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2023
Handweeding on a Sunday at Strettle Wetland 27th April 2023
The first of our Strettle events for the year - handweeding to prepare for later planting events..
Merri BirdWatch report - February 2023 27th April 2023
Read about the birds and other wildlife we spotted in our February bird survey..
More seats along the Merri Creek Trail 27th April 2023
The seating project funded by Merri-bek council is underway..
Protecting the ‘sensitivity and importance of the Merri Creek corridor’ 27th April 2023
VCAT recently upheld the Merri-bek Councils decision to reject the planning application for seven 3 storey townhouses adjoining the Merri Creek parklands at 38 Harrison Street Brunswick..
Recent land acquisitions for marram baba Merri Creek Regional Parklands 27th April 2023
Two important land purchases by the state government to add to the marram baba Merri Creek Regional Parklands..
Along the Creek in Waring 26th April 2023
Read about the change of season along the Merri..
Darebin's cat curfew - is it working? 26th April 2023
Local groups are joining together to gather data to contribute to an assessment of the Darebin Cat Curfew, introduced in 2021. More eyes on the streets are needed, to add to the data bank..
Paying the rent 26th April 2023
FOMC pass on $1 of each membership fee to Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation’s Narrap team..
Upper Plenty Merri Catchments Landcare Group 26th April 2023
Working with locals on weed control techniques and revegetation projects.
The Merri in East Brunswick - summer meanderings 15th March 2023
Regular birdwatcher, Arimbi Winoto has written this evocative piece on her journeyings along the creek in summer. Its a time of reflection, as we proceed through autumn..
Upper Merri Landcare news 24th January 2023
Chris Cobern, Upper Merri Landcare Facilitator, is being kept busy supporting active groups of the Upper Merri catchment. Ranging from well established - to just new, they are all working to preserve precious remnants and develop habitat. .
Securing the southern populations of the Growling Grass Frog in the Merri Catchment 20th January 2023
The increase in urbanisation in the Merri catchement has affected populations of the Growling Grass Frog. Now listed as Vulnerable, plans are afoot to address the habitat and connectivity needs for the remaining frog populations to survive and grow. Supported by the Growling Grass Frog Trust, a range of locations and projects have been identified to asdvance the project. Yasmin Kelsall spoke on her work for the GGF at our 2022 AGM..
Frogs at contaminated wetlands along the Merri Creek 19th January 2023
There are many constructed wetlands along Merri Creek, capturing and filtering runoff before it enters the Creek. These sites with increased water levels are ideal habitat for frogs – however, their role as a filtration device means that they can also be sites of more intense concentration of heavy metals. They can become ecological traps – rather than ecological havens. Mavi proposes design solutions to help to reduce frog species exposure to these contaminated wetlands. .
Over the fourteen years from November 2008 to September 2022, Friends of Merri Creek bird surveyors have submitted 520 checklists to the global database eBird, across our ten regular survey sites. A total of 151 species has been recorded – quite impressive for an urban/per-urban waterway. Around 90 to 100 species have been recorded each year. On our November round of surveys, a total of 62 species was seen. Merri BirdWatch Report - November 2022 19th January 2023
Over the fourteen years from November 2008 to September 2022, Friends of Merri Creek bird surveyors have submitted 520 checklists to the global database eBird, across our ten regular survey sites. A total of 151 species has been recorded – quite impressive for an urban/per-urban waterway. Around 90 to 100 species have been recorded each year. On our November round of surveys, a total of 62 species was seen. .
Merri Park Wetlands 19th January 2023
The Friends of Merri Park are an active group caring for the wetland and surrounds with regular working bees. Read on to hear of their activities in 2022 and their plans for 2023..
Nick Williams, FOMC President, reflects on 2022 19th January 2023
The President spoke of the Friends new membership system and the new format (this very one!) for the Merri Growler, involvement in the development of the Merri Merri Parkland strategic plan and the Friends work around the Federal and State election. He also canvassed some of the ongoing issues the Friends need to continue to work on..
Vote early, vote often...vote Merri 19th January 2023
When American gangsters coined the phrase, they probably didn’t have in mind the opportunity we got in 2022 to vote often for the health of the Merri Creek. But such was the timing of Federal and State elections, that within the space of 6 months we could tell our elected representatives what was required to continue the forty-year, community-led project of protecting and restoring our beloved waterway. .
The health of the Merri - a journey into which future? 4th January 2023
The Friends organised an expedition to explore some of the gems of the catchment, hear about the impact of planning decisions and learn some more of the issues confronting Merri Creek. Finishing up in the north of the catchment, the group heard of the vision for the wallan wallan regional parkland incorporating Herne Swamp, burrung buluk and the volcanic cones from the ancient past. .
2022
Wednesday volunteers at Iramoo Court 11th October 2022
The Wednesday Volunteers spent their September session weeding at Iramoo Court, Fawkner. Another report from Gerry, our man in the field..
Prospectus for the Victorian state election 5th October 2022
The Friends have developed a Prospectus we have shared with candidates for the Merri Creek electorates in the upcoming state election. .
Platypus in the Merri - the work continues 26th September 2022
Under a grey sky, on the evening of 18 September, thirty people attended an event organised by the Australian Conservation Foundation and the Merri Paddle at Dights Falls, hoping to sight the elusive platypus. .
Northern Trails strategy 5th September 2022
Much anticipated developments in Northern Melbourne's trail infrastructure are moving closer. .
$1.2 million is a good start 23rd August 2022
Good news on funding announced to investigate options for improving the Lower Merri Trail..
marran baba Merri Creek regional parklands consultation 9th August 2022
The consultation period for the proposed parklands ends on 16 August. We encourage all our Friends to make a submission - through an online survey, or your own response. Read on for more information on the considerations we believe are important for the parklands to realise their potential both in terms of providing biodiverse habitat and strong ecological outcomes and the benefits it will give local residents, having nature on their doorsteps, .
I should have done this months ago! 6th August 2022
The Wednesday Volunteers make a valuable contribution to ecological restoration projects along Merri Creek - read about new recruit Gerry Robinson's experiences at John Laffan Reserve, Craigieburn, following up on a planting worked on a few weeks before..
On this chilly morning, 35 of us gathered at Galada Tamboore to celebrate NAIDOC week and appreciate - close-up - the importance of caring for country. NAIDOC week celebration at Galada Tamboore 20th July 2022
On this chilly morning, 35 of us gathered at Galada Tamboore to celebrate NAIDOC week and appreciate - close-up - the importance of caring for country..
New Parks Victoria volunteer requirements 9th July 2022
Volunteers working on Parks Victoria managed land now require current Working With Children Checks. .
The Merri Birdwatch Convenor, ANN MCGREGOR, says that there were plenty of interesting sightings for 57 participants in the nine bird surveys in February. In the words of Tristan Best (leader at Bababi Marning), “it seemed everyone got something new from the day.” The biggest highlight at Galgi Ngarrk (Craigieburn Grasslands) was a Spotless Crake, a new species for our surveys. Birds along the Merri in Late Summer 26th April 2022
The Merri Birdwatch Convenor, ANN MCGREGOR, says that there were plenty of interesting sightings for 57 participants in the nine bird surveys in February. In the words of Tristan Best (leader at Bababi Marning), “it seemed everyone got something new from the day.” The biggest highlight at Galgi Ngarrk (Craigieburn Grasslands) was a Spotless Crake, a new species for our surveys..
Although works occurred without a permit on what is Merri Creek frontage land at 115 Trawalla Ave, Thomastown, the land is proposed to be rezoned to Industrial Zone, enabling it to be sold to the adjoining property owner. Currently it is public land owned by Melbourne Water and within the study area for the Upper Merri Parklands. Illegally occupied site to be rezoned? 26th April 2022
Although works occurred without a permit on what is Merri Creek frontage land at 115 Trawalla Ave, Thomastown, the land is proposed to be rezoned to Industrial Zone, enabling it to be sold to the adjoining property owner. Currently it is public land owned by Melbourne Water and within the study area for the Upper Merri Parklands..
Convenor of the ‘Merri Paddle,’ PETER EWER, tells us what this new group has been doing. Along with a local chapter of the Australian Conservation Foundation, North by North West, Friends of Merri Creek (FoMC) has formed a sub-group called the Merri Paddle to advocate for the long-term restoration of Merri Creek to create more viable platypus habitat. Paddling hard for the platypus - all things Merri Paddle 26th April 2022
Convenor of the ‘Merri Paddle,’ PETER EWER, tells us what this new group has been doing. Along with a local chapter of the Australian Conservation Foundation, North by North West, Friends of Merri Creek (FoMC) has formed a sub-group called the Merri Paddle to advocate for the long-term restoration of Merri Creek to create more viable platypus habitat. .
FoMC Vice President, ANN MCGREGOR, provides a brief update on the planning processes going on in the upper Merri catchment. The Victorian Planning Authority has produced a revised Precinct Structure Plan (PSP) for a new suburb to house 50,000 residents in Beveridge North West. The revised plan has two significant changes from the previous draft: the southern portion of Burrung Buluk (formerly Hanna Swamp) is protected, and a basalt quarry on Spring Hill cone is included. Plenty of plans for the upper Merri 25th April 2022
FoMC Vice President, ANN MCGREGOR, provides a brief update on the planning processes going on in the upper Merri catchment. The Victorian Planning Authority has produced a revised Precinct Structure Plan (PSP) for a new suburb to house 50,000 residents in Beveridge North West. The revised plan has two significant changes from the previous draft: the southern portion of Burrung Buluk (formerly Hanna Swamp) is protected, and a basalt quarry on Spring Hill cone is included..
Ann McGregor, Merri Birdwatch Coordinator, welcomes the return to birding in a group for the November set of bird surveys. Birds along the Merri in True Spring 31st January 2022
Ann McGregor, Merri Birdwatch Coordinator, welcomes the return to birding in a group for the November set of bird surveys..
Gabriel Aleksandrs tells about the formation of the new FoMC subgroup, LGBTIQ Friends of Bababi Djinanang, and that, despite the pandemic affecting many conservation activities, this subgroup continues to grow. New LGBTIQ Friends group builds wellbeing along the Merri Merri 31st January 2022
Gabriel Aleksandrs tells about the formation of the new FoMC subgroup, LGBTIQ Friends of Bababi Djinanang, and that, despite the pandemic affecting many conservation activities, this subgroup continues to grow..
2021
The Merri Paddle - a new Merri Creek group 19th September 2021
A new Merri Creek subgroup has been formed - the Merri Paddle. The group has formed to lay the foundations for the eventual return of the platypus to Merri Creek, by working with existing organisations to promote restoration of the creek, with a focus on reversing the damage of Urban Stream Syndrome. .
Webinar - Plirding! 6th September 2021
Another in our webinar series - exploring Plirding - picking up litter while birding..
Discover the story of the restoration of Merri Creek. Webinar - From weed infested drain to bushland haven 2nd August 2021
Discover the story of the restoration of Merri Creek..
Platypus DNA in the Merri Creek Platypus in the Merri Creek 4th May 2021
Platypus DNA in the Merri Creek .
Latest report from Ann McGregor, Merri BirdWatch Coordinator Birds along the Merri in true Spring 27th April 2021
Latest report from Ann McGregor, Merri BirdWatch Coordinator .
'Do we have a Prickly Pear problem on the Merri Creek?' Prickly Pears, a problem? 19th April 2021
'Do we have a Prickly Pear problem on the Merri Creek?'.
Hanna Swamp, a wetland just south of Wallan Hanna Swamp 16th March 2021
Hanna Swamp, a wetland just south of Wallan.
The trouble with Indian Mynas The trouble with Indian Mynas 10th February 2021
The trouble with Indian Mynas .
An active Friends group is working at Edwardes Lake. Welcome to the Friends of Edwardes Lake 22nd January 2021
An active Friends group is working at Edwardes Lake..
2020
Join the Yarra Council for a webinar on the Powerful owls in Yarra. Powerful owls in Yarra 3rd November 2020
Join the Yarra Council for a webinar on the Powerful owls in Yarra..
Whittlesea Grasslands webinar Celebrating National Threatened Species Day. You can watch our webinar Whittlesea Grasslands webinar 23rd September 2020
Whittlesea Grasslands webinar Celebrating National Threatened Species Day. You can watch our webinar "At home in Whittlesea’s Grasslands" with Michael Longmore, manager of MCMC’s Ecological Restoration Program, and Josh Cox, the Director of Reptile Encounters. .
Restoring swamps in the Merri catchment. Read the Hanna Swamp Discussion Paper: Analysing the gaps in policy and planning for wetlands within Melbourne’s urban growth areas. Hanna Swamp 14th August 2020
Restoring swamps in the Merri catchment. Read the Hanna Swamp Discussion Paper: Analysing the gaps in policy and planning for wetlands within Melbourne’s urban growth areas. .
2019
Muddy Merri troubles update 20th May 2019
Muddy Merri Troubles, continues. .
Successful community grant from Melbourne Water 29th April 2019
Successful grant from Melbourne Water. .
Nature Glenelg Trust Paper. New discussion paper from the Nature Glenelg Trust 18th March 2019
Nature Glenelg Trust Paper. .
2018
Lost land at marram baba Parklands. Loss at VCAT for Merri Creek land 14th November 2018
Lost land at marram baba Parklands. .
Win for Spry Street campaign More land for Merri Creek 10th October 2018
Win for Spry Street campaign .
Media release: migratory birds returning 6th September 2018
Read about the return of migratory birds to Merri Creek..
For more information download this document
Media Release: FoMC say it’s time to raise Merri Creek awareness & appreciation 16th August 2018
FOMC Media Release. .
Successful grants for Merri Creek projects 14th August 2018
Successful FOMC grants..
Lost VCAT appeal 4th August 2018
VCAT appeal for Thomastown site.
Merri Creek gets muddy Merri gets muddy - twice! 12th July 2018
Merri Creek gets muddy.
VicRoads land, McBryde St Fawkner Update #2 on VicRoads land, McBryde St Fawkner. 12th July 2018
VicRoads land, McBryde St Fawkner.
Funding promise for the creeks 5th May 2018
Funding promise for the creeks.
Weed Orchids SWOT-ing weed orchids 5th May 2018
Weed Orchids .
VicRoads land off McBryde St, Fawkner for sale 5th May 2018
McBryde St, Fawkner.
Murnong Gathering Ninth Murnong gathering 20th February 2018
Murnong Gathering .
2016
Darebin Council to buy Lakeside College land 17th November 2016
Lakeside College land. .
New “Help the Blue-banded Bee” crowd-funding campaign 1st August 2016
Crowd-funding for the "Blue-banded Bee".
Changes along Merri path 4th July 2016
Changes to the Merri Path .
Action on Marran Baba Seeking action on Marran Baba 4th July 2016
Action on Marran Baba .
Woody Weed Whacking Woody Weeds get Whacked 4th July 2016
Woody Weed Whacking .
2015
Protecting the Upper Merri 6th January 2015
Submissions to protect biodiversity along the Merri. .
2014
Upper Merri developments 12th May 2014
Upper Merri developments .
Improving gorge-ous views 27th January 2014
Melbourne Water River Health incentives program grant for the restoration of native vegetation at Northcote Gorge. .