bushlandnews Summer 2009-2010 bushlandnews

Managing trail bikes – a collaborative approach

Issue 81 Perth has seen rapid growth in the Autumn 2012 use of trail and quad bikes over the Time of Djeran and past decade. While advocates for Makuru in the Nyoongar the activity point to the important calendar. physical and social benefits, local government and land managers are experiencing issues with trail bikes, especially where they impact on Urban Nature update residential or conservation areas. Page 2

Weedwatch: The issue is not new. As far back as 1978 the (Charles) Court Couch grasses Page 3 Terry Waldren (Minister for Sport and Recreation) (from left), Steve Pretzel Government introduced legislation (Recreational Trailbike Riders Association), Tony Simpson (MLA Darling Range), Econote: to prohibit the use of non-road Paul Miles (MLA Wanneroo) and Mike Meinema (DEC Swan Coastal District Bats Page 4 registered vehicles on public land Manager) inspecting works at the Pinjar Off Road Vehicle Area near Wanneroo while at the same time creating in August 2011. Photo – Kathleen Lowry TurtleWatch Page 5 gazetted Off Road Vehicle areas redevelopment of the Pinjar Off and Recreation, is introducing where families could enjoy the Broadcasting seed Road Vehicle Area near Wanneroo a juniors program called Page 5 experience of off-road riding. are very encouraging. ‘Minikhana’. The juniors program Sadly, little or no attention was ever aims to build up skill levels, What’s on Page 6 Over the past 12 months five paid to the Off Road Vehicle Areas confidence and awareness in separate trails totalling around Learning opportunities after that and many of these areas young riders as they move into 15 km have been created in the Page 7 were subsequently closed down by other motorcycle sports. 200 ha pine plantation. A short risk-averse local councils. To address Funding opportunities ‘PeeWee’ trail, surfaced with DEC, RTRA and Motorcycling WA the issues, the Department of Page 7 are working to align the objectives Environment and Conservation (DEC) limestone and clay, suits the of conservationists and riders by Regional reports has reached out to trail bike riders, youngest riders and is adjacent to a encouraging trail bike riders to Page 8 primarily through a strengthening new car park so parents can keep a help protect and preserve the relationship with representative close eye on riders. Nearby a 6 km Plastic plant guards environment for the sustainable peak trail bike groups. ‘Family’ trail has been built and the Page 10 area also has more challenging trails future of their activity. No one is The thinking is that the activity for experienced riders. expecting the situation to change Group profile: is going to occur anyway so the overnight, however all involved Joondalup CCCF best option is to plan for and at Rider feedback is positive and the share a new optimism that the Page 11 least partly manage the activity. number of riders using the facility collaborative approach will help Resources Page 12 The Recreational Trailbike Riders’ is increasing, indicating that the get trail bikes ‘back on track’. Association WA (RTRA) recognises objective of attracting riders to the For more information please that the only way to ensure a future area is being met. Pinjar is a model contact: for trail bike riding is for riders to that can be used to redevelop DEC: Ewen MacGregor on understand and help reduce the other existing Off Road Vehicle [email protected] environmental impacts. Areas and to develop new ones RTRA: Steve Pretzel on for the future. One strategy is to draw riders away [email protected] or visit from environmentally sensitive areas Another strategy is educating www.rtra.asn.au by making the existing gazetted the adult riders of tomorrow, Motorcycling WA: Rick Gill on Off Road Vehicle Areas more and Motorcycling WA, together [email protected] or www.dec.wa.gov.au attractive. Early results from the with the Department of Sport visit www.motorcyclingwa.org.au.

Bushland News is a quarterly newsletter of Urban Nature, a Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) program to support community involvement in bushland conservation. Bushland News Issue 72 - Summer 2009-2010 www.dec.wa.gov.au 1 Autumn 2012

Restoration at Anstey-Keane Damplands by Julia Cullity

Last year Urban Nature convened the design, fence maintenance and cross- Anstey-Keane Management Group to initiate agency blitzes have been discussed to restoration actions to conserve this large reduce the impact of unauthorised motor mosaic of wetlands and banksia woodlands vehicles. Weed mapping by the Friends of in Forrestdale. With representatives from Forrestdale and Urban Nature took place the Friends of Forrestdale, DEC, Western across the 260 ha of public land for 13 Australian Planning Commission, Western priority weeds. The resulting weed action Power, Water Corporation and the City of plan has been endorsed by the group and Armadale, the group aims to bring together commitment and funding for all priority the major stakeholders for the public lands management actions have been agreed in this Bush Forever site and establish upon. Works begin this winter/spring. collaborative bushland management. The Anstey-Keane Damplands are recognised as having intact bushland in excellent condition, a remarkably high number of native plant species and Regina Drummond was the proud threatened species. Significant plant and recipient of the Western Australian animal species include Purdie’s donkey Environment Award – Rivers, Estuaries orchid (Diuris purdiei) and the megamouth and Wetlands. For the past 23 years bee (Leioproctus sp.) – a new species Regina has cared for our environment, in particular the Brixton Street Wetlands. discovered there in 2010. Threatened Photo – Ruth Clark ecological communities are also present, associated with the plant communities of the clay-based seasonal wetlands. The Anstey-Keane Management Group has Contacts begun working on major threats. Options Jim Prince from the Friends of Forrestdale maps weeds using a hand-held computer and Urban Nature office for boundary fencing, heavy-duty gate differential GPS. Photo – Julia Cullity Julia Cullity 9423 2925 Kate Brown 9423 2905 Grazyna Paczkowska 9423 2914 Fire and Biodiversity Conference Department of Environment and DEC officers and research scientists will present recent studies on fire and the implications Conservation, Swan Region office for biodiversity on the Swan Coastal Plain, Darling Scarp and Plateau. Bushland managers 7 Turner Avenue, Bentley WA 6102 are invited to attend Monday 11 June 2012, 9am–5pm WA Conservation Science Centre, PO Box 1167, Bentley Delivery Centre Kensington. RSVP 9423 2900 or email [email protected] WA 6983 Fax 9423 2901 Email [email protected] 2012 Great Cocky Count By Tamara Kabat Current and archived issues of Bushland News are available at www.dec.wa.gov.au/ The Great Cocky Count (GCC) is held each the methodology is robust enough to programs/urban-nature/index.html. year to record as many Carnaby’s cockatoos define population trends when enough (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) as possible on a counts have been done. single night. This year, the GCC is happening In January 2012, Birds Australia and Bird on Sunday April 15 from 5.25pm– Observation and Conservation Australia Winter Bushland News 6.25pm. It is a very easy survey, as you just merged to become a single organisation need to count the Carnaby’s cockatoos called BirdLife Australia. To become a Winter Bushland News contributions flying into their night-time roosting tree at volunteer or to report a roost site please should be sent to Urban Nature at a single location. We are also asking the contact Tamara from BirdLife Australia [email protected] by public to tell us about any night roosts they on 9287 2204 or 0457 333 177 or Thursday 24 May 2012. Bushland find for any black cockatoos. The 2011 GCC [email protected]. For more News seeks original contributions. report has shown a 37 per cent decrease in information about BirdLife Australia’s If your submission has been or may the number of Carnaby’s cockatoos counted Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo Recovery be published elsewhere please let us at night roosts in the Swan Region. Repeat Project and the 2011 GCC report visit know. Compiled and edited by Jo counts over successive years are critical and www.birdlife.org.au/projects/carnabys. Tregonning.

© 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 81 — Autumn 2012 www.dec.wa.gov.au bushlandnews bushland weedwatch

Couch grasses by Julia Cullity

The attributes that make couch grasses suitable as hard-wearing, fast-growing turf enable them to be aggressive invaders of natural areas.

Couch grass (*Cynodon dactylon) is a soft, green, water-hungry summer lawn. It is also a serious weed of wetlands and waterways in Western Australia and is among the 30 highest priority weed species in the Swan NRM region. Salt water couch (*Paspalum vaginatum) is a similar species marketed as the turf grass ‘Velvetene’ or as a B salt-resistant pasture. It is also an environmental weed of estuaries from Geraldton to Albany, saline creeks in the wheatbelt and the tropical north. Native marine couch (Sporobolus virginicus) is often found co-occurring with C couch in wetlands, salt flats, coastal and estuarine sites.

Couch A perennial mat-forming grass, couch The flower spike is the most grows in open, sunlit sites subject to characteristic feature in identifying disturbances such as grazing, fires or couch grasses. Couch's (*Cynodon flooding. It will grow well in sandy, loamy dactylon) flower (A) is made up of 2–7 or clay soils, is tolerant to a wide range of branches which radiate out from the top of the A stem like the fingers of a hand. Saltwater couch pH and salinity and prefers moist sites with (*Paspalum vaginatum) (C) has two branches (rarely warm temperatures. Its growth is slowed more) that open on maturity to a V-shaped seedhead. Both by shade, cold and dry soil. Laboratory trials are easily confused with the native marine couch (Sporobolus for couch have demonstrated allelopathy (i.e. virginicus) (B) which is often found co-occurring with the weedy couch. It is distinguished by the single grey, broadly exudes chemicals from its roots and leaves cylindrical flower-spike held at the top of its stem, which which decrease the germination and growth often persists after flowering. Images – Urban Nature of other plant species). Couch spreads both by seed and vegetative growth as Salt water couch is a summer-active grass, with repeat follow-ups within that growing stolons and rhizomes (runners above and flowering in south-west WA from November– season. In sensitive areas carefully paint below the ground). Rhizomes can grow April and dormant in June–August. It is a runners with 50% Glyphosate. Couch to depths of 60 cm below ground which problem species in suitable habitats including is difficult to manage with herbicide in makes it relatively tolerant to drought and mangroves in other parts of Australia and wetlands as the growing season can waterlogging and enables it to survive the world, including New Zealand, Hawaii, coincide with standing water. Careful most fires by resprouting. A summer Ecuador and southern Africa. observation of wet/dry cycles, summer active grass, it flowers in south-west WA rains or regrowth following fire will identify from December–February and is dormant Management opportunities to apply herbicide to active June–August. Control of couch grasses should be carried growth in dry soils. out in the warmer months when couch Salt water couch and salt water couch are green and actively More information A perennial mat-forming grass, salt water growing. Repeated follow-up is required Bell, U (2004) Native Grasses in the Perth couch grows in coastal, estuarine and to control all the underground rhizomes. Region. Una Bell, Mundaring. moist saline environments. It invades bare Small infestations can be dug out taking Cynodon dactylon Visit www.florabase.dec. soils and can form dense swards which care to remove all roots and root fragments, wa.gov.au/browse/profile/283. out-compete other species for many however the area will need to be checked years, reducing habitat for shorebirds in 4–6 weeks for surviving fragments. Keighery, G J and Bettink, K (2008) and fish and affecting water flow and Small couch plants and those beginning Environmental weed census and sedimentation patterns. It will grow in new growth can be sprayed with the grass prioritisation, Swan NRM Region July 2008 sand and mud flats and will tolerate saline selective herbicide Fusilade Forte® at 8ml/L SCC and DEC report. Available at www. or fresh water, a range of pH, flooding, plus wetting agent. Couch and salt water dec.wa.gov.au/content/view/5894/2327/. drought and low light. It has a higher couch can be sprayed with the broad Paspalum vaginatum Visit www.florabase. tolerance to salinity than couch. spectrum herbicide glyphosate at 1% dec.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/533.

Bushland News Issue 81 — Autumn 2012 www.dec.wa.gov.au 3 Autumn 2012 econotes Bats in our backyard

By Joanna Burgar

“A bat is beautifully soft and silky; I do not know any creature that is pleasanter to the touch or is more grateful for caressings, if offered in the right spirit.” Mark Twain

Perth may not resemble Gotham City, but it has its fair share of bats. These nocturnal and cryptic mammals are easy to miss, so some might find it surprising that the greater Perth area is home to nine species of insectivorous tree-dwelling microbats. Most of Above: Western long- the microbat species listed in Table 1 are widespread eared bat (Nyctophilus throughout Australia, although two species are timoriensis timoriensis) restricted to south-western WA – the western false is one of two bats that pipistrelle (priority 4 conservation status) and the are restricted to the south-west of WA. western long-eared bat. The few records of little Left: Southern forest red flying-foxes south of the Swan River were likely bats (Vespadelus regulus) vagrants, as flying-fox camps do not occur in Perth and fly off into the night are more typically found north of Shark Bay. following the recording of biological data. Table 1: Bats of the Perth region Photos – Jesse Young

Common name Species name white-striped freetail bat Tadarida australis ball. Comparatively, Perth’s smallest bat in check. Bats can easily consume southern freetail bat Mormopterus sp 4, is the southern forest bat, weighing up to half their own body weight in undescribed, var. western slightly less than a $2 coin. a nightly foraging bout. Although diets vary depending on the species, Gould’s wattled bat Chalinolobus gouldii Disease vectors Perth’s bats predominantly eat prey chocolate wattled bat Chalinolobus morio Due to their enigmatic nature, from the orders moths, flies, beetles, western false pipistrelle Falsistrellus mackenziei bats are often misunderstood and true bugs and cicadas, crickets and lesser long-eared bat Nyctophilus geoffroyi misconstrued as being disease ridden. even the occasional spider. The diet Gould’s long-eared bat Nyctophilus gouldi Australian bats have a low prevalence of the chocolate wattled bat includes western long-eared bat Nyctophilus major and transmission rate of disease. pest species such as cabbage moths In Australia, there have been seven (Hellula hydralis) and apple loopers southern forest bat Vespadelus regulus cases of the Hendra virus and two of (Phrissogonus laticstata), known little red flying-fox Pteropus scapulatus the Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV). to affect Margaret River vineyards, Hendra virus has only been transmitted while the southern forest bat eats Echolocation from flying-foxes to horses and mosquitoes. Contrary to popular belief, microbats are not blind but then to humans while ABLV can be The benefit of these fascinating use echolocation to navigate and forage. Echolocation transmitted by either flying-foxes or creatures far outweighs any calls are highfrequency sound waves made by bats as microbats. Although no transmission negatives. One great way to improve they force air through their vocal cords, creating sound of either disease has occurred in impulses that are sent out through either the mouth or the abundance of bats in your WA, only people vaccinated against the nostrils and then bounce back from surrounding backyard is to put up a bat box. rabies should handle bats due to the objects. The sensitive ears of a bat detect the echoes, To build your own bat box visit: severity if contracted. Anyone bitten or which the brain then converts into information about the www.gobatty.com.au/build-your- scratched should seek medical counsel. size, texture and distance of the object. own-bat-box/. Diet The unmistakeable call of the white-striped freetail bat is More information commonly heard in greater Perth. The call sounds like a Another misconception is that bats Contact Joanna Burgar (PhD metallic ‘ting’, often heard after dusk and high overhead. suck blood. Three species of vampire Candidate, Murdoch University) at With an echolocation call ranging from 10–15 kHz, it is bats do feed on blood, but they are [email protected]. the only bat in Perth with a call audible to human ears. restricted to the tropical Americas. The white-striped freetail bat is also the largest microbat Perth’s insectivorous bats are important www.climatewatch.org.au/species/ in the city although it weighs slightly less than a golf for keeping invertebrate populations mammals/white-striped-bat

4 Bushland News Issue 81 — Autumn 2012 www.dec.wa.gov.au bushlandnews

TurtleWatch By Elaine Lewis and Vicky Hartill Broadcasting seed in Blue Wren Reserve

By Sandy Stone Blue Wren Reserve is a 13 ha reserve in the Shire of Mundaring and is managed by a seven-member strong Friends group. For the past 11 years the Friends have been regenerating the marginal bushland areas using seed. Broadcasting seed has been very successful in increasing biodiversity, reducing costs (no plant guards) and This oblong turtle (Chelodina oblonga) was observed nesting near Canning River Eco Education Centre and was reported by a citizen scientist. Photo – Elaine Vesperman reducing vandalism. The area to be broadcast must be weed Oblong turtles (Chelodina oblonga) inhabit Community members can help by free and in some cases it has taken the the wetlands of the Perth metropolitan area. reporting oblong turtle sightings. Friends two or more years to achieve this Their wellbeing is of increasing concern to Visit www.climatewatch.org.au/species/ goal. The best time to broadcast the seed is the community in relation to habitat loss, reptiles/oblong-turtle or phone: after the first decent winter rains. This used Cockburn Wetlands Education Centre road deaths, predation and climate change. to be in May but in the past two or three on 9417 8460, Canning River Eco TurtleWatch began with concerned residents years it has been June–July. Broadcasting in the City of Stirling seeking to provide Education Centre on 9461 7160, after the first rains helps to minimise seed suitable nesting sites. Predation was an Herdsman Lake Wildlife Centre on loss (due to less ant movement). important limiting factor in that project, so a 9387 6079, South East Regional Council second TurtleWatch program is underway. for Urban Landcare on 9458 5664. The Eastern Hills Wildflower Society provides us with local native seed. Pre- TurtleWatch 2 aims to identify predator/s TurtleWatch is funded by Lotterywest and treatment of the seed was a bit of a involved in the destruction of nests at has in-kind support from the Australian mystery to me, so I heat treated them Herdsman Lake, Bibra Lake and Canning Association for Environmental Education, all by placing small amounts of seed River. Camera surveillance has shown partner local governments and mixtures in old nylon stockings for 30 evidence of fox predation. We also aim to community landcare. New partnerships seconds. This was done immediately prior foster conservation partnerships between the have been created for TurtleWatch 2 with to broadcasting, so the seeds wouldn’t community, research, educational institutions ClimateWatch, Murdoch University, germinate before planting or grow mildew. and industry. We have held six community The University of Western Australia and Over the years we have become more education sessions at eco-centres with the Turtle Oblonga Rescue and adventurous in the diversity of species we publicity and resources spreading the word. Rehabilitation Network. broadcast. Appendix 1 in Australian Seeds – A Guide to their Collection, Identification and Biology (2006) edited by L Sweedman Studies in the Helena River Catchment and D Merritt is a great resource. It is a good idea to break up the soil By Renee D’Herville Another major threat to the native fish is the with a fork or metal rake just prior to competition and predation from exotic fish In 2010 and 2011 a survey of freshwater fish broadcasting. We have found damp river species including mosquitofish (*Gambusia was undertaken by the Eastern Metropolitan sand to be a good medium to mix with the holbrooki), redfin perch (*Perca fluviatalis) Regional Council (EMRC), Swan River Trust pre-treated seeds so you can distribute seed and goldfish (*Carassius auratus). (SRT) and Wetland Resource Management evenly and thinly. We mix in a wheelbarrow (WRM) in the Helena River Catchment. To complement the baseline data, SRT and with a big shovel. Rake the sand and seed Five native species were found in the EMRC are conducting summer monitoring over the area to be re-vegetated and erect catchment which included western minnow and sampling of 10 pools, upstream a rabbit-proof fence. Remove small weeds (Galaxias occidentalis), western pigmy perch and downstream of Pipehead Dam. The as they appear and make sure contractors (Nannoperca vittata), nightfish (Bostockia monitoring includes electrical conductivity, know not to spray the area with herbicide. porosa), freshwater cobbler (Tandanus bostoki) dissolved oxygen, pH and temperature. Sometimes seedlings do not germinate and Swan River goby (Pseudogobius olorum). WRM will also be conducting fish biota following the first winter but stay dormant studies within this section of the catchment until more suitable conditions occur. The biggest threat to Helena River fish is low at the end of February. These studies aim to We have even seen it take two winter dissolved oxygen and this was found in the determine appropriate flow rates to ensure a seasons before the majority of seed has lower and middle Helena. Environmental healthier environment for freshwater fauna. germinated. flows will help improve water quality by increasing water volume and minimising For more information email Renee at For more information email Sandy at accumulated organic matter and nutrients. [email protected]. [email protected].

Bushland News Issue 81 — Autumn 2012 www.dec.wa.gov.au 5 Autumn 2012

what’s on Opportunities for you to take part! Visitors always welcome but please confirm activities with the contact person. Most activities are FREE!

Sundays 9am–10.30am Research into bird populations 19 Saturday 8.30am Recurrent activities Bushcare activities at Throssell with the Herdsman Lake Bird Work day with the Canning River Saturdays Reserve, Eastern Hills in the Jane Brook Banding Group. Call Bill Rutherford Regional Park Volunteers. Contact Bushcare activities with the Mt Catchment are on the second Sunday of (ABBBS Coordinator) 0438 910 252. CRRPV. Henry Conservation Group are on each month. Call Una Bell 9572 1447. 19 Saturday 7.30pm the fourth Saturday of each month. Sundays 9.45am–12 noon Guided night walk with the Friends of Email [email protected] Bushcare activities with the Friends April Dianella Bushland. Contact Jan 9344 Saturdays 8am–9am of Piesse Brook are on the third 1 Sunday 7am–9.30am 2872 or [email protected]. Guided walks with Friends of Sunday of each month. Contact Mornin’ Song bird walk in Beelu 20 Sunday 8.30am–12 noon Koondoola. Second Saturday of the Gerry Brown 9293 2517, Bridgett National Park, Mundaring. Includes Native plant sale by the Friends month. Meet at Gate 2, corner of Hogarth [email protected], morning tea. $20 pp. Age 10+ of Kings Park. A rare chance to buy Koondoola and Burbridge Ave. [email protected] or visit Bookings 9295 2244. unusual native plants. All funds from the Saturdays 8am–9am www.friendsofpiessebrook.org.au. 13 Friday 7.30pm plant sales support worthwhile projects Guided walks and meeting with Friends Sundays 9am–12 noon Soil fauna and vegetation and research in Kings Park and Botanic of Landsdale. First Saturday of the Bushcare activities with the Friends relationships with guest speaker Garden. Visit www.friendsofkingspark. month. Meet at third gate Landsdale Rd, of the Spectacles (Kwinana) are Natasha Pauli. Contact WA Nats(DR). com.au. east of Landsdale Farm School, Darch. on the third Sunday of each month. 13 Friday 7.30pm 20 Sunday 9am–12 noon Saturdays 9am Contact Lynda Smith on 9439 1928 Biological surveys in Sri Lanka Bushcare basics – the good, bad Bushcare activities with the Friends or [email protected]. with guest speaker Ric Howe. and ugly workshop. Gooseberry Hill. of Brixton Street Wetlands are on Mondays 8.30am–10am Contact WA Nats(P). Contact BSH. the third Saturday of each month. Bushcare activities with the Friends 20 Sunday 9am–12 noon Call Regina 9459 2964. 14 Saturday 8.30am of Mary Carroll Lake (Gosnells). Work day with the Canning River Planting with Wandi Landcare and Town Saturdays, Sundays 9am–12 noon Volunteers also work the fourth weekend Regional Park Volunteers. Contact of Kwinana. Meet Wandi Community Koala maintenance at Yanchep of each month. Contact Unice 9398 CRRPV. Centre, DeHaer Rd. Contact ToK. National Park. Call Ciara 9405 0771. 7126 or [email protected]. 15 Sunday 5.25pm-6.25pm 25 Friday 7.30pm Sundays 8.30am-9.30am Mondays, Wednesdays, Great Cocky Count with BirdLife Nocturnal walk with Friends of Guided walks and meeting with Fridays 9am–12 noon Australia. Email Tamara tamara. Star Swamp Bushland, North Beach. Friends of Mirrabooka. First Sunday Bushcare activities and wetlands [email protected] to register. Call Christine 9447 2983 or email of the month. Call Jan 9344 2872. walk trail maintenance with 20 Friday 7.30pm [email protected]. Sundays 8am–9am Yanchep National Park Volunteers. Call Ciara 9405 0771. Endangered fauna with guest 26 Saturday 8.30am–10am Guided walks with Friends of speaker Leonie Ballantyne. Contact Bushcare activities with the Friends Marangaroo. Fourth Sunday of the Thursdays 8am–9am WA Nats(KRM). of Mary Carroll Lake (Gosnells). month. Meet at Gate 3, Decourcey Way. Bushcare activities every Thursday 22 Sunday 8.30am–10am Contact Unice 9398 7126 or Sundays 8am–10am with Byford Enviro-Link. Call Johanne [email protected]. Garvey or Kristy Gregory 9526 0199. Bushcare activities with the Bushcare activities every Sunday Friends of Mary Carroll Lake with the Friends of Shenton Park Thursdays 9am–2pm (Gosnells). Contact Unice 9398 7126 Bushland. Contact Dani 9381 3470 Bushcare activities in Margaret or [email protected]. June or [email protected]. River with the Capes Volunteer Team. Call 9757 2202. 28 Saturday 9am 8 Friday 7.30pm Sundays 8.30am Guided walk with the Canning Weeds in WA with guest speaker Greg Conservation Volunteers activity Bushcare activities with the River Regional Park Volunteers. Keighery. Contact WA Nats(P). Friends of Wireless Hill are on schedule. Free one-day local Contact CRRPV. the second and fourth Sunday of activities or overnight country trips. 8 Friday 7.30pm each month. Meet at main carpark. Call Jodi 9335 2777 or visit 28 Saturday 9am–12 noon Fungi and lowly plants of Canada Contact Margaret 0402 105 649 or www.conservationvolunteers.com.au. Bushcare basics – safety and photography techniques with workshop for volunteers working guest speaker Gerhard Saueraker. Contact [email protected]. Guided walks with trained guides in bushland areas. Gooseberry Hill. WA Nats(DR). Sundays 9am–11am from the Friends of Bold Park Contact BSH. Bushcare activities with Bushland, Floreat. 9am on first 9 Saturday 10am–12 noon Cottesloe Coastcare are on the Saturday, second Thursday and 29 Sunday 10am–12 noon Native fauna after dark workshop. first Sunday of each month. Visit third Sunday of each month. Dinosaur Dig family event at Baldivis Gooseberry Hill. Contact BSH. www.cottesloecoastcare.org for details For details 9480 3996, or Children’s Forest. Contact BCF. 10 Sunday 9am–12 noon or contact Robyn on 9384 7668 or www.bgpa.wa.gov.au/bold-park/walks Planting with the Friends of Lake [email protected]. or [email protected]. Claremont. Contact Heidi 0416 614 May 696 or [email protected]. Registration/Contact details 4 Friday 7.30pm 10 Sunday 9am–1pm Tropical fungi with guest speaker Planting at Market Garden Swamp, BCF Baldivis Children’s Forest WA Nats(DR) WA Naturalists Club Matt Barrett. Contact WA Nats(P). Spearwood. BBQ lunch. Contact CoC. Bookings Michelle 0405 998 598 or (Darling Range). CWA Hall off 10 Sunday 2pm–4pm bookings@baldivis-childrens-forest. Central Rd Kalamunda. Email 5 Saturday 8.30am Blastoff – rockets and puppets com.au. [email protected]. Work day with the Canning River family event at Baldivis Children’s BSH Bush Skills for the Hills $2 door entry. Regional Park Volunteers. Contact Forest. Contact BCF. Free community workshops. WA Nats(KRM) WA Naturalists CRRPV. Bookings 9424 2216 or Club (Kwinana Rockingham 11 Friday May 7.30pm 15 Friday 7.30pm [email protected]. Mandurah) Naragebup Dibblers with guest speaker Tony Goodale Sanctuary with guest CoC City of Cockburn Contact Linda Rockingham Regional Environment Friend. Contact WA Nats(DR). speaker. Contact WA Nats(KRM). 9411 3444 or customer@cockburn. Centre, Safety Bay Rd, Peron. 14 Monday 8.30am 16 Saturday 9am wa.gov.au. Email [email protected]. Bird walk with the Friends of Work day with the Canning River CRRPV Canning River Regional Park $2 door entry. Paganoni Swamp. Contact Leonie Regional Park Volunteers. Contact CRRPV. Volunteers Contact Jo 9458 3669 or WA Nats(P) WA Naturalists Club 9536 8195 or [email protected]. 16–30 Saturdays and Sundays 9am Pam [email protected]. (Perth) Hew Roberts Lecture 18 Friday 7.30pm Planting with the Waterbird Conservation ToK Town of Kwinana community plantings. Theatre, UWA Extension. Nocturnal walk with Friends of Lake Group at Folly and Maramanup Pools, Lunch or morning tea provided. Contact Clifton St, Nedlands. Gwelup. Call Christine 9447 2983 or Baldivis. Call Ruth 9339 5501 or email Kwinana Bushcare Officer 9439 0418 or Email [email protected]. email [email protected]. [email protected]. [email protected]. $2 door entry.

6 Bushland News Issue 81 — Autumn 2012 www.dec.wa.gov.au bushlandnews Highlights 2011–2012 Year of the Bat Visit www.yearofthebat.org/. Funding opportunities SERCUL’s events calendar. Visit www.sercul.org.au/events.html. Grants to Voluntary Environment, City of Rockingham Community Grants Wildflower Society of Western Australia Sustainability and Heritage funds community projects, including events calendar. Visit http://members.ozemail. com.au/~wildflowers/events.htm. Organisations (GVESHO) helps eligible environmental initiatives, in the Rockingham community-based environment, sustainability community up to $20,000. Funding is 7–21 April Nearer to Nature school holiday program. Visit www.dec.wa.gov.au/n2n. and heritage organisations to value, conserve quarterly. Closes: 15 June 2012. Visit 22 April Earth Day ‘Mobilise the Earth’. and protect Australia's natural environment www.rockingham.wa.gov.au/Leisure-and- Visit www.earthday.org/earth-day-2012. and historic heritage by assisting with their recreation/Grants-and-awards/Community- 8–9 May 3rd South Australian Weeds administrative funding i.e. rental, electricity, grants.aspx Conference. Visit www.wmssa.org.au/events.htm. gas, phone, office supplies and equipment, Coastwest grants provide opportunities and 11 June 9am–5pm Fire and Biodiversity: staff and volunteer training, photocopying resources to assist community groups and recent work on the Coastal Plain and in the and printing costs, and travel costs incurred Perth Hills. WA Conservation Science Centre, coastal managers to undertake on-ground on behalf of the organisation. Likely to Kensington. Contact DEC 9423 2900 or daniella. coastal management activities, to facilitate open in June and close in July. Contact [email protected]. community involvement and capacity the GVESHO Program Team on 02 6274 3–5 September 2012 National Landcare building through the implementation of Conference, Sydney. Visit www.daff.gov.au/ 2422. Visit www.environment.gov.au/about/ existing coastal management plans. natural-resources/landcare/national_landcare_ programs/gveho/index.html. conference_-_sydney. A total of $500,000 is available. Applications 30 September–3 October 2012 Australian Norman Wettenhall Foundation for grants of up to $150,000 will be Association for Environmental Education Small Environmental Grant Scheme considered. Likely to open May 2012. Conference ‘Creating your next Courageous supports Australian biodiversity projects Visit www.planning.wa.gov.au/coastwest. Steps’, Melbourne. Visit www.aaee.org.au/about/ that are concerned with one or more of conference-2010/. Lotterywest Conservation of Natural the following: monitoring, collecting and 8–11 October 18th Australasian Weeds Heritage Grants are available to not-for-profit recording data; community education; Conference 2012, Melbourne. Developing organisations and local government authorities community capacity building (training); and solutions to evolving weed problems. to conserve natural habitats and maintain Visit www.18awc.com. research and science. There are four grant the diversity of animal and plant species, e.g. rounds each year. Closes: June. Visit planting, fencing, weed control, equipment 23 Saturday 9am–1pm www.nwf.org.au/grants/grants-conditions/. Planting at Coogee Beach supported and newsletters/pamphlets. Applications can by Coastwest and Coastcare. BBQ lunch. Ian Potter Foundation Environment and be made at any time. Visit www.lotterywest. Contact CoC. Conservation program grants support wa.gov.au/grants/grant-types/heritage-and- 24 June Sunday 8.30am–10am Australian urban and regional communities conservation/natural-heritage. Bushcare activities with the Friends of to live sustainably and preserve biodiversity. Mary Carroll Lake (Gosnells). Contact Unice State Natural Resource Management Small grants up to $20,000 recognise the 9398 7126 or [email protected]. Community Grants provides funding for important role played by volunteers and 24 Sunday 9am–12 noon community-based projects that target on- environmental organisations in increasing Planting with Medina Residents at Chalk Hill. ground natural resource management action Meet Beacham Cres, Medina. Contact ToK. public understanding and awareness. at a local level. Opens: mid-April. Closes: Closes: 28 May 2012. Visit http:// mid-June. Visit www.nrm.wa.gov.au/grants/ foundation.ianpotter.org.au/environment- July state-nrm-program.aspx. 2 Monday 9.30am amp-conservation. SJ Shire and Byford and Districts Fungi walk with the Friends of Paganoni City of Melville Community Partnership Swamp. Contact Leonie 9536 8195 or Community Bank® Branch of Bendigo Funding program is open to community [email protected]. Bank’s Community Funding Program is organisations or individuals for innovative 6 Friday 7.30pm available for projects such as a local entry projects which raise awareness and take Relocating fauna with guest speaker statement, shade structures, street furniture, Peter Kendrick. Contact WA Nats(P). action on climate change and environmental art in public places, picnic and barbecue 8 Sunday 9am–12 noon sustainability within the City of Melville. facilities, memorials, playground equipment Planting with the Friends of Lake For levels 2 and 3 grants (up to $5,000) Claremont. Contact Heidi 0416 614 696 or re-vegetation. Opens: January. Closes: 30 assessments are conducted monthly. Level 1 or [email protected]. June. Please discuss all proposals with the grants ($5,000–$10,000) open: 13 March. Community Development Officer on 9526 Closes: 14 May. Visit www.melvillecity. Please send us your July, August and 1137 prior to submitting applications. Visit September events by Thursday 24 May 2012. com.au/community/community-grants/ www.sjshire.wa.gov.au/grant-funding/. community-partnership-funding. Activities key

Hands on – bushland and wetland Learning opportunity management activities. Fertilise wise – Fertiliser Training workshops for turf managers to learn best management Walks and tours – look, listen and enjoy guided walks and excursions. practices to protect natural areas. Encourage your local turf manager to attend or come along yourself. One-day workshops (8.30am–5.00pm) will be held on: 19 June at Piney Lakes Skills development activities – talks, Environmental Education Centre, 26 June at Canning River Eco Education Centre, presentations, training courses and workshops. 29 June at the Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council. Cost $100. Morning tea and lunch Meetings and events – group meetings, provided. Please contact Amy Krupa on [email protected] or 9458 5664. expos, festivals and conferences.

Bushland News Issue 81 — Autumn 2012 www.dec.wa.gov.au 7 Autumn 2012 regionalreports Please send us your regional report (150–200 words) and a photo by Thursday 24 May 2012. Text may be edited in response to volume of submitted reports.

Innovative SERCUL projects win award By Amy Krupa Friends of Market Garden Swamp The South East Regional Centre for Urban Landcare (SERCUL) is an independent natural By Linda Metz and Paula McLay resource management group Market Garden Swamp (MGS) is located that works in the southern in Spearwood and forms part of a suburbs of Perth. Since 2003 north-south wetland chain within Beeliar SERCUL have been bringing Regional Park in the City of Cockburn. It together the community, is a Bush Forever site and a natural area business and government refuge among the urban development to develop and implement SERCUL was very proud to receive the WA Environment Award that surrounds it. The wetland chain has projects that improve the for Community Achievement in November 2011. Photo – SERCUL been looked after by the Friends of MGS health of our waterways and since 2003. freshwater fauna of south-western other ecosystems. Australia (see Bushland News Issue 80 Paula McLay is the coordinator and has Over the past year SERCUL has been involved p.12). Curriculum-linked education worked tirelessly with other locals to in some exciting projects that keep our staff activities aimed at Years 1–10 are restore biodiversity values to what was and many volunteers very busy. The Urban currently being produced and will be largely a degraded site with pockets of Waterways Renewal (UWR) project focuses available later in 2012. very good vegetation. Portions of this on the conversion of existing urban drainage wetland have been separated physically At the end of 2011 SERCUL were lines into living streams by improving water by roads and the Friends have been very proud to win a WA Environment retention and infiltration capabilities of working to reconnect sections. Award for Community Achievement – drains and compensation basins. There are Metropolitan for leadership, commitment The Friends of MGS have been working 11 sub-projects aimed at reducing nutrients and excellence in the protection of the with the City of Cockburn over several and pollutants entering the Swan Canning WA metropolitan environment. This is a years to restore native sedge beds to Riverpark in the Cities of Armadale, Gosnells fantastic acknowledgment of the great help reduce nutrient inflow from drains, and Canning. There is also a comprehensive team working at SERCUL and we would restore habitat values and foster a sense monitoring program being implemented like to say a big thank you to all the of ownership within the community. at the UWR sites including aquatic and volunteers, funding bodies and everyone Funding support from DEC environmental terrestrial macroinvertebrates, birds, mussels, else who has contributed towards making community grants has also contributed to vegetation and water quality. SERCUL an award-winning place. the ongoing success of the groups work. The Freshwater Fauna Project is a partnership For more information contact Amy Krupa Local residents and other volunteers from with Murdoch University’s Freshwater on 9458 5664 or [email protected]. local scout groups and Conservation Fish Group and Fish Health Unit which au or visit www.sercul.org.au. Volunteers have all helped lend a hand. has produced an educational package on The biggest struggle to overcome has been weed invasion and the limestone which lies beneath the surface (not easy Kangaroo exclusion and wow! By Michelle Mullarkey to plant into!). The revegetation work will continue this Greening Australia, Alcoa of Australia and Although the kangaroo fence was year with planting activities in June and the South West Catchments Council recently expensive to fund initially, it appears it may October. To join in an event contact Linda joined forces on a restoration project on the be more cost effective. The great survival Metz, City of Cockburn on 9411 3444. upper regions of Oakley Brook (Murray River rate (so far) outweighs the alternative tributary). Thelma Crook has worked with cost of seedlings, stakes, guards, staff and Alcoa farmlands manager Tony Hiscock and volunteer hours over consecutive years Fairbridge to help restoration along the brook with only a small survival rate. Installation following the 2006 Australia Day fires. of kangaroo-exclusion fencing will enable this area and other areas with similar Unfortunately our enduring problem has been problems to flourish. the high kangaroo numbers and the resultant browsing. This project has included kangaroo- For more information on the Greening exclusion fencing and the results are astounding! Australia Peel Biolinks Restoration project Not only have our plantings survived and grown please call the Alcoa Landcare Education Friends of Market Garden Swamp volunteer Sue extremely well with no plant guards, but the Centre on 9733 4014 or email Martin von Bate (left) and coordinator Paula McLay planting sedges at Pennlake Drain, Market Garden natural recruitment in some areas is wonderful. Kaschke on [email protected]. Swamp in July 2011. Photo – Linda Metz

8 Bushland News Issue 81 — Autumn 2012 www.dec.wa.gov.au bushlandnews

Waterbird Conservation Group wins award By Ruth Clark Armadale Gosnells Landcare Group receives annual funding

The Armadale Gosnells Landcare Group (AGLG) has received $290,000 of funding to continue its bushland management and renewal efforts during 2012. AGLG plan to plant more than 160,000 native seedlings and spend more than $130,000 on invasive species control. This will be the largest native bushland management project in AGLG history. The Cities of Armadale, Gosnells Waterbird Conservation Group members and volunteers at a Folly Pool planting day with their award. Photo – Victor Talbot and AGLG would like to thank the generous funding bodies for their Last year was another busy year for 38 pottiputkis and whipper snippers and for support; Caring for Our Country volunteers and members of the Waterbird assistance with track management slashing. Program, Swan River Trust, Perth Conservation Group with the planting The group continues to rehabilitate parts Region NRM, Alcoa, DEC, SERCUL, of almost 15,000 seedlings at Folly and of Canning River Regional Park with the Landcare Australia, Western Australian Maramanup pools in Baldivis. Funding dedication of our President Helen Barnes Planning Commission, Main Roads was kindly provided by DEC, the Water and the planting of thousands of native WA and Water Corporation. Corporation and the Australian Government seedlings and considerable weed control. Caring for our Country program. A The AGLG has planted more than a This project was sponsored by Caring for our number of individuals have also given million seedlings and revegetated over Country program and DEC. generous donations to the group through 30 sites across the Armadale–Gosnells the Conservation Council of WA. This has In October 2011 the Waterbird Conservation area during its 13 years of operation. Group was honoured to receive the enabled the group to set up a reticulation For more information contact the Conservation Council of WA Len Howard system to make watering easier this summer. AGLG on 0413 883 565. Community Group Conservation Award. The City of Rockingham, South East Regional Centre for Urban Landcare and For more information contact Ruth on Water Corporation are thanked for loaning [email protected].

Weekly weed control at Paganoni By Leonie Stubbs

The Friends of Paganoni Swamp Reserve underwent a prescribed burn in May 2011 began the year with a tentative change and from around a number of old, large in scheduling from monthly to weekly tuarts that succumbed to the fire. Most of At its recent annual general meeting, activities. The longer we work in the reserve these large tuarts had been damaged from the Environmental Weeds Action the more we find to do – particularly in previous fires but the loss of fauna habitat Network was pleased to present relation to weed control. Unfortunately from their abundant hollows is of concern. the Andrew Thomson Memorial ‘pepper’ ticks have been creating havoc Scholarship of $5,000 to Murdoch Brian Chambers from UWA advised that with our volunteers; they do dampen our University student Will Fowler. Carolyn phascogales had visited five nest boxes Thomson-Dans (Andrew’s daughter) bushland activities! installed in the reserve last year, with feral (from left) and Margaret Thomson A walk in the reserve revealed a mass of bees commandeering a further two. We (Andrew's wife) presented the award flowering Rottnest Island daisy (Trachymene will arrange for these hives to be destroyed on behalf of EWAN to Will Fowler. Will’s honours project will research soil coerulea) which was a delightful sight on a because at least one of these nest boxes seed bank components, weed control hot summer’s morning. has previously been used by a phascogale. and optimisation of topsoil transfer We have been slowly weeding out Conyza, For more information contact Leonie on for restoration of banksia woodlands. Solanum and inkweed from the site that 9536 8195 or [email protected]. Photo– Mike Griffiths

Bushland News Issue 81 — Autumn 2012 www.dec.wa.gov.au 9 Autumn 2012

To bag or not to bag? By Robyn Benken

Armies of the ubiquitous green plastic plant guards pop up around the country every winter. Using plastic guards for seedlings is a practice Cottesloe Coastcare Association has explored since 1996.

The main reasons for using guards is the protection they provide seedlings from pests and trampling and, in areas with severe frosts or high winds, their ability to create a microclimate inside the guard which may aid plant growth. Rain and moisture runs down the plastic and may assist the survival rate of seedlings. Guards are also used to ‘make a statement’, to show that works are going on and to delineate a revegetated area. Sometimes Kate Sputore (North Metropolitan Coastcare Officer) with a Hale School student planting at Mudurup guards include weed-suppressing matting. Rocks, Cottesloe. Photo – Robyn Benken Guards may also be used as a barrier to can scour the surface of the soil and leave protect seedlings from chemical overspray Where tree guarding is necessary, guards bare roots. I have seen seedlings and their should be removed before late spring during weed control later in spring. entire root ball lying inside a guard on (before plants become too big) and the Observations top of the sand, as if they were not ever elevated temperatures of summer arrive. Cottesloe Coastcare Association (CCA) planted. On other occasions the seedling Alternatively, the use of non-stretchable has learnt that plant guards are sometimes has been totally buried by sand inside the onion bags may be a viable alternative. guard. Of course this is why brush material required, but that weed removal followed Rokich and Dixon (2007) reported on or matting is required in these areas before by early winter planting gives us the best the Bold Park studies which indicated planting, but this is not always possible. plant survival results. unfavourable temperature conditions are At Grant Marine Park, a secondary dune In my experience the biggest issues are the produced within plastic guards during in North Cottesloe, the guards provide time involved in attaching guards properly summer months. In addition, long- protection from rabbits and trampling by and securely in the first place, maintaining stemmed plants are prone to collapse children and dogs. the guards until their timely removal and after guard removal. Guard application the added cost of guards to a planting and removal is also extremely costly and The planting of Bryan Way foredune by program. Plants which are left in guards for time consuming, increasing planting CCA in 2007 was protected by fencing too long can become weak, top heavy and labour by 6-fold. Aside from rabbit and there was no evidence of rabbits so leggy. Some mature plants seem stressed in protection, the use of plastic tree guards we did not use guards. Overall, seedling bags and predatory organisms, e.g. snails, provided no other benefits to plant survival was excellent. The seedlings were may find the protected plastic environment survival at Bold Park. not vandalised (plastic bags pulled out, suitable habitat. sticks thrown around, seedlings trampled) More information Every time CCA volunteers walk up and by revellers from the pubs across the road as Rokich, D P and Dixon K W (2007) Recent down dunes maintaining guards we are had been the case in previous years. advances in restoration ecology, with trampling the area further. I think that a focus on the Banksia woodland and Following stormy weather overnight half volunteers’ time is better spent hand the smoke germination tool. Australian of the guards at Grant Marine Park had weeding or seed collecting or doing many Journal of Botany, 55: 375–389. collapsed. Quite a few seedlings had been of the other chores needed than using broken and damaged by the flapping plant guards where they might not be Turner, S and McLean, B (2005) guards. CCA braved wild, wet and windy absolutely necessary. Optimisation of Greenstock Survival conditions for several hours to re-install for Restoration of Bold Park. In: Bold Turner and McLean (2005) studied the guards. None of the unguarded seedlings at Park Final Report for Greenstock, Direct impact of tree guards on 20,000 seedlings Bryan Way had been damaged. Seeding, Tissue Culture and Seed planted at Bold Park during 2002–2005. dormancy. Botanic Gardens and Parks At similar exposed sites where there is They recommended avoiding the use of Authority, West Perth, Western Australia. moving sand, an eddy of sand can be tree guards unless absolutely necessary created around the base of the guard which (i.e. to avoid rabbit predation). http://cottesloecoastcare.org/dir/2007/08

10 Bushland News Issue 81 — Autumn 2012 www.dec.wa.gov.au bushlandnews groupprofile

Joondalup Community Coast Care Forum By Mike Norman

Joondalup Community Coast Care Forum Inc (JCCCF) was formed in 2000 to undertake long-term coastal restoration and biodiversity projects along the City of Joondalup’s 17 km coastline. There are currently three coastal Friends Groups under the JCCCF umbrella, working in Sorrento, Ocean Reef – Iluka and Mullaloo.

Friends of Sorrento Beach Mike Norman coordinates the Friends of Sorrento Beach working on a 1.5 km stretch of Quindalup dunes in Sorrento (in 2011, extending to the Hillarys marina). This area was at least 80 per cent Mike Norman (left) and volunteers from Synthes at Sorrento Beach. Photo – Mike Norman weeds. Planting, weeding and rubbish species have been recorded in this biodiverse removal activities since 2000 have been area. Swan Alcoa Landcare Program, Caring very successful. During 2011, work has for our Country and ongoing Coastwest increased thanks to a Coastwest grant, funding have assisted with the extensive more City of Joondalup (City) involvement on-ground effort. In 2010–11, a large effort and more help from corporate and was put into hand-weeding cape tulip community groups (some of whom have occupying half the reserve. A previous trial by never worked in a natural area before). the City using herbicides was unsuccessful. Coastwest grants are funded through Grant money pays for a bush regeneration a partnership between the Western contractor to carry out most of the cape tulip Australian Planning Commission and hand-weeding. In 2011, 285 volunteer hours the Australian Government’s Caring for and 668 contractor hours of on-ground work Friends of North Ocean Reef – Iluka Foreshore our Country. Grant money pays for a were performed over 1.2 km of Bush Forever planted this site in 2005, on the edge of bush regeneration contractor (under our site number 325 at Iluka. the popular beach at Iluka. Photo – Marjorie direction) to do heavy on-ground work Apthorpe beyond volunteer capabilities. With our Mullaloo Beach Community Group Public entry into the highly mobile dunes planting method of deep levering sand Marie Macdonald and Sharon McArthur has created significant management and four-stake wind guards, seedling coordinate the revegetation projects carried issues. In 2011 a total of 448 volunteer survival has been better than 85 per cent out by Mullaloo Beach Community Group. hours and 295 contractor hours of on- in most years. So far 97 per cent of the We value the ongoing support for our ground work was carried out at Mullaloo. 1,200 seedlings planted in July 2011 have projects by the traditional owners through In 2012 we have four projects, two are survived. The manual removal of 22 weed the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea funded by Coastwest, one by NRM and a species (using homemade specialised tools) Council. We also appreciate advice and on- Mobile Muster Grant. has also resulted in significant natural ground assistance from JCCCF committee, regeneration. Foxes and rabbits have been the Mullaloo Sea Cubs and Scouts and The three Friends Groups also work with targeted with the help of the City. In 2011, from the City. We value all volunteers and the Friends of Marmion Marine Park our group gave a total of 790 volunteer new volunteers are always welcome. The to annually collect and analyse marine hours and 346 contractor hours of on- project areas now extend approximately debris. These results are reported to the ground work at Sorrento. 1.6 km north from the Mullaloo Surf Tangaroa Blue Ocean Care Society to help reduce marine debris in Australia and Friends of North Ocean Reef – Iluka Club. Successive grants from Coastwest internationally. Foreshore have allowed an extensive program of revegetation and erosion control activities Dr Marjorie Apthorpe is the coordinator In 2007 JCCCF won a State Landcare in this section of Bush Forever site number of the Friends of North Ocean Reef – Iluka award (in the Coastcare category) and 325. Activities have included planting (10 Foreshore. The project area is mainly Mike Norman won an Outstanding different locations – 1,700 seedlings in limestone with Cottesloe vegetation Coastal Leadership Award in the WA 2011), weeding (volunteer and contractor), complex, a small area of Quindalup dunes, Coastal Awards for Excellence. See fencing, sand-trapping, brushing, rabbit with some Spearwood soil and banksia www.joondalupcoastcare.com for more extermination and rubbish removal. woodland. A total of 129 native plant information.

Bushland News Issue 81 — Autumn 2012 www.dec.wa.gov.au 11 Autumn 2012 Resources Bats: a wild Australia guide (2009) Hall Science Network Western Australia New publications L. Steve Parish Publishing. RRP $15. This connects you to news, events and guide features information on habitats, information from all corners of the WA science community. The biology and conservation of breeding, predators and threats, the Visit www.sciencewa.net.au/. Australasian bats (2011) Law B, Eby benefits from bats and bat conservation, as P, Lunney D, Lumsden L (Eds). Royal well as information about caring for bats. eGuide to Australian Birds Morcombe Zoological Society of New South Wales. M. RRP $32. For Apple iPhone, Android RRP $75. This book of papers is from a Website watch smartphones, iPad and iPod Touch. forum held in April 2007 at the Australian Australia’s first fully interactive electronic Museum. The papers by various authors bird guide includes 3,000 illustrations, Vegetation Statistics Statewide are divided into four sections; Perspectives several thousand bird calls and maps. provides information on the pre-European on bats in Australia; Biology; Methods and Search by geographic location and by and current extent of the ecological Conservation; and Management. distinguishing features. Visit communities of WA within the DEC- www.michaelmorcombe.com.au/. Bats: from evolution to conservation managed estate and reports on the status (2011) Altringham JD. Oxford University of the CAR reserve system for WA. Australian Government natural Press. RRP $95. This updated edition covers Visit www2.landgate.wa.gov.au/web/ resource management (NRM) website the key aspects of bat biology, including guest/downloader. has been launched to provide easy access evolution, flight, echolocation, hibernation, to grant information and work achieved State of the Environment 2011 reproduction, feeding and roosting through Caring for our Country. includes graded ‘report-card’ style ecology, social behaviour, migration, Visit www.nrm.gov.au. assessments of environment population and community ecology, condition and trends, pressures biogeography, and conservation. and management effectiveness. Australian Bats Visit www.environment.gov.au/soe/. Are your details correct? (2009) Churchill, S. Please check your mailing details The WA Naturalists’ Club Allen and Unwin. and let us know if we need to has refreshed their website. RRP $45. Revised change anything by phoning Visit www.wanaturalists.org.au/. edition includes us on 9423 2914. If you’d a photograph, Centre of Excellence for Climate prefer to receive this newsletter distribution map, Change, Woodland and Forest electronically, send an email identification key and Health Research Bulletins are available entitled ‘email me’ to urban. substantial rewrites for download on the website under the [email protected]. of description, resources tab. Visit www.foresthealth. biological com.au/html/resources.php. information and echolocation calls for all 75 Australian bat species. 20120081-03-1600 bushlandnews Printed on 100% recycled, totally chlorine free (TCF) paper using vegetable-based inks.

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