A look at Box-Ironbark forests

Whroo Goldfields Conservation Network volunteers have sited more than 1000 nest boxes in state forests and national parks. Photo: Whroo Goldfields Conservation Network/Supplied.

WHROO Goldfields Conservation Network will present a talk on the ecology of Box-Ironbark forests at the Elderly Citizens Hall tomorrow.

Box-Ironbark forests are characteristic of forests in the Heathcote area.

Presenter Karl Just will explore specifically what makes these forests unique, their fire behaviour, and the primary threats to their ongoing health.

“Karl is a prominent Australian ecological consultant, botanist, and zoologist based in Castlemaine,” said WGCN member Leon Metzeling.

“He has more than 20 years of experience in environmental management and conservation.

“He is widely recognised for his expertise in flora and fauna surveys, fire ecology, and community-led conservation, particularly across central and southern Victoria.

Regular monitoring of nest boxes by Whroo Goldfields Conservation Network volunteers has shown they are well used by gliders and phascogales. Photo: Whroo Goldfields Conservation Network/Supplied.

“He will speak about the values of the forests, the threats and how to recover after a fire event.”

In 2009, WGCN began deploying nest boxes to provide homes for gliders and phascogales.

“There are now more than 1000, extending from Rushworth in the north to Heathcote and Tooborac in the south and west to the Kimbolton forest near Eppalock,” said Mr Metzeling.

“The boxes have been monitored over the years, showing they are well used.

“Monitoring has been completed for this season, but we welcome volunteers for next season.”

Contact 0429 168 084 or [email protected].