Form a Friend's Group in Mount Eliza - or Join


 
The Mornington Peninsula has an amazing range of natural environments including more than 100 Bushland Reserves (not including Coastal Reserves) still in a highly natural state. 

These picturesque and highly significant remnants of natural bushland not only provide the Shire with a greener, more open and pleasant nature, but also provide areas for people to enjoy passive recreation activities and have contact with the bush.

Mount Eliza contains over 10 Bushland Reserves that provide more than just a scenic break from endless rows of houses – they are important assets for the Peninsula and the rest of Australia by providing:
 

  • Habitat for indigenous flora & fauna
  • Heritage value –home of the Bunurong people
  • Areas for relaxation, recreation and education

Each year, more and more of the Peninsula’s native bushland is lost through increasing urbanisation and encroachment by weeds (many invading from private gardens).  As this precious bushland habitat is degraded and lost, so too are the unique native plant and animal species that call it home. 

Mount Eliza’s Bushland Reserves are small and vulnerable.  All Mount Eliza residents can play a key role in protecting them by: 

  • Joining a local Bushland Reserve Friends Group (there are currently five in Mount Eliza) and participate in bush regeneration work;
  • Record observations of birds, plants and animals – a relaxing & educational hobby that can provide valuable management information to the Shire
  • Informing the Shire of rubbish dumping or roaming cats and dogs
  • Plant indigenous plants in your garden – they require less water attract native birds and animals to your garden and mean that you are not contributing to the spread of weeds into your local Bushland Reserve;
  • Keep you cats and dogs within your property by day and cats indoors at night
  • Take green waste to local transfer station for mulching
  • Put non recyclable, non compostible, non mulchable in the bin or take it to the tip.
   If you want to actively get involved with the bush, joining or forming a Friends Group is a fantastic way!  There are currently six Friends Groups helping look after some of Mount Eliza’s Bushland Reserves.  New ‘bush carers’ are always sought after – you don’t need specific knowledge of bushland, just enthusiasm and love for the environment.  You can get your hands dirty at working bees, contribute by publishing a newsletter or  provide moral support (and cook the BBQ!). 

Help save a patch of bush for native animals and future generations to enjoy!

If you feel you would like to get involved in looking after bushland in any way or would like some information on native plants and animals, birds, weeds or anything bushy, please contact me – 

Simon Thorning
Bushland Projects Officer – Mornington Peninsula Shire
Phone: 5950 1275
E-mail: thors@mornpen.vic.gov.au

or
E-mail: secretary@meafec.asn.au
 
  Join an Active Group

Banool Reserve
Paul Cumming - 9787 5802

Friends of Earimil Creek Reserve
Carol Shelton - 9775 4908

Williams Rd Beach Group
Anne Scholes - 9787 7228
E-Mail: scholes@alphalink.com.au

Mount Eliza Coast Care
Ms Jill Anderson - 9787 3615 
E-Mail: coastcare@meafec.asn.au

Friends of Moorooduc Quarry Flora and Fauna Reserve
Gerard McDonald - 9775 2507
E-Mail: cmcdona@iinet.com.au.