FRIENDS OF BRAESIDE PARK JANUARY NEWSLETTER EXTRACT

 

FRIENDS’ REPORT

Our nominee for VNPA Park Friend of the Year

The Friends Committee have nominated Eric Mitchell for the Victorian National Parks Association ‘Park Friend of the Year’ for 2005.  Eric was Foundation President of the Friends from 1989 to 1993 and edited this newsletter from its foundation until mid-2005.  Eric also happens to have Friends membership number 1, so he is truly a pillar of the Friends of Braeside Park.

 

Display at the Dingley Neighbourhood Centre

In November, the Dingley Neighbourhood Centre celebrated 150 years of European settlement in the area.  The Friends of Braeside Park’s display of bird and mammal specimens and park information attracted great interest.  Thanks to Bev and Elsie for organising the display and attending on the day.

 

Propagation Nursery Improvements

Work has started on improvements to the Nursery hardening off areas.  The northern shade-cloth area is being revamped and covers added to this and the large southern area.  This work will significantly augment the space for hardening off seedlings prior to planting out in the park.

 

Nursery Handover

The Friends are experiencing another changing of the guard.  After founding the Propagation Nursery and leading it for 15 years, Ron Pearson has reluctantly decided to hand on to others.  More details on the Nursery’s history and who’s taking over will be in the next newsletter.

 

 

INTERESTING BIRD REPORTS

A regular Braeside bird-surveyor has recently spotted a Caspian Tern in the park.  The Barn Owl was heard calling by at least 2 people in early January.