What's on this April in the Bend!

The days are getting shorter, mornings are getting colder and the rain is blessing us with respite from the hot days. We are nearing closer to Waring (wombat season). This season brings in shorter days and longer nights, misty mornings and higher rainfalls. Waring (wombats) emerge to enjoy some sunshine, bulen-bulen (superb lyrebirds) begin courtship displays, and more and more fungi surface above ground.

There are many exciting events planned this coming month for us to gather, learn and adventure together. 

The monthly Bird Survey will take place on Sunday 12th April meeting at 7:30am at the corner of Henley and Upper Catani. Bring along binoculars, walking shoes and a keen ear for the choir of birds that bring in the day. Taking place for an incredible 36 years, the bird survey is a longstanding data gathering process. Understanding birds and their habits assists us to understand the health and function of the wider ecosystem. Come along to help out with this important process.

Come along to the Fire Station from 10:30am Saturday 18th April for Cafe Benders. Sit down for a cuppa and a slice of cake (or two) - in fact if you can, bring a treat to share it will be well-received! It’s a great time to have a chat with new or familiar faces, and exchange a story or two about what you've observed or experienced in the Bend over the past month. All funds raised go to our amazing Christmas Hills Fire Brigade, so bring some cash to splash on the sweet treats made by your local community. 

Landcare (Sunday 19th April) runs the day after Cafe Benders and is the heartiest way to throw yourself into life on the Bend. Learn about weed and local plant ID and replace your weekly gym with the wholesome exercise of pulling weeds in the great outdoors. It is recommended to bring a tool if you can, small mattock and digging tools, plus gloves! Meet at 9:30am and keep an eye out on the sign tree or your emails for meet-up location.

Make sure you get a good sleep on Friday night, because Saturday 25th April brings a day jam packed with activities!

The day will start off with the long-awaited Canoe Run.

Please note this is a community organised NOT a BICA-run event.

The paddle will begin further down the river, outside the Bend. You will need to supply your own boats, transport and safety equipment. 

Personal skills and responsibility need to be considered before undertaking this activity.

The fun on Saturday 25th April continues with the Night Event! If you can hold a note or pluck a string, we want to hear it. We suggest that attendees should bring a picnic rug/camp chairs and some nibbles. It will be held at the usual spot at the corner of Henley and Skyline roads at the 'amphitheatre'. This will be an outdoor event and weather will be a consideration, whether the event will proceed. Hopefully no rain or total fire ban.

That's all for this month! Hope you all have an incredible, joyful month ahead of you and hope to see you at one of these lovely events!

Art work by the talented local Jess Jarvie at www.jessjarvieartist.com

Prints available for purchase.