bushlandnews

Flora, fauna and fungi

Issue 71 By Neale Bougher, Roz Hart and Aruni Jayasekera Spring 2009 Although often overlooked, fungi are an integral part of long-term bushland management. Time of Kambarang and The Urban Bushland Fungi (PUBF) Project has been increasing awareness and Birak in the Nyoongar knowledge about local fungi since 2004. The project is an outstanding example of calendar. engaging the public, scientists and skilled volunteers. Results are also providing a fascinating and significant contribution to our poorly documented urban fungi. Free public PUBF fungi forays and Urban Nature workshops during winter have update Page 2 attracted more than 2,100 community participants at 109 Weedwatch: public events in 58 different Local natives can bushlands around Perth. Led by become weeds Page 3 trained volunteer fungi leaders, members of the public search for Nice snakes Page 4 fungi and help photograph, record and geo-reference. After the foray, Boneseed eradication the groups meet to discuss and Page 5 identify the day’s finds. The forays have a strong scientific Environmental basis as many specimens are Community Grants prepared and stored as part of the Page 5 WA Herbarium’s State collections. An exciting aspect of the project is Brazilian pepper Page 5 A 2009 PUBF foray at Locke the unveiling of the taxonomic Reserve, Busselton. Crouching is one secrets of many species new to of PUBF’s volunteer fungi leaders What’s on Page 6 science, and the discovery of new Kevin Griffiths. Photo – Roz Hart fungi records for Western Australia. Regional reports Page 8 designed by volunteers and web This year, PUBF began regular expert Brett Glossop. Fungi of the surveys at long-term monitoring Turtle treasures Page 10 Perth Region and Beyond (2009) sites in Kings Park to build an is a guide to local fungi and is inventory of the fungi there for the available as a bound book or The orange disc fungus Pulvinula Group profile: archeri at Kings Park provided a first time. Many new discoveries for download from The Spectacles has stark contrast to the blackened were made, including some friends Page 11 www.fungiperth.org.au. burnt earth. Photo – Neale Bougher amazing bright orange and violet The demand for PUBF surveys disc fungi in areas severely burnt Resources Page 12 increases yearly from bushland PUBF is a collaborative effort by a major fire in January 2009. friends groups and local government between the WA Naturalists’ These fungi, along with the bodies who invite PUBF to survey Club and the Urban Bushland emergence of plants that partner their bushlands. PUBF does not have Council in conjunction with the fungi such as orchids, are a the resources to satisfy all requests; Department of Environment significant sign of post-fire recovery however community groups are and Conservation’s (DEC’s) WA of the bushland in Kings Park. encouraged to continue to survey Herbarium, with financial support from Lotterywest. Overall Detailed fungi reports for every the fungi in their bushlands, using leadership is provided by Dr Neale bushland surveyed are available the fungi fieldbook and PUBF’s Bougher from the WA Herbarium. www.dec.wa.gov.au on the PUBF website which was resources for support.

Bushland News is a quarterly newsletter of Urban Nature, a Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) program to support community involvement in bushland conservation. bushlandnews Spring 2009

Herbicide trial begins at Burns Beach

Urban Nature Urban Nature is continuing to research an effective herbicide treatment for Geraldton carnation weed By Julia Cullity UPDATE (Euphorbia terracina) that is selective and shows no off-target effects on native vegetation. There have been no staff changes at This work follows trials in 2005 in the Threatened Urban Nature and we are happy to Ecological Community (sedgelands in the Holocene have been able to retain the expertise dune swales) at Port Kennedy. In this highly of Karen Bettink for a further six restricted but species-poor plant community, we months. Kate Brown has recently recorded effective control of both adult and returned from a study tour of remnant seedling E. terracina, and a significant recovery of bushlands on the Cape Flats in South the Threatened Ecological Community. The results Africa and the 10th International were reported in proceedings of the 2007 Conference on the Ecology and Geraldton Carnation Weed Field Day and Workshop Management of Alien Plant Invasions. (visit www.dec.wa.gov.au/programs/urban-nature/ This was made possible through DEC’s publications.html for more information). June Craig Scholarship for Women. In the next phase of this project we are trialing the Congratulations Kate, Urban Nature setting up trial plots we can’t wait herbicide in coastal heath invaded by E. terracina at at Burns Beach. Photo – Kate Brown to hear what Burns Beach. This will provide information on the you learnt. impacts of the herbicide on native species commonly found in the plant communities most under threat from this highly invasive environmental weed. It will also provide information on the ability of the community to recover following removal of Geraldton carnation weed. We are also hoping to gather information on reproductive biology and rate of spread from the control plots (where no herbicide treatment will take place). Summer Bushland News Useful results from the trials at Burns Beach will not be available for at least three years.

Summer Bushland News contributions should be sent to Urban Nature by Friday 13 November 2009. Clay-based wetlands workshop Compiled and edited by Jo Tregonning. In July, Urban Nature held a second workshop on clay-based wetlands. The first workshop, in 2008, involved a field day to a series of seasonal clay-based Contacts wetlands on the Swan Coastal Plain to Urban Nature office look at on-ground management issues and David Mitchell 9423 2913 outcomes (see Bushland News Issue 67). Julia Cullity 9423 2925 This year, the workshop focused on the Kate Brown 9423 2905 hydrology of these wetlands and possible Karen Bettink 9423 2904 management implications. It included Grazyna Paczkowska 9423 2914 presentations on long-term hydrological Department of Environment and studies of the Greater Brixton Street Conservation, Swan Region office Wetlands by Vic Semeniuk, floristic 7 Turner Avenue, Bentley WA 6102 communities of seasonally inundated claypans in Australia and worldwide by PO Box 1167 Neil Gibson, clay-based wetlands’ endemic Bentley Delivery Centre WA 6983 Participants examine clay-based Brixton Street flora by Bronwen Keighery and Greg Wetland. Photo – Kate Brown Fax 9423 2901 Keighery, and a talk on ex situ Email [email protected] conservation strategies for species of clay- The aim of clay-based wetlands workshop Current and archived issues of based wetlands by Renee Tuckett. series is to bring together on-ground Bushland News are available at Workshop participants also visited Brixton managers and interested individuals www.dec.wa.gov.au/programs/ Street Wetlands to see how hydrology involved in wetlands conservation and urban-nature/bushland-news.html relates to vegetation patterning and management to network, learn and species distribution. exchange ideas.

© All material copyright. No part of the contents of the publication may be reproduced without the consent of the publishers. The views and opinions expressed in the articles in Bushland News are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Department of Environment and Conservation.

2 Bushland News Issue 71 - Spring 2009 www.dec.wa.gov.au BUSHLAND WEEDWATCH:

Local natives can become weeds By Julia Cullity

Some of our local native plants are naturally restricted in the landscape but can still exist, and even thrive, when planted outside of their natural distribution. Eventually these introduced natives can self-seed and out-compete local native plants becoming weeds.

Local plants that are becoming serious This species is a popular and easy-to-grow bushland weeds are mostly trees and tall garden plant and has often been included in shrubs. When these plants naturalise they generic seed mixes for the revegetation of can change the structure of bushland, roadsides. One-sided bottlebrush has invaded creating dense canopy or scrub thicket Warwick Bushland and Kings Park from roadside layers. In almost all cases they have plantings and the Friends of Koondoola become established through amenity removed 5,000 seedlings from an area near plantings, inappropriate revegetation or as amenity plantings less than 15 years old. garden escapees. Peppermint (Agonis flexuosa) is a coastal tree Chamelaucium uncinatum is a well-known naturally distributed from Perth to Bremer Bay. native species with two variants. The Perth is in the northern-most part of its range Geraldton wax variant naturally grows and it only naturally occurs in parts of from Kalbarri to Moore River on coastal Swanbourne, City Beach and up the Swan River soils and is widely cultivated as a garden estuary to Dalkeith. Peppermints are extensively plant. The Wembley wax variant only planted as shade and street trees. They have grows naturally in Bold Park in Perth and been recorded seeding out from amenity in some other populations north to plantings in lawn areas into the bushlands and Eneabba. The Wembley wax can be sedgelands at Lake Richmond, and are known to distinguished from Geraldton wax by its favour controlled burns or frequent fire regimes. smaller flowers and shorter leaves. Both varieties are now present in Bold Park, where interbreeding is affecting the genetically significant gene pool Peppermint (Agonis flexuosa). of Wembley wax. But Geraldton Illustration – Robert Powell (2009) wax is not only a problem in Leaf and Branch: Trees and tall shrubs of Perth, p.57. Bold Park – it has been introduced to many bushland areas on the coastal plain Also ask yourself, has the bush through amenity plantings, already got the capacity to dumped garden rubbish and as regenerate and is it necessary a garden escapee. to replant? Finally, make sure you and your local council and Rottnest tea-tree or moonah utilities don’t use invasive native The large, spreading shrub Melaleuca lanceolata is forming a thick, (Melaleuca lanceolata) is a unnatural canopy layer as it invades the open, low, coastal heath at species in or near bushland, in widespread coastal and inland Bold Park, City Beach. Photo – Julia Cullity gardens, amenity plantings or species of salt lakes. It is in general seed mixes. common on Garden and Other potentially invasive WA natives Rottnest islands where it forms forest More information to look out for include Rottnest Island canopies often in association with Rottnest Keighery G.J. (2002) The enemy within: pine (Callitris preissii), rock sheoak Island pine (Callitris priessii). Remnant Native environmental weeds in Western (Allocasuarina huegeliana), ribbed Rottnest tea-tree is almost absent from Australia. In Proceedings of the 13th hakea (Hakea costata), red river gum the Swan Coastal Plain, however this Australian Weeds Conference, Perth (eds. (Eucalyptus camaldulensis), Melaleuca species has been widely planted as an H. Spafford Jacob, J. Dodd & J. Moore). nesophila and Hakea pycnomeura. amenity shade tree, particularly along the Plant Protection Society of WA, Perth. coast. It has become a serious weed of Take care with your planting Powell R. (2009) Leaf and Branch DEC, bushlands such as Kings Park where When selecting plants, don’t rely Perth. plants were forming thickets as they on general species lists based on moved into the bushland. Barrett R. and Pin Tay E. (2005) Perth soil types. Take time to understand Plants BGPA, Perth. One-sided bottlebrush (Calothamnus your bushland. Only plant species quadrifidus) is naturally distributed in the that are already present in your Brown K. and Brooks K. (2003) Bushland south-west from Kalbarri to Esperance. bushland and use local seed. Weeds EWAN, Greenwood.

Bushland News Issue 71 - Spring 2009 www.dec.wa.gov.au 3 ECONOTES: Nice snakes

By David Mitchell

That scuffling you hear in the leaf litter as you walk through the bush is most often a skink, but it could be one of our fascinating snakes. At this time of the year, snakes in the Perth metropolitan area are emerging from their winter hiding spots in search of mates and food. Snakes form an important part of our local ecology and there are many to discover. Carpet pythons (Morelia spilota) are nocturnal, but can be found basking in the sun during the day. Photo – Babs and Bert Wells/DEC Blind snakes A blind snake, when first unearthed, looks much like a big worm. They have a rounded head and a short tail. The scales are small, smooth, shiny and a purplish- pink to purplish-brown colour. Their eyes are reduced to two small dark spots and they can probably only distinguish dark from light. These snakes are burrowers and nocturnal so are rarely seen, except when accidentally disturbed from underground, captured during a survey, Several of the smaller snakes (such as this Jan’s banded snake (Simoselaps bertholdi) is or on the rare occasions they come to Gould’s hooded snake (Parasuta gouldii) short (up to 30 cm) and robust and has a and even some legless lizards have a black distinctive pattern of alternating yellow-orange the surface. head and colouring which mimics juvenile and black bands. These snakes burrow through Blind snakes feed on termites and ant dugites and may provide some protection sand and leaf litter and feed on other reptiles from predators. Photo – Leonie Valentine and reptile eggs. Photo – Sarah Althus eggs, larvae and pupae, and are sometimes found in ant or termite nests. They are non-venomous, and only have a to 30 eggs by coiling around them. Like The reticulated whip snake (Demansia very small mouth. One of their few most pythons, the carpet python has psammophis) is an active, long (100 cm) protections is the ability to exude an heat-sensitive pits on the lip scales to and slender snake which has large eyes unpleasant odour when captured. assist them locate their warm-blooded to locate and chase down its lizard prey. prey such as mammals and birds. There are three species of blind snake Gould’s hooded snake (Parasuta gouldii) that occur in the Perth region. The most Loss of habitat as well as predation by is a small (55 cm), orange-brown to common is the southern blind snake introduced foxes has significantly reduced reddish snake with a distinct black head (Ramphotyphlops australis) which grows the numbers of carpet python and they and neck. They shelter during the day up to 45 cm. are now only found in large bushland under cover, such as rocks, bark, old areas. The carpet python is a threatened corrugated iron and other human Pythons species listed as specially protected under rubbish and emerge at night to hunt for the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950. Two species of python are found in the skinks and geckos. Perth region and some people may be lucky enough to encounter the more Venomous Only large intact areas of bushland are common carpet python (Morelia spilota). Elapids or front-fanged snakes are the most able to support snake species in the Growing up to 250 cm long, they have a numerous and common venomous snakes in longer term and snakes rapidly disappear gorgeous pattern of brown, cream, the Perth region, with 15 species known in from small areas. As the area of yellow and pale brown blotches. Pythons the area. Dugites (Pseudonaja affinis) and bushland in the Perth region continues are non-venomous but have many very tiger snakes (Notechis scutatus) are the most to decline there is less habitat for all our sharp teeth and strong jaws and can often encountered and are best avoided. native snakes and so fewer snakes are inflict a nasty bite if provoked. While also venomous, most of the other seen. Our snake species are also very shy, Pythons climb trees and often shelter for elapid snakes are too small to be so it is only lucky or patient observers long periods (fasting between meals) in considered harmful, and they beat a who get to see our ‘nice snakes’, the tree hollows, or in rock hollows and hasty and quiet retreat from anything blind snakes, pythons and the small and burrows. The female incubates her three bigger than themselves. colourful elapid snakes.

4 Bushland News Issue 71 - Spring 2009 www.dec.wa.gov.au bushlandnews Spring 2009 Boneseed eradication Samples required for genetic This year’s Boneseed Blitz was held from 21 to 30 September as part of the WA boneseed eradication program. However, boneseed study on Arundo donax (Chrysanthemoides monilifera) flowers until November and its bright yellow flowers allow for easy identification of this nationally significant The University of Adelaide is undertaking a project on the weed. You can help by reporting suspected boneseed plants. genetic diversity in Arundo donax (sometimes incorrectly called bamboo). It is a potential biofuel species and a In WA, 37 known infestations are under eradication (with only two common weed in the Perth area. Samples from WA are new sites found during 2008). Known infestations have been required. The collection technique is to cut the top 10 cm reported at Kalamunda, Applecross, Roleystone, Pickering Brook, of stem, trim leaves to leave a piece about 15 cm long with Armadale, Byford, Pingelly, Wandering, Boddington, Narrogin, leaf bases. Seal it in zip-lock bag for transport and post it in Dardadine, Woodanilling, Busselton, Albany and Many Peaks. Contact an express bag (the fresher the samples the better). GPS Hillary Cherry by email ([email protected]) or points for location are also required. For assistance with on (02) 9585 6587, or visit www.weeds.org.au/WoNS/bitoubush/. identification visit www.iewf.org/weedid/Arundo_donax.htm. Post samples to Dr Christopher Preston, Weed Management, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, PMB 1, Glen Osmond South Australia 5064. Email [email protected].

Environmental Community Grants

There’s been a strong response to the first round of funding for the State Government’s four-year $6 million Environmental Community Grants program. Applications for 2009 closed in May with nearly 300 submissions seeking funding for projects with a total value of $4.48 million. All but one of the seven categories was significantly oversubscribed and it has taken longer than anticipated to process and assess the applications. The successful grants were announced on 8 September and are listed on www.dec.wa.gov.au/ecg. The Bright yellow flowers of boneseed during spring make identification of this weed easy. Photo – Hillary Cherry second round of funding is expected to open in February 2010.

Brazilian pepper

By Kate Brown

A visit to Moore River in April at the request of Vic and Elaine Macarten, Friends of Moore River National Park, provided a scary insight into what Brazilian or Japanese pepper (Schinus teribenthifolia) can do in dryer habitats after fire. Brazilian pepper is usually associated with riverine habitats and is noted for being particularly invasive in wetter areas. The site Vic and Elaine took us to was a dry sandy hill with outcropping limestone. Burnt a couple of years ago, the hillside is now covered in what appear to be hundreds of stems of resprouting and root suckering Brazilian peppers. The site illustrates that Brazilian pepper can invade drier sites and Brazilian pepper (Schinus teribenthifolia) has the ability to establish in dry, sandy areas fire probably plays a role in its spread. following fire. Photo – Kate Brown

Bushland News Issue 71 - Spring 2009 www.dec.wa.gov.au 5 what’s on Please send us your January, Opportunities for you to take part! Visitors always welcome but please confirm February and March 2010 events by activities with the contact person. Most activities are FREE! Friday 13 November 2009.

9 Friday 9am–11am 16 Friday 6.30pm Recurrent activities October Walking . Snakes alive family information Contact CWEC. evening on how snakes live and how 2 Friday 6.30pm to live with them. Guided night walk Conservation Volunteers Australia 9 Friday 6.30pm–7.30pm activity schedule. Overnight Spotlight for wildlife at Canning through the swamp. $15pp. BYO River Regional Park. BYO torch and Night stalk at Lake , torches. Call WAGL. country trips or one-day activities. Yellagonga Regional Park. Call CW. Call Andrew 9227 5711 or visit gum boots. Light supper provided. Contact CREEC. 17 Saturday 8am www.conservationvolunteers.com.au. 10 Saturday 8am–9am Foreshore cleanup at Point Walter. 2 Friday 6.30pm–8.30pm Guided walk at Koondoola Reserve. Contact BEAG. Research into bird populations Frog night stalk at Bibra Lake. Call CW. with the Bird Banding 17 Saturday 8am $5pp. Contact CWEC. 10 Saturday 8am–9am Group. People are welcome to call Guided walk at Lake Gwelup. Call FLG. Pigface removal and wildflower Bill Rutherford (ABBBS Coordinator) 3 Saturday 8.30–9.30am walk at Wandi Nature Reserve. 18 Sunday 9am–12 noon 0438 910 252 and organise a visit. Bush comes alive guided walk at Landsdale Reserve. Call CW. Call Fred 9397 2232. Bushcare at the Spectacles Wetlands, Sundays 8am–10am Kwinana. Contact FS. 10 and 17 Saturday 9am–12 noon Bushcare activities every Sunday 4 Sunday 10am–12.30pm Bird watching and identification 18 Sunday 9am–12 noon with the Friends of Shenton Park Wetland wildflower walk at course with Birds Australia. Part 1: Bush regeneration at Warwick Bushland. Contact Dani 9381 3470 Bibra Lake. Contact CWEC. Why watch birds? Part 2: Birds of Bushland. Contact FWB. or [email protected]. 5 Monday 1pm–2pm the Canning River Regional Park. 20 Tuesday 6.30pm–8.30 Sundays 8.30am Raptor Encounters at Bibra Lake. Includes morning tea. BYO binoculars. Talk: Frogs and black cockatoos. Bushcare activities with the Contact CWEC. Contact CREEC. Call FBSW. Friends of Wireless Hill are on the 5 Monday 7pm–8pm 11 Sunday 8.30am second and fourth Sunday of each Frogtography at Bibra Lake. $5pp. Wildflower walk at Cottonwood 21 Wednesday 11am–12 noon month. Meet at main car park. Contact CWEC. Crescent Reserve,Dianella.ContactFDB. Guided walk at Koondoola Reserve. Contact Margaret 9315 9075 or Call CW. [email protected]. 6 Tuesday 10am–12 noon 11 Sunday 8.30am–10.30am Bush survival skills at Bibra Lake. Bushcareat Mindarie Park with Quinns 23 Friday 7.30pm Sundays 9.45am–12 noon $5pp. Contact CWEC. Rocks Environmental Group. Meet at Nocturnal walk at Star Swamp. Bushcare activities with the Javez Dr near Mindarie Dr, Quinns BYO torch. Contact David 9448 9192 Friends of Piesse Brook are on 6 Tuesday 1pm–3pm Rocks. Call Jac or David 9305 9575. or [email protected]. the third Sunday of each month. Snake encounters at Bibra Lake. Email [email protected] or visit $5pp. Contact CWEC. 13 Tuesday 8pm 24 Saturday 9am–11am www.friendsofpiessebrook.org.au. Native plant breeding program Wetland ramble (live band) 7 Wednesday 7.30am–9am at Kings Park with guest speaker at Brixton Street Wetlands. Thursdays 8am–9am Birds at Bibra Lake. Contact Digby Growns. Call WSWA(P). Call FBSW. Bushcare activities every Thursday CWEC. with Byford Enviro-Link. Call Kristy 14 Wednesday 7.30pm 25 Sunday 8 Thursday 10am–12 noon or Gregory 9526 0199. A Naturalist in Borneo with guest Threatened Ironstone 1pm–3pm speaker Roz Hart. Contact BNC. Communities guided wildflower Saturdays 9am Bills, beaks and bones Get up walk with DEC botanist Andrew Bushcare activities with the close with the WA Raptor Centre, 16 Friday 7.30pm Webb. Taylor’s Reserve and Williamson Friends of Brixton Street Wetlands are dissect bird castings and make bird Nocturnal walk at Lake Gwelup. Rd. Lunch at Ambergate Reserve. on the third Saturday of each month. craft. $8 child (5–12 yrs). Contact BYO torch. Contact Wayne 0407 383 Contact BNC. Call FBSW. CREEC. 425 or [email protected].

REGISTRATION/CONTACT DETAILS BCF Baldivis Children’s Forest CWEC Cockburn Wetlands Education FS Friends of the Spectacles WAGL WA Gould League Contact Mary 9524 1150 or Centre, Hope Rd, Bibra Lake. Meet at car park McLaughlan Rd, Herdsman Lake Wildlife Centre. [email protected] Contact Denise 9417 8460 or Kwinana. Contact Lynda Smith Bookings 9387 6079. Visit Wednesdays during school hours. [email protected]. 9439 1928 or www.wagouldleague.com.au. [email protected]. BEAG Bicton Environmental CREEC Canning River Eco Education WSWA(N) Wildflower Society of Action Group Contact Peter Centre Kent St, Wilson. Contact Tanya Porter FSS Friends of Star Swamp WA (Northern Suburbs Neesham 9339 7795 or 9461 7160 or [email protected]. Meet at Henderson Environment Branch). Meet at Henderson [email protected]. Centre, Groat St, North Beach. Environment Centre, Groat St, CW City of Contact Christine 9447 2983 or BNC Busselton Naturalist’s Club Free activities. Call Sharon Rose 9405 5000. North Beach. $2 entry and door Meet RSL Hall, Causeway Dr, [email protected]. prize. Call Christine 9447 2983. FBSW Friends of Brixton Street Wetlands Busselton. Excursion bus departs FWB Friends of Warwick WSWA(P) Wildflower Society of Pries Ave, Busselton at 9am. Call Regina 9459 2964 Bushland. Meet at WA (Perth Branch) Contact Bernie 9727 2474 or FDB Friends of Dianella Bushland bowling/tennis club car park, Subiaco Community Centre, [email protected]. Meet at Cottonwood Crescent Reserve car Lloyd Dr, Warwick. Contact Janina Bagot Rd, Subiaco. Call Nina BSFH Bush Skills for the Hills park. Entrance from Dianella Dr, Gay St. Then Pezzarini 9447 9494 or 0427 936 566. offers free hills-focused Channel 7 private road. Contact Jan 9344 [email protected]. 2872 or [email protected]. workshops. Contact Roberta JHS Jarrahdale Heritage Society Circosta 9424 2222 or FLG Friends of Lake Gwelup Informative guided walks of [email protected]. Meet at scout hall, Huntriss Rd, Karrinyup. natural heritage in Jarrahdale. Contact Christine 9447 2983 or Meet at Old Post Office. $5/adult [email protected]. or $10/family (2A+2C).Call Joy 9526 0121 or Sheila 9525 5352.

6 Bushland News Issue 71 - Spring 2009 www.dec.wa.gov.au bushlandnews Spring 2009

25 Sunday 8.30am 8 Sunday 7.30am–8.30am 28 Saturday 9am–12.30pm Grab-a-gladi-day with the Friends Bungendore bush breakfast at Collect seed from a seed orchard of Wireless Hill. Wear protective Bungendore Park, Admiral Rd, and bushland. See the results of Highlights clothes and bring a water bottle. Bedfordale. Enjoy a cooked breakfast broadcast seeding and natural Contact Margaret 9315 9075 or in the bush. Birds of Bungendore regeneration. JoannaSeabrook Seed 7 Wednesday–9 Friday October [email protected]. Park report will be launched. Orchard, Ryecroft Rd, Glen Forrest Whose coast is it? Adapting for the Bookings Margaret on (SuperBlock).Contact BSFH. future. Western Australian Coastal 25 Sunday 8am–9am [email protected]. Conference, Fremantle. Sea level rise, Guided walk at Marangaroo 28 Saturday 8am climate change, coastal planning/ Conservation Reserve. Call CW. 14 Saturday 7.30pm Guided walk at Star Swamp. vulnerability and associated risks, Night walk at Cottonwood Crescent Contact FSS. population impact and ecological 25 Sunday Reserve, Dianella. Contact FDB. Star gazing open night 29 Sunday 9.30am–12.30pm sustainability. Visit www.keynotewa.com/ at Gingin Observatory. Bookings 15 Sunday 11.30am–1pm Family orienteering treasure wacoastal2009. Contact Carolyn Jenour 9575 7577 or [email protected]. Concert in the forest hunt using a GPS to find clues and 9374 3317, Erin Wright 9374 3309 or amphitheatre. Local school choirs solve the puzzle. Morning tea and [email protected]. 25 Sunday 10.30am and soloists. BYO picnic. Contact BCF. lunch included. Suitable 8+ years. Identifying forest flowers guided 14 Wednesday October $10 adults $5 child (8–16 yrs). 7.30am–11.30am 5 km walk, Jarrahdale. Call JHS. 15 Sunday 8.30am–10.30am Contact BCF. Bushcare at Quinns Rocks Primary Legislated Landscapes – the 27 Tuesday 7.30pm School, Gumblossom Park. Meet purpose and future of Flora of New Caledonia with guest school car park, Rees Dr, Quinns environmental compliance. speaker David Bright. Call WSWA(N). Rocks. Call Clair 9305 1580. December Burswood, Perth. Tracking the history of policies, legislation, environmental and 5 Saturday 8am 30 Friday 6.30pm–7.30pm 15 Sunday 10.30am–1.30pm water management plans – their impact Shell bed clean-up at Bicton Night stalk at Countryside Park, Nature walk and end of year on developers and community. Baths. BEAG. Two Rocks. Call CW. party at Warwick Bushland. Contact Visit www.everlastingconcepts.com.au, 31 Saturday 6.30pm–8.30pm FWB. 9 Wednesday 5.30pm–8.30pm contact Kate Lugg 9371 3004 or Seed processing workshop [email protected]. Guided night stalk at Baldivis 21 Saturday 8am includes separation, cleaning, Children’s Forest. Halloween theme. Guided walk at Lake Gwelup. 23 Thursday–24 Friday October labelling and cataloguing. Light supper included. $5 adults, Contact FLG. Tackling the tough issues – $2.50 (child 6–16 yrs). Contact BCF. Octagonal Hall, McGlew Rd, engaging for results! International 21 Saturday 9am–12 noon Glen Forrest. Contact BSFH. Association of Public Participation Annual 31 Saturday 10am–2pm Bushcare activities at the 13 Sunday 8am–10.30am Australasian Conference, Esplanade Hotel, Watering stations workshop. Spectacles Wetlands, Kwinana. Coast walk and Christmas Fremantle. Learn innovative ways to Piesse Brook, Mundy National Park. Contact FS. Three sessions on riparian plants and morning tea with Quinns Rocks engage people and deliver genuine/ animals, restoration and weed 22 Sunday Environmental Group. Meet at picnic practical community engagement. Contact management. Barbecue lunch Guided wildflower walk along shelters, Quinns-Mindarie Surf Life Amanda van Loon 64675144 or visit provided. Contact BSFH. Milyeannup Rd. 12 km easy– Saving Club, Ocean Dr. Call Renata www.iap2conference.org.au. moderate. Bus $12pp. Contact BNC. 9305 9382. 31 Saturday 5.30pm 26 Monday–30 Friday October Ghost walk in the moonlight, 24 Tuesday 7.30pm 19 Saturday 8am School freshwater festival Full day of Jarrahdale. BYO barbecue and torch. Climate change: the end of life as Guided walk at Lake Gwelup. hands-on environmental and Indigenous Call JHS. we know it with guest speaker Jim Contact FLG. activities. Wildlife theme linked SCI/SOSE Barrow. Call WSWA(N). learning areas. Early childhood to early adolescence. $15/student. Call WAGL. 26 Thursday 5.30pm–8.30pm November Introduction to seed collection January 27 Tuesday–30 Friday October 6 Friday 7pm–8pm workshop on fruits, seeds, hygiene and 16 Saturday 8am Changing environments – new Night stalk at Koondoola Regional licensing requirements. Swan TAFE, Guided walk at Lake Gwelup. challenges for the living country Bushland. Call CW. Lloyd St, Midland. Contact BSFH. Contact FLG. conference. Geraldton. Contact Jackie Gill 9964 9774 or 0409 886 982. 7 Saturday 7.30pm Endangered species breeding Activities key 9 Monday–10 Tuesday November program at Perth Zoo with guest Revegetation challenges and solutions, 2009 Revegetation Industry speaker Helen Robertson. Contact BNC. Hands on – bushland and Skills development activities – Association of WA Seminar, Technology wetland management talks, presentations, training 7 Saturday 8am Park Bentley. Climate change, seed Weeding along Bicton foreshore. activities. courses and workshops. sourcing, species selection, training and Contact BEAG. Walks and tours – look, Meetings and events – group quality control, budget planning, completion criteria, weed management 7 Saturday 9am–11am listen and enjoy guided walks meetings, expos, festivals and and excursions. conferences. and plant biology. Contact Monica Durcan Flora walk at Brixton Street 0418 934 870 or [email protected]. Wetlands. Call FBSW.

regionalreports

Wind erosion trials in Eneabba By Andrew Soltys

Conservation Volunteers Australia joined with the Northern was also planted to protect against south-west and easterly winds. Agricultural Catchment Council during July, to combat wind erosion on the northern sandplains at ‘Judeen’, 31 km south-east of Community participation in projects with CVA has resulted in Eneabba. Volunteers planted seedlings using treatments such as more than 1.2 million trees being planted in the past 12 months. water holding crystals, worm castings and other water retention To become involved call Andrew 9227 5711, freecall 1800 032 methods to ensure seedling survival. A windbreak of shrubs and trees 501 or visit www.conservationvolunteers.com.au.

Bushland News Issue 71 - Spring 2009 www.dec.wa.gov.au 7 bushlandnews regionalreports Please send us your regional report (150–200 words) and a photo by Friday 13 November 2009. Text may be edited in response to volume of submitted reports.

Happenings at Lake Gwelup Reserve By Wayne Eddy Western swamp tortoise

It has been some time since the A 2009 WWF Threatened Species Network Friends of Lake Gwelup have Community Grant will enable the Friends presented a report to our favourite of the Western Swamp Tortoise to restore publication. If you haven’t caught approximately 9 ha of the critically up with us in 2009 there are still endangered western swamp tortoise opportunities. habitat. Areas will be direct seeded and planted with local provenance tube stock. In 2008, 46 attendees of the Perth Urban Bushland Fungi survey team During winter, the tortoises leave their collected, vouchered and prepared aestivation tunnels and enter temporary specimens for the WA Herbarium. shallow swamps in Ellen Brook and Twin Among the 53 fungi species Swamps nature reserves. They feed on recorded, one species of the small crustaceans and insect larvae to genus Megalocystidium was Black shouldered kite (Elanus caeruleus) and fungi (Mycena build up their body mass. clarkeana) at Lake Gwelup Reserve. Photos – Wayne Eddy identified on the day. This was The Friends are currently working to raise remarkable, as only one occurrence Successive years of manual culling have awareness of the effects of pollution had been recorded in the Perth metropolitan dramatically reduced the populations in a entering the untreated stormwater system area, and this was some 40 km south at Lake 9 ha target area and this year only 26 and into tortoise wetland habitat. We are Cooloongup in Rockingham. A drier 2009 individuals were pulled. We also removed encouraging people in the Ellensbrook saw much less fungi species recorded at a Pelargonium capitum, mapped woody weeds area to use low phosphate fertilisers, wash follow up survey, though many fruiting such as pampas grass, Japanese peppercorn their cars on the lawn, resist blowing lawn bodies have been observed throughout and blackberry, and discovered some of the clippings onto the road and to pick up autumn and winter. local orchids and reptiles. The City of Stirling dog faeces. We will be involving schools A large contingent of the WA Naturalists’ recently thanked the Friends group and in stenciling tortoises on the drains to Photography Group took advantage of this volunteers for their efforts, and for providing remind residents of the problem. year’s winter months to focus on fungi in GPS coordinates for the larger woody weeds July marks the fifth anniversary of the reserve, following on from last year’s that the city has started to eradicate. the formation of the Friends of focus on birdlife. For more information on events visit the Western Swamp Tortoise. Our annual Bush Care Day was held in August http://home.vicnet.net.au/~folg/, email Call Jan Bant on 9344 2872, email and again focused on lupins. Ten years ago, [email protected] or call Christine on [email protected] or lupins thickly covered much of the reserve. 9447 2983. visit www.westernswamptortoise.com.

Jewel in the crown By Kristy Gregory

Located amidst encroaching urban much-needed on-ground development, beautiful Brickwood Reserve management activities. is situated in the Serpentine Jarrahdale More recently, the shire received Shire, south of Byford. It is the most funding from the South West extensive example of open marri and Kingia Biodiversity Project to implement woodland left in the metropolitan area and seed collection from the reserve. is home to rare wetland communities and The seed is being stored for future stands of Eucalyptus lane-poolei. The use in direct seeding programs and Serpentine Jarrahdale Landcare and Shire staff carrying out rapid bushland assessment in Brickwood reserve has been recognised for to propagate for revegetation in areas Reserve with DEC’s Geoff Barrett. Photo – Jo Garvey conservation by the Australian Heritage where weeds have been removed. Commission and the National Trust of A wildfire burnt 5 ha of the reserve in conservation values in the face of Australia, and is also a Bush Forever site. early 2009. We have been photographing increasing development. A public Given the importance of the site, the Shire and monitoring native species’ comment period has just been completed, and Serpentine Jarrahdale Community regeneration, and will use the opportunity and a revised plan is currently being Landcare Centre have been coordinating a to eliminate weeds from the burnt area. drafted to reflect community input. The management plan can be viewed on the number of projects within the 50 ha The Shire Environmental Services team has shire’s website www.sjshire.wa.gov.au. reserve. Significant external funding has been working hard to develop a been sought since 2005, initially to increase management plan for Brickwood Reserve, Contact Kristy Gregory on 9526 0012 or community awareness, and to carry out to preserve and enhance its biodiversity [email protected].

8 Bushland News Issue 71 - Spring 2009 www.dec.wa.gov.au Spring 2009 regionalreports

Cockburn Wetlands Education Centre By Denise Crosbie

The Cockburn Wetlands Education Centre was established in 1993 to provide information to the public about wetlands and their management. Since then, the centre has created a holistic program incorporating landcare, education and training. Our landcare program involves sustainable collection of seed from our dry and wet seed production areas. This year, 74 species were propagated in our nursery under the watchful eye of volunteer Norm Godfrey. We are just finalising a manual on his nursery practices to permanently document his efforts. This is the first year that the centre’s regular ‘vollies’ haven’t planted seedlings and they are worried Corporate planting day at Bibra Lake. Photo – Denise Crosbie they have been done out of a job! Numerous volunteers planted 5,000 seedlings by the end Of current major concern and an issue of July as part of four major events. consuming much of our time, is the Plans to rezone part proposal to extend the Roe Highway. Our newest educational achievement is the of Paganoni Swamp The proposed extension will carve a path ‘Wild About Wetlands: a series of eco walks, through sites of Aboriginal significance talks and night stalks’ for the community (see By Leonie Stubbs What’s On). The series is a partnership with the and three wetlands in the Bibra and City of Cockburn with funding by DEC. North Lake reserves. With more than It has come to the attention of the Friends 80 per cent of our wetlands on the Swan of Paganoni that the WA Planning A volunteer and training program is Coastal Plain drained, filled or cleared we Commission has marked approximately supervised two days per week and attracts find this proposal unacceptable. community volunteers, TAFE and university 48 ha of Paganoni Swamp Reserve for work experience students, cadets and work- Visit www.cockburnwetlands.org.au. rezoning ‘from Parks and Recreation to for-the-dole participants. This is a mutually For more information on the ‘Save Urban to support Keralup precinct beneficial program, as we gain assistance with Beeliar Wetlands’ campaign email development’ (in the draft Southern our weekly tasks and, in turn, provide training [email protected] or Metropolitan and Peel Sub-Regional and social benefits to the community. visit www.savebeeliarwetlands.com. Structure Plan). Paganoni Swamp is one of the most significant conservation reserves in the metropolitan region south of the Swan Environment group looking for a home By Caroline Barr River. It is managed by DEC’s Community and Regional Parks Branch on behalf of The Earth Solutions-Avon Valley group is a land, is yet to be found. The centre would the WA Planning Commission (WAPC). sub-committee of the Avon Valley operate with part-time paid staff and The reserve was purchased by the WAPC Environmental Society. Major volunteers. A high level of support has in 1991 amid community concerns over a environmental initiatives during the past been expressed by regional shires and previous plan to rezone the area. Eighteen 20 years include halting two regional toxic other stakeholders. General agreement is years later, despite proof of both the waste dumps, creating Dorntji Koorliny to begin some activities to test consumer intrinsic and environmental value of Walk Track and Kep Track, revegetating response, and then begin planning the bushland to the community, we once riparian zones of the Avon River, the purpose-built centre. Burlong Pool project and Avon Valley again have to fight plans to rezone and Solar Cooperative and liaising with Proposed activities for the centre include develop part of this precious reserve. Indigenous communities. recycle/reduce/re-use workshops, organic The bushland is of such significant gardening/composting, solar oven conservation and heritage value that it is After successful ‘Earth Solutions’ expos in workshops, displays about feral animals, listed as a Bush Forever site and is on the Toodyay (2007) and Northam (2009) we Register of the National Estate. have decided that the development of an endangered species and bio-security, environmental education centre, rather Aboriginal culture, speakers, eco-films, Call Leonie on 0439 921 298 or email than one-day expos, would be a more mini expos, sustainable products and [email protected]. student activities. effective way to deliver environmental For information on volunteering initiatives. Visit www.earthsolutionsexpo.com.au or opportunities with Rockingham Lakes A suitable building, perhaps with some email Caroline on [email protected]. Regional Park call 9431 6500.

Bushland News Issue 71 - Spring 2009 www.dec.wa.gov.au 9 bushlandnews

Turtle treasures By Gary Tate

Retirement in November 2005 has afforded me the time to discover the biodiversity of my local wetlands. Our freshwater long-necked turtle is endemic to the Swan Coastal Plain and provides a fascinating study for nature-lovers.

In August and September, baby oblong or long-necked turtles (Chelodina oblonga) emerge from sandy nests and endeavour to make their way into wetlands of the Swan Coastal Plain. These tiny, perfectly formed freshwater reptiles are only about the size of a 20 cent piece and are endemic to the South-west of WA. During winter, mating behaviour can readily be observed from the observation deck located on the lake at Neil Hawkins Park in Joondalup. The males have a fatter tail and tend to be a little smaller in size than the females. There are two egg-laying events – the first in late October, followed by a second event in December to January. These events tend to coincide with low pressure systems passing over the Perth region. The females lay up to 16 eggs in a sandy area that could be as far as a kilometre from the water’s edge. It is believed by some that she returns to the same area in which she was born, to excavate the nest using her hind legs. After laying and positioning each egg, the nest is filled-in with the hind legs and the soil is tamped flat utilising the bottom (plastron) of the shell. When completed, there is no sign of her nest. Incubation is approximately 200 Female long-necked turtle (Chelodina oblonga) laying eggs (top left); hatchling (top right); and days, with both egg-laying event groups fox predation on turtle eggs in Yellagonga Regional Park. Photos – Gary Tate emerging in August–September. These interesting reptiles feed on a varied • More than 100 nests along 2 km between How can you help? diet of mosquito larvae, insects, crustaceans, Neil Hawkins Park and Picnic Cove; Please assist in preserving these protected tadpoles, frogs and aquatic plants. • 50 nests along 500 metres of the path endemic turtles by reporting sightings of south of Picnic Cove; and foxes and feral cats to your local council Wetland ecologist Dr Jacqueline Giles has and/or DEC. Keep dogs on leads while completed her PhD on the turtle’s underwater • 13 nests along 100 metres on the eastern you are visiting any of our magnificent vocalisations, identifying an extraordinary side of Lake Goollelal. wetland and bushland areas. range of 17 different sounds. Dr Giles has Baiting for foxes, with appropriate publicity, assisted me with scientific advice. is the only real solution to this massive More information problem. A small survey of five dog owners Predation Observations gathered during the past in Yellagonga resulted in unanimous support three years on long-necked turtle biology During the 2008–09 season, nests located for fox baiting. and behaviour has been compiled into a along the dual-use paths around Yellagonga DVD. For more information on the DVD or Regional Park have been heavily predated Cat predation on young long-necked turtles Friends of Yellagonga activities call Gary by feral foxes. Predation occurs from the is an added unnatural burden on the on 9342 4685 or visit moment eggs are laid and throughout sustainability of these unique WA reptiles. www.yellagonga.org. incubation. Regular visits resulted in the State cat laws would assist in lessening turtle following predation observations: mortality rate.

10 Bushland News Issue 71 - Spring 2009 www.dec.wa.gov.au Spring 2009

GROUPPROFILE: The Spectacles has friends

By Mandy Grubb, Lynda Smith and Angela Jakob

Born from a community information meeting held in response to fires during Christmas 2007, the Friends of the Spectacles has gone from strength to strength.

The Friends began in May 2008 following a workshop on the fires that burnt more than 800 ha of bushland in the Town of Kwinana. At the Spectacles, only the area immediately around the lakes was left untouched. The workshop highlighted the effects of fire on the landscape, its relationship with weed establishment and the Indigenous use of fire. After the workshop, a group of interested individuals were encouraged to meet and form a Friends group. The group of dedicated individuals decided to take an on- ground approach and successfully sought funding from DEC to continue re-vegetation of degraded areas. Over the past year the Friends have organised a variety of activities Elder Trevor Walley explains a Nyoongar fire story to workshop participants including talks from Birds Australia and a seed collection at the Spectacles Wetlands. Photo – Angela Jakob expert. They have undertaken seed collection, weed control activities, and more recently a series of planting days. The latest Since 2004, the Town of Kwinana, in conjunction with the Medina day on 5 August involved 100 primary and TAFE students planting Aboriginal Cultural Community and Alcoa Australia, has more than 500 wetland and woodland species. The Friends hope coordinated the Spectacles Yargan Tours at the amphitheatre and to propagate the seeds they have collected for future plantings. around the lake area. The tours are a forum for Aboriginal people The Friends have also ventured out on ‘fact-finding missions’ to to share their knowledge, language and history and to preserve see how other groups and land management agencies undertake the traditional vibrant Indigenous culture. Equally important, the their activities, and to gain valuable first-hand information. tours are a tool for passing on culture from Elder to younger Aboriginal people. The logo of the tours is Yargan, the Nyoongar The Spectacles Wetlands comprises 360 ha of natural bush and word for tortoise, and is one of the Aboriginal totems of the wetlands, including two freshwater lakes and an extensive stand Spectacles Wetlands area. of paperbark trees. The wetlands are home to more than 80 bird species and small The next season of tours start in spring mammals such as the quenda (Isoodon with the Gudjal Yira (Two Up There) obesulus). It is in the southern-most part of Star Tours to coincide with 2009 the and is co- International Year of Astronomy. The managed by DEC and Alcoa Australia. tours will offer a Nyoongar perspective on the stars and the night sky. Nyoongar links Aboriginal people have related stories The Wetlands is part of the Wajuk peoples’ of the stars for thousands of years. The traditional land and is known as the Beeliar stories set down cultural and social territory and area of tribal elder rules and provided information about Midgegooroo. Midgegooroo and his the natural environment, hunting and people were transitional and moved within gathering. The Star Tours relate a the Beeliar territory according to the traditional story particular to Nyoongar seasons. The area is part of the greater Volunteers planting at the Spectacles. Photo – culture with connections to our Nyoongar language group that Mandy Grubb Spectacles Wetlands. encompasses the south-west of Australia. It is a significant place for Nyoongar people being part of the More information ancient trade route connecting the Swan and Murray rivers’ The next Friends of the Spectacles activities will be on Sunday 17 peoples. It is said that the site could have been a corroboree place, October and Saturday 21 November. Contact the Friends of the close to fresh water, with plenty of bush food. The site of the Spectacles via email [email protected] or phone Lynda on amphitheatre near the lake has a powerful feeling too. It lies in a 9439 1928. For information about the Spectacles Yargan Tours, small depression sheltered from the coastal winds surrounded by which run from August 2009 to April 2010, contact the Town of the whispering sheoak and paperbark trees. Kwinana on 9439 0200 or www.spectaclestours.com.au.

Bushland News Issue 71 - Spring 2009 www.dec.wa.gov.au 11 bushland Heights, 31DrummerWay, Heathridge6027. postage) toTheTreasurer, FriendsofHepburn purchase, sendachequefor$36(including in protection of38percentthearea. To Preservation Group andthecommunityresulted to residential. Woodland Efforts bytheHepburn rezoning thelandfromGovernment specialuse and courtaction,tostopthethenState experiences. Thecampaignincludedpetitions clippings, letters,photographsandpersonal early 1990s.Recountedthrough newspaper Padbury from developmentinthelate1980sto determination tosave53haofbushlandin A historicalstoryofcommunitycourageand sponsored bytheCityofJoondalup.218pages. Lloyd, A.andMarwick,B.Published Saving HepburnHeightsBushland visitors toWA. is suitableasareference, fornature-lovers or species descriptions.Highlyreadable, thisbook Margaret Pieroni andSusanPatrickcomplement study andleisure. Exquisitelinedrawingsby chapters onconservationthreats, cultivation, name changes,speciesdistribution,and ecology (particularlyinsectsandfungi),11 to includeadditionalinformationonassociated Perth’s largerplantspecies.Extensivelyrevised appreciate andbecomefamiliarwith79of RRP $29.95.Thisbookaimstohelpreaders Perth Leaf andbranch:Trees andtallshrubsof New Publications (2009) Powell,R.DEC,Perth.248pages. Resources PO Box1167,BentleyDeliveryCentre, Kensington,WA 6983 to If notclaimedwithin7days,pleasereturn news (2009) Printed on 100% recycled, totally chlorine free (TCF)paperusingvegetable-basedinks. totallychlorinefree Printed on100%recycled, Fishing for www.wandilandcare.org.videos. Visit decline sectionwithinstructional information andanewnativetree updated withphotos,videos, Wandi Landcare website www.swanrivertrust.wa.gov.au. health. Visit and volunteeringopportunities,river environmental issues,maps,recreational provides up-to-dateinformationon The new photo gallery. www.dwg.org.au. Visit information, ajournalist’s sectionand been updatedtoincludemore Dieback Working Group website edu.au. www.fishingforphytophthora.murdoch. being monitored. Visit Currently more than100locationsare rivers, dams,streams andestuaries. Phytophthora was launchedinJune.Itcataloguesthe Website watch Are yourdetailscorrect? electronically, sendanemailtitled‘emailme’[email protected]. anything byphoninguson94232925.Ifyou’dprefer toreceive thisnewsletter Please checkyourmailingdetailsandletusknowifweneedtochange Swan RiverTrust website Phytophthora species foundinWA’s has been website has Protection Quarterly Asparagus asparagoides low densitiesoftheinvasiveweed, ecosystem inthepresence ofhighor year post-fire response ofanative Turner P.J. J.G.(2009)Ten andVirtue 142 plant species emergence andgrowth ofAustralian p-butyl: Implicationsforgermination, Sadler R.J.,Tan B.H.(2009)Fluazifop- Rokich, D.P., HarmaJ.,Turner S.R., Botany towards control. impacts, predictions andprogress cinnamomi Turner ReviewNo17. Gibson L,andMcDougallK.L,(2008) B.A., Cahill D.M.,RookesJ.E.,Wilson Recent research :850-869. 56 (4):279-310. and Australia’s biodiversity: Biological Conservation Australia Journalof 24 Spring UT 6000 AUST. POSTAGE Phytophthora (1):20-26. PERTH WEST. . PAID Plant 2009

2009424-6-1600