Calendar

The Current Calendar (below) includes FoG and related activities. To be kept fully up to date with FoG activities, become a member, get the newsletter and if you have email access you'll also get the FoG E-bulletin with all the latest news and information. If you have queries about any of the activities below, contact the person nominated, or Contact Us.

FoG visits many private or public properties during the year to assist in plant identification and management issues. These visits usually do not appear in the FoG program because we may not know what to expect at such sites and because they are usually arranged at short notice. If you are interested in participating in property visits, Contact Us.

Please advertise this information amongst your friends and networks and support our activities.

Non FoG members are welcome to participate in FoG events.

For any FoG activity you should register with the indicated contact, who can assist with directions and possibly car pooling. By registering you assist us to organise any catering and provide you with any other information that you may need, including late changes. For all FoG activities please supply your emergency contact person's details when registering.

Calendar

Summary of upcoming FOG Events

Wed 8 Mar 5:30 for 6:00pm, FOG Annual General Meeting, Conservation Council, Barry Drive. Registrations & apologies: secretary@fog.org.au

Fri 17 Mar 5pm, Bat activity, Wandiyali, Googong area. Register:margaret.ning@fog.org.au

Thurs 6 Apr 9am – 12noon, Rescheduled Ginninderry Conservation corridor tour hosted by Ginninderry Conservation Trust.  Register: margaret.ning@fog.org.au

Summary of upcoming FOG Work parties

National Lands Group. Register: jamie.pittock@fog.org.au

Budjan Galindji (Franklin Reserve). Register: margaret.ning@@fog.org.au

Hall Cemetery.  Register: john.fitzgerald@fog.org.au

Top Hut. Register: margaret.ning@fog.org.au

Summary of Notices

Petition to save Canberra Grassland Earless Dragon from north road

A special plea to support Canberra Grassland Earless Dragons from the proposed road north of the airport. See Notices for further details. Please read and consider carefully - it is easy peasy!

2023-2024 ACT Environmental Grants Program.  Applications CLOSE. Friday 31 March 2023

More information on how to apply and the program guidelines.

Details of FOG Events

Wed 8 Mar 5:30 for 6pm, FOG Annual General Meeting, Conservation Council offices, Unit 14/26 Barry Drive, Ground Floor, Lena Karmel Lodge. Registrations & apologies: secretary@fog.org.au.

Fri 17 Mar 5pm, Bat activity, Wandiyali, Googong area.  Register:margaret.ning@fog.org.au.

Thurs 6 Apr 9am – 12noon, Rescheduled Ginninderry Conservation corridor tour hosted by Ginninderry Conservation Trust.  Register: margaret.ning@fog.org.au

Early warning of FOG future events

Nil

Events and dates are indicative and may be subject to change. Details will be advised as more information is available.

Details of FOG work parties

Registration

Participants need to register for these events at least two days before the event, to confirm details of the starting locations or any last-minute changes. Note: work includes weeding, planting and rubbish removal. Herbicides are often used so these events are not suitable for young children. Tools are provided.  You need to wear gardening clothes (including hat) and solid footwear appropriate for the work and the weather, and bring your own drinking water. The work party convener may provide morning tea, making these pleasant social occasions. Events will be cancelled if the weather is unsuitable: a) the forecast is 35 deg C+, b) it is a total fire ban day, c) there is lightning, d) air quality is hazardous, or e) heavy rain.

National Lands Group - Inquiries and registration: jamie.pittock@fog.org.au

FOG’s National Lands Group is responsible for work on National Lands (Gurubung Dhaura /Stirling Park, Scrivener’s Hut, State Circle, Blue Gum Point & Yarramundi Grassland) managed by the National Capital Authority and Blue Gum Point managed by ACT Transport Canberra and City Services (TCCS). Work parties with 10 to 30 participants held on Saturday mornings between 8:30 am and 1 pm unless otherwise stated:

Saturday 11th March, 9:00 to 12:30 pm – Blue Gum Point & Attunga Point: Big woody weed slaying day #2

FOG’s National Lands Group is responsible for work on National Lands (Gurubung Dhaura /Stirling Park, Scrivener’s Hut, State Circle, Blue Gum Point & Yarramundi Grassland) managed by the National Capital Authority and Blue Gum Point managed by ACT Transport Canberra and City Services (TCCS). Work parties with 10 to 30 participants held on Sunday mornings between 8:30 am and 1 pm unless otherwise stated:

Budjan Galindji (Franklin Reserve) - Inquiries and registration: margaret.ning@fog.org.au.

The Budjan Galindji (Franklin Reserve) Parkcare Group is organised by FOG and ACT Parkcare. Work parties have largely focused on plant identification and removing weeds, and some planting of grasses and forbs is planned. We are working closely with Ranger Stephen. This is a great opportunity for participants in the group to learn about grassland plants and weeds and their management, and more generally how to restore our precious grasslands, including selecting, growing and reintroducing plants.  Work parties are from 9-11.30am on the first and fourth Wednesday of the month.

Hall Cemetery - Inquiries and registration: john.fitzgerald@fog.org.au.

FOG has held regular work parties at Hall Cemetery since 2009, aiming to remove weeds and restore the native grasses and wild flowers that were once present. Work parties are held from 9am-11am. You need to bring your own working tool, and dress sensibly.

Top Hut TSR, near Cooma, NSW.  Contact: margaret.ning@fog.org.au.

Scottsdale Monitoring.  Inquiries & contact: linda@xamax.com.au.

Details of Notices

Petition to save Canberra Grassland Earless Dragon from north road

On 15 Feb, FOG released a special events bulletin advertising a Friends of Grasslands and Conservation Council evening on the threat posed by a road through Canberra Grassland Earless Dragon habitat north of Canberra Airport. The evening was well attended, and thanks to those who attended and FOG members more generally for your support.

I am now asking your further support by signing a petition to various ministers, namely Tanya Plibersek, Catherine King and Kristy McBain and Member for Canberra Alicia Payne to urge them to protect the Canberra Dragon from the proposed road through their habitat.

The Conservation Council has made this easy - go to https://conservationcouncil.org.au/blog/2023/02/10/cbr-dragon/. You will find an explanation from Matt Whitting, FOG member leading FOG’s advocacy on this issue, and instructions on the email that you might send. It is all too easy. Please take a little time to do this.

Jamie Pittock, FOG President

2023-2024ACT Environmental Grants Program.  Applications CLOSE. Friday 31 March 2023

More information on how to apply and the program guidelines. 

The Australian Capital Territory, while small geographically, is rich in environmental assets, values and significance. The many reserves, parks, urban green spaces and rural lands offer protection for important local species and ecosystems. The community can play an important role as stewards helping to conserve, promote and protect these environmental values.  The ACT Environmental Grants Program supports and empowers the community to fulfil this stewardship role. The program provides an opportunity for the community to address environmental issues they are concerned about, to restore and conserve natural places that are special to them, and to engage other community members to do the same.
Grants are available in one of three streams:

Please advertise these events among your friends and networks. Non FoG members are welcome to FoG events. For inquiries or if you have an item to include, please Contact Us