Access to Stringybark Reserve is via the gateway next to Arnica Cir. (Arnica Cir. is a new road that's part of the adjacent housing development - if it's not showing on your map, head along Verbena St past the school to find it). Please don't climb through the fence from the oval!
**As always when bushwalking, please wear long pants and keep an eye out for snakes!**
Stringybark Reserve is a nature conservation reserve that forms part of the 'Wodonga Retained Environmental Network' (WREN), which permanantly protects areas of high conservation value in the Baranduda and Leneva urban growth zone. The grassy woodland vegetation within the reserve contains many large old trees that provide important habitat (nesting hollows in particular) for at least two threatened animal species that are known to occur here: the Squirrel Glider and the Brush-tailed Phascogale (or Tuan).
Look up and see if you can spot the nest boxes that have been placed in some of the trees throughout the reserve. These boxes provide further nesting places in addition to the naturally occuring tree hollows. Depending on the size and placement of the entrance hole of a nest box, it will suit different species. In addition to the Squirrel Gliders and Brush-tailed Phascogales, other animals that may use the boxes could include Sugar Gliders, possums, microbats and parrots. For many years, volunteers with the local landcare group have been building and installing nest boxes in parks, reserves and roadside vegetation across the Baranduda area to help conserve native wildlife. Needless to say, please do not disburb any of the nest boxes.
You'll also notice that the large trees usually have many fallen branches under them, which provide important habitat for ground-dwelling animals.
Enjoy this beautiful spot!
FTF: Congratulations sniffadogz!