Secrets of the Maldon Historic Reserve
Posted on 25 January, 2017 by Asha
One of MULGA’s new exclusion plot signs
In 2015, photograph albums were uncovered in the archives of Maldon Urban Landcare Group (MULGA) which spoke of mystery. The albums provided some limited information about plots which were established by MULGA and the Castlemaine Field Naturalists between 1993 and 2006. These plots were fenced to offer protection to both the existing native vegetation and future natural regeneration from damage by grazing animals. However, in 2015 the few MULGA members closely involved in the past exclosure work were no longer around to provide details on the locations of each plot. Current MULGA members searched far and wide using clues uncovered in the albums, and after lots of time and effort managed to locate all eleven exclosures. They then held a plant identification day in September 2015, where each plot was visited and photographed, and a plant identification list for each was made by Frances Cincotta from Newstead Natives.
To start off 2017, members of MULGA ventured into the Maldon Historic Reserve to adorn the eleven plots with brand new signs. While setting up the signs, MULGA checked the fences surrounding each of the plots to make sure they were still intact and in good condition. It was also a great opportunity to explore these secluded bits of bush and do a bit of wildlife spotting, including lots of roos and one Marbled Gecko!
You can now find the locations and plant lists for the plots at MULGA’s new Connecting Country page dedicated to the project (CLICK HERE).
MULGA members setting up the new sign on the Wattle Gully plot
MULGA’s new signs for their plots were funded by the Mount Alexander Shire Council Community Grants Program. Applications for the current round of this funding are now open again until 4.00 pm on 17th February 2017. CLICK HERE to see our recent blog post with more information.
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