The beginning of 2017 has been very challenging for many at the nursery as we come to terms with the death of a number of members and volunteers.

Bill Jones died on Boxing Day at 97 years of age. Bill had been a regular volunteer on a Wednesday morning for many years up until 2008. He also volunteered at Loughies Bushland working bees for many years.

Lola Mensch died on January 7^th at 93 years of age. Lola & her late husband Charlie had been involved with the nursery almost since its inception back in the early 1990’s. Lola was a regular Friday morning volunteer at CRISP up until just before Christmas this year. Lola has put in many hours of volunteer environmental work both at the nursery, FJC Rogers reserve, Karwarra Gardens and Cranbourne Botanic Gardens.

We will miss Lola’s quiet, gentle manner and plant expertise around the nursery on Friday mornings.

On 13^th January Jim Yarra died at 76 years of age. This was sudden and unexpected and a big loss to all who knew Jim. Jim and his wife Pam have been involved in the nursery and Heathmont Bushcare for many years. Our thoughts are with Pam and her family at this difficult time.

On Wednesday 25^th Jan at 7pm we will be meeting in the tearoom at the nursery for a seed cleaning evening. We will be preparing collected seed for storage and sowing whilst enjoying good company and supper.

Our AGM has been booked for Thursday March 2^nd at 7.30pm. It will be held at Maroondah Federation Estate, Greenwood Ave Ringwood. Our guest speaker for the meeting will be Craig Mauger – Bushland Team Leader for Maroondah City Council. All committee positions become vacant as of the AGM and, as a number of existing members will be retiring, there is opportunity for new members to join the committee. If you would like information about committee roles please contact one of the current members or the nursery.

The following information has come from Nelly Belperio, Environmental Planner, Maroondah City Council

Earth Hour event – vote for your preferred workshops

 This year is the 10th anniversary of Earth Hour, with it to take place on Saturday 25 March.

Council will be hosting a number of workshops to provide information on sustainable living, including gardening, transport and making sustainable changes to your home.

We are asking the community to tell us what type of workshops they would be interested in attending by choosing your top 3 topics from the categories of sustainable gardening; sustainable transport and sustainable living.

Complete the survey

Together we want to create a healthy planet for future generations. The survey closes on Friday 3 February