If you’re out and about along the Merri in the Wurundjeri season of porneet, you might see evidence of this season of rejuvenation and abundance as Country and its creatures emerge from the colder, preceding season of guling. Shaking off their various suits of wintery protection, or revealing the colours of their flowers, plants and animals alike are enjoying the longer sunlight hours – perhaps you are too!

Silver wattle flowering, by Jake Duyvestyn (MCMC).

Tadpoles (porneet) appear, madly swimming in the shallows of the Merri and its tributaries, soon to emerge as adult amphibians, like the Growling Grass Frog. Insects are becoming more active as the season progresses, with dragonflies turning grasslands and parklands into their playground. Wood ducks can be seen in pairs, preparing for breeding and Eastern Froglets can be heard calling.

(If you’re very observant, like two of our nature-loving ecological restoration team members, you might be lucky enough to even witness a Grey-headed Flying Fox mother birthing her babies. Our Ecological Restoration Manager Michael Longmore captured the extraordinary event – watch the video on our Facebook or Insta pages.)

For Wurundjeri people, this is the science that can be observed on Country, and which has long driven decisions such as when to plant and the timing of cool burns. Similarly, our restoration team have been responding to the changes, getting plants into the wet ground before the dry of the approaching buath gurru season sets in. Our educators, too, are busy taking children and adult learners onto Country to witness and learn in this beautiful season.

You too, can experience porneet season on your morning walks, working in your garden, or attending one or our many events, including Landcare, WaterWatch events and other community events along the Merri. We also support Friends of Merri Creek working groups – check out what’s happening in your neck of the woods here. Thankyou for being a part of the Merri Creek community!