Achievements and Activities in 2009 | 2008 | 2007
This year many interesting speakers kindly volunteered their time.
*In February, Lisa Manson and Boris Lomov, from Sydney Wildlife World, spoke about "The Importance of Invertebrates in Terrestrial Ecosystems and Ecological Restoration". Members learnt about the plant/insect interactions in remnant bushland.
*In March, Deryl Mason, a Friend of the Royal Botanic Gardens, talked about the history of the RBG, in Sydney, Mt Annan and Mt Tomah. She explained their value to society.
*In May, Peter Ridgeway, Flora & Fauna Projects Officer from the Hills Shire Council, showed us the amazing beauty of the Hills Shire and conservation challenges for private bushland with his topic: "Rare and In Danger".
*In July, Dr Ray and Elma Kearney, provided a digital and poster presentation on "Fascinating Fungi" of the Lane Cove Bushland Park.
*In September, Samantha Craigie, from Greening Australia, explained the topic "Native Seed Dynamics".
*In November, we met for a Christmas Party and also held the AGM. We enjoyed the games provided by the committee and also the lovely school garden photos.
APRIL
*Members enjoyed an autumn walk around Lake Parramatta, followed by a lunch at the café.
*We also visited the Open Garden of Black Stump Natives at Brownlow Hill via Camden.
MAY
We manned a stall at the Volunteer Expo Day at Rouse Hill Town Square.
JUNE
We took a trip to meet Nola Parry and explore her nursery called "The Wildflower Place" at Erina Heights.
JULY
We were once again invited to visit the Illawarra Grevillea Park, during its Open Days.
AUGUST
*Committee members provided information and sold native plants at the Samuel Gilbert Public School Fair at Castle Hill.
*We had fun on a winter walk at Seville Reserve, North Rocks along Hunts Creek.
*Some members enjoyed a Threatened Species Tour organised by the Hills Shire Council.
*We were invited to the Gardening Australian Expo at Homebush.
*A group outing was taken to Joseph Banks Native Plants Reserve where members enjoyed free guided walks and native gardening information.
SEPTEMBER
*Members walked a different section of Lake Parramatta, and gathered afterwards for a picnic lunch.
*We visited the Open Gardens of two of our North Shore APS members, David Chandler and Jeff Howes at Westleigh
*We also visited Glenbrook Native Plant Reserve, for a Native Plant Fair run by the Blue Mountains group of the APS. See photo for a display of their lovely plants.
*Our treasurer led us on a bushwalk at Marra Marra National Park.
*Some members toured Unique Natural Areas on a bus trip to the Annangrove Environment Centre.
*ASGAP CONFERENCE: "Australian Plants in the 21st Century"
From 26th September until 2nd October, APS Victoria had their turn at hosting the ASGAP conference, held every second year. Some of our members travelled to Geelong to attend speeches and tours.
OCTOBER
We visited the Open Gardens of Malcolm and Jenny Johnston, "Boongala Gardens", at Kenthurst. This event is held each year.
*Committee members provided information and sold native plants at the "Festival of Active Living" at Castle Hill Public Library.
*Members enjoyed a group outing to Stony Range Botanic Garden at Dee Why.
*And some members visited the Illawarra Grevillea Park, during its Open Days.
As you can see, many varied group outings were offered to our members throughout the year and we had a wide range of topics to interest us. A wonderful year!