So, for Thursday 23/1, we’re doing another encore in Furness continuing the long-overdue general weed in FP-11 – Panic Veldt hell in the middle sections. We’ll spend one more session there – with our final step being to add leaf mulch in the bare patches.
Last Working Bee
Thanks to Cath following on from Nicky, last week we had a go at being careful taking weeds out so as to minimise the soil disturbance as we went – trialling the mini trowels and other approaches. We continued being very mindful of seed on weeds – cutting seed heads off before pulling them out – so as to help reduce the spreading resulting from weeding.
Although progress was slower, people could see the longer-term benefits and our weeding quality improving. We’ll give that a go again this week – please BYO snips or secateurs to make ours go further… Council does seem receptive to providing more of them – but the key person was only back on Monday from leave – so there’s been a delay.
We welcomed Maddy along for first session (soon to start a Botany course at Melb Uni) and Anne returning to work with us – making the most of her teaching vacation!
Andy mentioned receiving a bite on the shoulder some time last Thursday – doesn’t sound like a redback bite given they tend to be immediately quite painful – but please keep your eye out for any suspect fauna!
Conditions
(last updated 06:30 23/1/2025)
Thursday should be partly cloudy with a low possibility of showers in the afternoon.
Rain: There is a 0% chance of rain on Thursday after 08:00 for the morning.
Storms/Weather warnings: Nothing that affects us.
Temperature: It should be a comparatively cool 14-20 degrees while we work. Nevertheless, we’ll do our best to work in the shade around the site when the sun is out.
Wind: low strength SSE becoming W winds should prevail while we work.
UV: up to 8+ while we work, so sun protection is an absolute must.
Cloud cover: is predicted to be 39% rising to 53% while we work. As a rule of thumb, clouds reflect only 20% of the incoming UV rays. However, patchy clouds can also intensify UV levels because radiation is reflected off the clouds’ edges.
EPA Air Quality: TBA.
Risks to highlight
- Nicky and Greg both spotted what appeared to be a Red-back spider just off the informal path up the middle of FP-11 on the left-hand-side near thick Tree Violet cover. Be careful turning over or dislodging timber in that area. See below for treatment recommendations.
- Bull-ants are not recorded at the site – but please watch out! …..
- Please bring water to maintain your hydration.
- Wear appropriate clothes for the conditions – a hat, long sleeves and closed-toe shoes.
- Take care near the track down from Gardenia Street – cyclists sometimes attempt the very steep section and can lose control.
- Hi-vis clothes/vests are recommended.
- There are a few stumps, bumps, branches etc that may present trip and/or eye hazards. We have some safety glasses in the PPE bag if you feel you need them.
- Take care when carrying full weed buckets – that can be heavy work!
- COVID and flu might STILL be around. Please don’t come if you have any symptoms or are potentially contagious.
According to St John Ambulance Australia, first aid for a redback spider bite includes:
- Washing the bite: Wash the bite area with soap and water
- Applying a cold pack: Apply a cold pack or iced water to the bite for 15 minutes, or longer if pain continues
- Taking pain relief: Take simple pain relief, such as paracetamol
- Seeking medical help: Seek immediate medical help if symptoms worsen, or if the pain is very bad.
Redback spider bites can be dangerous and affect the nervous system. Symptoms include: Intense pain that increases and spreads, Small hairs standing on end, Patchy sweating, Headache, and Muscle weakness or spasms.
The bite area will usually be surrounded by a red, inflamed, and swollen area that spreads out in a rough circle. It’s also common to sweat profusely after a redback bite.
Blackburn Creeklands 