Strathbogie Forest Action

There’s lots happening in the forest. Visit Our Strathbogie Forest to find out more.

Have I found real truffles?

While raking up a trailer load of  well rotted oak leaf compost I discovered  these small dark potato like tubers. They were under a 100+ year old oak tree in Ruffy  township. When broken open they contain grainy black rubbery stuff that has a strong mushroom earthy aroma. I have never smelt or tasted  truffles so be not sure what to expect. Tasted a few raw slithers with no ill effect ( as yet ). They have a pleasant enough taste but nothing to rave about. Might look up some truffle recipes to truely test their flavour. Does anyone have experience of wild truffles? Do these look like the real truffles? Have I posioned myself ?

Walk the Hughes Creek STAGE 2

 

The next stage of “Walk the Hughes” is planned for Sunday August 28th, depending on weather conditions. Please register your interest in joining this adventure down another spectacular section of the Hughes Creek descending   from  Dropmore on the tableland plateau to Tarcombe on the lower country below . Contact  Janet Hagen hughescreek2@gmail.com 57 904268 or text  0458904268

Steep uneven ground with fast flowing water and slippery rocks for 6 kms but well worth the effort.

Walk report : score 5/5 for scenic beauty, good company and fine weather. Thanks to David & Susan Sleigh and Rob & Jan Hayes for allowing us access to the Hughes Creek through their impressive properties.

Happy walkers at the end of an enjoyable day along the creek .

YES I AM SERIOUS ! Soursob & Veldt Grasses are smothering our native wildflowers. Have you noticed the change along roadsides and creeklines?

Soursob, oxalis pes-caprae, is an  aggressive weeds species common to the Strathbogie Ranges. This persistent perennial herb enjoys riparian settings. Unfortunately the banks of the lower reaches of the Seven Creeks are covered in masses of this plant, mainly because the bulbs can be dispersed by water during floods.

Soursob has a severe impact on indigenous ground flora with dense infestations smothering and eradicating smaller plants. It originates from Southern Africa.

Seven Creeks – up and running

Good recent rainfall has finally seen some significant flows in the Seven Creeks. Even the weir at Polly McQuin’s is spilling over the entire wall. Strathbogie township has received 113 mm so far in June and May wasn’t too bad either (130 mm). Mind you, had Polly’s been built in 1917, it would have looked a bit different. That year, Strathbogie had its wettest June on record, a total of 321!

Some pics of the weir wall at Polly McQuinn’s, taken from on and near the bridge. Click on a pic to enlarge.

Field Foraged Fungi

A excellent crop of edible Saffron Milk Cup mushrooms is emerging in the pine forests of the Strathbogie Ranges this week. They are pretty soggy after days of wintery rain and do not keep very well. Take a walk with your fungi identification guide book and a basket to collect a tasty meal. The taste is mild, sort of nutty , piney and sweet.

We enjoyed them for Sunday lunch following an Italian pasta recipe. Our mushrooms were picked from the Penny Lane plantations

Fantastic fungi art exhibition

Everyone is invited to attend the opening of the Art Exhibition, “Artistic Observations of Fungi and the Amazing World Beneath our Feet” featuring prints, painting and mixed media works by the talented students at Euroa Primay School.

It opens this Friday May 27 at 5.30pm in the Schoolhouse building next to Euroa Primary school. Come and celebrate the visual diversity of the Fungi Kingdom as seen through the eyes of children.

Music and refreshments will accompany the exhibition which will be officially opened by Rohonda Christiannou from t he Shepparton Art Gallery.

Entry  free, no need to book.

Bring your children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

The exhibition will also be open over the weekend from 10am until 4pm on both Saturday and Sunday. Hands on Science and Art activity tables will be set up for young and old. Tea, coffee and scones will also be available for purchase.

Please come down and enjoy this one off inspiring and magical art event organised by the Strathbogie Ranges Conservation Management Network in partnership with Euroa Primary School.