Nature

ONE of the more pleasant things about autumn, once the crowds have evaporated after ChillOut, is taking advantage of the remaining few weeks of daylight saving to head into town in the cool of the evening for a wander.

Making the most of a fruit harvest If you are among the lucky ones with a good home crop or access to lots of stone fruit this season, there are more ways than making jam to preserve them for long-term use.

DR RAY Spencer has worn many hats over the years. A Creswick local, he travelled the world as a forestry and urban planning professional with his young family and later as an internationally renowned forest industry expert.

AS THE days become warmer, snakes are starting to emerge from their winter hibernation to bask in the sun and search for food and a mate. Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Senior Wildlife Management officer Belinda Cant said sunny weather also meant it was more likely people would encounter a snake.

Spring plantings - Following on from last week’s column about raising vegetables from seed.

IN THE higher altitude foothill forests, the local wattles usually flower in late August and September.

IT REALLY is a wonderful fungi season in central Victoria