On November 18th., Larry Westney, from SP AusNet, formally TXU, met with Owl Land Project Manager Clare Worsnop, Member for Evelyn, Heather McTaggert, Shire of Yarra Rangers Environment Officer, Emily Cattermole, Friends of the Owl Land & MEEPPA member Tony Sykes, Councillor Tim Heenan & M2 Editor Greg Carrick to discuss their ongoing support of The Owl Land Project.

Over the past two years, SP Ausnet has contributed $40,000.00 to the restoration and rehabilitation of the natural vegetation of The Owl Land, the upgrading of the main path, the eradication of invasive weeds growing there, and the interpretative signs.

Larry Westney was most impressed with the progress of the project and the commitment from the Community both in Mt Evelyn and from further afield. He was also pleased that we have been working with the local schools and expressed an interest in expanding SP AusNets partneship in Mt Evelyn to include their sponsorship of students
interested in the energy industry.

Year three of the Owl Land project will see the ongoing eradication of invasive weeds, more planting of indigenous vegetation and the rehabilitation of the frog breeding area, further upgrading of the main path, more interpretative signs, seating, fencing, and the redevelopment of the Hereford Road entrance to the Owl Land.

For this work to continue, SP AusNet will contribute a further $21,900.00.

Over the past two years we have enjoyed the support of many of our local businesses. Thanks to Bowens Timber & Hardware in York Road, our Owl Land trailer has been fitted out with all the tools we need for our volunteers to use on our many working Bees. Bowens helped us out with extremely good prices and even donated some items. Thank you Bowens. Thank you also to David Monks from Style Signs for sign writing and and decorating our tralier. It looks great.

Thank you to all our community members and businesses especially our hardworking MEEPPA members & Friends of The Owl Land who have helped us over the last two years. We look forward to your continued support in 2006. Anyone interested in finding out more can contact Clare on Ph.97363864 or write C/- PO Box 101 Mt Evelyn 3796

If you are interested in joining ‘Friends of the Owl Land’, or just finding out about it, now is the time!
The Owl Land links Hereford Road and the Warburton Trail, and there are regular working bees along this reserve to keep it clean from rubbish and weeds. Working bees also include tree planting and track maintence.
M.E.E.P.P.A. have just produced a brochure for Friends of the Owl Land which you can pick up from Community Link, Morrison on the Park, and the Library. It gives information about where you can find the Owl Land, how you can help, and becoming a member.