Greenpage June -July 2016

June/July 2016
Top stories this month:
•
•
•
•
Steamwand training
Bush Skills 4 Youth
holiday workshops
New weed identification
tool: MyWeedWatcher
Planting and gardening
tips
Quick Contacts:
•
•
•
Shire of Mundaring
on (08) 9290 6666
Shire of Kalamunda
on (08) 9257 9999
EMRC
on (08) 9424 2222
Previous editions are available from www.emrc.org.au/greenpage.html
Steaming to Success
Non-chemical weed control training
By Jaya Vaughan, EMRC
EMRC recently conducted free Steamwand weed control training for local government
officers and community groups working in landcare and horticultural industries. The training
focused on the skills needed to confidently utilise steam as an alternative to chemical
control methods. The technology generates saturated steam to thermally shock weeds,
killing weed cells and is best suited for use in natural areas and landscaped parks and
gardens. The training follows increasing community concern surrounding the risks of using
chemicals on our health and the environment.
Local government, sub-regional landcare groups, landcare contractors and Department of
Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) officers attended the training, with over 30 participants now
certified to operate the Steamwand machine.
Funding for the Steamwand machine and the training has been provided by the DPaW
Rivers and Estuaries Division.
Let us know if you would
like to receive this
newsletter via email – it’s
just another way you can
help the environment! To
register, email
environment@emrc.org.au
with “Subscribe to
Greenpage” in the subject
heading and your contact
details. For more
information, contact Nina
Stick on (08) 9424 2216.
The Greenpage newsletter
is compiled by EMRC using
multiple resources
and
authors. The views and
opinions expressed do not
necessarily reflect those of
EMRC or the project
sponsors listed below.
The Steamwand SW700 in action at Lion Mill Creek, Mount Helena
Photo: EMRC
The Steamwand SW700 machine is available for hire by local government and community
landcare groups from the EMRC.
For further information, please contact Jaya Vaughan jaya.vaughan@emrc.org.au or phone
(08) 9424 2245.
Bush Skills 4 Youth (BS4Y) Workshops:
‘Feathers, nests and nuts’ and ‘Where eagles soar’
By Cathy Levett, EMRC
In April, the BS4Y program delivered two workshops connecting young people aged 8 to 16
with local bird expert Simon Cherriman to learn about birds and the bush. The Lotterywest
supported free workshops were attended by over 60 youngsters and approximately 20
parents.
The workshops created the opportunity for young people to meet Simon and experience his
passion for eagles and other birds. At Poison Gully in Maida Vale, participants walked along
the creek with Simon, looking and listening for signs of birdlife in trees and shrubs. They
discovered evidence that birds had been in the area, such as bird nests, and used
binoculars to identify the birds they could hear. “We identified 14 different types of birds,”
said Anna (12).
Simon Cherriman describes an eagle’s range. Photo: EMRC
The second workshop held in John Forrest National Park took participants into the amazing
world of wedge-tailed eagles (Aquila audax). Simon shared his research into these
magnificent birds. The morning started with Simon’s presentation and a walk into eagle
habitat where participants looked out over an expansive area of valley and hills and
imagined we were soaring through the air. Teams then put their learning to the test by
creating eagle nests. “The nest building was challenging and made us realise how amazing
eagles are to be able to build just using their beak”, explained Elijah (16). Wedge tail eagles
are found across Australia, including in John Forrest National Park.
The BS4Y July Holiday workshops will provide an introduction into Aboriginal Culture with
bush food and knowledge sharing from well-known Aboriginal presenters.
• For girls aged 11 – 16 years old: Women’s knowledge.
- Tuesday 12 July 2016, 1.00pm – 4.00pm at Success Hill Reserve, Bassendean.
• For boys aged 11 – 16 years old: Hunting and gathering.
- Wednesday 13 July 2016, 1.00pm – 4.00pm at Farrell Grove picnic area,
Mundaring Weir Road, (south of the Weir), Beelu National Park
• For boys and girls aged 8 – 12 years old: Aboriginal culture walk. Connection to the
Swan River and the Waugal.
- Thursday 14 July 2016, 1.00pm – 4.00pm at Garvey Park, Ascot.
If you are interested in arranging workshops in bushland settings in your local community,
please contact Environmental Projects Officer, Cathy Levett on (08) 9424 2244 or email
catherine.levett@emrc.org.au
p.2
Workshop: ‘Volunteers Guide to Wetland Weeds’
By Nina Stick, EMRC and Sharon Munro, Perth NRM
The Volunteer Guide to Wetland Weeds workshop was held on Saturday, 14 May 2016 at
the Canning River Eco Education Centre in Cannington. Environmentally-minded people
from volunteer groups, businesses and local government officers attended to learn various
weed identification techniques, challenges associated with weed control methods suitable
for sensitive wetland habitats, safety while working in and around water bodies, and the
importance of building strong partnerships with land managers.
Attendees identifying wetland
weeds and control methods
along the Canning River
Photo: Perth NRM
Note: NRM is a common
acronym for Natural Resource
Management
The first section of the workshop was spent indoors, discussing the tools available, the best
control methods for different categories of weeds – such as woody weed versus water weed
control – and the importance of disposing of weeded material correctly. The second section
of the workshop was an outdoors component where attendees used their newly acquired
knowledge to identify weeds along the Canning River and the best control methods for
them.
A new tool developed by the Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia
(DAFWA), called MyWeedWatcher: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/weed-surveillance was
also presented (further details below). Other discussion included native species with weedy
tendencies, for example Typha orientalis and Typha domingensis (refer to Status of Typha
Orientalis in Western Australia, Greenpage October/November 2015). Although these
Typha species have been determined as a native species, they often require management
as they have the ability to spread, displacing native vegetation and potentially reducing the
overall biodiversity and integrity of the wetland.
Important lessons from the workshop included using the appropriate weed removal
technique and safety around wetland areas. Some removal techniques can increase the
spread of weeds, such as mowing and slashing of grasses, which can also spread seed
heads. It is best to remove and bag the seedheads from the plant before flowering. For your
safety, always go to wetlands with a partner and take care when wearing waders as they
can fill up with water, acting like an anchor.
The Volunteer Guide to Wetland Weeds workshop is part of the Volunteer Capacity Building
in NRM series, which has resulted from the Community Capacity in NRM survey run
annually by Perth NRM. The next workshop in this series will be Social Media for
Community Groups, to be held at Herdsman Lake Wildlife Centre on Saturday, 27 August
2016. For more information, please visit http://perthnrm.com/community/events/socialmedia-for-community-groups.aspx.
For further information, please contact Sharon Munro on (08) 9374 3333 or email
sharon.munro@perthnrm.com
MyWeedWatcher
MyWeedWatcher is a new tool available for use by the community on their smartphone and
tablet devices to identify, survey and report weeds and view results online. The identification
guide allows users to quickly search for a weed according to plant characteristics such as
flower colour, leaf shape and plant type. The survey/reporting feature enables users to map
weeds, add images and record survey data such as weed density, weed counts, confidence
in identification and notes on control activities completed.
MyWeedWatcher is part of a suite of pest surveillance applications, developed by DAFWA,
to support industry and the community in defending Western Australia’s agriculture
industries and the natural environment from unusual or suspected exotic pests and
diseases.
For further information, please visit: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/weed-surveillance
Content (and image) courtsey of DAFWA (https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/weed-surveillance)
p.3
Unique wetland in the City of Swan
By Blackadder Woodbridge Catchment Group
Significance of Blackadder
wetland
Photo: Blackadder
Woodbridge Catchment Group
As it flows into the Swan River, Blackadder Creek forms a beautiful wetland in the suburbs
of Viveash, Midland and Woodbridge in the City of Swan. Since April 2015, Blackadder
Woodbridge Catchment Group has been conducting regular bird surveys of the wetland (an
area of 12 ha). The surveys show that the wetland is regionally significant in supporting 34
wetland bird species and 41 bush bird species, including 14 species of conservation
significance. The wetland provides habitat to over 600 birds at a time. A visit to the wetland
provides an incredible experience for bird and nature lovers. The survey is part of a
voluntary contribution to a study exploring the transition of the wetland from saline to fresh
water. The study will provide recommendations to the City of Swan on appropriate
management of this unique wetland in an urban landscape.
The Blackadder Woodbridge Catchment Group is seeking information from bird watchers /
observers who have been compiling species lists and counts at the wetland prior to 2015.
For further information, visit http://bwcg.atspace.com/ or find us on Facebook or email
blackadderwoodbrige@gmail.com
Stories from Kanyana
By Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (Kanyana)
Hope’s Story – as told by Tasha from Kanyana
“On 16 September 2015, a big female quenda (Isoodon obesulus fusciventer) was admitted
to Kanyana. She showed all signs of poisoning, and died shortly after admission. In her
pouch we found a tiny 30g joey. Due to her size it was going to be a struggle, I took her into
home care and named her Hope. The long very hard battle for her life began. She needed
feeding every two hours, 24 hours a day. Because they are attached to the teat in mum's
pouch and have a constant milk supply, it took her a while to figure out to drink enough to
last her a couple of hours.
Hope
Photo: Kanyana
There were a couple of close calls where she nearly died. Subcut fluids, vitamin B
injections, loads of TLC and patience made her go on. After reaching the 80g barrier, she
went forward at an incredible pace. When she finally started to drink by herself, after about
3 weeks, I could finally catch up on my lost sleep! By the time she moved outside, she
behaved like a real quenda, she hissed at me and showed her teeth. That is the thanks that
you get for all of that hard work! On 6 December 2015, the big day for release arrived. Very
proud, and a little sad, I said goodbye to my special little girl and released her at one of our
volunteer’s property.”
Littering and wildlife
“We all know that littering is not only bad for the environment, but also for our native wildlife.
Recently at Kanyana, we received a magpie that was not flying and not looking well. After a
physical check, nothing was determined to be wrong - an interesting case. After some fluids,
we found out the cause. The magpie started throwing up elastic bands! Learning to forage
for worms, it made the mistake of thinking these elastic bands were earthworms. Thankfully,
it brought up all of the elastic bands and was released after a few days of observation.
Bobtail stuck in rubbish(Tiliqua
rugosa)
Photo: Kanyana
Another case involved a bobtail / shingleback lizard (Tiliqua rugosa) that was admitted with
its head stuck in a tin can. Without assistance, this bobtail would have slowly starved.
Thankfully, its rescuer noticed that it was in trouble and drove it to Kanyana. Unsure if we
were going to need tin cutters or a visit to a vet, we firstly tried releasing the tin from its head
using olive oil, and with some gentle moving we managed to free the bobtail. After a quick
assessment which showed no injuries, the bobtail was released back into its territory the
same day.
By simply disposing of rubbish thoughtfully, both of these incidents would have been
prevented. You can help save our wildlife by recycling and using waste disposal facilities
properly.” For further information, please email Tasha hosp.man@kanyanawildlife.org.au or
phone on (08) 9291 3900.
p.4
Rio Tinto Earth Assist (RTEA) visit Perth Hills Discovery
Centre
By Conservation Volunteers Australia
A new partnership between Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW)’s Nearer to
Nature/Perth Hills Discovery Centre and RTEA saw more than 50 students from Thornlie
Christian College contribute to maintenance of the grounds around the Nearer to
Nature/Perth Hills Discovery Centre over two days in November 2015.
Under the direction of Shaun New (DPaW Programs Officer) and the watchful eye of the
RTEA team leaders, students participated in a variety of activities including invasive flora
species removal, tidying garden beds and removal of debris from the carpark and areas
surrounding the centre. The students also assisted with the development and installation of
a new pit-fall trap line on the premises which would be used for subsequent educational
opportunities.
Through these experiential learning opportunities, the students gained an appreciation of
the impact of invasive flora and how it influences existing vegetation complexes. After their
hard work, the Thornlie Christian College student group were lucky enough to spend some
time with local Wildlife Rehabilitator Sue Turner. Sue provided some insight into the
responsibilities and duties carried out by wildlife carers on a daily basis. Students developed
a greater understanding of the detrimental impacts of habitat destruction and introduced
flora species on our local fauna.
For further information, please contact Katie Haynes on (08) 9335 2777 or email
khaynes@conservationvolunteers.com.au
Community Site in Focus
Gill St Reserve Friends Group
By Brad Thompson, Shire of Mundaring
The Friends of Gill St Reserve was formed, as many reserves within the Shire of Mundaring
do, through the community’s response to planned development of bushland areas.
In the late 1990’s, the Gill St Reserve was nominated to be sold for development. The Gill
St Community was not in favour of the area being developed and community member Peter
Laud formed the friends group to adopt the reserve. The group worked in conjunction with
the Shire of Mundaring to restore, protect and maintain it as an alternative to it being
developed.
Franz Pribil (right) volunteering
at the Tree Canopy and
Understorey program, 2010
Photo: Shire of Mundaring
In 2003, Franz Pribil and Gary Martin took over as the Friends of Gill St Reserve when
Peter moved to the Eastern States. An anaesthetist at Princess Margaret Hospital, Franz
had long wanted to retire to the Eastern Hills and look after the bushland and environment.
Prior to moving to Mundaring, he had joined the Eastern Hills Branch of the Wildflower
Society to further his knowledge of native plants. During a 2013 interview, Franz referred to
working on the reserve as a journey, gaining experience along the way, learning about local
provenance species, as well as ‘waging a war on weeds’ by undertaking control of watsonia
and blackberry that spread throughout the creekline in Gill St Reserve.
Every year from 2003 to 2013, Franz and the group planted seedlings in the Gill St Reserve
through the Shire’s Tree Canopy Program. Franz said that he enjoyed seeing the small
seedlings slowly maturing to large trees in the reserve.
Sadly, as with all journeys in life, eventually they come to an end. Franz Pribil passed away
in April of this year, leaving his legacy as a longstanding volunteer in the Mundaring
Community. Gill St Reserve remains as pristine bushland area because of his and other
volunteer’s hard work.
For further information, please contact Brad Thompson on or (08) 9290 6685 or email
bradthompson@mundaring.wa.gov.au
p.5
Planting and gardening tips
By Nina Stick, EMRC
As the rain and cooler weather arrives, winter is a good time to start tending to your garden
and to consider planting local natives to attract native fauna.
Bush corner
Photo: Lea-Ann Ledden
Plants that come straight from a nursery are often in in small pots that need to be watered
multiple times a day. Once they have been planted they can be watered much less. It is
best to water them early in the morning as opposed to during the day (even more important
in summer) or in the evening when they might be more susceptible to fungal growth. Other
tips include:
•
•
•
•
In drier conditions, soak every few days rather than a short splash every day. This
will encourage stronger and deeper root growth, leading to healthier plants.
Use the plant’s drip line when watering – the outer edges of the leaves rather than
soaking close to the main stem.
Spread a deep layer of mulch around the plants (leaving a gap around the main
stem) to act as insultation for the roots of the plants. Make sure that you know
where the mulch comes from and check that it is free from dieback and other
diseases and weed seeds.
Grow plants with similar water needs together.
Consider what each plant might provide for birds: food, shelter, nesting material or a nesting
site? Things to think about include:
•
•
•
•
Banksia flower – nectar
providing for birds
Photo: Holly Parsons
•
•
Use local (provenance) native plants rather than hybrids such as the popular hybrid
Grevilleas and bottlebrushes. These large flowering plants may encourage large
and aggressive honeyeaters such as Noisy Miners and Red Wattlebirds that can
chase away smaller birds. Select plants with smaller flowers that small honeyeaters
can fit their beaks into, but large ones cannot.
Account for all appetites! Consider plants that provide nectar, fruit or seeds, as well
as those important ones that bring insects in.
Think about creating a bush corner in your garden. Plant clumps of five to seven
individuals of the same or similar species, well away from roads, to provide enough
of the resource for a group of small birds.
Most native plants need a light prune to help create density and avoid that straggly
look when not in flower.
Are there any nesting materials or suitable nest sites in your garden? Plant native
grasses and try not to ‘tidy’ your garden too much. This will allow birds to take bits
of spider web, small branches and leaves for their nests. Create a bushy corner
patch of the garden to provide a nice quiet spot for birds to build nests in.
Trees with hollows are a precious and limited resource and, where safe to do so,
should be maintained. Think about nest boxes if there are no natural hollows
available.
For further information, visit http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/places
Content sourced from Birds in Backyards - February e-news 2016 and Birds in Backyards April e-news 2016
p.6
Bush Skills
for the Hills
Bush Skills for the Hills workshops are a series of FREE workshops for the community. They are designed to give
participants the skills to manage and appreciate all that our local bushland has to offer.
To register, please email environment@emrc.org.au or call (08) 9424 2216.
Jute matting / erosion control techniques workshop
Where: Woodlupine Brook, Forrestfield
When: Saturday, 30 July 2016 from 9.00am to 3.00pm
Jute matting
Photo: Shire of Kalamunda
Has your community group project site got an erosion problem that requires
installation of Jute Matting or Coir Mesh, but you don’t know where to start? Then
come along to this workshop and get your project rolling! Whether it’s planning your
restoration work or organising the right materials for the job, this comprehensive
workshop will give you the skills and knowledge to plan, purchase and plant into
your riparian site. Bring your project plans or a map showing your site. This
workshop is limited to 25 people. Morning tea and light lunch will be provided.
Successful nest boxes information workshop
Where: Shire of Mundaring’s Administration Centre, Civic Area, 7000 Great
Eastern Highway, Mundaring
When: Saturday, 30 July 2016 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo
(Calyptorhynchus latirostris)
Do you often wonder what might be inside an artificial nest box? Checking nest
boxes to find out what animals use them is just as important as installing them.
Come along and hear an inspiring story about the success of nest boxes (including
breeding Carnaby's Black-Cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus latirostris)!) in the Shire of
Mundaring following the Parkerville-Stoneville-Mt Helena bushfire. The workshop is
presented by local environmental educator Simon Cherriman.
Photo: Simon Cherriman
Marri Canker ID
PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF VENUE
Where: Sculpture Park, Jacoby St, Mundaring
When: Saturday, 27 August 2016 from 9.00am to 11.00am
Marri tree
Photo: EMRC
This workshop has been designed to equip the community with the right skills and
knowledge to be able to determine ‘what is and what is not’ marri canker. It is
important to identify the symptoms in order to manage the disease. To learn more
about this silent yet deadly issue affecting our beautiful marri trees, please register
and come along. The workshop includes demonstration of the Marri App; a phone
application that assists with identification and mapping of cankers allowing
researchers to monitor and understand the disease better. Morning tea provided.
p.7
Introduction to plant ID
Where: Stratton Community Centre, 2 Jecks Place, Stratton
When: Saturday, 17 September 2016 from 9.00am to 12.00pm
Do you need help identifying your favourite wildflowers? This workshop will be a
great introduction to Western Australia’s native plants and common weeds.
Environmental consultant Amanda Spooner will be covering a brief history of plants,
plant characteristics and taxonomy (including a practical session on identifying
some common species, and tools available to assist with your identification). Bring
along your local plant books, hand lenses if you have them and your enthusiasm!
Morning tea provided.
Hypocalymma robustum
Photo: EMRC
Blackadder Wetland wonderland tour
Where: Meet at Harper Street Carpark, Ray Marshall Park, Woodbridge
When: Saturday, 8 October 2016 from 9.45am for a 10.00am start to 12.00pm
Come walk with us through the Blackadder Floodplain and learn how this site has
transformed from a salt affected wetland to a freshwater wonderland. Blackadder
Woodbridge Catchment group members will take us on a journey through this
special place. Bring your binoculars, if you have them, to observe the plethora of
birdlife that make the wetland their home. Morning tea provided.
Female Rufous Whistler in fringing
Melaleuca rhaphiophylla
Photo: Blackadder Woodbridge
Catchment Group
Baigup Wetland 2016 Community work dates
Get active and come and help restore the native
habitat in Baigup Wetland.
2016 Baigup work dates are:
• Sunday, 24 July 2016
• Sunday, 25 September 2016
Time: 9.15am for a 9.30am start to 11.30am.
Morning tea provided.
Tasks might include weeding and / or planting.
How to get there...
Park in A.P. Hinds Reserve at the end of Milne Street,
Bayswater. Walk under Garrett Road Bridge and half
way through Baigup. Meet at the crossroads (look for
the Baigup Wetlands work day sign). You will be
directed to the work area for the day. Bring weather
protection, a water bottle, sense of humour and
gardening gloves if you have them (gloves also
supplied) with you on the day. Wear sturdy footwear for
damp conditions and to help settle plants firmly into the
ground.
Work days provide great opportunity to meet other
environmentally active locals.
p.8
Thinking Green event timetable
Event
Venue
Date
Time
Introduction to
Beekeeping
Ballajura Library
Saturday, June 25
9.30am – 11.30am
Birdwatching Walk
Baskerville Memorial Hall
Saturday, June 25
9.30am – 11.30am
Times and dates are correct as at June 2016.
For latest updates and to book your place visit www.swan.wa.gov.au/thinkgreen
Meeting Dates
Blackadder Woodbridge Catchment Group Inc.
Helena River Catchment Group Inc.
Monday 15 August 2016 at 7.00pm
Date and time TBA
Old Midland Courthouse, Helena St, Midland
Contact Karen Warner on (08) 9424 2242 or email
karen.warner@emrc.org.au
Octagonal Hall, 52 McGlew Road, Glen Forrest
Contact Jaya Vaughan on (08) 9424 2245 or email
jaya.vaughan@emrc.org.au
Friends of Piesse Brook
Jane Brook Catchment Group Inc.
Wednesday 17 August 2016 at 7.00pm
Thursday 25 August 2016 at 7.00pm
Venue TBA
Contact Miroslav Vujaklija on (08) 9424 2264 or email
miroslav.vujaklija@emrc.org.au
Mundaring Sharing, 3 Craigie Place, Mundaring
Contact Jaya Vaughan on (08) 9424 2245 or email
jaya.vaughan@emrc.org.au
Lower Helena Association Incorporated
AGM Tuesday 19 July 2016 at 7.00pm
Tuesday 20 September 2016 at 6.15pm
Old Midland Courthouse, Helena Street, Midland
Contact Miroslav Vujaklija on (08) 9424 2264 or email
miroslav.vujaklija@emrc.org.au
p.9
WA Wildflower Society - Eastern Hills Branch
Friday, 24 June 2016 at 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start
Venue – Octagonal Hall, McGlew Road, Glen Forrest
Speaker – Jolanda Keebles
Topic – The diversity and wonders of the flora at Hi Vallee
Farm
Friday, 22 July 2016 at 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start
Venue – Octagonal Hall, McGlew Road, Glen Forrest
Speaker – Christina Birnbaum
Topic – Trying to save two critically endangered Stirling
Ranges plant species
Visitors welcome. Door fee $2
For further details, please contact Cathy Car on 0404 959 654 or email catherine.ann.car@gmail.com or
ehbtreasurer@iinet.net.au
WA Wildflower Society - Darling Range Branch
Next meeting(s)
Next activity
State Conference and Annual General Meeting on
Saturday, 25 and Sunday, 26 June 2016
Includes a tour of Kanyana and talks on orchids and fungi.
Venue – Kanyana, 120 Gilchrist Road, Lesmurdie
Bush walks commence Sunday, 24 July 2016
For further details and to register contact Lynda Tomlinson at wildflowers@ozemail.com.au or phone (08) 9291 8753
Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10.00am and 2:30pm. Members and non members all welcome.
For further information, visit http://www.wildflowersocietywa.org.au/?page_id=48
WA Naturalists’ Club - Darling Range Branch
Next meeting (s)
Second Friday of the month
Visitors welcome. Door fee $3
Date – Friday, 8 July 2016
Time - Proceedings start at 7:30pm
Venue - Kalamunda Community Hall in Town Square,
5 Barber St, Kalamunda
Topic – Member’s night
Date – Friday, 12 August 2016
Time – Proceedings start at 7:30pm
Venue – Kalamunda Community Hall in Town Square,
5 Barber St, Kalamunda
Speaker – TBC
Topic - King’s Park research
Excursions
Fungi walk on Sunday, 17 July 2016
To King’s Park on Sunday, 21 August 2016 with Roz
Hart
For further details, please email Kevin or Peg
Griffiths kmagriffiths@iprimus.com.au
WA Naturalists’ Club contact details
Arthur Conacher on
0419 785 460 or arthurcon@ozemail.com.au or visit
http://www.wanaturalists.org.au/
Eastern Hills Branch of the Wildflower Society of WA plant sale
By Cathy Car, Eastern Hills Branch of the Wildflower Society
On Saturday, 7 May 2016, the Eastern Hills Branch of the Wildflower Society held its annual plant sale. The rain held off until
midday and the sale was a tremendous success. The plant growers in the branch had put in a mammoth effort over summer
and there were hundreds of local native plants for sale. Everyone started lining up with boxes and baskets ready to purchase
by 9am!
On behalf of the branch, I would like to thank everyone who grew plants, provided seeds, donated and served refreshments,
minded the book stall, watched the tables and provided wonderful advice and assistance, to buyers. A special thanks to the
ladies of Bendigo Bank who volunteered their time on the cashier desk to accommodate customers who had more plants than
their cash in hand would allow them to buy, by offering them EFTPOS! Thanks to everyone else I haven’t mentioned - because
there was a tremendous amount of work behind the scenes and leading up to the day. Lastly, I would like to thank the public
for their enthusiasm and support of our sale and their wholehearted interest in planting our unique natives.
For further information, contact Cathy Car on 0404 959 654 or email catherine.ann.car@gmail.com
Plants for sale with colour coded
price sticks
The heritage Octagonal Hall, Glen
Forrest
Photo: Eastern Hills Branch of the
Wildflower Society
Photo: Eastern Hills Branch of the
Wildflower Society
p.10
Eastern Hills Busy Bees
Blackadder Woodbridge
Catchment Group
•
•
•
Sunday, 31 July 2016
Planting
Check the website for more details treeday.planetark.org or phone
Phil Cloran on 0415 984 453
Friends of Piesse Brook
•
•
•
•
Sunday, 17 July 2016
Handweeding watsonia and other weeds
9.45am – 12.00pm
Meet at the gate to Kalamunda National Park, Schipp Road, Piesse
Brook
Call Bridget for more details on (08) 9293 3294
•
Lower Helena Association
•
•
Planting planned for June and July
Check Facebook page www.facebook.com/lowerhelena or phone
Rebecca on 0400 327 466 for more details
Please welcome Miroslav Vujaklija as Environmental Projects
Officer (formerly Natural Resource Management Officer)!
Miroslav has been with the EMRC for over 5 years and brings experience
with water quality analysis / monitoring and liasion with local governments
to the team. Miroslav’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Science
(Environmental Management) majoring in Catchment Management.
p.11
Noongar season – Makuru
Fertility season (cold and wet time of year)
June - July
Makuru sees the coldest and wettest time of the year come into full swing. Traditionally,
this was a good time of the year to move inland from the coast as the winds turned to the
west and south bringing the cold weather, rains and occasionally, snow on the peaks of
the Stirling and Porongurup Ranges.
Dianella revoluta
Photo: By H. Adamson & WA
Herbarium. Used with the
permission of the Western
Australian Herbarium, Department
of Parks and Wildlife. Accessed
on Thursday, 26 May 2016.
As the waterways and catchments started to fill and flow, people were able to move about
their country with greater ease and thus their food sources changed from coming from the
sea, estuarine and lakes to those from the land and, in particular, grazing animals such as
the kangaroo. As well as a food source, animals provided people with many other things.
For example, 'Yongar' (kangaroos) not only provided meat but also 'bookas' (animal skin
cloaks that were used as the nights became much cooler). Nothing was left; even the
bones and sinews were used in the manufacturing of ‘bookas’ and for hunting tools such
as spears.
Makuru is also a time for animals to be pairing in preparation for breeding in the coming
season. If you look carefully, you might now see pairs of 'Wardongs' (ravens) flying
together. You may also notice these pairs not making the usual 'ark ark arrrrrk' that these
birds are well known for when flying solo. Upon the lakes and rivers of the south-west,
you'll also start to see a large influx of the 'Mali' (black swan) as they too prepare to nest
and breed.
Flowers that will start to emerge include the blue and purple flower petals of the blueberry
lily (Dianella revoluta) and purple flags (Patersonia occidentalis). As the season comes to
an end, you should also start to notice the white flowers of the weeping peppermint
(Agonis flexuosa) as the blues start to make way for the white and cream flowers of Djilba.
For more information, visit www.bom.gov.au/iwk/nyoongar/makuru.shtml
Plant of the month
Parrot bush (Banksia sessilis)
By Kaye Amann, Shire of Kalamunda
Parrot bush (Banksia sessilis) is a prickly leaved shrub or tree and is a good coloniser of
disturbed bushland areas. The prickly leaves protect small animals from predators and the
flowers provide an important food source for many nectivorous birds, like the Western
Spinebill, New Holland Honeyeater and Tawny-crowned Honeyeater. Parrot bush also
provides food for several of WA’s endangered parrots including the Australian Ringneck,
Baudin’s Black-Cockatoo and Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo, who eat the protein rich seeds of
this plant.
Canaby’s Black-Cockatoo
(Calyptorhynchus latirostris)
feeding on parrot bush (Banksia
sessilis)
Photo: Susan and Keith Hall
Height: grows to 8m tall
Leaves: prickly, serrated
Flowering: cream-yellow, April to November
Distribution and Habitat / Soil: occurs from north of Geraldton to the south coast on a
variety of soil types; white, grey or yellow sand, limestone, laterite, granite.
Although parrot bush can be perceived as a problem in bushland areas due to its sharp
leaves and rapid growth after disturbance, it is an important part of the ecosystem. So next
time you go for your regular walk through the bush and come across a patch of parrot
bush, stop and listen to all the birds that rely on it – without that prickly haven, we’d have a
lot less birds in our bushland! Observe and pay attention when walking through bushland
for patches of parrot bush and the birdlife it supports.
Descriptions by the Western Australian Herbarium, Department of Parks and Wildlife.
Text used with permission (https://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/help/copyright). Accessed on
Thursday, 26 May 2016.
p.12
Weed of the month
Wonga wonga vine (Pandorea pandorana)
By Mick Davis, Shire of Kalamunda
This climbing vine is endemic to the east coast and northern parts of Australia.
Height: 1.5m - 4m high
Flowers: tubular, white/cream, 2 cm long, April to July
Leaves: pinnate, 3 – 7 leaflets
Habitat/Soils: grows on skeletal soils over sandstone, quartzite or granite, around stony
hillsides, cliff faces or slopes.
Wonga wonga vine (Pandorea
pandorana subspecies
pandorana) flowers
Photo: Brian Walters
This species is sold in nurseries across Australia and, where climatic conditions permit, it
is becoming established well outside of its natural distribution including in Kalamunda and
across Perth’s Eastern Region. Botanists at the Department of Parks and Widlife (DPaW)
have identified the vine as a weedy native plant that has spread beyond its natural range
and are encouraging occurrences in the Perth Hills to be removed. As the seed is
windblown, control can be a challenge. Controlling wonga wonga vine is important as it
reduces fuel load and therefore, reduces the threat of fire. The only way to effectively
control this species is to remove it whenever possible before the seeds develop.
What to do if you see wonga wonga vine:
• If it is small and accessible, pull it out and bin it. Check for seeds and if present, bag
and remove from site, taking care not to let seeds fall onto the ground;
• If it is a larger infestation, take a photo of it, note the date and its location and send to
DPaW. These sites will be included as part of a removal program.
If you are aware of any occurrences, please report to DpaW as your information will be
crucial in preventing this weed from becoming established in the Perth Hills.
For further information and to report, please contact DPaW on (08) 9219 9000 or contact
Mick Davis mick.davis@kalamunda.wa.gov.au or phone on (08) 9257 9999.
Content sourced from Australian Native Plant Society (Australia) http://anpsa.org.au/
Animal of the month
Dibbler (Parantechinus apicalis)
By Nina Stick, EMRC
Dibblers were presumed to be extinct in the wild for 63 years up to 1967 when an
individual was captured in a trap set for Honey Possums at Cheyne Beach, east of Albany,
Western Australia. It is thought that feral cats, clearing and altered fire regimes may have
contributed to their decline. In 1985, Dibblers were also discovered living on two small
islands, Boullanger and Whitlock, in Jurien Bay, on the west coast of Western Australia.
Dibbler (Parantechinus apicalis)
Photo: Department of Parks and
Wildlife
Description: Small rat-size dasyurid, brownish-grey fur freckled with white with a yellow
belly, readily distinguished by a white ring around the eye and a tapering hairy tail.
Behaviour: Although nocturnally active, they are now believed to also be active during
daylight hours and feed on insects, such as moths, spiders, some reptiles, and on berries.
Dibblers breed once every year, during autumn months of March and April. A common
feature of some dasyurid marsupials is the phenomenon of a male die-off after the mating
season, where males will breed and then die afterwards.
Distribution: The Dibbler is currently known from Whitlock and Boullanger Islands, Jurien
Bay, and Fitzgerald River National Park on the south coast.
Habitat: Dibblers typically occupy heath and mallee-heath vegetation communities. The
presence of flowering shrubs may also be an important habitat requirement. They favour
low, dense vegetation with a deep litter layer.
Content sourced from the Department of Parks and Wildlife
(https://www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/images/documents/plantsanimals/animals/animal_profiles/dibbler_2012.pdf)
p.13
Perth Plants: A Field Guide to the Bushland and Coastal Flora of Kings Park and Bold Park,
2nd Edition by Russell Barrett and Eng Pin Tay
The City of Perth is well known and treasured for its areas of protected
bushland in the heart of the city. Kings Park and Bold Park represent a
significant part of the natural heritage of the Swan Coastal Plain and are
an important part of city life. The city is also a gateway to the incredible
biodiversity to be found in south-west Western Australia.
Perth Plants provides a comprehensive photographic guide to all plants
known to occur in the bushlands of Kings Park and Bold Park, both
native plants and naturalised weeds. There are 778 species included,
representing approximately one-quarter of all the plants in the greater
Perth region, and one-tenth of all species known in the south-west of
Western Australia. This new edition contains 22 additional species and
updated photography throughout. It is an essential reference for anyone
interested in the plants of south-west Western Australia, and particularly
the Swan Coastal Plain.
For further information, visit
http://www.aspectsofkingspark.com.au/kings-park-publications/863perth-plants.html
Image and content:
http://www.publish.csiro.au/pid/7555.htm
Contact Details
Karen Warner
NRM Coordinator, EMRC
Telephone: (08) 9424 2242
Mobile: 0428 101 223
Email: karen.warner@emrc.org.au
Brad Thompson
Bushcare Coordinator
Shire of Mundaring
Telephone: (08) 9290 6685
Email: bcc@mundaring.wa.gov.au
Jaya Vaughan
Environmental Projects Officer, EMRC
Telephone: (08) 9424 2245
Mobile: 0408 924 989
Email: jaya.vaughan@emrc.org.au
Mick Davis
Environmental Friends Group Officer
Shire of Kalamunda
Telephone: (08) 9257 9999
Email: mick.davis@kalamunda.wa.gov.au
Miroslav Vujaklija
Environmental Projects Officer, EMRC
Telephone: (08) 9424 2264
Mobile: 0427 088 213
Email: Miroslav Vujaklija@emrc.org.au
Do you have a story or event relevant to the Greenpage?
Forward your contributions to
environment@emrc.org.au or call (08) 9424 2216
Copies of the Greenpage newsletter, as well as other
information, can be found at www.emrc.org.au/easternregion-catchment-management-program.html
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