What a glorious morning it was for a gathering of dedicated Heathmont Bushcarers, friends and family. In contrast to last year’s cold and wet day, this year we were treated to bright sunshine and warmth. During the course of the morning a great deal of activity was undertaken. In addition to the usual tree planting, weeding and mulching activities, this year we had decided to create a frog habitat in the old creek bed. To do this required the clearing of weeds, removal of logs from the area, digging the pond, laying the plastic and then reconstructing the natural look of the pond. This really was a great effort and involved some heavy lifting from those involved in its construction.

After more than an hour of work, it was time for a delicious and well earned morning tea, the raffle, guess the number of lollies in the jar competition, perhaps a sausage courtesy of the Heathmont 3rd Scouts, and two guided walks. We were again privileged to have Dr Graeme Lorimer conduct one of the guided tours. His knowledge of the fauna, flora and geology of Uambi and far beyond is extraordinarily valuable and his willingness to share it is valued greatly by all who have heard him talk. As an additional treat this year, a representative of the Wurrundjeri people also very kindly agreed to host a walking tour with little notice and gave us a fascinating account of traditional land management practices as well as uses for a variety of plants indigenous to the area.

My thanks to all who contributed to the success of the day, and especially a huge thank you to the organising committee who devoted considerable time and energy in preparing for it. Uambi is the beneficiary of the work of many people.

Now we just need some frogs!