Emerging from our Summer hibernation, the SRCMN crew and enthusiastic group of walkers were back for another jaunt around a lost reserve of the Strathbogie Ranges. The Monea South Bushland Reserve is a small, landlocked reserve tucked away in Upton Hill. It is the definition of a lost reserve, being totally inaccessible to the public without knowing one of the adjoining landholders.
Again our request to the BOM for perfect weather was granted, with nothing but blue skies and still air making for ideal autumn walking conditions. 13 walkers set off at the crack of 9:30, graciously giving their time to explore the Monea Reserve on Mothers Day. After a quick descent from Sue and Colin’s property on Oak Valley Rd, a dry portion of the Pranjip Creek was traversed to arrive at the western side of the reserve. From here, a steep by thankfully short ascent back up the other side of the valley landed walkers in their first exploration spot. This natural clearing created by a huge slab of granite sitting just under the dirt and moss looked uninteresting at first glance, but soon enough our amateur citizen scientists found plenty of note.
Heading up to the north east corner of the reserve, then along the eastern fenceline, revealed rapidly changing vegetation. The signs of the mid 2010’s drought were still present, with the remains of hulking old trees hanging over more recent regrowth. Deer had left their mark on the area, with trees rubbed and dirt disturbed throughout the reserve. After a very relaxed lunch on another rockface, the return to the cars was made, past a red-bellied black snake making the most of the fine weather.
The photos taken by walkers will be uploaded to iNaturalist as part of Strathbogie Conservation’s Lost Reserves of the Strathbogie Ranges project. Thanks to those who came, and to Sue and Colin for generously hosting the walk.
