The North East Field Naturalist Club welcomes newcomers interested in the environment. Outings are held once a month. Contact person: Louise Brookerbrooker@vision.net.au or 63 560 381

Here are some recent examples of Field Nats events . For more information visit the club’s website 

BUSH FOOD DAY  –  LITTLE MUSSELROE BAY – Hosted by Dee Mills

We will walk a little and see what is possible to gather at this time of year as well as observing what is available in other seasons. After this we will all be involved in preparation and cooking; there is a large area at camp for food preparation and plenty of gas for cooking of bush food dishes. Dee has gathered acacia seed-so muffins and pancakes are a possibility. Bring your recipes and ideas so we can learn from each other. Take left turn out of Gladstone [C844] to Little M. Bay. Meet at clump of  trees on the right coming down the hill towards the beach – signed by a red arrow—10 am. Camping also available. Leader: Dee ph. 042856411

 THE SKYWALK  –  MT. CAMERON RANGE.

A 6km return bushwalk, graded ‘rough’, on the south-west peak. Mainly through trackless woodland, but includes a walk up a moderately steep 400 metre rock slab—the skywalk. No scrambling involved. Meet at 10am at the junction of the Waterhouse Road and the Old Port Road, which is now signposted, 10 km west of Gladstone. Leader: Mike Douglas  6356 1243.

 WALK & TALK WITH PATSY CAMERON – TOMAHAWK.

Local Aboriginal elder Patsy Cameron will lead an Aboriginal Heritage “Walk and Talk” in and around the Tomahawk area.  Patsy will share her extensive knowledge of Aboriginal culture, local plants and animals, and bush tucker.  Meet at the Fire Station in the middle of Tomahawk, 10am. Leader: Jay Wilson 6356 1512

BLACKMANS LAGOON.

The recent clearing of pines at Blackmans Lagoon has left a gap in vegetation cover.  Peter Hodgetts is very knowledgeable about the area and will provide a guided tour of Blackmans Lagoon wetland area.  We may also have an opportunity to  assist with revegetation of the area (subject to confirmation), so bring tools. Meet 10 am at Blackmans Lagoon. Leader: Jay Wilson 6356 1512

A ROCKY RAMBLE :  MT. CAMERON.

A short walk from the Mt. Cameron Field Study Centre to a viewpoint partway up the Wedgetail Peak Track, about 3km return, steep in places. If the rocks are dry we may go further. Bring a thermos and eats for afternoon tea at the FSC after the walk. Meet 10am. At the signposted junction of Waterhouse and Old Port Roads, 11km from Gladstone.

Leader: Mike Douglas 63 561 243.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING : 20 EDWARD STREET, BRIDPORT.

This is our one big social event of the year—not what you’d expect of an AGM. It’s our big chance to catch up with members who, for one reason or another, we don’t see very often. The meeting begins at 11am, then a shared lunch to which we all contribute, then an item of entertainment– yet to be arranged.

PLEASE NOTE : SUBS ARE DUE. $20.

HARRIDGE FALLS.

Short 1km. track to falls steep and through forest, but not dangerous if we take it slowly. We need to car pool at Weldborough, as parking near falls is limited. Longer walk after lunch a possibility. Meet at Weldborough Pub 10am.

Leader: Lesley Nicklason 0400557418 or 63736195

FEDERATION OF FIELD NATS.  GET-TOGETHER :  PORT SORELL .

Everyone is invited to a weekend of interesting activities and field trips hosted by the Central North Field  Naturalist Club. Because this is a favourite of many of our members, it will replace the normal club outing. Closing date for bookings—Tuesday 1st October.   Look for details on the second page of the newsletter [in your hands shortly]

LALLA – RHODODENDRON RESERVE AND BEYOND – BYO BBQ AFTER

This superb Rhododendron Garden is at its best this month—but beyond the planted lies the natural bush which we will explore with Sue. Turn into Lalla Road in Lilydale and the gardens are signposted at about 2.5km on the left. Meet in car park 10am. There will be a charge of $8 and $5 [concession] Contact: Sue Wilson  ph. 044 843 5012

CASCADE DAM – CASCADE RIVER.

Which route we take has yet to be decided; there are two possibilities. Meet at the caravan park on the riverfront in Derby, 10am. More information by email closer to the date.

Leader: Louise Brooker. Ph. 0417 149 244

President: Jill van den Bosch, 63 560 483 Secretary: Louise Brooker, 63 560 381.