Trust for Nature (Victoria)

Our mission is to protect and restore biodiversity on private land across Victoria

Flora McDonald Buloke Grassy Woodland

Brolga shutterstock_1011550186

Flora McDonald Buloke Grassy Woodland

Trust for Nature acknowledges and
respects the Traditional Owners of
this land, the Wotjobaluk people

The Flora McDonald Buloke Grassy Woodland is named after Flora McDonald, the landholder who donated the property to the Trust for Nature, and the the critically endangered Buloke Grassy Woodlands the reserve protects. Once widespread in the Murray Darling Depression and Riverina Bioregions, less than 3 per cent of Buloke woodlands in the Wimmera region remain. The majority of these remnant areas are found along roadsides and on private land and are often highly degraded.

At 50 ha, this reserve represents a significant protected area for this special ecosystem.

The reserve can be visited via Burrells Road off Warlburtons Road, north of Edenhope and west of the Edenhope-Kaniva Road.

Explore Flora McDonald Buloke Grassy Woodland

Habitat

Trees within the reserve includes Grey Box (Eucalyptus microcarpa), Yellow Gum (Eucalyptus leucoxylon) and the reserve namesake, Buloke (Allocasuarina luehmannii). Beneath the trees grow an open shrubby layer with a grassy, and in some places sedgy, groundcover.

The Flora McDonald Reserve also protects a small but valuable ephemeral wetland which are a feature of this part of Victoria. When inundated, it provides habitat for a range of bird species and allows for an impressive display of aquatic and semi-aquatic wildflowers including the Broughton Pea (Swainsona procumbens) and Swamp Billy-buttons (Craspedia paludicola).

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Wildlife and plants

Buloke (Allocasuarina luehmannii) trees provide an important food source for the Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii), who feed and rely almost entirely upon trees that are producing seed from January to March.

The Flora McDonald Buloke Grassy Woodland is home to a number of other vulnerable and threated species, including the Brown Treecreeper (Climacteris picumnus), Latham’s Snipe (Gallinago hardwickii), Growling Grass Frog (Litoria raniformis), Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus) and the charismatic Brolga (Grus rubicunda).

Growling,Grass,Frog

History

The property was donated to Trust for Nature in 1999 by the former landholder, Flora McDonald. Funds were provided through the Vye Taylor bequest for the ongoing management and improvement of the reserve. Prior to acquisition the property was used for grazing as well as some limited timber harvesting.

After the reserve was protected and stock were excluded the Buloke woodlands began to recover. Shrubs began to grow and young Buloke trees, where previously there had only been large, old sentinel trees.

Flora Mac rabbits (37)

Amenities

Access: via Burrells Road (narrow width).

Flora Mac rabbits (8)

Staying safe

Our reserves have hazards that may cause serious injury or death. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care.

The reserve is closed during days declared as Total Fire Bans and/or where the fire danger rating is Severe, Extreme or Code Red.

The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including several species of venomous snake. During summer it is advised that long trousers and gaiters are worn when walking in the reserve.

Visitors to the reserve are requested to not cross any fence-lines, or venture onto neighbouring private property. All visitors are requested to stay on the marked walking trails.

Other hazards:

  • Fire
  • Falling limbs
  • Bees
  • Road conditions (Burrells Road is impassable in wet weather)
Brolga shutterstock_1011550186