The Friends of Aranda Bushland (FoAB) is a park care group established to enhance the natural ambience and ecology of the Aranda Bushland.
The Aranda Bushland is a 100 ha reserve of eucalypt forest and woodland on the southern slopes of Aranda Hill, the north side being the suburb Aranda. It adjoins Black Mountain Reserve to the east and Mount Painter Nature Reserve to the west, and forms part of Canberra Nature Park, a network of urban open space reserves throughout the national capital.
You can view and download a contour map, a map of place names and a brochure of the Aranda Bushland.
We have been active in the conservation of the Aranda Snow Gums Heritage Site, a frost-hollow below the Aranda Bushland, adjacent to William Hovell Drive, the only surviving Snow Gum patch within the city of Canberra.
Snowgums lost through accidental spray drift from spraying briars have been replaced with seedlings grown from local seed by local schools. FoAB members also undertake regular erosion control, weed control and monitoring activities.
Constitution
Our constitution can be read here.
Membership
Membership is free and open to anyone interested in the conservation of our local bushland. Members receive emails about monthly work parties and other activities. If you would like to join, please go to our Membership page
Monthly work parties
On the first Sunday of every month we have a work party, either in the Snow Gums or in the Aranda bushland. Activities vary according to the time of year.
In spring and summer, our energies are concentrated on weeding – St John’s Wort, Paterson’s Curse, wild mustard, African Capeweed and others need to be controlled so that the native grassland species have the space to grow.
In autumn we switch to the planting of native grasses and similar low-growing species. Winter is the time for repairing the walking tracks and controlling erosion in the gully.
Short summer work parties
Every Sunday, December and January
8:30 am to 10:00 am
Tasks: We need to keep on top of the grassland weeds over summer. Our targets will be mostly St John’s Wort, wild sage and mustard.
Unfortunately, there will be no legendary morning tea!!
Meet: 8:30 am at the “Environmental Work in Progress” sign on William Hovell Drive eastbound, near the stile, as indicated by the arrow on the map.
Wear/Bring: Wear strong shoes and bring water, gloves and a hat. Bring your own tools.
For more information: Contact Jenny on 0404 786 355.
Our Patch
Friends of Aranda Bushland Field Guide to the Flora of the Australian Capital Region as photographed in the Aranda Bushland (2nd ed, 2007).
The guide contains 179 plant species, 302 colour photos, two maps and an index. It was put together by FoAB members with the help of the Botanical Gardens Herbarium staff and a grant from the Federal government. It’s a perfect size for carrying in pockets and backpacks, and provides an easy-to-use- aid to identifying the flora of the Aranda Bushland.
Our Patch is available from FoAB, but can also be obtained at the Botanical Bookshop, the Uni Co-op Bookshop and the Yarralumla Nursery.
Acknowledgement
We thank BluePackets for their generosity in hosting this website.