Three … places to get close to nature

Damon Anderson, Jasmin Casalmer, Jeff Smith and then-Councillor Peter Brown walk through Coomoora Woodland Flora and Fauna Reserve back in 2009. 37124

1. Coomoora Woodland Flora and Fauna Reserve in Serpentine Road, Keysborough, is home to the threatened swift parrot, hyacinth and prawn green orchid. The threatened grey-headed flying fox and endangered growling grass frog have also been spotted at the site. It’s ideal for bushwalking and bird-watching.

2. Fotheringham Reserve in Alexander Avenue, Dandenong, covers about 16 hectares and is adjacent to Yarraman Creek. It has one of the largest intact remnant river red gum woodlands in Greater Dandenong, and this provides habitat for many native plants and animals.

3. Alex Wilkie Nature Reserve in Mackay Street, Springvale South, hosts ranger-guided bush walks along a nature trail during spring and summer. The 2.56 hectare heathland is one of the last remaining examples in Greater Dandenong of the vegetation that once covered the whole sand belt area in and around Springvale South.