Citriodora Reserve Outdoor Gym (Sunbury)

In an area about 100 m long there a number of gym stations.

Station #1 Fitness ladder
Station #2 Dip station (2x), chest press and leg press
Station #3 Balance steps and balance bar
Station #4 Elliptical trainer and fit rider
Station #5 Back massage (2x), shoulder rotation and arm rotation (2x)

Along the concrete path which runs along the length of reserve are a seat, table and a water tap.

The reserve is a nature reserve. Some information signs along the trail are:

Indigenous Flora at the Reserve

The Victorian Volcanic Plains bioregion is typically defined by Plains Grassland vegetation communities which are home to plant species generally less than one metre tall. There are eleven indigenous plant species in this reserve, which are native to the area and considered of high conservation significance. The dominant grass species are Copper-awned Wallaby Grass (Rytidosperma fulvum) and Slender Wallaby Grass (Rytidosperma racemosum var. racemosum).

At this reserve you might also find Berry Saltbush (Atriplex semihaccata), Grassland Woodsorrel (Oxalis perennans), Nodding Saltbush (Einadia nutans), Windmill Grass (Chloris truncata), Spear-grass (Austrostipa sp,), Kneed Spear- grass (Austrostipa bigeniculata), Blushing Bindweed (Convulvulus angustissimus subsp, angustissimus), and Slender Dock (Rumex brownii).

Other Plains Grasslands plants you might find at the neighbouring Sheoak Reserve are Kangaroo Grass (Themeda trianira) and Weeping Grass (Microlaena stipoides).

Native Grassland Ecological Site

Citriodora Reserve, as well as the neighbouring Sheoak Reserve, is located within a region known as the Victorian Volcanic Plains. Stretching from Melbourne all the way to the South Australian border, this region has a rich environmental history in which volcanic activity plays an important part. You are even standing on an extinct volcano at this very moment.

The fertile basalt soils created by volcanic activity were perfect for native plant species to colonise, which resulted in expansive areas of grassland and woodland ecosystems forming. However', due to rural and urban development these ecosystems are now classified as endangered, with less than one per cent of the original vegetation remaining.

Many remnant patches are small in size and face ongoing pressure from weedy plants, pest animals and human activity. Such impacts can cause a decline in biodiversity and affect the ability of these ecosystems to function properly.

The decline of these communities has been recognised as a significant biodiversity issue at both the state and national levels, with protections by law currently in place to help preserve these natural environments for future generations to enjoy.

Reserves that connect remnant corridors are very important to the health and maintenance of natural habitats. Land management of remnant areas like this reserve aims to maintain and enhance biodiversity while providing recreational space for the community.

Fauna of the Plains Grasslands

The Victorian Volcanic Plains is home to many animals, including amphibians, reptiles, invertebrates, mammals, and birds. At least eight species are considered nationally threatened. Some of the mammals occurring on the Plains Grasslands are the Fat-Tailed Dunnart, the Southern Brown Bandicoot and the Southern Bent-wing Bat. They can be found in open woodlands and grasslands using tree stumps, hollow logs and rocks as shelters.

Many small and medium size birds can also be found within grasslands and woodlands, including the Superb Fairy Wren, the Eastern Yellow Robin, the Southern Boobook and the Tawny Frogmouth. Birds need a diverse range of habitat. Some of them rely on tussock grasses and low shrubs for food and refuge from predators, while others shelter in tree hollows.

Grasslands are also home to many lizards and snakes, like the Blue Tongue lizard, the Cunningham's Skink, and the Little Whip Snake. These animals will look for cracks in the soil, leaf litter, rocks and logs for shelter.

There are many threats to these fragile ecosystems and their indigenous inhabitants, including pest animals such as foxes and cats which eat native wildlife, and rabbits that degrade soil and reduce natural grassland regeneration.

Photos:

Location

18 Citriodora Circuit, Sunbury 3429 Map