Tag Archives: science

The importance of pollen pathways in Fawkner

Brian Bainbridge on Pollen Pathways at Fawkner Library

Brian Bainbridge on Pollen Pathways at Fawkner Library

Merri Creek Management Committee ecological planner Brian Bainbridge presented this talk at Fawkner Library using three plant species as examples of repairing pollen pathways to build plant and biodiversity resilience In Moreland’s urban parklands associated with Merri Creek.

“Did you know that endangered plants grow along the Merri Creek in Fawkner and Reservoir? That a rare Merri Creek lily’s sex life relies on a bee with a pitch perfect hum? Or that helping rare plants in a local parkland could help you grow better tomatoes? Learn about these fascinating facts and more in a presentation by Brian Bainbridge, Merri Creek Management Committee’s Ecological planner.” said the blurb on the Moreland Council website advertising the talk.
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Urban areas like Fawkner support endangered species

20160223-Lentini-study-endangered-species-MelbourneYes, we have endangered native species living among us in Fawkner. If you go for a walk along Merri Creek at Fawkner you might see the Matted-Flax Lilly (Dianella Amoena) which is an endangered species but reasonably common around the rocky escarpments along the Merri Creek.

New scientific research shows that 30 per cent of Australian endangered species are found within our capital city urban areas. Where we have settled and built our cities and houses has also been biodiversity hot spots. So many endangered species are still living in parkland and urban conservation areas in urban areas.
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Surveying the birds of the Merri in Winter Sunday 26 May

IMG_1101_New_Holland_HoneyeaterAutumn is upon us and another bird survey is about to take place up and down Merri Creek. Bird surveys provide useful data for mapping the changing patterns and distribution of bird species. It is one small but significant way that anyone can contribute to science. (See Using Citizen Science in Urban Bird Studies)

In Fawkner the survey will be at Bababi Djinanang (Jukes Road grasslands), Fawkner. Meet on Merri Path at end of Jukes Road at 8.45am, Sunday 26 May 2013.
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