Trust for Nature (Victoria)

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

Naringaningalook Grassland Reserve

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Naringaningalook Grassland Reserve

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

Purchased by Trust for Nature in 1999, Naringaningalook Grassland Reserve 18.3ha protects two endangered types of habitat: Plains Woodlands and Plains Grassy Woodland/Gilgai Wetland Mosaic.

Currently in northern Victoria only 0.5 per cent of the original Plains Grasslands remain. The structure and diversity of this reserve is unique in the Goulburn Broken catchment with 127 flora species being recorded, including a range of seasonal dependent species.

The protection of this reserve contributes substantially to the conservation of Northern Plains grasslands within the Goulburn Broken catchment.

All Trust for Nature reserves are closed on days of Total Fire Ban, and days of severe, extreme and code red fire danger.

Explore Naringaningalook Grassland Reserve

Habitat

Plains Grassy Woodland/Gilgai Wetland Mosaic is an open grassland with gilgai (small, seasonal wetlands) due to the reserve being a low point in the landscape. The high quality grassland contains species such as Silky Swainson-pea (Swainsona serica) (vulnerable), Woolly Buttons (Leptorhynchos panaetioide) (rare) and Spurred Spear-grass (Austrostipa gibbosa) (rare).

Plains woodland is found in the southern section of the reserve. There is a rich groundcover and sparse shrubs.  Supplementary planting of shrubs has been undertaken to improve the quality of the woodland. There are many mature species of eucalypt including Grey Box (Eucalyptus microcarpa) and Yellow box (Eucalyptus melliodora).

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Wildlife and plants

Thirteen threatened plants have been found on the reserve including Mueller Daisy (Brachyscome muelleroides) (endangered), Silky Swainson pea (Swainsona sericea) (vulnerable), Slender Milfoil (Myriophyllum gracile var. lineare) (endangered) and Rye Beetle-grass (Tripogon loliformis) (rare).

Three rare animals have been recorded: Striped Legless Lizard (Delma impar) (endangered), Olive Legless Lizard (Delma inornata) and Lace Monitor (Varanus varius) (endangered).

A number of trees within the woodland community are mature and contain hollows. Several of the Yellow Box (Eucalyptus melliodora) measure over four metres in circumference and are likely to be over 300 years old.

Naring Broughton pea Spring 2013

History

The Naringaningalook Grassland Reserve was purchased by Trust for Nature in 1999 with funding from the Australian Government. The previous owner used the native grassland to graze low numbers of domestic livestock.

Signs of the reserve’s Indigenous history are visible, with several trees having culturally significant scarring.

Trust for Nature has looked after the reserve in a number of ways:

  • improved fencing to manage grazing (which is used to maintain the health of the grasslands)
  • revegetation
  • ecological burns in 2013 and 2017
  • weed control.
Ji looking at the scar

Amenities

The Naringaningalook Grassland Reserve is located at 1259 Loofs Road, 15 km East of Numurkah

There are no amenities on site.

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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 include:

  • Remote location
  • Uneven surfaces
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