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Gooralong Brook Restoration Works
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The Jarrahdale Heritage Society has received funding through the WA Government State NRM Program to carry out environmental restoration activities at Gooralong Brook in Jarrahdale. Landcare SJ, the Jarrahdale Heritage Society and the National Trust of WA are working together as project partners.
Gooralong Brook runs along the Gooralong Valley through the town of Jarrahdale. During the 1870s the valley was the main hub for the then-thriving timber industry with the Mill Managers House and Heritage Saw Mill remaining today.
As part of the Gooralong Brook, Jarrahdale Project, restoration works have commenced which will continue the successful work already carried out by the Jarrahdale Heritage Society and Landcare SJ since 2013. The next section of the overall project will involve the implementation of environmental restoration activities along a 500m reach between the Mill Manager’s House and the Heritage Saw Mill.
The focus is on the introduced black wattle (Acacia decurrens) which has become a dominant species and its large scale manual removal. Which will be an integral part of transforming the Gooralong Valley to its former state. Weeds of National Significance and invasive weed species will be removed and replaced with local native species (of low flammability). The project will also involve herbicide application and manual removal of other weeds throughout the year.
Over the next few weeks and months, you may notice some heavy machinery as contractors begin removing the black wattle, large areas of lantana and other weeds. Accessibility to some walking trails along the upper sections of Gooralong Brook will be impacted during this time. Please be mindful of all signage that you may see along these trials and please keep to a safe distance from contractors working in the area.
There will be lots of opportunities to become involved in the project through volunteering your time. The Jarrahdale Heritage Society are looking for volunteers to help and the National Trust of WA are holding a volunteer weekend later in the year to coordinate manual weed control efforts. There will also be a community planting day in September 2021 for RUOK Day hosted by Landcare SJ.
Images: Before & after of Lantana infestation removal along Gooralong Brook, April 2021
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The Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale Free Verge Program is set to launch on May 27, with a special free event on May 26 at the SJ Community Resource Centre in Mundijong. Pairing plants with wine and cheese is an evening of plant identification and knowledge, covering diverse topics including orchids of Banksia Woodlands, creating your own verge garden, and growing plants from seed (See flyer below). Guest speakers include Dr. Penny Hollick, Pete Olds and Rose De Bruin – all specialists in their field. You will also learn how you can apply for free native seedlings under the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale’s Free Verge Plant Program – or keep your eye on the Landcare SJ website and social media for a link to the application at the end of the month.
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Byford Envirolink
Soldiers Road
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Throughout the last year, Byford Envirolink has been carrying out conservation works along Soldiers Road between Cardup and Byford. Currently, roadworks are being conducted along Soldiers Road in parts of the same area in which the conservation works are planned for. However, this hasn't slowed the group down! In just one morning this hardworking team of volunteers managed to manually remove this large pile of African Lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula). The grass was originally introduced to Australia as a pasture species, however, it subsequently spread into surrounding bushlands and road reserves. Forming dense thickets and mats, out-competing native understory flora species. Follow up control will be carried out over the coming seasons to exhaust the seed bank. Endemic understory flora species will also be planted in these areas to bolster the biodiversity in the remnant native vegetation. This conservation work is aimed at protecting the Flora Road status of Soldiers Road. A fantastic job well done to all volunteers involved.
If you'd like to join the Byford Enviolink, please contact Landcare SJ via info@landcaresj.com.au
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Events
Click the posters for more information
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Pairing Plants with Wine & Cheese
Wednesday, 26th of May
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Come along to this free special presentation as we launch the 2021 Free Verge Plant Program.
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Perth Garden & Outdoor Living Festival
Wednesday, 6th- 9th of May
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Landcare SJ will be joining other Urban Landcare Groups to bring a comprehensive display of Landcare activities and opportunities. The Perth Garden & Outdoor Living Festival has been rescheduled to May 6-9th May. Visit the Perth Garden & Outdoor Living Festival to see over 100 exhibitors and WA's largest plant market.
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Waterwise Native Garden Workshop
Murray Libary
Saturday, 8th of May
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Join in at this free workshop to learn how to design and construct a waterwise garden. A demonstration garden will be established in the car park surrounding the Murray Library. The event will include a Landcare SJ information display where you can get additional information on plant species selection and revegetation practices.
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2021 SJ Food & Farm Fest
Postponed until November 13
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Lantana
Weed of National Signifcance
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Originating from Central and South America and introduced into Australia in 1841, Lantana (Lantana sp) once a staple ornamental plant in Australian gardens is now considered a Weed of National Significance (WONS). Lantana has two forms of reproduction, layering and seed. Layering is the vegetative reproduction from the growing of roots out of mature stems/branches. The seed production from a mature plant can be substantial, around 12,000 seeds. which can be spread via fauna once digested. Being an allelopathic species (releasing of chemicals into the surrounding soil which prevent germination and competition from some other flora species), Lantana has the ability to form dense erect, sprawling or climbing thickets, upwards of 6 metres in height. These thickets can impact agricultural yields, species richness in ecological areas, public infrastructure and human health. All parts and variants of Lantana are considered poisonous to both livestock and humans, causing serious illness and even death. Due to these attributes and the species vigorous nature, it is considered one of the worst environmental weeds in Australia.
There are currently a wide range of control methods used to control Lantana. To find out more about the different methods, please click here.
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Drying Out Wet Soils
Using Plants as an Alternative to Fill
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Due to the wetland nature of the Swan Coastal Plain, many areas within the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale experience seasonal water inundation or waterlogged soils. This physical feature of the landscape can become problematic for landowners, as it may conflict with their desired land use. Many seek permission to fill in their properties with additional fill to try and combat this. In many cases, this will not be permissible due to the adverse impact this action will have on the amenity, environment and water resources of neighbouring properties. Fill can block the natural water path, interrupting the flow and diverting it to sit in larger volumes in the adjacent landscape. If the Shire has refused or approved less fill than you applied for, an effective and environmental beneficial activity you can undertake to alleviate some of the waterlogging issues you face, is to plant local native trees and shrubs to help soak up some of the unwanted water from the soil.
Groundwater and Surface Water
Increased surface water levels are closely linked to the clearing of vegetation within wetland catchments. This removal of the native plants leads to elevated groundwater levels, which then sit perched at the soil surface. When vegetation is removed it also increases the rate of surface runoff and can result in rising groundwater levels – often saline. This occurs because, with no plants, there is no drawdown through evapotranspiration.
Things you can do from an environmental perspective
Soil saturation is a natural occurrence in low-lying areas, wherein winter time the groundwater sits close to the ground’s surface. Before land clearing occurred, these swamp zones were naturally filled with native vegetation which acted to filter and absorb the water within an ecological cycle, alleviating the waterlogged environment. Replanting these species back into the wet areas of your property is a long term sustainable activity that can not only ease the issue of water inundation, but help create healthier, more capable soils throughout the year. Strategically planted vegetation, either in strips along fence lines or in vegetation patches within paddocks and yards can help combat waterlogging. Prolonged inundation leads to a lack of oxygen in the soil. Plants help aerate the soil, letting it breathe. Paddocks benefit greatly from windbreaks planted at right angles to prevailing easterly winds. They protect the topsoil from being degraded via wind erosion, provide shade and shelter for livestock, and reduce ground surface temperature during summer, thus creating a modified ‘microclimate’. Vegetation also adds beauty and landscape amenity, increasing the aesthetic and monetary value of a location.
Knowing your soils
In the Shire, there are three types of soils present on the Swan Coastal Plain, sitting west of the Darling Scarp. These are
- the Pinjarra Plain complex - (Beermullah, Guildford and Serpentine River soils),
- the Bassendean Dunes - (Bassendean sands, Southern River and Bassendean swamps), and
- the Foothills soil type located at the base of the Darling Scarp (however these tend to drain well)
Knowing the soil type on your property is invaluable for general land management, and especially when selecting plant species for a revegetation project.
To read further information about your soil type and the suitable local plant species, please click here. |
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Nyoongar Calendar
Djeran - Season of adulthood
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Djeran season, at last, sees a break in the really hot weather. A key indicator of the change of season is the cool nights that once again bring a dewy presence for us to discover in the early mornings.
The winds have also changed, especially in their intensity, with light breezes being the go and generally swinging from southerly directions (i.e. southeast to southwest). Many flying ants can be seen cruising around in the light winds.
Djeran is a time of red flowers especially from the Red flowering gum (Corimbia ficifolia), as well as the smaller and more petite flowers of the Summer Flame (Beaufortia aestiva). As you travel around the Perth area, you may also notice the red 'rust' and seed cones forming on the male and female Sheoaks (Allocasuarina fraseriana). Banksias start to display their flowers, ensuring that there are nectar food sources for the many small mammals and birds that rely upon them.
Traditionally, foods at this time of year included the seeds that had been collected and stored for treatment from the Zamia last season along with the root bulbs of the Yanget (Bullrushes), freshwater fish, frogs and turtles.
As the season progresses, the nights will become cooler and damper along with some cool and rainy days which also means that traditionally mia mias (houses or shelters) were now repaired and updated to make sure they were waterproofed and facing in the right direction in readiness for the deep wintery months to come
- South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council
Species: Beaufortia aestiva
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Guess What I Am?
For your chance to win an Australian Native Nursery gift voucher valued at $20
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Do you know what native species I am?
Be the first person to Email my scientific and common name to Reece Jerrett at Landcare SJ and you'll receive an Australian Native Nursery gift voucher valued at $20!
Email:
reece@landcaresj.com.au
(Individuals can only win the monthly competition every 3 months)
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Help The Cause
and help save these charismatic birds.
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It takes over 100 years for a natural hollow to form that our endangered Black Cockatoos will breed in, but only a few minutes to donate towards the construction of Landcare SJ's 'Cockatubes'.
Any contribution is greatly appreciated!
Please Donate Today
(Photo by Rick Dawson)
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Contact us:
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday 9am-4pm
Location:
Cnr Cockram St and Paterson St
(PO Box 41), Mundijong WA 6123
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Phone:
(08) 9526 0012
Email:
info@landcaresj.com.au
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Landcare SJ, proudly supported by the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale.
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