It may not feel like it, but the signs of spring are visible in the bushland! When planning out our monthly walks leaflet recently we observed the large number of plants out in flower. Blue fairy orchid (Cyanicula deformis), and banded greenhood orchid (Pterostylis vittata) are both in flower, as are yellow buttercups (Hibbertia hypericoides), Daviesia, Hardenbergia, and Hovea. Fungi are also visible, so make time to visit the bushland over coming weekends and don't miss the show! Please send observations (and photos!) of anything that captures your interest to Dani so we can include them in our next walks pamphlet.

Recent activities in the bushland

Invertebrate survey

Two students from the University of Western Australia (Vanessa Harris and Dianna Buglyo) spent their summer holidays collecting insects to provide base-line data about the invertebrate fauna of Shenton Bushland. Vanessa and Dianna have now completed their report. Contact Dani if you wish to see a copy. One of the interesting findings of the study was that disturbed areas of the bushland have a higher population of invertebrate fauna than the better areas. They recommended that we continue monitoring invertebrate fauna, especially ants, because these can provide useful information about changes in biodiversity in the bushland.

Planting day

Thanks to all volunteers who turned out for our recent planting day. We planted virtually all of the 1570 plants that were germinated for us by Men of the Trees. Most of the plants were planted along the path of the buried power lines between Health Department land and Shenton Bushland. The Acacia saligna were planted along the former Lemnos Street firebreak.

Fungus Workshop

By the time you get this newsletter, the Fungus Workshop organised by Ros Hart will have been held. This event has been very popular and Ros has had to put interested participants onto a waiting list! Thanks Ros for organising this event for us.

Colus fungus image

Colus pusillus (Photo: Daniel Boase-Jelinek)

This unusual fungus is Colus pusillus (known as Red Fingers) and was found beneath Jacksonia shrubs near the entrance. The several red, wrinkled fingers are joined at their tips. They grow out of a white, jelly-like 'egg' and are coated with a smelly, slimy olive-brown spore mass. The greater part of the fungus is underground as white threads. These feed on dead material, using the carbohydrates and releasing the minerals back into the soil. This is a vital recycling role in maintaining the vitality of the bushland. If you see any unusual fungi in the bushland, please let Ros know so she can update her list of fungi in the bushland.

Coming activities

Steve McCabe is still running his Thursday mornings in the bushland, so if you are free between 9.00 am and 11.00 am on Thursdays, you are welcome to join in. We also work in the bushland on Sunday mornings from 8.00 am to 10.00am, meeting at 'the shed' at 8.00 to plan our activities. At this time of year we are mainly weeding, but also welcome people with other interests. For example, we will soon need help in monitoring the effect of our activities.

Ecoplan Bushcare Day Sunday August 11th

Sausage Sizzle and Muffins (and a bit of weeding!) any time between 9.00 - 3.00 Meet at the shed next to the Dog's Home

Next Meeting

NOTE: New location for meeting! This will be held on Thursday 25th July at 7.30 pm at 117 Derby Road, Shenton Park. This newsletter is produced by the Friends of Shenton Bushland.

Contributions by Janice Marshall and Daniel Boase-Jelinek.

Created by Daniel Boase-Jelinek August 2004

All photographs are copyright of Daniel Boase-Jelinek unless otherwise indicated.

The logo of the Friends of Shenton Bushland is copyright of June L. Weller

Last updated November 2006