Friends of Morwell National Park

The group met in the Kerry Road picnic area for the February activity.

In good news, over the last month two new tables have been installed into the picnic area. Construction of the new bridge across to Stringybark Track has also been completed.

The day before the activity the 2025 Volunteering Connections Event was held at Old Gippstown, Moe. Our group set up a stall there but sadly it was a very wet and cold day where few community people came out. Thanks to Caitilin, Peter, Beryl and Cathy who run the stall and to Wendy and John who loaned their gazebo for a bit of protection from the weather. Very few sales were completed but a few connections with other community groups were made. Caitilin returned with the new brochure published by Latrobe City identifying the main animals in the shire. A few in the group had contributed photos to this publication.

Recently there was another online meeting with Parks Victoria. It was good to hear that the signage for each of the three main entrances to the park are at the final draft stage and nearing construction and erection. Now that Stringybark Track is nearly open, five dangerous trees have been identified to be removed or altered for walker safety. The Billys Creek section of the park remains closed while contractors remove more dangerous trees. After these are handled, work can begin upon the track realignment and the tender to bridge replacements in this part of the park can be issued.

As night approached people tucked into their dinners. As it started to get dark Matt and Mike setup two mothing sheets in the picnic area.

On dark seven walkers went around Fosters Gully on the spotlight walk. Over the walk ringtail possums, koalas, a scorpion, a sugar glider, green tree frog and a mountain brushtail possum were sighted. Other animals that were heard were lyrebirds, many wallabies, powerful owls and a boobook owl. It was a clear night with many stars on display. The park is a very different world at night when the nocturnal animals are on the move.

The walkers returned to the mothing sheets where a few moths and lacewings were attracted by the lights. With it being a cooler evening the collection of moths was small.

Ken was happy to report that although it was one of the worst summer sessions ever, at least five new species were recorded in the park. One moth and four leafhoppers that were seen are new to the park. One leafhopper is still being identified, which brings us to 802 moths now on record in the park, and we have now reached 33 (soon to be 34) species of leafhoppers (Cicadellidae).

Everybody enjoyed their evening out observing the nocturnal animals of the park.

March Activity - Sunday March 16, 10am

The group will meet in the Junction Road car park for two different activities. One group will complete the annual survey of the nesting boxes (delayed from January), while the other will conduct a bird walk to see what species of birds can be located. If you would like to see what creatures can be found in nesting boxes or want to look for birds you can come along to share in either endeavor. You will need to bring your lunch along with clothing and footwear suitable for the weather conditions on the day.