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The Friends of Black Mountain is a non-profit voluntary organisation dedicated to conserving and promoting the biodiversity of Black Mountain.
Vision for Black Mountain
The Friends of Black Mountain is a non-profit voluntary organisation dedicated to conserving and promoting the biodiversity of Black Mountain.
Our vision is that Black Mountain be recognised as an icon of biodiversity in Canberra, the 'Bush Capital' of Australia.
Vision for Black Mountain
Vision for Friends of Black Mountain
Our vision is that Black Mountain be recognised as an icon of biodiversity in Canberra, the 'Bush Capital' of Australia.
Friends of Black Mountain aim to be the primary community voice for conserving and promoting the biodiversity of Black Mountain.
Vision for Friends of Black Mountain
Aims
Friends of Black Mountain aim to be the primary community voice for conserving and promoting the biodiversity of Black Mountain.
Aims
The Friends of Black Mountain is a non-profit organisation dedicated to conserving and promoting the biodiversity of Black Mountain. Its aims are to:
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Encourage interest in and develop knowledge and understanding of the natural, cultural, recreational, scientific, educational and aesthetic values of Black Mountain.
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Build a record of the reserve's biodiversity and values.
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Promote its uniqueness within and beyond the ACT region.
The Friends of Black Mountain is a non-profit organisation dedicated to conserving and promoting the biodiversity of Black Mountain. Its aims are to:
-
Encourage interest in and develop knowledge and understanding of the natural, cultural, recreational, scientific, educational and aesthetic values of Black Mountain.
-
Build a record of the reserve's biodiversity and values.
-
Promote its uniqueness within and beyond the ACT region.
Membership
Membership is open to all people interested in the conservation and promotion of the biodiversity of Black Mountain
Membership
Activities
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Membership is open to all people interested in the conservation and promotion of the biodiversity of Black Mountain
Activities
The Friends of Black Mountain Coordination Group organises a range of formal and informal activities for:
Protecting the integrity of Black Mountain and its connectivity to adjoining nature reserves.
Preserving the Belconnen Way, Caswell Drive and Frith Street approaches to Black Mountain as the main access for recreational, educational, research and conservation activities on the mountain and as a wildlife corridor.
Preserving the aesthetic values of Black Mountain.
Protecting the nature reserve for future generations of Canberrans and the nation.
Preserving the significance and unique features of the diverse range of soil biota, geology, native flora and fauna so close to the centre of the National Capital.
Preserving the ecotourism value of Black Mountain for Canberra.
Preserving the living heritage value of Black Mountain.
Providing interpretation and education about Black Mountain.
Preserving the recreational and community values of Black Mountain.
The Friends of Black Mountain Coordination Group organises a range of formal and informal activities for:
Protecting the integrity of Black Mountain and its connectivity to adjoining nature reserves.
Preserving the Belconnen Way, Caswell Drive and Frith Street approaches to Black Mountain as the main access for recreational, educational, research and conservation activities on the mountain and as a wildlife corridor.
Preserving the aesthetic values of Black Mountain.
Protecting the nature reserve for future generations of Canberrans and the nation.
Preserving the significance and unique features of the diverse range of soil biota, geology, native flora and fauna so close to the centre of the National Capital.
Preserving the ecotourism value of Black Mountain for Canberra.
Preserving the living heritage value of Black Mountain.
Providing interpretation and education about Black Mountain.
Preserving the recreational and community values of Black Mountain.
About Black Mountain Reserve
What is Black Mountain Nature Reserve?
Black Mountain Nature Reserve is part of Canberra Nature Park. It epitomises the image of Canberra as the 'Bush Capital'. Its rich diversity is a delight for local residents and visitors.
The intriguing forested slopes offer walks in the bush and panoramic views of Canberra and surrounding mountains. And it's all within three kilometres of the city centre.
Enter the reserve at Frith Road (near the ACTEW substation), Belconnen Way, Caswell Drive, Black Mountain Drive, or Clunies Ross Street and the Australian National Botanic Gardens during daylight hours to the Summit Walk.
What can I do on Black Mountain?
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Walk to the top and admire the views.
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Explore other walking paths.
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See and hear the birds; go birdwatching.
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Enjoy wildflowers, especially in spring.
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Jog or cycle along the formed vehicle trails.
How can I get involved?
Friends of Black Mountain in an energetic local community group consisting of volunteers who help protect biodiversity and landscape values for future generations. New members are always welcome. It is one of many ParkCare groups that work cooperatively with ACT Parks and Conservation Service. Activities include:
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weeding parties on the first Saturday of the month
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Vegwatch, Frogwatch, BioBlitz, and other citizen science surveysparticipation in
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conducting guided walks, including the Spring Wildflower Ramble and Heritage Festival walks
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assisting with maintenance of walk paths
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promoting Black Mountain's biodiversity locally and further afield, through public information
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Why is Black Mountain so Special
Black Mountain Nature Reserve is one of the largest and most prominent reserves in Canberra Nature Park. It is significant because of its geology and plant diversity. It is also a key element of the landscape and in the design for the national capital by Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin.
Its early Silurian rocks (Black Mountain Sandstone), formed from sediments deposited 435 to 430 million years ago, are among the oldest in the ACT. The sandstone-derived soils are very rare in the Territory. The soils along with the complex habitat support hundreds of species of plants and animals; somewhat different from other Canberra hills. There are more than 650 species of plants, including more than 60 orchids.
There are ten eucalypt species native to Black Mountain. The steep slopes of the mountain are cover in low open forest, dominated by Red Stringybark, Scribbly Gum, and Brittle Gum.
Eucalypts, Wattles, native shrubs , grasses, herbs, and wildflowers thrive in the soils that are enriched by nutrients from invertebrates and fungi in the leaf litter on the forest floor. Half of the orchid species found in the ACT occur on Black Mountain, as well as some rare plants. Birds, small and large mammals and reptiles feed and breed on Black Mountain, many relying particularly on the eucalyptus trees for nest hollows and shelter.
In gullies and on damp, south facing slopes, the variety of mosses, ferns, lichens and damp-loving plants redefine the word 'green'. The bark of the different tree species, with their textures, patterns and hues, delights artists and shows others that trunks are never paint-box brown. Up close, the beautiful colours of the wildflowers can be appreciated by walkers.
Black Mountain may be the best known mountain in Australia because of research and studies done by CSIRO and others.
Contact Us
This site is managed by Molonglo Conservation Group
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