Bald Hill Reserve, with its unique ecosystem, offers a prime opportunity to delve into the fascinating interplay between plants and soils. Join the Friends of Bald Hill Reserve for an enlightening workshop led by renowned experts Ecologist Karl Just and Soil Scientist Richard Macewan.

Date: Sunday, March 24, 2024
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Location: Mt Mary’s Lane Entrance (off Pipers Creek Road), Bald Hill Reserve

Presenters: Ecologist Karl Just and Soil Scientist Richard Macewan

Workshop Overview:

• Understanding Local Soils and Plant Communities: Gain insights into the diverse array of soils and plant species that call Bald Hill Reserve home.
• Exploring Inter-Relation: Explore how these vital components of the ecosystem interact and support each other, fostering the rich biodiversity found within the reserve.

Event Details:

• Open to All: This workshop is open to both FoBHR members and the public.
• Limited Participation: To ensure an immersive experience, participation is capped at 25 attendees.
• Cost:
  • FoBHR Members: $10
  • Non-Members: $20
• Registration: Please register by emailing us at kynetonfobhr@gmail.com. Payment details will be provided upon receipt of email.
• RSVP Deadline: Kindly RSVP no later than March 21st to secure your spot.

Itinerary:

• 10:00am – 10:15am: Introduction Talk: Ecologist Karl Just and Soil Scientist Richard Macewan will kick off the workshop with an insightful overview.
• Guided Walk: Embark on a guided walk along the granite ridge, leading up to the volcanic cone, where you’ll witness firsthand the intricate relationship between plants and soils.

What to Bring:

• Essentials: Snack, sun protection hat & sunscreen, insect repellent, and plenty of water.
• Attire: Wear long trousers and sturdy boots, as snakes may be active in the area.
• Parental Supervision: Children under 18 must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or carer at all times.

Come prepared for an immersive journey into the heart of Bald Hill Reserve’s ecosystem. Expand your knowledge, connect with nature, and join the FoBHR for an unforgettable experience.

For further inquiries or to register, please email at kynetonfobhr@gmail.com. The Friends of Bald Hill Reserve look forward to exploring Bald Hill Reserve’s natural wonders with you!

Join us to shed light on the mysteries of moths and other nocturnal insects and celebrate their vital role in pollination and our ecosystems on Friday 8 March from 8.30pm at Black Hill Reserve, 110 Blackhill School Road, Kyneton!

As the sun sets and the world quiets down, a hidden realm comes alive – the realm of moths and other nocturnal insects. While we may catch fleeting glimpses of these tireless pollinators fluttering around streetlights, their true magic unfolds in the darkness, as they diligently visit flowers, pollinating them under the cover of night, often unnoticed by human eyes.

Lightsheeting, a simple technique used by community scientists to explore the mysterious world of moths and flying insects, is bringing these nocturnal creatures into the light. Lightsheeting involves setting up a welcoming light and providing a soft landing spot, typically a white sheet, where creatures can gather for observation and study.

Lightsheeting can be a year-round adventure, however, its magic truly comes alive on warmer nights when the air is alive with the flittering dance of insects. As temperatures rise, so does the activity level of nocturnal creatures, offering a greater chance to attract a diverse array of species to your sheet.

For community scientists eager to delve into the intricate world of moths and flying insects, lightsheeting serves as an accessible tool for observation and documentation. By establishing a lightsheeting station and regularly monitoring the nocturnal guests, enthusiasts contribute invaluable data to scientific research through platforms such as iNaturalist; enriching our understanding of insect populations and biodiversity.

Nocturnal pollinators visit a remarkable diversity of plants visit under the cloak of night. Cultivating moth-friendly habitats with native plants that bloom or emit fragrant scents at night is a crucial step towards preserving and enhancing biodiversity and ecological balance. Moths and other nocturnal insects are more than just pollinators; they are key components in local and global ecosystems. As vital food sources for nocturnal mammals and birds, and as providers for countless caterpillars relied upon by daytime creatures, moths weave a tapestry of interconnectedness within ecosystems. By encouraging native diversity in our plantings, we not only nurture moth and insect populations but also cater to the needs of the broader community of wildlife dependent on their existence.

If you are eager to welcome these enchanting creatures into your garden, consider planting white or pale-colored flowers with open cup or tube shapes, preferably emitting alluring scents. In doing so, you create a haven for moths and other insects, enhancing biodiversity and bolstering ecological resilience, all while most of us are wrapped in the embrace of slumber.

When trying to learn a new skill, or improve on an existing one, learning efficiently is key. That’s why our new workshop format offers bite-sized sessions on each macro photography topic that fluidly blends theory with hands-on practice, ensuring you grasp concepts quickly and apply them effectively.

Our new Macro Photography workshops, led by UCLN President, John Walter, will be a fantastic opportunity for photography enthusiasts to improve their skills or newbies to learn the basics!

With a focus on theory and practical sessions over both days, participants can expect to gain a comprehensive understanding of their cameras and how to effectively utilize them for macro photography.

For those attending the workshops, it’s essential to come prepared with your CHARGED camera equipment, your camera manual and a willingness to learn.

John’s expertise and guidance will undoubtedly provide valuable insights and techniques to enhance participants’ macro photography abilities.

If you’re interested in attending, be sure to mark your calendar for the weekend of May 4th and 5th, or the weekend of May 11th and 12th. Remember to register by Friday 1st May.

These workshops form part of the UCLN Project: POLLINATOR PATCHES, USING SEED BALLS TO CREATE POLLINATOR HABITAT funded through the Victorian Landcare Grants.