Greetings fellow Foxies,
Being a volunteer has its challenges, but sometimes there is great pleasure and achievement.
I had one of these moments today in the marri picnic area in the form of a primrose spider orchid, which has volunteered in one of the most degraded areas when the Friends of Foxes Lair was formed (1999). Two donkey orchids and a brown-banded greenhood orchid have also popped up.In recent years I have planted mallees and shrubs and look forward to them prospering. Stink bugs killing seedling growing points is an ongoing problem, which I am managing by using flyscreen covers.
Being a volunteer has its challenges, but sometimes there is great pleasure and achievement.
I had one of these moments today in the marri picnic area in the form of a primrose spider orchid, which has volunteered in one of the most degraded areas when the Friends of Foxes Lair was formed (1999). Two donkey orchids and a brown-banded greenhood orchid have also popped up.In recent years I have planted mallees and shrubs and look forward to them prospering. Stink bugs killing seedling growing points is an ongoing problem, which I am managing by using flyscreen covers.
 Marri picnic area 2021 |  covers are to keep stink bugs out |  Primrose spider orchid volunteer. |
In 2003 the marri picnic area was a bogan's paradise. A crowd gathered in the centre with booze and bonfire while cars took turns doing burnouts around them. Vandalism and rubbish were rife and the concrete picnic table shown in image 1 was destroyed by sledge hammer. Trees were chopped down for firewood. The yellow arrow marks the same tree to use as a reference point when comparing images.
Image 1 speedway alley
In 2004 a laterite boulder and telephone pole barrier was created to stop vandalism and keep vehicles out of newly established walk trails that lead from this point. Alas, the telephone poles were dragged out to make a fine bonfire. The insecticide drenched logs may have shortened a few lifespans.
Image 2 2004 bonfire time
In 2005 more laterite boulders were brought in to replace telephone poles. This was a turning point for the picnic area. apart from a few minor vehicle incursions there was no more vandalism. Bogans don't like walking much.
Figure 3 Boulders keep cars out. Granite boulder 'table' added
By 2011 a Lotterywest grant funded a new picnic table and an information bay
Figure 4 New picnic table and information bay
By 2019 Narrogin shire a covered and uncovered picnic table
Figure 5 Two more picnic tables
During this time the walking trails were being continuously upgraded and marked. Hopefully there will be more grants to instal interpretive panels along walk trails and to mark out the dual-use cycle trails.
By 2024 I hope to be still around to post an image showing healthy flowering mallees and shrubs here.
By 2024 I hope to be still around to post an image showing healthy flowering mallees and shrubs here.