Significant weed reduction and native plant replacement is taking place along the Dyarlgaroo (Canning River) at Martin Street Reserve in Kelmscott thanks to local environmental legends.
The Armadale Gosnells Landcare Group (AGLG) is removing weeds to clear the area ahead of the planting season.
AGLG Coordinator Narelle Mewburn and Senior Officer Shane Hunter said the group works at many sites along the Dyarlgaroo to repair the river ecosystem.
“We are currently removing woody weeds such Ash trees and Blackberry, which are rampant along much of the riverbank, in preparation for planting native seedlings over winter,” they said.
“By removing these two weed species and replacing them with a wide range of native plants we are improving biodiversity in this ecosystem and creating more habitat and food sources for wildlife.”
Locals were concerned about the removal of the vegetation as they can serve as a habitat for local fauna.
Ms Mewburn and Mr Hunter said that the Dyarlgaroo provides a critical natural green corridor through the urban landscape for wildlife habitat and migration.
“Before proceeding we determine what impacts our projects activities will have on the existing ecosystem and wildlife and work out how we can reduce these impacts,” they said.
“For example, we may leave patches of Blackberry intact for the wildlife that is currently there, while our planting sites are still establishing.
“We are also frequently installing artificial nesting hollows into our project sites to increase nesting sites for native birds and possums.”
According to AGLG weed dominated ecosystems don’t have the right habitat or food for many native wildlife.
“When we undertake weed clearing prior to planting, there is room for any displaced wildlife to migrate up and down the river corridor outside of our specific project sites.
“Species such as the Rakali, frogs and turtles will use the water to guide their movement.”
“We remove the weeds from natural areas such as rivers and wetlands so that we can plant native flora which will provide better habitat and food sources for our native wildlife.”
The AGLG have organised plenty of planting events over winter and spring this year, and ask the community to help.
At Martin Street Reserve in Kelmscott, there will be a community planting event on Saturday 7th of August 2021 from 9am to 12pm.
AGLG also hold planting days for schools in the area to help plant natives.
For more information and to keep up to date visit http://aglg.org.au.
