Meetings are held from time to time. The Annual General Meeting is held in February. Meetings are usually scheduled to coincide with working bees, although they can also be held at the Lutheran Church at Pasadena or the Eden Hills Uniting Church Hall, when we can arrange a guest speaker. Contact the Secretary for details of the next meeting.

Working bees are held on the first Saturday of each month at 9.00 am. A sign on the gate at Ayliffes Road will let you know where the work site is for the morning. When the forecast temperature for a working bee morning is above 32oC, or a fire ban for the Mt Lofty Ranges has been issued, the working bee will not be held on that day.

Next AGM: February 2010

Next Working Bee is Saturday, 6 February

NB: additional working bees are held on the third Saturday of each month, April-September

Current Issue of the DEH's electronic Volunteers' Newsletter: "The Link"

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Local News

Vegetation Management Plan

As you may be aware I have taken on the task of recasting the Native Vegetation Management Plan I put together for Shepherds Hill a couple of years ago into the format used by DEH for Vegetation Management Plans. The DEH format is very much dependent on the concept of Vegetation Management Units (VMUs) and so, before I can make much progress, we need to get agreement on what VMUs are and how the park should be divided up into them.

Based on a very superficial survey of the park, the attached document (click here) ( 272 Kb) is a proposal to divide the park into eight VMUs mainly geographically and to propose some priorities for our work and that of our contractors and also for DEH contractors. I'd like your feedback on

1. whether you think this is a sensible way to divide up the park and, if not, what alternative you would prefer

2. whether you agree with the proposed priorities and, if not, what alternative you would suggest.

If you could give this some thought during the Christmas break and give me your feedback early in the New Year, I would appreciate it.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Cheers,

Alan

December Working Bee/Blackwood Christmas Pageant

The next and last working bee for the year will be on Saturday 5 December. Meet at the Ayliffes Road car park at 8.50 am. We'll continue our assault on the olives in the Grey Box grove to the south of the triangle.

If you have tomorrow evening free (Friday 4th) and would like to be part of our entrant in the Blackwood Christmas Pageant, we form up on Gulf View Road, adjacent Hungry Jacks and are float number 57. Be there by 6.30 pm.

November Working Bee

The next working bee is on Saturday 7 November. Meet at 8.50 am at the Ayliffes Road car park. We'll continue to work on the olives among the grey box stands on the hillside south of the triangle.

Also, don't forget our tenth anniversary lunch on Saturday 14 November.

03/11/2009

October Working Bee

The next working bee will be on Saturday 17 October. Meet at the Ayliffes Road car park at 8.50 am. The main activity will be to continue olive control in the grove of Grey Box above the triangle area.

11/10/2009

10th Anniversary

Current and former members are invited to an event on 14 November. For details and to RSVP by 7 November

click here.
28/09/2009

October Working Bee

Just a reminder the next working bee will be on Saturday, 17 October.
28/09/2009

September Working Bee #2

The next working bee will be on Saturday, 19 September. Meet at the Ayliffes Road car park at 8.50 am. We'll be continuing follow-up in the triangle area and pushing ahead with olive control in the stands of Grey Box on the hillside to the south of the triangle. The trailer will be located on the flat part of the Ridge Track halfway up the hill.

15/09/2009

The Friends of Shepherds Hill is 10 Years Old

Our tenth anniversary celebration is being planned for Saturday, 10 October. Details will be provided shortly.

30/08/2009 September Working Bee #1

Our next working bee will be on Saturday 5 September. Meet as usual at the Ayliffes Road car park at 8.50 am. We will be doing follow up work near the creek line and the trailer will be parked on the Viaduct Track beyond the ford.

There will be a Committee Meeting at the President's home at Eden Hills immediately after the working bee and members are welcome to attend. Please let Robyn know if you plan to attend.

Finally, note that, as the first Saturday in October is on the long weekend, the October working bee will be on the third Saturday, 17 October.

30/08/2009

Working Bee #2- August

Our next working bee is on Saturday 15 August. Meet as usual at the Ayliffes Road car park at 8.50 am. There is still some follow-up work required on olive regrowth in the triangle area and we can press on with olive control among the grey box stands on the hillside to the south of the triangle.

Hope to see you all there.

14/08/2009

Working Bee - August

Our next working bee is on Saturday 1 August. Meet at 8.50 am in the Ayliffes Road car park. We'll be working in and near the triangle area doing follow-up on olive regrowth and other weeds and spraying bridal creeper if the weather is OK.

29/07/2009

Friends of Parks Inc Awards

Just a reminder that both the DEH and Friends of Parks Awards are open for nominations and that they close on Monday 17th August. Considerable work has gone into making the nomination process as simple and straightforward as possible and you are encouraged to give some thought to who or what you'd like to nominate for recognition in 2009.

Full details of all awards, eligibility criteria and nomination process have been sent to your group but should you require further information it is available from the Volunteer Support Unit. The following are the Friends of Parks Awards available this year:

- Best Biodiversity Project

- Friends Group Achievement of the Year

- Most Supportive Liaison Ranger/Volunteer Support Ranger/Staff Member

Nature Foundation (SA) has once again generously agreed to sponsor these awards and there will be a $700 prize for the winner of each category. We thank the Foundation most sincerely. In addition it has been agreed that the McLaren Shield, so generously donated by Patron Verne McLaren, AM will be awarded to the winners of the Friends Group Achievement of the Year. This is a most prestgious award and on behalf of all members we extend our thanks to Verne and wife Jean for their continued support over many years.

Awards will be presented at the Friends' Forum dinner to be held on Saturday 31st October at Sunnybrae Farm, Regency Park. If you haven't registered please consider doing so now and book early to avoid disappointment.

29/07/2009

July Working Bee #2

Our next working bee is on Saturday 18 July. Meet at the Ayliffes Road car park at 8.50 am. As it is the second working bee in the month, we will be working away from the triangle area. We'll be working in the sheoak area near the western boundary of the park close to the junction between the Ridge and Walkers Creek tracks.

15/07/2009

July Working Bee #1

Our next working bee is on Saturday 4 July (American Independence Day). Meet as usual at the Ayliffes Road car park at 8.50 am. We'll be working in and around the triangle area to get the remaining clump of olives and to follow up on seedlings and regrowth.

Our last working bee was shortened due to rain and, while showers are forecast for Saturday, we'll hope that they don't arrive until the afternoon.

Hope to see you there!

01/07/2009

Working Bee - 20 June

Meet as usual at the Ayliffes Road car park at 8.50 am. We'll be working around the rocky outcrops part way up the hill off the Ridge Track.

16/06/2009

Phytophthora Workshop #2

The Department for Environment and Heritage Conservation Policy & Programs is presenting a free seminar for DEH staff, Natural Resource Management Board Officers, Natural Resource Officers and Friends of Parks volunteers to learn even more about plant dieback and root rot caused by Phytophthora - at Morialta Resource Centre, Woodforde on Wed 23 July, 2009. For information and to register click here.
15/06/2009

Phytophthora Workshop

The Board's Land Management Program is presenting a free seminar for landholders, bushwalkers, revegetation consultants, volunteers and staff of conservation parks to learn more about plant dieback and root rot caused by Phytophthora - at Norton Summit, 13 June, 2009. To register

click here.
19/05/2009 Some Good News

Ranger Jen Pitman advises as follows: I'm very pleased to let you know that the Southern Lofty District has been successful in its application to the Native Vegetation Council for its Significant Environmental Benefits grant funding. We have been allocated the full amount we requested, a total of $39,600.

Funding has been allocated to current programs on sites conserving threatened species or vegetation communities. More details are to come, but as a summary:

Aldinga Scrub Conservation Park - Bridal Creeper and Vehlt Grass $2200

Belair National Park - Woody Weeds $11800

Cleland Conservation Park - Blackberry, Woody Weeds and Giant Cane $5600

Mark Oliphant Conservation Park - Erica $2200

Scott Creek Conservation Park - Blackberry, Woody Weeds and Bridal Creeper $6400

Shepherds Hills Recreation Park - Woody Weeds $2200

Sturt Gorge Recreation Park - Woody Weeds $5800

Totness Recreation Park - Woody Weeds $1200

Onkaparinga River National Park - Texas Needle Grass $2200

Thanks to all of the people that assisted putting this together!

18/05/2009

Letter from the Friends of The Parks

The President of The Friends of the Parks, David Mitchell advises "a letter has been sent to Minister Weatherill (with a copy to the Premier) regarding proposed budget cuts in DEH. The contents are self-explanatory and follow an earlier letter sent to the Premier (& Minister) asking for rangers and field staff to be quarantined from any projected budget cuts. These are issues I have discussed with both the CEO and the Minister who are themselves what might be called "players in a larger whole of government game" being controlled from Treasury.

Make no mistake, the situation is very serious and cuts appear almost inevitable. To Friends of Parks who daily see the deterioration of our natural heritage it seems ridiculously shortsighted to be even contemplating cuts to the state's leading service delivery agency. Unfortunately the global financial crisis is affecting much more than the economy and the labour market, in my view it is distracting governments from the longer term environmental issues that affect us all.

Collectively Friends can and do make a difference. Normally we devote our energies to the various activities our groups were established to perform. We weed, plant seedlings, eradicate all sorts of nasty pests, care for wildlife, restore buildings and a whole myriad of other tasks. I believe that it's now time, sensibly and responsibly, to flex some of our political muscle and advocate the importance of our work and our relationship with an already under-resourced Department. Premier Rann has himself asserted the right of volunteers to speak out on issues of community concern and this surely is something that affects all South Australians.

Let your local member of parliament know how important it is, at the very least, to maintain staffing levels in DEH, especially those parts of the organisation that impact directly on service delivery. The Friends of the Botanic Garden (an independent group) have started actively lobbying in this regard and I suggest that we do the same. In doing so I urge you to act responsibly and with due care; be factual in any approaches that you make. It would be my preference that any public statements from Friends of Parks come from the Board and myself but as volunteers you have every right to make your views known. In doing so remember the importance of our work and our relationships with the staff of DEH; above all else maintain your passion.

18/05/2009 May Working Bee #2 Reminder

Just a reminder of the working bee this Saturday. Meet at the Ayliffes road car park at 8.50. We'll be planting trees on the north facing slope below the Ridge Track in the open spaces between the olives. We're hoping for a good roll up so we can get as many trees planted as possible.

15/05/2009 May Working Bee #2

This is advance notice that the main activity at our next working bee on Saturday 16 May will be planting trees on the north-facing hillside below the Ridge Track in the clear spaces between the olives. This is essentially where we planted our last trees, but, thanks to the rabbits and weather, only a handful of those survive.

We have about 150 trees to plant and we'd like a good turnout to prove that, once again, many hands make light work. So please put it in your diary or on your calendar.

04/05/2009

Get in quickâ€¦Register for free Volunteers Day Concert now!
The Minister for Volunteers, Hon Tom Koutsantonis MP, is hosting the annual Volunteers' Day concert at the Adelaide Festival Theatre on Monday 8 June, the Queen's Birthday and Volunteers' Day public holiday in South Australia.

Staged in collaboration with the Adelaide Cabaret Festival Centre, with Peter Goers from 'ABC Radio 891' as MC, the concert will feature the Vice-Regal address, two spectacular performances direct from the Festival program, Cabaret ticket giveaways and more.

Prestigious Volunteers' Day awards will also be presented on the day to recognise the outstanding contribution of volunteers in our State. Awards to be presented include the 2009 Premierâ€™s Business Awards in Volunteering, Joy Noble Medal and the community project award, The Andamooka.

All volunteers in South Australia are eligible to attend the concert. Tickets are available through the Office for Volunteers on a first come, first served basis.

Register now: If you are a volunteer and wish to attend, register now by filling out a registration form, available on the Office for Volunteers website at www.ofv.sa.gov.au/news_2007.htm. Award Nomination Forms are also available by visiting www.ofv.sa.gov.au, emailing ofv@saugov.sa.gov.au, or phoning 8463 4490. Nominations close Monday 18 May.

04/05/2009

April Working Bee #2

The next working bee will be on Saturday 18 April. Meet as usual in the Ayliffes Road car park at 8.50. We'll be working in the casuarina area near the Walkers Creek Track on the western side of the park. Hoping you all had a great Easter break and are rearing to get stuck into some weeds again.

13/04/2009

April Working Bees

The next working bee is on Saturday, 4 April. We'll be working in or near the triangle area. Note that April sees the start of two working bees per month, so the next working bee will be on 18 April.

30/03/2009

Woody Weeds Removal

There's a free Woody Weeds Training event to be held by the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges NRM Board on 14 March.

The training will cover woody weed removal both on a broad acre (agricultural) scale, as well as among native vegetation

- click here for details.
21/02/2009

February Working Bee Re-scheduled

Well it certainly wasn't a day to be out in the park on Saturday, but we're hoping it will be more clement next Saturday, 14 February, Valentine's Day, and that you can come along. Meet as usual at the Ayliffes Road car park at 8.50 am. We'll be working in the triangle area and the trailer will be near the junction between the Viaduct and Ridge Tracks.

08/02/2009

Safe Chemical Handling

You may remember that the Safe Chemical Handling session for last August was deferred. The new date is now: Saturday 28 March, 10.00 am â€" 1.30 pm at the Natural Resource Centre, Morialta Conservation Park.

The trainers will be Dave Georg, Smith & Georg Pty Ltd.; Peter Watton, Trees for Life.They have a limit of 20 spaces. Fill in the registration form (available from the Secretary via e-mail) and make sure it's signed by the Group's President or Secretary, to secure your place.

08/02/2009

Hi folks!

The next working bee is scheduled for Saturday 7 February. Meet at the Ayliffes Road car park at 8.50 am. We will work in the triangle area or in the creek line nearer the car park depending on the weather. Note that in accordance with a Committee resolution from some years ago, the working bee will be cancelled if the forecast maximum temperature for the day exceeds 32 degrees C.

The Group's AGM will be held at 7.30 on Monday, 23 February at the Eden Hills Uniting Church, Willora Rd, Eden Hills. Further information will be forwarded shortly.

27/01/2009

Letter from President of the Friends of Parks

To: All Member Groups Best wishes in all of your endeavours throughout 2009. Each year brings a new set of challenges but the one certainty is that things are not getting any easier. Pressures on our parks, reserves, and assets continue to increase and availability of resources remains a concern to the Department and Friends of Parks alike. This only serves to emphasise the importance and value of the special relationship between DEH, Friends of Parks, and member groups. With this in mind, my Board colleagues and I have been having ongoing discussions with Allan Holmes, John Schutz, Trevor Naismith, and other members of the department executive. Minister Weatherill has also made clear the value he places on Friends as an instrument of community engagement.

Accordingly, as a joint initiative between the Regional Conservation Delivery Directorate of DEH and Friends of Parks, a stock take of the relationships between the various stakeholders is being commissioned. Independent consultant, Rob Small, from New Zealand, will conduct the stock take that will include consultation with member groups via a variety of methods. Rob has extensive experience in parks management and volunteering in a wide variety of jurisdictions both here and overseas. The overall purpose of the consultancy, which will commence in February, is to assist in improving the effectiveness of the partnership between DEH, Friends of Parks Inc and associated volunteer groups.

Key objectives of the study are: -

to enhance the effectiveness of relationships between DEH and FOP Inc and its member groups through examining the objectives, aspirations and expectations of the partners

- to assist and position FOP Inc to become a respected and valued organisation with particular regard to its capacity as a responsible advocate on environmental and heritage issues and its ability to attract grant funding and appropriate sponsorship

- to help clarify and articulate the role and functions of the FOP Inc Board and its relationship with individual member groups

- to recommend appropriate resourcing and structures necessary for DEH to improve services and support to FOP Inc, member groups and volunteers generally.

Rob will also be working with DEH on a wider frame of reference and in this context may seek input from member groups and/or individual volunteers. I'm sure that you will accord him every courtesy and endeavour to provide informed and objective input into his consultative processes.

Pending the outcomes of the stock take we have suspended our review of the Memorandum of Understanding but I promise to keep you informed of further developments as they occur. I look forward to some positive adjustments to our working relationships in the months ahead.

23/01/2009