Nature News January 2017 – Reconnecting at the Res
Posted on 9 January, 2017 by Connecting Country
For this month’s Nature News (on page 17 of the January 3rd edition in the Midland Express), Connecting Country’s Naomi Raftery and Golden Point local and photographer, John Ellis, have teamed up to share their appreciation and knowledge about one of the region’s most loved summer places, the Expedition Pass Reservoir.
The first time I swam in the Expedition Pass Reservoir or ‘the Res’ was about ten years ago. I’m from the sea and so this large body of cold and dark fresh water was intimidating to say the least. I talked myself through imaginary, unseen creatures and kept going back, often at night jumping into the water as it reflected the stars on its surface and made me think I was jumping into the universe.
The Expedition Pass Reservoir is a great public place to connect with nature, especially in summer. Photo: John Ellis
Expedition Pass Reservoir sits in the pass named by Major Mitchell when he led his expedition through the hills in 1836. The reservoir was built in 1868 and is fed from Forest Creek and was supplemented by the Malmsbury-Bendigo water race – a feat of engineering in its day. The Res is a special place, especially in summer. On long hot days it provides many different people with a cool, free place for a dip. The Res becomes a true meeting place, for all types of people.
Murnong (Microseris walteri) in flower, seed and spent blossom. One of the wild flowers you might see at the Res in Spring. Photo: John Ellis
My appreciation of the place has deepened over the years. I still really like swimming there but will often venture to the bank opposite the car park to walk the less crowded side of the slopes. I enjoy exploring the spring wildflowers with my local flora guide and feeling the hum of life whizzing around me as the beautifully coloured dragonflies zoom past often closely followed by super fast Welcome Swallows. Once, I woke from a nap in the bush to find myself nose to short beak with a pretty surprised Echidna who then, endearingly, looked to be trying to dig its way to China in an attempt to get away.
Over the last 21 years Golden Point Landcare has initiated many enhancements to the local environment near the Res on both public and private land. This work has required strong partnerships with the government agencies who manage the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park. Their work makes the Expedition Pass Reservoir an important part of a corridor for animals, humans and otherwise to use, live in and love.
The Expedition Pass Reservoir is a shining example of how important it is that our local public land be managed effectively so as to provide a place for people to connect with nature and themselves.
You can pick up an ‘Indigenous Plants of Castlemaine and Surrounds’ flora guide for a gold coin donation at the Connecting Country office at the Hub office 14, 233b Barker St, Castlemaine (Enter glass door on Templeton St).
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