The Verdouw family are getting serious about invasive species on their South Durras property, with all hands on deck to help tackle one of our biggest threats to biodiversity ... weeds!
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The family responded to a mail-out earlier this year where Council staff were available to assist with identification of weeds on their property, advise them on the best weed control techniques and offer replacement natives once their work has been successful.
The family’s efforts complement a Eurobodalla Shire Council project which is aimed at protecting some of our most precious natural resources, the Endangered Ecological Communities (EECs) of Bangalay Sand Forest and Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest.
“It may sound silly but plants in private gardens can really impact the wider landscape” Project Officer Emma Patyus says.
“Common garden plants such as Agapanthus, Cotoneaster, African daisy and Cassia can readily spread far from their original position and their presence in our bushland can completely alter the natural landscape. They seed prolifically, spread quickly and reduce the amount of appropriate food and habitat available to native fauna.”
Weed control is a huge cost in both time and funding needed to eradicate problem weeds that should have stayed in their pots, or better yet, not have been planted in the first place.
The project is focused on weed control in reserves and adjoining private properties in the suburbs of Congo, Guerilla Bay, Broulee and South Durras.
“These are the areas where we have some of the largest remaining remnant patches of EECs which also happen to be some of the most pristine examples of these communities in the state. We want to keep them this way!” Emma said.
“The call now goes out to the wider community to assist with maintaining these endangered and important natural areas by making some simple changes in their own gardens. Interested residents can benefit from free garden advice which includes free native plants to replace environmental weeds – it’s that easy to make a difference and protect our dwindling resources.”
The Verdouw family should be commended for their commitment and enthusiasm and we look forward to working with many more residents in these areas.
If you live in the suburbs mentioned above and are keen to find out how you can benefit from or assist on the project please call Project Officer, Emma Patyus on 4474 7300. The project has been made possible with funding received from the NSW Environmental Trust and also with the assistance of the local volunteer Landcare community.
