By Hugh Rayner and Gary Payne
AT THE recent Management Committee meeting Toodyay Friends of the River were presented with a framed copy of the winning photograph from our 30th Birthday Photographic Competition. Photographer Sean Hefferon attended the meeting and spoke briefly about the photo, sharing where and how it was taken, before presenting it to President Jenny White. The photo, a dramatic low-angle early morning shot of Extracts, will be displayed at Drummond House. Pop in on a Saturday morning if you missed it at the Show or just want to admire it again.
Speaking of the photography competition, there is a rumour that TFOR will again sponsor a river category this year. Keep an eye out for further information if this does eventuate.
On April 13 a very informative and enjoyable River sojourn was held in lieu of the programmed busy bee. The tour was fabulously guided by Greg Warburton who shared his amazing knowledge as we travelled from Duidgee Park through the Toodyay Valley to Dewars Pool Reserve. It was great to see some substantial water in the pool.
Greg informed us about Toodyay Brook and where its source was at Wattening Springs just below Bolgart. From Dewars Pool we travelled along Coondle West Road where the eastern boundary of Julimar Conservation Area was seen as well as a small island of forest. We then took Julimar Road to Wetherall Reserve where we could see the riverbed without water and the positive results of the installation of a canoe launching ramp. The ramp protects the banks from erosion, particularly during the Avon Descent.
We then took River Road back to Toodyay and Pelham Lookout and Reserve to gain a fantastic view over the town. From Pelham Reserve, we travelled to Lloyds Crossing and walked from there along the river to the bird hide at Red Banks Pool and finally onto Millard’s Pool. It was really heartening to see life on the river including an abundance of water birds, bird nests and a group of about six pelicans. The downside was the abundance of wild olive trees, some of which were quite mature and will pose a problem for removal. A job for the future.
From Millard’s Pool we travelled back to Duidgee Park for lunch and discussion.
A big thanks to Liz for organising the bus and to Greg for being our excellent guide and driver. The Avon River is truly a great asset to protect and care for.
On another front, Bethan Lloyd is again working with the Landcare teacher at Toodyay school. Some of the activities this year have included counting the survival rate of revegetation plants, collecting and identifying specimens of plants, and collecting water samples from the Avon to measure salinity and micro invertebrates.
TFOR’s next activity will be the first proper busy bee on May 18. Details of the time and place will be available closer to the date. It is sure to involve some tidying and weeding, generally contributing to the well-being of the river. New members are always welcome.