Walk amongst the Woowookarung wildflowers

A SELF-guided, pop-up wildflower trail walk will introduce the public to diverse, vibrant plants native to local regional park, Woowookarung.

Set up from 10am on Sunday, 25 October until the following Saturday, it’s the fifth event of its kind, coordinated by the Field Naturalists’ Club Ballarat and the Friends of the Canadian Corridor.

Walkers will follow the 1.57-kilometre trail to spot 20 species including golden bush pea, pink bells, white slender rice flower, and heath tea-tree.

All will be identified by informational markers stating descriptions and identifying features, common and scientific names.

Field Nats committee member and friend of Canadian corridor John Gregurke said one of the wildflowers in Woowookarung is particularly rare.

“Most of the plants growing here are fairly common, but the penny-leaf flat-pea is one that doesn’t grow any closer than Mount Cole and Gisborne,” he said.

“It’s a good spot for all of the native plants around Ballarat.”

Mr Gregurke said it’s fun for the two environmental groups to collaborate and share knowledge.

“The Field Nats know all the plants, so we put the signs up and can not only educate the members of the Friends of the Canadian Corridor, but the general public, too.”

FoCC secretary Jeff Rootes said the walk is a way to attract visitors to the park, to view their local bushland differently.

“This is the park in our own backyard, and we have all these native treasures to discover. It’s an opportunity to visit, learn about the flowers and park features,” he said.

“Some species will not be familiar, so the walk brings them to the fore. They’re the little plants that matter; mother nature doing what it does best.”

In the past, the annual walk has been guided from the Wilson Street water tower, attracting 50 to 60 people. This year, it is self-guided to ensure COVID safety.

Trail parking is off Katy Ryans Road. Follow signs placed at Bakers Road corner, Dozed Track corner and Boundary Road corner.