News of Friends of GrasGrasssssllllandsands Supporting native grassy ecosystems
JulyJuly----AugustAugust 2006 ISSN 1832-6315 Program SAT 15 JULY 9.30am to noon FOG’s winter grass- land tour: Blundells Flat with Mark Butz . Mark is currently preparing a conservation management plan for Blundells Flat, below Mount Coree. This large area of meadow and grassland escaped pine planting in the 1950s and once supported Keyacris scurra . Access is two-wheel-drive, but the last part of the road is unsealed. Come prepared for some wet ground underfoot and for cool temperatures. The event will be cancelled in the event of heavy rain. Meeting for carpooling at 9.30am at the Police Col- lege, Heysen St, Weston. (To get there, go south on Streeton Drive, turn left onto Heysen St, and park about 50 metres along Heysen St). Blundell’s Flat is about a half hour drive from Canberra . Contact Mar- garet (details back page) regarding car pooling. SAT 26 AUGUST 2:00 to 4:30pm FOG’s winter slide afternoon: you decide . Many FOG members have interesting tales of trips that they have made and/or hobbies or interests. Here is your opportunity to speak for five to thirty minutes, present a slide show, or whatever. The rules are that the presenta- tions must refer to grasses somewhere, be informa- tive, enjoyable and not too serious. Please let Marga- ret Ning (details back page) know if to you like to be a presenter. We will circulate an e-mail about the presentations before the event. Venue: Mugga Mugga Education Centre, Narrabundah Lane, Sy- monston ACT (opposite the Therapeutic Goods Ad- ministration Centre). Free event, afternoon tea pro- vided. Expressions of interest in FOG’s Victorian grass- land tour (Terrick Terrick and Hamilton grass- lands), Fri. to Mon., 20 to 23 October . Details of this trip were recently emailed to members for whom FOG has current email addresses - for those without email addresses we can post or phone you with more information. As accommodation may be tight we need to book ASAP. To keep the group together we plan to book on-site cabins, and for those prepared to share a cabin with three others, the cost should be $20-$25 a night. Camping is also an option, as are motels, etc. In any event, please contact Margaret (details back page) ASAP, if planning to come. For FOG events and other events of special interest for the rest of the year, see diary dates on page 2. News of Friends of Grasslands, July-August 2006, page 2
News Roundup
Opening our eyes Natural Temperate Grasslands (NTG) vegetation patterns. Often forgotten, Groundcover of the Southern Tablelands (NSW- is that a very different suite of ani- ACT) spoke on the recovery plan im- mals were occupying the area for SATURDAY 17 JUNE Thirty-three plementation project being adminis- much of that time. members attended the FOG presenta- tered by the recovery team. tions by Greg Baines and Geoff Geoff posed the question: so what Hope, and were delighted to learn so The first focus of the project is to de- does history mean for future flora? much more about what is happening termine the extent, distribution and He raised some interesting specula- in the Southern Tablelands region. quality of NTG in the region. Starting tion about flora’s ability to migrate with the NTG modelling work done and persist, and the alternating wood- Greg, who is the project officer for by Rainer Rehwinkel, a survey strat- land-grassland biomes. the National Recovery Team for the egy was developed to identify and It is hoped that both gentlemen will survey potential sites. Greg was able enlighten us further on their fascinat- Some diary dates –Margaret Ning to report that 46 properties had been ing work in future newsletters. The following are FOG’s program surveyed, particularly around Goul- Namadgi symposium dates for 2006 after August – burn, 2,024ha of NTG identified, of Groundcover please record them in your diary. which 573ha were of high quality. For more details, please contact me Survey work will continue next year. 5-7 MAY National Parks Associa- (see back page). Having identified such sites, land- tion, ACT is to be congratulated for its three day symposium Caring for Sat and Sun, 16 and 17 Sept . Visit owners have to be won over to con- Namadgi, science and people. The coastal heathland near Eden with tinue to manage the sites for conser- aim of the symposium was to provide Jackie Miles. vation, and Greg outlined strategies the recovery team was adopting to the latest available science that sus- Fri. to Mon., 20 to 23 October . obtain good outcomes. Other strate- tains the management of Namadgi, Visit to Terrick Terrick and Hamil- gies include increasing organisation and to showcase many of the people ton grasslands, Victoria. and community awareness of NTG. involved in the science. Sat. 11 Nov . 9:30 am to 3:30pm. Also, the project is attempting to Speakers followed in rapid succes- Working bee at Old Cooma Com- make the large amount of data on sion and covered a diverse range of mon , Cooma. NTG sites available to interested par- subjects – an information junkie’s ties. Wed 15 Nov . Lunchtime St Mark’s paradise. Each speaker brought out grassland with Benj Whitworth . Geoff Hope described the likely new information and invaluable in- changes that have taken place in the sights. Some favourites speakers Sat. 18 Nov . 1:15 to 5pm. Discov- region’s vegetation in the last were Murray Evans (corroboree frog ering insects workshop with Kim 100,000 years. He initially showed us recovery), Bob Abell (geology of Pullen and Roger Farrow . Mugga. data on climate and sea level, remind- Namadgi), Ian Fraser (teasing out Small cost. ing us that for most of the period, the natural science riddles – “I can’t help Wed. 22 Nov . 5 to 6pm. Visit to area was in the grip of the last ice wondering……”), Mark Lintermans Hall Cemetery. age. (threatened native fish recovery), Don Fletcher (kangaroos and dingos), He showed a number of sites in the Sat 25 Nov . 10 to 11am. Mulang- Adrian Whitehead (climate change), region, where he and his colleagues gari grassland with Benj Roger Good (rehabilitation of wet- have undertaken core samples to de- Whitworth . lands), and Geoff Hope (history of termine the vegetation structure and wetlands). Sat and Sun, 16 and 17 Dec . composition at the site and its sur- Southern Grasslands and swamps rounds. Unfortunately such methods The cost was $10 and for a little ex- with Roger Farrow. largely rely on examining pollen tra, one could acquire the proceed- Special interest to members which can only tell us about the ings, which I suggest are worthwhile broad categories of plants involved following up. 6 to 13 Sept Flora of the Warrum- (grasses, sedges, daisies, and broad bungles. See news item on page 6. types of trees). Nevertheless they as- Photos front page: Susie Smith Tues-Wed, 28-29 Nov . (revised sist in providing likely scenarios. explaining willow removal project dates previously 29-30 Nov.) Aus- Data on the presence of charcoal pro- on FOG/GA tour – Story page 3. tralian Network for Plant Conser- vides useful data on fire patterns. Middle and bottom photos: Jackie, vation ACT Grassy Ecosystem Grasslands would have held sway in Steve and group botanising, and Workshop. group on FOG May weekend. many areas over long periods. Geoff Story by Paul Hodgkinson page 5. provided interesting maps on possible News of Friends of Grasslands, July-August 2006, page 3
FOG/GA bus tour The final part of the activity was a In 2005, over 200 volunteers partici- Grasscover visit to the Australian National Bo- pated in the census, monitoring at tanic Gardens to see GA’s seedbank over 140 sites. Of the 144 sites moni- 30 APRIL Twenty two members of project, part of the Seeds for Survival tored, one species was recorded at FOG and other community groups project, managed by Ben Cavuoto. 102 sites with another at only two joined Susie Wilson from Greening Ben, another of those treasurers that sites. Nine species were recorded and Australia (GA) to tour ACT Land GA have been recruiting, walked us the number of sites for each are: spot- Keepers project sites. ted grass frog (Limnody- In common with last year’s nastes tasmaniensis, 102), trip (see after the pine forests, common eastern froglet FOG May-June 2005 newslet- (Crinia signifera, 96), ter), the sites visited were plains froglet (Crinia parin- burnt by the 2003 Canberra signifera, 87), eastern banjo Fire, and the theme was how frog Limnodynastes dumer- to manage situations in which illii, 62), Peron’s tree frog native vegetation was recov- (Litoria peronii, 45), ering, along with healthy smooth toadlet (Uperoleia weeds. While supplementary laevigata, 40), brown- planting is usually a GA fo- striped frog (Limnodynastes cus, the pendulum is increas- peronii , 20), whistling tree ingly swinging to land man- frog (Litoria verreauxii, agement considerations. 11), and spotted burrowing The first stop was Coppins frog Neobatrachus sudelli , Crossing on the Molonglo 2). River where Susie discussed The eastern banjo frog was GA’s strategies to remove found at many more sites willows, and other challenges this year compared to 2004, presented by a combination of probably a return to more native vegetation and weed normal levels. Many other regeneration. species were found at more The second site was in the Mt sites compared to 2004. Stromlo area, where Susie However, the whistling tree outlined options for native frog was down from 32 revegetation of a large area of sites in 2004 to 11 in 2005. View of Lower Cotter Catchment previous pine forest plantation, where – a complex of mountains and Also available is a ten-page pamphlet there were patches of remnant for- valleys, and the FOG/GA group on creating a frog friendly habitat in ests. Many participants, drawing on at lunch. the ACT community . It has some their experience, suggested strategies through the project which promises great ideas for the home gardener or that might be adopted. many breakthroughs in our knowl- more ambitious projects. The final site was near Mount Mac- edge of growing local herbs for For anyone interested in frogs or con- Donald, in the Lower Cotter Catch- revegetation work. GA then provided servation in the ACT, this is a must ment. It was a small and diverse rem- a wonderful picnic lunch in the gar- read. To follow this up, contact nant patch on a hill top which had dens. Rachelle McConville, the ACT survived despite being surrounded by Big thanks to Susie, Ben and GA for Frogwatch Coordinator on waterw- pine forests. Around the patch, pine their hospitality, knowledge, enthusi- [email protected] . wildings, emerging native vegetation, asm, and commitment. and weeds were vying for supremacy. In this issue With the recently announced man- ACT Frogwatch report • FOG program agement plan for the lower Cotter Geoff Robertson • News roundup Catchment, support should swing be- 27 MARCH ACT Frogwatchers have • Veg Futures Conference hind the native vegetation. done it again with the release of the • Van Klaphake’s pictorial The view from the site was magnifi- 2005 Frogwatch report. It is full of keys cent showing the ACT landscape to great pictures of frogs and many • Climate change: are we part the south – a complex of mountains maps, a frogophile and statistician’s of the problem or part of the and valleys. We were also able to ob- delight. The report for 2004 was writ- solution? serve some 115 GA volunteers plant- ten up in the July-August 2005 issue • FOG letters ing on the slopes below us. of this newsletter. • Showy copper-wire daisy: an impressive flower of grassy ecosystems News of Friends of Grasslands, July-August 2006, page 4
Friends of Merri Creek Under the plan, no further commer- agement. Both the draft plan and the The Web (WWF, TSN Newsletter) cial or broad-acre pine plantations CSIRO report can be found at would be established in the Lower www.environment.act.gov.au. AUTUMN 2006 Friends of Merri Cotter Catchment, and existing plan- Creek have helped to safeguard the This is a recognition of FOG’s view, tations would be phased out over 35 future of the golden sun moth and the advocated for many years now, that years. Areas in the catchment zoned striped legless lizard within the 300 where possible our landscapes should for commercial pine plantations in hectares of Craigieburn grassland re- be managed to facilitate recovery of the Territory Plan would be rezoned serve on Melbourne's northern fringe. our natural grassy ecosystem vegeta- as mountains and bushlands. This tion. All things considered, it is fi- The group has been busy erecting would make the land use consistent nally being recognised that what has fencing, removing weeds and plant- with the rest of the catchment, where evolved here is better than any recent ing 7,500 native wallaby grasses, the objectives for land use are for the human-induced change to provide some of which have never been protection of existing and future wa- best possible environmental services. planted before. ter supply, natural and cultural heri- In the aftermath of the 2003 Canberra tage conservation and recreational During recent surveys, volunteers Fire, restoring native vegetation was uses. were lucky enough to see sun moths considered to cost too much. How- flying about in the new wallaby grass Jon Stanhope said natural regenera- ever, with time, native vegetation has plantings. Unlike most moths, the tion in the catchment since the 2003 been making a comeback naturally, golden sun moth only flies during the sunniest part of the day. In December fires meant experts now believed that huge armies of volunteers have been 2005, the first survey - held on a hot, restoring native vegetation to many organised by Greening Australia to sunny day with no wind - resulted in areas was achievable in the long bring back indigenous vegetation, the sighting of 1,254 golden sun term. The draft plan also allowed for and it has been recognised that pine moths. However, the second survey, non-native vegetation such as exotic plantations are not only commercially on the following Sunday, which was grasses to be established in areas a non-starter but provide poor water a cool, overcast and windy day, re- where this would assist soil stability. outcomes and enhance fire risk. In sulted in no sightings. Similar results The draft plan draws on the findings their place we shall see more open were recorded in 2004. of the CSIRO study, Revegetation of forest, grasslands and grassy wood- water supply catchments following lands, and hopefully a huge opportu- The golden sun moth population was only rediscovered at Craigieburn bushfire , commissioned by the ACT nity for wildlife recovery. Hopefully, grasslands in December 2003 by Government last year. The draft plan the final document will omit the ref- Brian Bainbridge. Until 2004, there also builds on works already under- erence to exotic grasses. taken in the catchment to stabilise were only five other known popula- Science Fair soils. tions of the species in Victoria. Paul Hodgkinson The ACT Government has spent or Lower Cotter management plan 5 JUNE Representing FOG, I at- allocated $14.5 million to post-fire Grasscover tended the opening of the annual Sci- clean up and remediation in the 26 MAY The ACT Government is ence Fair at Hughes Primary School catchment, with another $7.5 million seeking comments by 31 July on a organized by the Science Educators programmed until 2008-09. Work has draft management plan for the Lower Association of the ACT (SEAACT). included the removal of standing Cotter Catchment that proposes the FOG was invited as a sponsor in the burnt pines, the decommissioning of re-zoning of former forestry land as Life and Living section. about 100km of roads, sediment con- mountains and bushland and that will trol and about 1330ha of planting. Student science projects were on dis- put the protection of water quality at ACTEW has also spent $1.5 million play at the Fair, and as on previous the centre of all future decision- on roads and erosion prevention and occasions showed there are many making. The Lower Cotter Catch- is working with Environment ACT budding scientists. ment Draft Strategic Management on further road and drainage works, Plan, Clean Water, Healthy Land- The official opening was by Andrew sediment basins, wetlands, vegetation scapes , comes as Canberra begins to Barr (MLA Molonglo) Minister for planting, monitoring and research. draw on water from the Cotter Dam Education and Training and Kathryn for the first time in decades. Jon Stanhope said the latest climate- Brown, SEAACT President. Kathryn change scenarios suggested fires gave a very informative presentation In announcing the draft plan, ACT could be more frequent in the future. on the various science themes, while Chief Minister Jon Stanhope said Native vegetation that would regen- systematically picking her way “water is a precious resource and erate after fire would help secure the through the various science projects. clean water from healthy catchments future water supply of Canberrans, For more information, see: is a priority for the ACT Govern- while in the eastern area of the catch- http://www.seaact.asn.au. ment. This draft plan puts forward a ment closest to Canberra, revegeta- 100-year vision for protecting our tion strategies would take into ac- water through science-based, adap- count fuel management, integrating tive management.” fire protection with catchment man- News of Friends of Grasslands, July-August 2006, page 5
Some non-grassy ecosystems parently named by Captain James Paul Hodgkinson Cook after the cylindrical pigeon houses of Europe. On our way back 20-21 MAY The FOG weekend visit to Mollymook we stopped at the to Mollymook, north of Ulladulla sandstone rock ledges down Porters (NSW), along South Coast revealed Creek Dam Rd to the Princes Hwy. some vegetation communities with These were a vegetation community few if any grasses. On Saturday, Steve refers to as escarpment com- those who had travelled down on the plex comprising wet rainforest spe- Friday night, were joined by Greg cies like Acmena smithii, Todea bar- and Anne, Alan, Emma, Colin and bara, Blechnum sp ., Cyathea aus- guides Jackie Miles and Steve Doug- tralis and Smilax australis, even las. some Port Jackson fig (Ficus rubigi- FOG visited heath on Little Forest nosa). Down slope were Sydney pep- Plateau in Morton National Park de- permint ( Eucalyptus piperita ), silver- scribed as low closed heath with top ash ( E. sp.) and turpentine ( Syn- emergent eucalypts and we just kept carpia glomifera ). ahead of the rain. Some had a brief The following day we visited Nar- glimpse of Pigeon House Mountain rawallee Creek Nature Reserve in mostly obscured for the day. Lamber- Conjola National Park. We botanised tia formosa , showing off bright red open tall forest of blackbutt, swamp flowers is quite flamboyant at this mahogany ( E. robusta ) and turpen- time of year, dressing down the sap tine, and another tall open forest dripping from the stunted bloodwood community dominated by blood- emerging from the low heath that wood, scribbly gum ( E. sclerophylla ) dominates the level ground on top of and narrow-leafed stringybark ( E. this escarpment. Banksia ericifolia , eugenioides ) interspersed with Chloanthes stoechodes and Woolsia Casuarina littoralis, Banksia spinu- pungens were also in flower and pro- losa and a patch of bangalay ( E. vided colourful subjects for photo botrioides ) and cycads ( Macrozamia shoots. Woolsia when small resem- sp.). There were a few native grasses bles a Pinus radiata seedling and de- to be found including Panicum sp., velops into a white flowered epacrid- Microlaena stipoides, Stipa pubes- like plant. cens and Cymbopogon refractus. A high point was standing by the trig Lunch was had on the shoreline of four metres from a sheer drop with Lake Conjola, after which Jackie said heath on top and rainforest of lily good bye and paddled off in a rented pilli, sassafras and cabbage trees fes- canoe. The crowd had been dropping tooned with vines. Colin, Margaret’s away but the remainder, Margaret, younger brother, was puzzled why Geoff, Heather and I, travelled in people could be so absorbed in iden- convoy with Steve and Emma to tifying plants and seemingly overlook UHF radio commentary from Steve, the spectacular view. We mused stopping at Penance Grove, a wet about how nice it was to see a mix of temperate rainforest of ancient plum- green plants together, unlike the woods, treeferns and clubmoss in drought stricken Southern Tablelands Monga National Park. We also rec- with its rusty Themeda , although ognised the Monga waratah ( Telopea there is something nice about mongaensis ) along Mongarlowe Themeda in autumn with its frosted River track. A nice weekend away foliage. Examples of proteaceae seen on FOG’s Mollymook weekend, and from Canberra. So it is hard to write a truly unbiased Jackie paddling off in her canoe. World environment day dinner report. Could we find a grass? Actu- ally no, but we found a grass tree 6 JUNE CANBERRA Two hundred (Xanthorrhoea sp.)! So the theme of could hear yellow-tailed black cocka- people attended the Environment the weekend became “No grasses, toos, eastern spinebills and yellow Dinner organised by the Conserva- functional ecosystems never-the- faced honeyeaters as we walked tion Council. The dinner was held at less”. through the bush past iconic blood- the new Multicultural Centre in Civic, a great venue, and all food After lunch we took a short 1.5 km woods and banksias. I caught another coordination, preparation and on the stroll along Little Forest walk. We view of Pigeon House Mountain, ap- News of Friends of Grasslands, July-August 2006, page 6 night serving and waiting was under- For more information and details sive solar design for housing were taken by a team of volunteers. Clare about accommodation and camping also emphasised. Henderson and Larry O'Louglin of see the Warrumbungle National Park Seeds forum Consenus Productions did the cater- Guided Tours website, or contact the Paul Hodgkinson ing - an Asian style banquet. Warrumbungle National Park on 02 6825 4364. 26 MAY Local and interstate native From the feedback received all had a seeds industry representatives and ACT enquiry on DV257 good time. The event was successful specialists attended a conference at Geoff Robertson as a fundraiser, which assists the Greening Australia’s Serious about Council to meet some of the short- 27 APRIL on behalf of FOG and the Seeds Forum to talk about aspects of fall arising from the Commonwealth Conservation Council, I summarised native seed production. Government’s withdrawal of admin- both organisations’ submissions on Ben Cavuoto, who heads up the istrative funding last year. Thanks to DV257, suburb of Crace, Gungahlin Seeds for Survival Project, spoke the many FOG members who at- to the ACT Legislative Assembly's about the seed bank concept and tended the dinner, and/or who pro- Standing Committee on Planning and GA’s commitment to establish a seed vided support to the event in other Environment. Michael Gentleman production area at Yarralumla Nurs- ways. MLA and Zed Seselja MLA repre- ery’s Pialligo Farm. The principles sented the Standing Committee. Flora of the Warrumbungles established by Martin Driver (GA Anthony O'Halloran The meeting took place in the field Murray - Deniliquin) and others, in on the outskirts of the proposed new creating seedbanks of local native To coincide with the peak of the suburb of Crace which should com- shrubs and trees would be realised wildflower season, the Warrumbun- mence development in late 2008. with investment in plants native to gle Discovery Program is offering a Representatives of the ACT Planning the ACT and surrounding NSW ar- weeklong program of activities in and and Land Authority, the Housing In- eas. around the Warrumbungle National dustry Association, and Ginninderra Park (6 to 13 September). Paul Gibson Roy from Victoria’s Catchment also provided information Grassy Groundcover Research Pro- Activities will include guided half and/or presentations. ject presented a different approach to day and full day walks to sites to see The key point in the FOG/Council seed production of grassland plants, a great variety of plant life. Many submissions was that as much as pos- container growing plants, and har- walks will be to less accessible areas sible of the biodiversity values should vesting these seeds. Information on of the park. Mt Naman on the south be retained or compensation provided Paul’s exciting grasslands work has western side is a challenging but re- in lieu. The area occupied by the pro- appeared in earlier FOG newsletters. warding walk and parts of the Pilliga posed suburb has many magnificent Nature Reserve also provide walks Sarah Sharp, Environment ACT, pre- old yellow box and red gum trees, into a brightly coloured landscape. sented draft ACT guidelines for using each of which is a haven for biodi- native seed in revegetation, Linda Early morning bird walks through the versity (thousand of insect species Broadhurst, Centre for Plant Biodi- woodlands will show the importance may be present on a single tree), as versity Research, CSIRO Plant Indus- of a healthy plant life to maintain well as habitat and food for threat- try, spoke about plant genetics and birdlife. Other activities will include ened species such as regent honey implications for seed collection, pro- some special workshops on plant eater. Such trees should be kept in duction and use, and John Weather- identification and flower photogra- clumps as far as possible, but the in- stone gave his thoughts on native phy. evitable tree loss should be made up seed collection, storage and distribu- by realistic biodiversity compensa- Evening presentations will include tion. slide nights on various aspects of the tion using the principle of “no net Following the key speakers and lav- area and Dr Morrie Duggan will im- loss” that is contained in some state ish lunch we listened to Martin part his extensive knowledge of the native vegetation legislation. Driver and John Weatherstone dis- geology of the region, linking the va- The submissions emphasised that the cuss aspects of the prospective seed riety of landform and geology to the proximity of the Crace grasslands and production area at the Pialligo Nurs- vegetation and fauna. A cosy camp- the striped legless lizard habitat ery. GA has some challenges ahead fire evening will be a great opportu- needed special attention. Principles with this site. The key is to keep it nity to relax with friends and share such as housing not fronting onto the small, manage for plants in short stories with the Discovery Guide- reserves, appropriate buffers, cat con- supply, and to get participation by lo- come-raconteur, Peter McDonough. tainment, education about animal and cal landholders, seed collectors and Leaders for the week will include weed impacts from urban gardens, local seedbanks. Discovery Rangers Annabelle and generally giving priority to eco- Greenup, Anthony O’Halloran and logical considerations were empha- Sue Brookhouse, each of whom has sised. Landscape design to prevent an expert knowledge of the flora of inappropriate water run-off, and pas- the area. News of Friends of Grasslands, July-August 2006, page 7
Sculptured seats in Aranda grassy The field day was held at Jillamatong plants in pastures also provided valu- woodland Hanna Jaireth near Braidwood. The aim of the field able information and insights. day was to provide more information 25 MAY 2006 Friends of Aranda FOG members who want to learn about the project. Following several Bushland celebrated the end more about this work, should of the grant-phase of the edu- talk to Donna Hazell or Rebecca cation project with the launch Hall (02 4842 2594). of two seats sculpted by Paul NSW PAS for threatened spe- Jamieson. Paul translates re- cies cycled and salvaged timber sourced from around the Can- In New South Wales, 1004 na- berra region into sculpture tive species, populations and and furniture. He also runs ecological communities are The Front café-gallery in Ly- listed as threatened with extinc- neham. The seats are located tion. NSW DEC website shows in the grassy woodland walk- you what they look like, where way on the Frost Hollow to and how they live, why they’re Forest Walk. threatened, and what we can do to help bring them back from the At the launch FAB Convenor, brink of extinction. The site now Mary Falconer, expressed includes Threatened Species Pri- hope that younger Canberrans orities Action Statement (PAS) might be inspired by the edu- which is now open for comment cational activities accessible until 12 August. See: at
Open Space Network Project habitat and aesthetic values would be on the draft aquatic species and ripar- created. Mains water usage would be ian strategy (Action Plan 29), and MAY 2006 ACT Planning Variation reduced by about forty percent. Ri- FOG comment sought on ACT as a 165 was tabled in the Legislative As- parian corridors would be revege- biosphere reserve. FOG put in sub- sembly. This involved a review of tated, trees retained where possible missions on both these matters and 300 sites in and around Canberra. It and native plantings undertaken. Cat copies can be obtained from fogcan- recommended planning protection, or containment applies and energy sav- [email protected]. enhanced protection for 248 sites. ings would be made through passive Editor’s desk Some of these, of great interest to solar design and other HIA FOG, are Fisher Parkland (36ha), the GreenSmart initiatives. Partnerships Again, there is far too much material Conder grassland moratorium site were being developed with Parkcare crossing my desk and I cannot in- (5.6ha), and native grassland adjoin- and Greening Australia, and two clude it all. So I thought that I would ing Ginninderra Creek at Umbagong traineeships would be funded. A part- mention some of the things left out. Park in Latham (2.2ha). time community worker would be Australian Plant Conservation, the employed and a public art strategy Planning for sustainable suburbs ANPC bulletin, March-May 2006, implemented. had a special theme on fire for con- 5 JUNE Late comments may still be servation, a must read for those with accepted on the ACT Government’s Adrian Moy, Madison Constructions, an interest in this subject, especially draft Water Sensitive Urban Design queried the achievability of the grassy ecosystem management using Guidelines for Sustainable Develop- WSUD guidelines and criticized their fire. ment in Canberra (WSUD) if stake- impact on new house prices. He said holders check with ACTPLA, accord- that new developments should not We received a copy of the first ing ACTPLA officer John Neal, who have to carry the main WSUD im- Grassy Groundcover Gazette (May highlighted the main features of the plementation burden, and that the 06) the newsletter of Grassy Ground- guidelines at a forum hosted by the ACT Government should retro-fit cover Research Project (see putting Ginninderra Catchment Group to public housing stock. He also called back the ground cover – Mar-Apr celebrate World Environment Day. for estate level WSUD initiatives, 2006 newsletter.) For more informa- The aims of the guidelines include rather than at individual house level, tion contact Rebecca Passlow reducing reliance on the city water solar streetlights and quicker land re- ([email protected]). supply system, reducing storm water lease. Mr Neal responded that ACT The Stipa newsletter (April 06) con- runoff, and maximizing wastewater residents have permanent water sav- tained fascinating information on na- reuse. The guidelines are available on ings measures in place, dual flush toi- tive grasses, soils, native grasslands, CD or
Veg. FFFuturesFutures CCConfeConfeonferencerence Geoff Robertson
As mentioned in the last newsletter, the wrap-up on the available, and although I was moderate in my sampling, I Veg. Futures Conference had to be held over. nevertheless managed to remove a dental filling with one of those dreaded Minties. 19 to 23 MARCH The Greening Australia (GA) and Land and Water Australia (LWA) conference was a highly and On day one, 20 March, there was a variety of speakers well organised event to which 550 people flocked, includ- coming from many perspectives. Carl Binning’s and An- ing some 16 FOG members, although some of them were drew Campbell’s talks on behalf of GA and LWA were a recruited during the event. little scattered and bland, appealing to all stakeholders, especially those providing funding. The Hon. Peter The conference opened on the Sunday evening at the McGauren MP, Minister for Agriculture, reminded us of trade display part of the conference, consisting of many the Federal Government’s inconsistent approach to the stalls organised by government agencies, businesses with environment. His talk started badly, as Carl confused the an agricultural or environmental focus, and some of the minister with his more notorious brother. Maybe in re- larger non-profit environment organisations. It was very venge, the Minister, while saying some good things about tempting to avail oneself of the free literature and goodies the environment, proceeded to attack the states on their News of Friends of Grasslands, July-August 2006, page 9 native vegetation legislation, quoting all added to my appreciation of what we the more extreme and ill researched were seeing. Martin Driver (Murray views reported in the Land in recent Catchment) provided a commentary times. He also stated that those who ad- throughout much of the day and pro- vocated saving single paddock trees vided a wonderful explanation of the were only protecting the habitat of indi- ecology of the area, or what was left of vidual rabbits. This might have appealed it, the Catchment’s approach to revege- to some rednecks who have been asleep tation, and the players involved. for the last fifteen years or so, but his We stopped briefly at a roadside rem- otherwise very polite audience started nant where the local landcare group had groaning quite audibly. done some revegetation work, before go- Two very impressive talks were given ing onto Buraja Station where we were by Indigenous people. Yalmambirra given three excellent talks, one by gave the welcome to country combined Robert Lambeck (GA, WA) who was with a talk on how he attempted to re- good at reading landscapes and talked claim and revegetate Aboriginal land very insightfully about ecological func- near Albury. Leanne Liddle, described tion in the landscape around us, Tony as a scientist and a lawyer, who works Piggins who talked about the politics of for the SA Department of Environment changing community attitudes on native and Heritage, manages a wildlife project vegetation (a real Aussie battler), and in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunyt- Alastair Robb the station owner who jatjara lands to enhance wildlife habitat talked about revegetation work (a farmer and landscapes and to enable the har- with a green heart). His vision and work vesting of wildlife species sustainably had won him the 2005 NSW landcare by combining traditional and scientific primary producer award. Most fascinat- knowledge with that of the traditional ing was his work on enclosures to protect owners and community leaders. One breeding bush stone-curlew. other keynote speaker was David Lin- Around lunchtime we visited a grassy denmayer, the leader in “natural ex- box woodland remnant where Ian David- periments” in landscapes, vegetation son, an ecologist consultant, whom I and habitat, who explained his scien- have come across on previous travels, tific work and what it is telling us. spoke about the vegetation, animals, and Another fascinating talk was given by management of this site. One part of the Bill Knight (Alcoa), who described big picture plan is to reconnect this site the work being done by his company with another large forest remnant many to re-establish 100 percent of species miles away. We might schedule this for a in mining revegetation sites. FOG trip in future. Next it was off to the Day one finished with the poster ses- Rutherglen Research Institute and its sions with many interesting posters field sites for much more on some of the and presenters. There were displays scientific research taking place. What with a grassy ecosystem focus and struck me most was the importance of FOG’s posters received many com- paddock trees and their eventual demise pliments. The day was a good one, – these harbour thousands of insect spe- and the large diversity of views cies which play a very important eco- probably reflected the community’s logical function. spectrum. Day three was a workshop and collo- Day two was the field day with three quium day. There were sixteen half-day options. I ended up in the workshops, and in the morning I went to Corowa/Rutherglen –‘ broad acre, big the grassland workshop, where I gave a changes’ – farming for the future ses- presentation on FOG’s experience. sion, and my travelling companion for Other presentations in this session were the day was Rainer Rehwinkel. I had Tom Wright who spoke about the trial- not expected much, but I was very ing of various techniques to manage na- pleasantly surprised. The bus trip it- tive grassland and suggested there were self was great as we travelled through no “quick fixes”, and Ian Chivers who the back blocks around Albury on both Some of the many present- spoke on the key ingredients needed to sides of the border and I was delighted ers: Leanne Liddle, Tom grow native grasses successfully. Millie Wright, Anne Brown, and by the bits of remnant vegetation. Hav- Nicholls and Anne Brown took us to the ing an expert interpreter by my side Paul Gibson Roy. News of Friends of Grasslands, July-August 2006, page 10 field where they illustrated in vary practical ways how The dinner was a most enjoyable affair, and Ian Lowe they teach farmers how to assess and manage their native was the guest speaker. Never having heard him speak be- vegetation. Many insights were gained from each talk. fore, I was impressed with his after dinner speech banter, Mary Goodacre performed admirably as facilitator and truly entertaining, and then be got to the more serious there was much lively discussion around grassland issues. stuff on how Australia is missing the boat on environ- mental issues, especially global warming. If any tonic After lunch on day three, I had the privilege of chairing a was need after the Hon Peter McGauran, Ian Lowe was a colloquium on the topic of what we are doing about the cure-all. At that point, I though that Carl and Andrew threats to native vegetation. The topics, excellently pre- were good at working both sides of the conservation di- sented, covered mistletoe, carbon tendering, Defence De- vide. partment conservation practice (with our own Michael Treanor as a co-presenter), and arthropods in vineyards On the last morning, a series of speakers attempted to and adjacent native vegetation. Each had a heavy scien- summarise the conference working from a myriad of re- tific and statistical basis and covered much new ground – ports that had been put together by the host of people who all delightful. After that I caught the last half of a work- made reports on each presentation, the field days, the shop on retain, repair, re-establish; the future of revege- workshops and colloquium sessions. It is of course diffi- tation. Luckily I heard an update by Paul Gibson Roy on cult to take on such a task, but the speakers made a good his work on returning complex indigenous grassland com- attempt, and I was most impressed with Mark Butz who munities to agricultural land (see putting back the ground threw in some challenging ecological issues for us to cover, page 4 of the March-April newsletter), and some ponder. Congratulations GA and LWC on a wonderful ef- interesting insights from Josh Dorrough on why natural fort. regeneration is not the most attractive option in revegeta- tion work.
Van Klaphake’s pppictpictictictoooorialrial kkkeyskeyseyseys Margaret Ning
From time to time I am in contact with FOG member, Van Klaphake of Wau- chope, who has produced his own picto- rial keys to the grasses, sedges and rushes of the Sydney region, and more recently the grasses of the Blue Moun- tains. In the past, I have discussed with Van the appropriateness of his booklets for my own use at Nimmitabel, and with that in mind Van has recently suggested that his latest booklet (Guide to the Grasses of the Blue Mountains, 3rd ed ., 2005) might go a reasonable distance to helping me at both Canberra and Nim- mitabel, as it contains a greater selection of higher altitude grasses. Van’s keys are pictorially based, and are designed to be used in the field, al- though they are A4 in size, i.e. not the traditional field guide size. In his latest grasses booklets he uses a three-stage pictorial key which uses panicle dia- grams first, and then a sketch of spikelets to get to the second stage (ge- nus), and the third stage contains draw- ings of species within each genus. Van hopes that most experienced users would be able to get to genus within one minute. However, he acknowledges that users would have to be able to already Illustrations of love grasses (this page) and wallaby use keys, and of course there is a section on how to use grasses (next page) from Blue Mountains guide. News of Friends of Grasslands, July-August 2006, page 11 his key at the beginning of the books. I’m not sure how easy it would be to pick up Van’s books as a starting point to teach yourself about grasses as I think they assume a certain level of existing identification skills and background knowledge. However his booklets also include a glossary and very good drawings of grasses/sedge parts which are very useful aids. Per- sonally I find Van’s books particularly useful once I already know the genus of a grass. This assumes of course that the species is actually in the book – this is a potential problem discussed below in the second dot point. Truth be told, I am excited Details of Van’s most recent issues include: about having another couple of reference books to aid in • Guide to the grasses of Sydney, 3rd ed., 2005. (Cov- grass identification in the ACT/Southern Tablelands area. ers the Central Coast botanical region of NSW. 175 I have shown Van’s Blue Mountains’ grasses booklet and pages covering 298 species.) $25 plus $3 for postage. an older version of the Sydney grasses to three FOG • Guide to the grasses of the Blue Mountains, 3rd ed., members who are more than casual users of grasses keys, 2005. (Covers all but the rarest species. 104 pages i.e. they use them on a regular basis. I have attempted to covering 184 species.) $25 plus $3 postage. summarise their comments below. • Key to the commoner species of sedges and rushes • Very user friendly at all levels, especially if beginners of Sydney and the Blue Mountains, 4th ed. , 2004 . refer to the explanation of keys at the beginning. (81 pages covering 168 species.) $25 plus $3 postage. • Regarding relevance for Southern Tablelands – the If you are interested in any of Van’s booklets, they can be books would be quite a help down to genus level and, ordered directly from him at 470 Bulli Ck Rd, Byaburra, although there is some overlap of species, they might NSW 2446, and if you have any questions you can phone only be confusing at species level for the genera him on 02 6587 1210. If you would like a look first, which have several species, e.g. austrodanthonia and please contact me to arrange a brief perusal of the books, poa. although I do not have an up-to-date edition of the Syd- • They seem to me very useful guides to their particular ney grasses book. (As an exercise, I shall count the num- areas - the Blue Mountains book has corrected some ber of (native and exotic) Southern Tablelands grasses of the (minor) format problems with the original Syd- species in the Grasses of New South Wales, as well as the ney guide. The drawings are very good and demon- number of (native and exotic) grasses in Andrew Paget’s strate well the significant differences. Plants of the ACT, and shall endeavour to see how many of our local grass species are covered in Van’s two • There are very useful drawings of distinguishing grasses booklets. (See the next newsletter.) characteristics which are not found in either the Grasses of NSW or the NSW Flora.
Climate change: AAAreAre we part of the problem or part of the solsoluuuution?tion? SteveDouglas
Ok, so the question is dichotomous and the issues are far neutralise the greenhouse gases emitted when we burn more complex than this. We're all somewhere on a spec- fossil fuels to power our cars. trum between highly problematic and neutral, or even Schemes include Green Fleet (www.greenfleet.com.au) beneficial when it comes to our impacts on climate and Carbon Neutral (www.carbonneutral.com.au). Both change. operate by planting 'trees' (can include woody shrubs) in FOG and many similar groups have a substantial conser- quantities and locations where their modelled growth vation agenda but to what extent is FOG and its opera- rates are used to calculate the amount of CO2 that they tions consistent with the broader ecological cause? When will absorb. You make a tax deductible donation to these FOG members participate in fieldtrips, car pooling is en- schemes at a rate calculated to achieve the planting of couraged but we can go further in reducing the impact of sufficient trees to take up the annual emissions from your our travel by using CO2 offsets. These are intended to vehicle. Green Fleet's website provides the option of a flat fee based on average emissions from a vehicle, or the News of Friends of Grasslands, July-August 2006, page 12 ability to calculate specific emissions based on your pro- bodied energy of a vehicle or even emissions associated vision of data such as fuel type, weekly fuel cost or an- with use of other vehicle consumables such as tyres. They nual distance or annual fuel cost. It then provides the an- are only a 'bandaid' and an imperfect one at that. But they nual emissions in tonnes, from which you can see how do result in lots of reafforestation and the trees are not many 'trees' you need to purchase. harvested, so they provide long-term benefits beyond CO2 uptake, e.g. wildlife habitat and groundwater draw- Some schemes also extend to offering offsets for air down in areas with or at risk from salinisation. I can't travel and domestic energy use. The latter is particularly vouch for the ecological appropriateness of the relevant in situations where green power (certified renew- schemes' tree planting activities, but given the very lim- able electricity) is not available or where other forms of ited range of options available for CO2 offsets, I opted to energy are used e.g. gas. From what I've seen, I suspect purchase (very cheaply) sufficient tree planting credits to buying tree-based carbon offsets for domestic electricity neutralise CO2 emissions from my annual use of petrol. I use is far cheaper than buying green power. However, de- encourage members to investigate these schemes to offset spite the cost, I've opted for 100% green power at an ad- their annual travel emissions. If we aren't taking action to ditional $200 per year. Offsets aren't as effective as stop- offset such impacts, every time we travel on fieldtrips to ping the problem at its source. appreciate aspects of Nature, we're harming the very fo- The above mentioned offset schemes are definitely not cus of our appreciation through adding to the gas emis- the answer to transport-based or domestic greenhouse gas sions that power climate change. generation and they don't consider issues such as the em-
pear (from the photo on the website) ronment Protection Policy (EPP), and FOG letters to be a lowland box woodland site we are encouraging all groups and Editor with well established red-gum and individuals that use the Mt The FOG newsletter is generally re- yellow box trees, although with a not Ainslie/Majura Nature Park to make a submission. If you want to have a stricted to grassy ecosystems matters so intact understorey. look at some (scary but true) noise and threats to such systems, or mat- Dragway noise threatens nature contour maps, they're on our website, ters of general ecology which help us park, Jenni Savigny, President, www.dragwayaway.org.au on the to understand grassy ecosystems. We Dragwayaway page 'Why Majura Valley is the also recognise that issues such as cli- Dear Friends of Grasslands, we are mate change will have major impacts Wrong Place'. You'll also find the seeking your support for our cam- on the adaptation of grassy and al- draft EPP there. For more informa- paign to stop the construction of a tion, please contact me on 6257 5648. pine ecosystems. dragway in the Majura Valley. From time to time, FOG receives let- One of our concerns about the pro- PLANTS OF THE ACT ters from members and others about posed dragway is that it essentially issues of concern; for example we A Guide to the Indigenous and Natu- uses the Mt Ainslie/Majura Nature have recently received letters about ralised Vascular Plants of the ACT Park as a noise buffer zone, with no the the sale of the Snowy Hydro and excluding Jervis Bay respect for the peaceful and quiet the proposed drag way. The FOG amenity that so many of us en- committee does not have an official 2 CD-ROM SET joy. The government's noise model- view on such matters, although it re- ling shows noise levels in the Nature alises that they may potentially, but • Over 4000 full-colour photo- Park of 70 to 90 decibels, depending not clearly, have some negative im- graphs of 1300 species of the on the type of event and the wind di- pacts on grassy ecosystem remnants. 1350 species found in the ACT rection. Such excessive noise levels • Information on how to identify FOG has decided that within limits, it would make being in the Nature Park each plant species, and how to will publish letters it receives where so unpleasant that it would be tanta- tell it apart from similar species the issues are not clear cut, but mount to closing it for the duration of • Information by field botanist where they may be of interest to the drag way event. Drag way events with 20 years experience members. The committee therefore are proposed for the same time that • Requires 1.2GB hard drive decided to publish the letter below. other recreational users of this area space to download to your computer Two issues that may be of particular enjoy, i.e., weekends and public holi- days, with some events lasting twelve relevance to FOG are: whether noise Full Licence $150 (student and hours (9am to 9pm). levels have an adverse effect on wild- quantity discounts available – ask life and therefore threaten the integ- The government is currently seeking us). Send payment made out to rity of remnant ecological communi- community comment on its draft ‘Wildwood Flora’, Wildwood, 367 ties, and the site chosen would ap- Dragway Motorsport Noise Envi- Koppin Yarratt Road, Upper Lans- downe NSW 2430
News of Friends of Grasslands, July-August 2006, page 13
Showy coppercopper----wirewire daisy: An impressive flower of grassy ecosyecosysssstemstems Michael Bedingfield
Many are the plants of local grassy ecosystems which are modest or inconspicuous. Not so the showy copper-wire daisy. The large golden-yellow flowers are on display in late spring or early summer, standing high above the grassy tussocks. This handsome plant has a perennial ro- sette of lanceolate leaves from which the flower stems emerge. The stems have a few leaves spaced along their length and have a reddish-brown wiry look about them. They usually don’t have branches and stand quite erect and up to 50cm high, with a single flower at the top. The flower buds are bell-shaped and large, 2- 3cm wide, papery and brown coloured. The flower-head consists of a typical daisy composite grouping, which is 2- 3cm wide, containing many tiny florets clustered together. The outer florets or ‘petals’ surround the structure. These are deeply toothed and attractively deco- rative, making the whole flower up to 5cm wide. The large and attractive flowers make it quite ornamental, and in the book Grass- land Flora by Eddy, Mallinson, Rehwinkel and Sharp, it is suggested that this plant may be of use in gardens. It is uncommon, and is usually found in less disturbed areas. But it is widely dis- tributed nonetheless, occurring through- out the Southern Tablelands, as well as other tablelands, and on the coast, slopes and plains of NSW. It is also found in Qld, Vic, SA and Tasmania. Its preferred habitat is various grassy areas - grassland, woodland or dry forest – ex- tending up to the subalps. The scientific name for the showy cop- per-wire daisy is Podolepis jaceoides . A very similar species is the tall copper-wire daisy ( P. hiera- cioides ), which is a bit taller, growing up to 70cm high, has branched flower stems, and is less common than our main subject. The alpine podolepis or mountain lettuce ( P. robusta ) has large crinkly leaves, branched flower stems, grows up to 60cm tall, and is restricted to the alpine areas. Please refer to the associated drawings. The daisy is shown as viewed from above at about half normal size, and the whole plant is shown at roughly quarter normal size. I have shown only one flower stem but several stems can grow from the centre of the basal rosette of leaves. The showy copper-wire daisy - Podolepis jaceoides – an uncommon daisy with colour and flair. News of Friends of Grasslands, July-August 2006, page 14
FRIENDS OF GRASSLANDS INC Web address: http://www.geocities.com/friendsofgrasslands Supporting native grassy ecosystems Address: PO Box 987, Civic Square ACT 2608 [email protected]
Your committee : Kim Pullen President 6246 4007 (w) 6247 3639 (h) [email protected] Paul Hodgkinson Vice President 6259 3645 (h) [email protected] Geoff Robertson Vice President/newsletter 6241 4065 (w/h) [email protected] Janet Russell Secretary 6251 8949 [email protected] Sandra Hand Treasurer 4846 1096 [email protected] David Eddy Committee 6242 8484 (w) [email protected] Roger Farrow Program 6236 3105 [email protected] Christine Kendrick Committee 6236 3105 [email protected] Yolanda Melgarejo Committee 6247 3639(h) [email protected] Margaret Ning Membership/program 6241 4065 (h) 0427 788 304 [email protected] Dierk von Behrens Committee 6254 1763 (h) [email protected] Benjamin Whitworth Committee 6254 4556 (h) 6272 3192 (w) [email protected] Public officer Andrew Russell 6251 8949 [email protected] Friends of GrasGrassssslandslands Newsletter If you are already a member, why not encourage friends Do you want to subscribe to the newsletter? It comes out to join, or make a gift of membership to someone else? six times a year, and you can obtain it by joining FOG. We will also send a complimentary newsletter to anyone You do not need to be an active member - some who join who wants to know more about us. often have many commitments and only wish to receive How to join Friends of GrasGrassssslandslands the newsletter. Send us details of your name, address, telephone, fax, However , if you own or lease a property, are a member of and e-mail, etc. You might also indicate your interests in a landcare or parkcare group, or actively interested in grassland issues. Membership is $20 for an individual or grassland and woodland conservation or revegetation, we family; $5 for students, unemployed or pensioners; and hope we have something to offer you. We may assist by $50 for corporations or organisations - the latter can re- visiting sites and identifying native species and harmful quest two newsletters be sent. Please make cheques pay- weeds. We can suggest conservation and revegetation able to Friends of Grasslands Inc. goals as well as management options, help document the site, and sometimes support applications for assistance, If you would like any further information about member- etc. ship please contact Margaret Ning, or if you would like to discuss FOG issues contact Kim Pullen, Geoff Hope, Of course you may wish to increase your own under- Janet Russell or Geoff Robertson. Contact details are standing of grasslands and woodlands, plant identifica- given in the box above. We look forward to hearing from tion skills, etc. and so take a more active interest in our you. activities. Most activities are free and we also try to ar- range transport (or car pool) to activities.
Friends of Grasslands Inc PO Box 987 Civic Square ACT 2608