For Thursday 22/5, a general weed in Furness FP-11. We haven’t been there since January – but Greg has been keeping things ticking along. There is a PV “grassy knoll” which needs particular attention – possibly another cardboard suppression needed to break the cycle there. Some will remember that this is where we first trialled the mini trowels and other “mindful” approaches – cutting seed heads off before pulling them out – so as to help reduce the spreading resulting from weeding. I think we’ve made good progress – but there’s a way to go! We should think about in-fill planting for when we get a bit more rain.
Last Working Bee
Last working bee, we weeded BW-32 (near the Garie Street playground and our boardroom table) for a regular maintenance weed but including removing the Dianella caerulea which seems to be becoming a threat to the park in that and nearby areas – with new clumps spreading into the neighbouring BW-31. Small team, great work removing that and the usual suspects. Karen commented it was still a full ute load even with reduced numbers!
Andy removed one of the incursions in BW-31 and Greg had a go at sheet mulching a patch of recurrent Panic Veldt.
Karen Mudge and Sabrina Troccini performed a random on-site inspection which we seemed to pass with flying colours – well done team!
Conditions
(last updated 06:50 22/5/2025)
Thursday should be partly cloudy but cold overnight and frosty first thing.
SunSmart no longer recommends sun protection…
Rain: There is a 5% chance of rain on Thursday after 08:00 for the morning.
Storms/Weather warnings: Nothing that affects us.
Temperature: It should be a comparatively cold to mild 4-12 degrees while we work. Warm clothing is recommended for the early starters…
Wind: low strength NE becoming N, W and then SSW gradually freshening winds should prevail while we work.
UV: up to 1 while we work, so sun protection is not essential.
Cloud cover: is predicted to be 46% rising to 55% while we work.
EPA Air Quality: Good (though no data for Box Hill).
Risks to highlight
- In January, 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 