35mm in October means drying conditions with the associated hazards in the warming weather of snakes and fires with falling tree limbs on hot or windy days; so please exercise due caution and common sense. Alert Emergency Services to the presence of fire immediately, please report fallen tree obstructions to us at enquiry@redgumtrack.net.au

 Good Spring rains of 83mm in September is very welcome on our large endemic planting (of 460) community day into the Reserve immediately North of the Portland Road at Henderson Street on Sunday 22nd September with ('half an inch'+ in the old) [22mm] since. Another substantial endemic planting (of 160) with the help of School children immediately South of Kenny Street is scheduled for mid October. We will be constantly mowing different sections throughout Spring to keep pace with the prolific growth.

 With 61mm of welcome rainfall in August and a reminder to exercise extreme caution during this spate of unseasonal equinoxial-like high winds by refraining from traversing the Reserve as falling trees and limbs are a significant danger that can kill. Please report evident damage and fallen obstructions to enquiry@redgumtrack.net.au.

  108mm for July is a welcome return to an average rainfall for a winter month; replenishing and stimulating growth on cold sunny days despite several sub-zero nights. Most of the fully open track remains in good condition with just a couple of sections becoming water-logged (the cutting North of Wannon and the Koroit decline North of Baulch Road), we intend to fix these drainage issues before next winter. This Spring will see substantial native planting and guarding of ~400 seedlings from immediately North of the Portland Road (Henty Highway). 'Hamiltonians' are now finding unobstructed access from Dunn Road to Portland Road, attracting walkers to a pleasant circuit near town.

 The 29mm in June has been much needed by all yet remains a low tally with follow up rains required as we 'turn-the-corner' into longer days and proceed through the bitter cold of deep winter. The maintenance of clearing fallen limbs after wild winds occupies volunteers while mowing recedes to seasonal hiatus. More sections of the Reserve have been freed from obstructing fencing with plans afoot to repair/replace two small broken bridges (next to the Glenelg Highway in Wannon & between Fairburns Rd. and Kenny St.). Be sure to read the details in the next Newsletter, keep warm.

 A 13mm rain event on the last day of May boosted the total to 22.5mm, an unusually dry entry to winter that has stressed our seedlings and witnessed tree deaths. A large Pine has died in the section between Coffey Street and Portland Road and will be removed, beware of falling limbs elsewhere also. Replacement of culverts has begun in the section between Wannon North to the Glenelg Highway with the first three of the seven done.

 With 31mm this April a tinge of green can be seen, heralding the end of autumn and the beginning of winter; with dewy and frosty mornings often followed by calm sunny days. An ideal time of year to enjoy exercising along our beautiful reserve, please be careful crossing the Glenelg Highway; we hope to have upgraded these places by next Xmas. For news about when :- https://www.redgumtrack.net.au/Newsletter.htm

 With just 1.1mm this March it remains quite dry; although a thunderstorm delivered 4.4mm on the 1st of April we missed the heavier falls to the North and East. So, the threat of fire continues along with associated cautions until we have more and substantial rains. Lightning strikes can ignite tinder dry grasses, please report observations promptly.

 With just 1 mm this February the region is tinder dry so please be very careful. Don't park your cars on grassed areas as hot exhausts and catalytic converters may ignite it; always be alert to possible fire threats, especially on windy days.
The Committee of Management is now producing a Newsletter :- https://www.redgumtrack.net.au/Newsletter.htm; so, for notifications of upcoming events, proposed works and succesful applications be sure to read about them.

 Thunderstorms have helped to deliver 58.5mm this January; if caught in one please be aware of possible flash flooding and exercise caution at the two boardwalks (McKinnon & Sandy Creeks), patience, it will soon subside.

 With the Bureau of Meteorology curiously declaring an El Niño pattern and a wetter than average summer the December rainfall tally of 87mm continues to intrigue; it has been rapidly enjoyed by our numerous plantings yet demanded much mowing while affecting the track condition little. Fortunately the CoM (Committee of Management) have recently acquired a Gravely Ride-on Zero-turn mower with volunteers maintaining significant lengths of track, thankyou. We are happy to announce that after many applications and years the Sandy Creek crossing has been installed with an easily accessible Boardwalk, there will be signage later (suggestions welcomed).

 The November rainfall total of 51mm is misleading as it became alarmingly dry for most of the month, with a four day event in 4th week which the parched earth has rapidly absorbed; lending a tinge of green to the landscape.
Yet Summer has officially arrived and the Fire Danger Period (FDP) meaning no open fires please. We wish you Season's Greetings with a welcome invitation to safely enjoy our Reserve over the holidays.

  October rainfall : 49.5mm means vigorous growth and constant mowing (thankyou to volunteers as the Committee's mower is currently being repaired). Please be aware that a few dry and warm days will rapidly increase fire hazard in the spring growth. More barriers have been erected at dangerously broken bridges in the interest of safety. The removal of the large Pine trees near the Monash Bridge in Wannon had temporarily blocked passage.
  * Please Note

  With a very dry September of just 25mm and the Bureau of Meteorology officially declaring El Niño we remind you of the need for sun protection and ample drinking water. Please remain vigilant for snakes and sensibly aware of fire danger.

 Although August's rainfall was just a very low 29.6mm the track remains impassable through the cutting immediately North of Wannon due to blocked spoon drains and the halt on ground work awaiting the determination of Arsenic levels sampling analysis. There are some damp patches elsewhere but generally the track is in firm condition. As we emerge into spring, activity along the Reserve increases with maintenence and planting Working Bees by the Committee of Management and Friends groups; which entails the weed spraying of plant sites ~10+ days before planting and guarding

 With a drastically different (to June's 146mm) July rainfall of just 49mm which could signal a volatile switch in weather pattern to El Nino; yet the track remains quite wet in sections with the cutting directly North of Wannon (~500 metres) impassable to cyclists.

 With 146.5mm of rainfall in June there are some quite sodden sections with some inundation, sunny breaks will reward those hardy souls who brave the cold. Feel free to forward any observations, questions or suggestions about activity along the Reserve via eMail :-   enquiry@redgumtrack.net.au  

As Winter is upon us please be aware of two recent concerns:

• This Reserve is a Conservation & Recreation Reserve (not a firewood coup), the removal of firewood is regarded as theft and penalties apply.
• A reminder that dogs must be kept on a leash for reasons outlined in the Animals on the Reserve Policy, failure to comply may see the Council Ranger summoned..