Excursion: Saturday 9th August 2025, 10.00am,“Grassland treasures”, Baringhup

Leader: Kerrie Jennings

At our July Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club meeting, Adrian Marshall (Grassy Plains Network) reminded us that less than 1% of Victoria’s native grasslands remain and they’re rapidly disappearing without recognition and protection. Small patches remain, often with just a few plants, but knowledge of grassland species and locations is limited. 

Our first of three roadside stops to examine remnant grasslands/grassy woodlands will be at the Cnr. Hayes and Baringhup Roads, Baringhup. We’ll continue to Baringhup West where we’ll see a Pimelea spinescens (Critically Endangered grassland species) project site and visit a remnant grassy Buloke Woodland. Along the way we’ll search for native grassland plants and consider how we might value, protect and restore what little grassland we have left.

Meet: at the northern end of the Car Park north of the Railway Goods Shed, Kennedy St, Castlemaine for a prompt 10.00am departure (car-pooling as much as possible) or meet at 10.20am at the corner of Hayes and Baringhup Roads (Google Maps link).

Bring: Water, snacks, clean sturdy shoes, chairs and lunch.