Weeding with Woodcroft College
Students from Woodcroft College in South Australia were recently in the Wimmera on their annual school camp based in the Grampians. They had a full schedule of activities and managed to spend some time helping each of the Landcare Networks in the Wimmera Region. Yarrilinks was lucky enough to have their extra pairs of hands for two activities.
A huge thanks to the Woodcroft College students and teachers who helped us out! We look forward to welcoming them next year.
Minyip Wetlands Wimmera Riceflower Site
The Minyip wetlands are home to a population of critically endangered Wimmera riceflower (Pimelea spinescens subsp. pubiflora), and have also been the site of a DEECA project where young seedlings of Wimmera riceflower have been germinated and grown in a greenhouse and then transplanted at the site.
The site is home to native grasslands, but unfortunately is encroached by introduced grasses including wild oats. The students from Woodcroft College were able to help clear away wild oat plants from the seedlings to reduce competition. We also removed an irrigation system that was installed to help the young seedlings get established.
Grass weed competition is an ongoing issue at the site so we also began discussions with Minyip Landcare Group and DEECA about some potential management and monitoring options.
Murtoa Trust for Nature Covenant Site
This property near Murtoa is home to a large expanse of remnant native vegetation, and is covered by a Trust for Nature Covenant to protect the land in perpetuity. However, encroaching weeds are an ongoing issue.
Many of the common weed issues at the site are large, spiky, or both, so our management options with the students were limited. Instead, we focused on mapping individuals that were too difficult or dangerous to remove so they can be easily tackled by a suitable contractor at a later date.
The main invasive of concern was boxthorn, which is unfortunately quite common. We also spotted (and managed to remove) some boneseed. Saffron thistle was also noted in a few locations at the site, along with Flinder’s Wattle.
We also came across a brown snake in our search. Alicia spotted it while walking through the grass and we all froze, then took a few careful steps backwards. The snake eventually slithered away and we quickly headed off in the opposite direction! The students did a great job of staying calm and collected.
