Friends of Scott Creek Conservation Park
Another year has come and gone, and the Friends of Scott Creek CP held their Annual General Meeting last month. Unsurprisingly, there were no changes to the office bearers, with the following members re-elected unchallenged:
President – Peter Watton
Vice President & Correspondence Secretary – Jim Spiker
Treasurer & Minute Secretary – Donella Peters
Administration Assistant – Jenny Dawes
Membership Officer – Lorraine Billett
Following the brief formalities, local award-winning author and zoologist Daniella Clode provided a fascinating talk based on her book The Wasp and the Orchid, the Remarkable Life of Australian Naturalist Edith Coleman.
Edith was an amateur naturalist and science writer of the early 20th Century, who published her first scientific paper at the age of 48. She solved the mystery of orchid pollination that had troubled even Charles Darwin, and went on the write over 300 articles about Australian nature for scientific journals, newspapers and magazines. In 1949 she became the first woman to be awarded the Australian Natural History Medallion.
Edith Coleman’s name is little known today, despite being recognised at the time as ‘Australia’s greatest orchid expert’ and ‘foremost of our women naturalists’, and Danielle set about rectifying this with her book.
Anyone wanting information about the group or park, or wanting to get involved in any of the Friends’ activities, can contact us on info@friendsofscottcreekcp.org.au or visit our very informative website www.friendsofscottcreekcp.org.au. You can also now follow us on our Facebook page where you can find up to date information about our activities, including photos of our flora and fauna.
During summer, all working bees meet at 8.30am at the Almanda Car Park on Dorset Vale Road (unless there is a MLR fire ban or very wet weather). To attend bird banding, contact the coordinator Don Reid on 83882123.
Programme of activities
December
Sat, Sun 1, 2 Bird banding
Tue 4 Working bee
Sun 9 Working bee
Sat, Sun 15, 16 Bird banding
Sat 22 Working bee
Author Danielle Clode
The Wasp and the Orchid