Ecology Tour of Volcanic Plains Grassland
Description
Jointly presented by Bald Hills Creswick Landcare Group & Clunes Landcare & Waterways Group, with grant funding by City of Ballarat.
Tour of a Victorian Volcanic Plains Grassland by local ecologist, Jeremy Neal
The Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plains once stretched from Melbourne to the South Australian border. Now an endangered ecosystem, the grasslands only account for less than 0.5% of their original range, with most of the land converted to pastures and cropping. The remnants largely only exist on roadsides. Grasslands are not just about grass, but also about the meadows of wildflowers that change colour through the seasons. Through this tour, we will introduce you to one of our local remnant grasslands, rich with Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra), Wallaby Grass (Rytidosperma sp.), Spear grass (Austrostipa sp.), and the wildflowers may consist of various Buttons (Leptorhynchos sp.), Everlastings (Chrysocephalum sp.), Lemon Beauty Heads (Calocephalus citreus) Bindweed (Convulvulus sp.) , Blue Devils (Eryngium ovinum), Chocolate Lilies (Arthropodium strictum), Sun Orchids (Thelymitra sp.) & Onion Orchids (Microtis sp.). Many different bugs inhabit the grasslands, often ones that rely on the unique habitat created by the soil and the sun. From Wandering Perchers (dragonflies) to the tiny Christmas Jewel Spider (pictured), get ready to let the grasslands capture your imagination.
Accessibility:
The ground is largely flat but can be uneven, with occasional buried basalt boulders. The roads have low traffic. There are no paved paths, as it is natural grassland. Suitable for children under adult supervision.
Hazards:
Uneven ground makes for trip hazards
Snakes may be present
Location / Parking:
Location is to be advised. We will select an appropriate location depending on the seasonal variation and provide an update.
What to bring / What to wear:
Sun-smart attire
Long pants and covered footwear are recommended.
Camera
Drinks/snacks (take your rubbish with you)
Want to make a tax-deductible donation to our groups?
Head to the Landcare Australia website, and enter a group name along with your donation. https://landcareaustralia.org.au/donate/
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