Sunny winter days make for perfect weather to head out to explore local wetlands, with the recent rain and a hint of spring around the corner seeing them come alive with birdsong and frog calls. On a recent Sunday, members of Avon Plains Banyena Landcare and the wider community did just that, heading out to the Rupanyup area on Wotjobaluk Nations Country.
Mutton Swamp is a short drive south of Rupanyup, and was originally set aside to be the town’s water supply. Brown Treecreepers, a species listed as vulnerable, were seen hopping along Black Box trees, many of which were planted when the area was declared a wetlands in 1987.
Mutton Swamp receives environmental water from the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline, benefitting local vegetation and wildlife. An Australasian Grebe met us on the water in the middle of the reserve, where the group heard from local birding expert Ian Morgan, who said that critically endangered Swift Parrots had been seen at Mutton Swamp this time last year.
The next stop was Rupanyup Reservoir, situated on the northwest corner of town, where the decommissioned water supply area has been converted into a thriving forest and space for the community.
Rupanyup Landcare member Adrian Tyler, who is largely to thank for turning the reservoir site into what it is today, lead the group on a leisurely walk around the circuit track.
Brown-Headed Honeyeaters and Singing Honeyeaters were observed enjoying a landscape filled with thousands of native trees and shrubs (both local and non-local species), many of which Adrian propagated from seed he collected. Adrian continues to undertake planting and weed maintenance of the site, and over the years has spent countless volunteer hours improving the area, including building a footbridge and spreading tonnes of gravel by hand.
After a picnic lunch at Jack Emmett Billabong, the group headed to Jack’s Track, which meanders through Black Box and Lignum toward a wetland and woodland area.
Beginning behind the old Rupanyup Flour Mill, where the first concrete silos in Australia were built, Jack’s Track is on private land that has been opened up for the benefit of community and environment, with Adrian Tyler again playing a large role in its establishment, planting and ongoing maintenance. Converted from a site that in 2005 contained only a single Black Box tree, and where a sand quarry was once used to source materials for the town’s concrete silos, it is now a revegetated wetland that serves both ecological and community purposes. A White-Faced Heron, Australasian Grebes, Eurasian Coots and Pacific Black Ducks were observed enjoying the series of dams, which help filter water on its last stop in the town’s water treatment journey, before being put to use on the local footy oval.
Weather conditions are ideal at the moment for getting out in the winter sunshine to appreciate our local environment, or to get plants in the ground, and there are many Landcare activities happening around the district that community members are always welcome to attend. The next Avon Plains Landcare event is a visit to Dalki Garringa Native Nursery in Wail on Wednesday 22 July at 10am, all welcome.
Contributed by Alana Rivera Kingston, Yarrilinks Landcare Network
- Mar 20
This Spotted Harrier (Circus assimilis) swept into our back yard on one of those 45° catastrophic days over summer. Looking stressed with an open beak, tongue extended and wings held off the body, it took it’s time before taking the plunge into the pond. So glad that we were able to offer it some refuge and relief on such a day.
A one-page community fact sheet highlighting the history, notable species, and conservation context of butterflies found in and around St Arnaud, Victoria. The region’s box–ironbark woodlands, gardens, and creeklines support both resident and migratory species.
Representative Butterfly Species
[Image: Caper White Butterfly – Belenois java]Caption: Migratory Caper White, periodically seen in large numbers across central Victoria.Credit: Australian Museum / ButterflyHouse (educational use).
[Image: Monarch (Wanderer) Butterfly – Danaus plexippus]Caption: Monarch butterfly commonly observed in gardens where milkweed is present.Credit: Australian Museum (educational use).
[Image: Eltham Copper Butterfly – Paralucia pyrodiscus lucida]Caption: Victorian endemic once thought extinct, now a flagship conservation species.Credit: Zoos Victoria (educational use).
[Image: Box–Ironbark Woodland Habitat]Caption: Typical woodland habitat around St Arnaud supporting nectar and host plants.Credit: Parks Victoria (educational use).
Historical Overview
Prior to European settlement, butterfly diversity around St Arnaud closely reflected intact woodland and grassland ecosystems. Clearing for mining and agriculture fragmented these habitats, placing pressure on specialist species. Despite this, local observation and backyard breeding have played a role in maintaining awareness and appreciation of butterflies in the district.
Key Species
• Caper White (Belenois java): A highly visible migratory species.• Monarch / Wanderer (Danaus plexippus): Garden-associated and easily recognised.• Blues and Coppers: Small, often overlooked species sensitive to habitat loss.
Extinct and Threatened (Regional Context)
Victoria has recorded several regionally extinct butterflies, including the Western Bright-eyed Brown and Orange Ringlet. Others, such as the Eltham Copper Butterfly, demonstrate how remnant habitats can preserve species once thought lost.
Why They Matter
Butterflies are indicators of environmental health. Protecting native vegetation, host plants, and flowering corridors around St Arnaud helps conserve biodiversity and supports pollination.
References
Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment (2009). Advisory List of Threatened Invertebrate Fauna in Victoria.Zoos Victoria – Butterfly species profiles.Australian Museum – Butterfly information pages.ABC News – St Arnaud community butterfly observations.