Friends of Scott Creek Conservation Park
Even those of us who may enjoy the summer heat realise that it is not a good thing when we don’t get rain for an extended period during this season.
A lot of bushland in the hills looks pretty dry and stressed, but this will generally freshen up again very quickly once we receive a bit of rain. There are, however, some benefits from these hot dry spells when it comes to managing the weeds in these bushland areas.
A Weed of National Significance, Montpellier Broom seedlings have died in some areas from the hot dry conditions.
Despite a few drops of rain falling in the hills in January, there was not enough to register any for the month in Adelaide, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. When combined with a few weeks when we get a number of hot days in a row, this summer drought can help burn off woody weed seedlings that may have germinated during the previous spring. This, in turn, means a lot less work dealing with these weeds over the next couple of years.
In the park this summer a lot of Blackberry fruit has shrivelled before it had a chance to mature.
In addition, this year we have noticed a lot of Blackberry fruit has shrivelled up on the bushes in late January and early February, which means there will be less seed being spread about the park and neighbouring bushland areas.
Obviously, this is not such good news in the home garden or commercial production situation, and would have meant a lot more artificial watering would have been required to keep fruit and vegetables healthy.
Come and join us
Are you interested in nature? Native plants? Wildlife? Looking for a break from the hustle and bustle? Want to give something back to the community or Mother Nature? We welcome anyone who wants to come along and see what we do along to any of our activities.
Anyone wanting information about the Friends of Scott Creek CP, 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.
All working bees meet at 9am 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
March
Sat, Sun 2, 3 Bird banding
Tue 5 Working bee
Sun 10 Working bee
Sat 16 Bird banding
Sun 17 Clean Up Australia activity
Sat 23 Working bee
Tue 26 Social lunch