May Outing

The May outing is a social with time for short walks and members' short talks. Please check your newsletter for details. Otherwise contact us through our blog email: fassifernfieldnaturalist[at]gmail.com. 

The Autumn weather should be perfect for this day.

AGM

Our AGM in March was a very enjoyable affair. The official business was dealt with efficiently and we were able to settle down to the interesting and informative talk by Megan Prance on fungi.    

Megan Prance giving her talk

Some of the facts from her talk were: 

• Of the many thousands of fungi found all over Australia, only a comparatively small number have been identified.
• Plants and trees form a relationship with fungi and together they produce specialised roots known as mycorrhiza. (Mycorrhiza = fungus + root) This association produces essential nutrients for both the fungi and the plant and it also provides protection for the plant against disease and soil borne organisms. This Mycorrhiza is also essential for the growth of many of our native terrestrial orchids.
• Fungi is a major source of food for many of our small marsupials such as small wallabies, potoroos, bandicoots and wombats. Some birds also include fungi in their diet. 
•  Even though wood chips used as mulch in the suburban garden leads to the appearance of many interesting and colourful fungi, its use changes the ecosystem.   Using local garden mulch is much better for the environment because of the important role fungi plays in plant ecology.  Wood chip is sourced from a completely different environment so its use promotes a fungi which is foreign to the plants it is going to associate with.

Megan & Noela discussing the beautiful display Noela created

This was followed by many questions, and much discussion over a wonderful supper supplied by members.

15-17th April Camp - Iron Pot Creek Campground, Toonumbar N.P.

In the forest at Toonumbar National Park

Limited camping sites. Please email us for details fassifernfieldnaturalists[at]gmail.com

Suitable for tents and camper trailers.

WHERE: 

Iron Pot Creek campground at Toonumbar National Park NSW offers a pristine creek for swimming (though it may be a wee bit cold for this), as well as World Heritage-listed rainforest nearby and abundant wildlife.

COSTS: 

The National Park self-registration station is at the entrance to the Campground. The cost is $6 per person per night so please bring the correct change for the registration envelopes.

Club fee: $2 per person for the camp needs to be paid when signing the registration book.

BRING: 

Your supply of food and water etc for your needs, few pieces of wood for the fireplace in the shelter shed, binocs, cameras, backpacks, reference books etc., repellents (ticks, mosquito & leech).

LATE ARRIVALS:

At recent camps, most of our members have arrived on the Friday but if you arrive mid-Saturday morning, please check the shelter shed for directions as to the whereabouts of the FFNC campers. In any case, we will return to camp at lunch time. 

WET WEATHER:

Anyone wanting to check on road conditions to the campground after heavy rain the day prior to their trip can contact the N.P. Rangers on a week day 7.30 – 4.30 (NSW daylight saving time) on 6632 0000 or click on the website www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au then select Toonumbar N.P. for updates.  Toonumbar Forest Drive (up to the top of the range) does close as soon as there is any rain but this does not usually affect the road to Iron Pot Creek Campground.

DIRECTIONS:

Use this link: Iron Pot Creek campground, to find out more about this lovely spot.