Step out to ID some trees

DISCOVER the many native tree species of Woowookarung Regional Park during a slow identification stroll this weekend.

The Friends of Canadian Corridor and Field Naturalists Club of Ballarat are leading the Tree ID Slow Walk this Sunday 27 August from 10am, meeting at the Dementia Trail entry on Katy Ryans Road.

“Within a half-kilometre area of that rotunda is just about every tree species that is in Woowookarung,” FOCC secretary Jeff Rootes said.

“We’ll be looking at the range of trees and shrubs around that area, and it’s a great way to learn about the 11 different eucalypts that are in the park, and a number of other species like acacias.

“The field naturalists are providing their expertise, so people can learn a lot more about Ballarat’s trees, and become acquainted with the sheer range that exist between the wet areas and the dry areas.”

Mr Rootes said participants will need to be mobile, but no point of the walk will be fast, so attendees can take in the information, and sights and scents of the bush, without rushing.

“It’s short sections of walking, before we stop and look at each species of tree. It’s not fast paced,” he said.

Many trees in Woowookarung are crucial to the health of the area, including manna gums, messmates, scent barks, and peppermint gums, which are key koala habitat.

“They make up the bulk of the park,” he said. “Along the way, there are also quite rare Yarra gums, which are not a beautiful tree, but have their own intrinsic values.”

Participants will be provided with a wildflower and tree guide.