice things in nature. We sat in the yard at the old Ruffy school and observed. We listened to the noises around us, felt the breeze and then selected an object to write notes on. To write detail about the colour, texture, pattern and so on. I selected an oak leaf. I picked a brown leaf from the ground to write about first – a simple leaf that wouldn’t take long to describe, and another more complex fallen oak leaf with more colour and visual intrigue to write about second.
A group of people came together by an open fire at Polly McQuinn’s on Sunday to learn printmaking techniques from local artist, Dana Coleman.
Participants walked around this wonderful spot collecting leaves, seed heads and natural objects.
Dana then demonstrated how to monoprint these objects onto paper and create a rubbing with graphite.
There was much fun and experimenting as people played with these printing methods.
The second Awe & Wonder in Nature art workshop was held last weekend in the Strathbogie Ranges. Patterns, Pathways & Mapping the Otherworld was hosted by Sim Ayres who led participants on a journey of pattern recognition and map making.
I’m sure you’ve often seen a magnificent old tree and thought – that tree must be hundreds of years old!
We want to find some of these ancient giants and would appreciate your involvement to locate, map and photograph them. The focus is on the species found on grassy woodland and adjoining riparian landscapes.
Have a look at our amazing collection of videos relating to conservation and education in the Strathbogie Ranges.
Strathbogie Ranges Conservation The Strathbogie Ranges Conservation Management Network (SRCMN or Strathbogie Ranges Conservation) was formed in early 2011 and has been going strong ever since. The SRCMN works with a variety of partners (landholders, groups, Agencies) to tackle all sorts of conservation, biodiversity and land management issues, but is focusing on the most threatened ecosystems in …
Read all about the projects that have helped make the Strathbogie Ranges what they are today.
Read all about the fantastic projects that we’ve been working on in the Strathbogie Ranges.
People from many different organisations gathered at the SSC Chambers on Thursday 30 June to find themselves in the midst of a highly motivated group from across the GB region with three International attendees. The key discussions centred around climate change threats and mitigation and importantly climate adaptation. The workshop was organised by Michael Spencer from the SRCMN and funded by the GBCMA.
If you’re familiar with the Strathbogie Forest and it’s plight, you may also be familiar with one of it’s main residents. The Greater Glider is one of our lesser known, but equally cute tree dwelling marsupials. With a thick dark fur and long distinctive tail, the Greater Glider has been the subject of a lot of research. From academic institutions to citizen science projects, the mysterious critters have captured people’s imagination.
Another walk, another inexplicably sunny day. After seemingly endless rain and gloom, the SRCMN’s overseers once again called in a favour with the higher ups to make sure the weather was absolutely perfect for our third Adventures in Nature walk.
Soil health is a huge and complex field, making knowing where to begin difficult for those who are just starting out. As part of the Healthy Hectares program, we’ve created this video to help landholders get their foot in the door and start improving the health of their soils.
After an amazing string of good luck with events, the weather finally caught up to us and forced this fungal adventure indoors. Driving winds and constant rain made the prospect of 4 hours in the bush an uninviting proposal, event for the most intrepid of mycology enthusiasts. Instead, we were treated to comfy chairs, gas heating and hot tea at the Strathbogie Hall; a sacrifice everyone was seemingly willing to make.
Our expert speaker was Water Jehne’s, whose breadth and depth of knowledge drew a curious and thoughtful crowd from all over the state.
Our second Adventures in Nature walk showcased the dizzying heights and intense lows of the mysterious Tarcombe Valley. A mix of new and familiar faces was heartening to see. These walks are as much about exploring nature as they are about making new friends.Walkers met at the end of Donavans Rd before the now traditional …
Sunday the 3rd of April 2022 saw our small band of intrepid walkers tackle perhaps the most challenging SRCMN walk to date. Made up of newcomers and SRCMN walking veterans, the group was especially fit and motivated, managing to simultaneously keep up a cracking pace and take in all of the natural beauty and diversity on offer.
Join us to celebrate!
We’ll launch the Welcome Circle, Daanak Walking Trail, Taungurung
Tourism and 30 years of Euroa Arboretum. A day with our partners –
Taungurung Land and Waters Council, Longwood Plains and
Strathbogie Ranges Conservation Management Networks.
Welcome to Helen McKernan, our new President This year’s AGM was a fantastic opportunity for the SRCMN committee and members of the public to get together in person after nearly 2 tough years of COVID. The hardship was not over yet though, as the gate lock at the Euroa Arboretum had decided to throw up …
Hosted in Euroa’s magnificent old flour mill by Northern Republic, the final event of the 2021 Festival of Fungi was a delight for the senses.
Land Class Fencing allows you to assess your property’s unique characteristics and divide it up into areas of similar output and resilience. These areas are converted to paddocks, which can then be managed in the same way as other paddocks of the same class.
After the previous night’s Bioluminescence event in Euroa, it was time to delve deep into the strange and wonderful world of fungi.
The 2021 Festival of Fungi opening night. For the first time, Euroa’s storefronts, post office and red gums was set ablaze with fungi themed projections.
After scouting this walk in February 2020, it felt like an eternity since we’d been to this part of the Seven Creeks. Our first ever riparian walk started at the most downstream publicly accessible stretch of the Sevens, so for our last walk, we thought we’d see what the top had to offer. Turn out …
The Wallaby Gulley Reserve isn’t on most people’s radar, but is a surprisingly accessible walk, albeit via dirt road.
Hillside erosion is a tricky problem to tackle, but if you get in early, you can make a huge difference to your property. There’s no right way to stop erosion, every property is different, and solutions depend on multiple factors like: The severity of existing erosion The steepness of the hillside The amount of vegetation …
Our Riparian Walks have been busy exploring the Strathbogie Shire’s best known waterways. For this walk, we wanted to go completely off the beaten path.
Postponed due to COVID-19. Sign up to our newsletter for future announcements on this event.
The project aims to identify places being used by glider populations and to map the gaps in ‘glideways’ as a focus for future restoration, revegetation and nesting box projects.
Granite 2 Goulburn Rocky Outcrops and Paddock Trees Community and Volunteer Action Grant from DELWP 2019-2021 This project aims to link habitat around the foothills of the Strathbogie Ranges by connecting isolated rocky outcrops and scattered paddock trees to core blocks of remnant woodland. This project builds on the success of our recent ‘Our Catchments …
The community project will use a combination of fully automated monitoring and manual ‘bore-dipping’ equipment to measure seasonal changes in the depth of groundwater.
Here you can find the results of a bird survey of the Strathbogie Ranges. This was undertaken by Chris Tzaros in Autumn 2019.
Postponed due to COVID-19. Sign up to our newsletter for future announcements on this event.
Postponed due to COVID-19. Sign up to our newsletter for future announcements on this event.
Postponed due to COVID-19. Sign up to our newsletter for future announcements on this event.
The SRCMN’s final event for the year heralded our third visit from Darebin Parklands Senior Ranger Peter Wiltshire. Since our first workshop, Peter has guided residents of the Strathbogie Shire. For his third visit, we moved out of the every beautiful Euroa Arboretum and into the backyards of Euroa. To put everything we had learned …
After a few “best of” walks, it was back to doing what we do best: finding and exploring new, obscure and beautiful riparian areas in the Strathbogie Ranges. This was our last walk of the year, and it was one of the most spectacular to date. A lot had changed in the month since the …
Riparian Walk #3.3 – Mountain Hut Creek, Kelvin View Read More »
Conservation Group Plans For Next Decade of Work Strathbogie Ranges Conservation Management Network kicked off preparations for its 2020 to 2025 strategic plan when about 20 members gathered for the group’s Annual General Meeting in Ruffy on the weekend. Dr Jen Wilson, from the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, provided a review of recent projects …
The Stop Mynas Strathbogie program was born from the success of last years Common (Indian) Myna workshop at the gorgeous Euroa Arboretum. We were luck enough to again have Peter Wiltshire, a Senior Ranger from the Darebin Parklands, talk with the group about the impact Common Mynas can have on native bird populations. He also …
Continuing the trend of revisiting previously explored riparian areas, the Wombat Creek didn’t disappoint. The previous visit was in March and the scenery could not have been more different. Knee high grass, still wet from the previous night’s downpour instantly dampened all hopes of keeping dry feet intact. The walk pace was fairly leisurely, with …
After a winter hibernation, the acclaimed SRCMN riparian walks are back and better than ever, with this new series of six walks. The format this time is slightly different, with new routes mixed with old favorites from previous walks. The first walk to kick off the new series and new season was the fan favorite …
Riparian Walk #3.1 – Boatholes Creek to Mineral Springs, Ruffy Read More »
Abstract from the Under the Microscope Research Day 2019. Latrobe University. Ecosystem restoration is essential in returning degraded habitat and biodiversity to its former state. Current methods focus on limited components of ecosystems, often overlooking invertebrates, which are critical to ecosystem functioning. Macrodetritivores play a key role in decomposition, a vital ecosystem process affecting soil nutrient …
An abstract created for the 2019 Under the Microscope Research Day by Neil Phillips.
The Strathbogie Forest is an island habitat for forest-dependent fauna. Though it faces a number of challenges (feral species, fragmentation, climate change) it represents critical habitat for numerous species in the Strathbogie Ranges.
The Bogies and Beyond Project was created by the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority to answer a single question: How can we measure the effects of climate change withing the Strathbogie Ranges?
The Stop Mynas Strathbogie project was launched in 2019 as a part of the Bogies and Beyond Tree Storey project.
On a stunning Euroa Winter’s day, 90 curious minds converged on the Euroa Football Club to learn about scientific research being conducted within the Strathbogie Ranges/Shire. An amazing lineup of speakers and fairly rapid timeline ensured that the audience was kept entertained while hearing the most important parts of what the speakers had to convey. …
In late 2018, the Strathbogie Ranges CMN held the first of a series of riparian walks. The aim of these walks is to become better acquainted with our local waterways, and record some of their standout features along the way.
With forecasts rapidly changing in the leadup to the walk, we weren’t sure what to expect from this unexpectedly fine Sunday morning. But as luck had it, the rain held off and made way for perfect walking conditions on the final walk in this series. An experienced gang of 7 rallied at the picnic ground …
It was a wintry but clear morning in Ruffy, where 21 nature enthusiasts met to tackle the County Creek gorges. Starting again at the Ruffy CFA shed before driving down to the starting point where the County Creek intersects the Longwood-Ruffy Rd, the tradition of the first part of the walk being the hardest was …
Despite the drizzle, 25 stoic walkers braved the weather to peruse this beautiful section of the Hughes Creek. Meeting at the Ruffy CFA shed, walkers piled into vehicles to the start point at Donovans Rd. The traditional pre-walk photo was taken before setting off down into the gorge. Rain from the chilly, saturnine night before …
A recurring theme across our events has been engaging with school children to create artworks based around the themes of our events. The SRCMN acknowledges the significant contribution of Euroa Primary School teacher Pauline Fraser in the production of most of these beautiful artworks which were made during class time. The school has collaborated with …
Our first walk for 2019 started with a bang, with 27 keen walkers setting out to explore the hidden gem that is Wombat Creek. With walkers from all over the state converging on Fergusons Rd, the cool, albeit dry conditions, were perfect for rambling down the creek. With the creek constantly rearing its head and …
Sightings of Indian (Common) Mynas have recently increased within the Strathbogie Shire, with residents reporting birds not only in towns and along roads, but in farmland, kilometers from the closest towns. Indian Mynas are extremely adaptable, aggressive and intelligent birds that not only compete for nest locations with native species, but actively attack and destroy …
In 2018, the Strathbogie Shire commissioned Tim and Janet to undertake an unprecedentedly comprehensive survey of the Shire’s roadside vegetation health and diversity. What they found was a surprisingly diverse chain of ecosystems right next to our roadsides, something we take for granted every day. After delivering their recommendations to the council, the SRCMN knew …
Roadside Vegetation Survey Presentation and Bus Trip Read More »
Our first walk in this new series of 5 walks took place on a beautiful spring morning. A chilly breeze soon gave way to perfect conditions, where 17 keen trekkers set out to conquer the Smiths Bridge to Polly McQuinns adventure. Knee high grass mixed with wombat holes, blackberrys, fence crossings and snakes made for …
Riparian Walk #1 – Strathbogie to Polly McQuinns Read More »
The last, and by far the coldest of our riparian walks began on a dead still and very frosty Ruffy morning. Nonetheless the turnout was great with every walker set to make the most of the perfect winters morning. The Emu Waterholes Creek walk was the easiest in the series, and ambling along the gentle …
The final event in the 2018 Fungi Festival saw a grey but relatively mild winters morning after a day of heavy rain; perfect fungi hunting weather. With a quick introductory talk on how to use the iNaturalist app from Dr Sapphire McMullan-Fisher, attendees loaded up their phones and set off hunting. The Euroa Arboretum proved …
Fungimap – How to use a fungi app with Dr Sapphire McMullan-Fisher Read More »
The second last event in 2018’s Fungi Festival drew a crowd of both locals and dedicated fungi enthusiasts out of their homes on a chilly Friday night. Dr Sapphire McMullan-Fisher offered an introduction to the not-for-profit citizen science organisation called Fungimap, who work to increase fungi knowledge and conservation, as well as bring people with …
Fungimap – Fungi of the Goulburn Broken with Dr Sapphire McMullan-Fisher Read More »
The first event in the 2018 SRCMN Fungi Festival lineup was huge, with over 70 fungi enthusiasts turning out for a short intro talk and Malaysian feast at the Strathbogie Memorial Hall. With the Hall near maximum capacity, everyone sat enthralled as the fervent Alison Pouliot delivered her introductory talk to the inquisitive crowd. Even …
Fungi Festival Malaysian Feast and Intro Talk with Alison Pouliot Read More »
Following a highly entertaining workshop and Malaysian feast the previous night, the full day workshop with fungus expert Alison Pouliot captured the imagination of those who wanted to delve deeper into the bizarre world of fungus. Held at the Strathbogie Memorial Hall, attendees bore witness to a spectacular array of local, freshly harvested fungi. With …
Fungi Festival – Local Fungal Curiosities Workshop with Alison Pouliot Read More »
The fifth walk in the series of six walks departed at 9am from the Boatholes Rd bridge in Ruffy. The walk started rather cold, with a small campfire warming walkers before they departed. The weather steadily improved throughout the day with optimal temperatures for 17 strong walkers. Even with more than a few creek crossing …
The fourth walk in the series of six walks departed at 9am from Hughes Creek Rd. Walkers were greeted with perfect walking conditions, with a mild but sunny day proving optimal for seeing the Hughes Creek Gorge at its best, while also staying nice and cool. Almost immediately, the shoes were off for the one …
The third walk in the series of six walks kicked off at 9am from the Ruoaks Link bridge and finished on the intersection of Peters Lane and Tames Rd (at the bridge). Severe weather warnings had been forecast, but by the start of the walk, the weather had held so it was decided to continue …
The second walk in the series of six walks kicked off at 9am from the Brookleigh Rd bridge and finished at the Strathbogie CFA Shed. Despite the threat of heavy rain, 17 keen walker showed up to explore the upper Seven Creeks Reserve. With the thunder rolling in, the walk concluded with about 15 minutes …
Riparian Walk #2 – Brookleigh Rd to Strathbogie Township Read More »
The first walk in the series of six walks started at the Polly McQuinns weir and finished at the Gooram Falls car park on the Merton side (number 2). There was a great turnout, with 28 walkers coming out to enjoy the perfect weather and beautiful scenery of the Seven Creeks Reserve. Amongst the group …
Riparian Walk #1 – Polly McQuinns to Gooram Falls Read More »
A balmy evening, without moonlight nor a hint of breeze, was the perfect backdrop for our second mothing night in the Strathbogie Forest. Twenty-six people joined moth expert Steve Williams on an evening of discovery, as we waited for these little magicians to appear from their hiding places. As daylight began to fade, they were …
The Strathbogie Ranges CMN is excited to bring you this year’s introductory event for New and Part-Time Landholders. This is a great event for those who would like to learn more about the area, meet some locals and get their advice and expertise on a variety of topics affecting new landholders. If you haven’t attended …
29/06/2017 On a sunny but bitterly cold Sunday in Ruffy, the SRCMN held a revegetation information event for local landholders. The aim of the day was to get the attendees thinking about flora on their land and covered topics such as: The advantages of revegetating cleared land The different species of seeds available How to …
Strathbogie Workshop peeks into the Fungi Kingdom Whether you love fungi (mycophilia) or fear it (mycophobia) people attending the first event of the month long Fungi Festival in the Strathbogie Ranges on Saturday learnt there was much to appreciate in the Fungi Kingdom. Australian – Swiss ecologist Alison Pouliot enthralled 55 attendees over the day …
Mushrooms kick up their heels after dark They came with mushrooms in their hair and mushrooms on their head. Some came as earthy beings and some wore their best dancing clothes. Local identity Shirley Saywell stole the show when she arrived as a mushroom – a puff ball. It was after all the Puff Ball. …
Connecting native habitat across landscapes is a key goal in all biodiversity conservation projects and it’s no different in the Strathbogie Ranges region. Habitat corridors within the Ranges are important, as are connections between the Ranges and other parts of Victoria, particularly Central Victoria to the west and the Goulburn-Broken Plains to the north. The …
