Sea Spurge follow up weeding in the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park
After FoGL’s successful removal of the invasive weed sea spurge Euphorbia paralias l from Barrier Landing and a part of Rigby Island last year, a follow up weed removal event took place on October 10, 2013. This was done in conjunction with Parks Victoria and the Lakes Entrance Community Landcare Group.
Two areas were targeted. The first was the area around Barrier Landing that was worked on last year. The second was a part of Rigby Island frequented by Little Terns and Fairy Terns. These birds require an open sandy area on which to build their nests and lay their eggs but sea spurge growth has reduced the available nesting area. These migratory birds are due back in the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park soon.
Two FoGL members, 7 Landcare members, 2 Parks Victoria Rangers and Little Tern expert Faye Bedford (DEPI) were able to successfully weed both areas. In the previously weeded Barrier Landing area, there has been a substantial reduction in flowering plants, and the small seedlings which regrew were easily removed. With ongoing work on these sites, this invasive weed is very likely to be kept under control.
On Saturday May 4th, Nicholson River Landcare hosted 10 members of Friends of the Gippsland Lakes Parks and Reserves on walks on the properties of Leo Rijs and Jim Stephenson. The work of carbon trading company Citola in planting 50000 trees using the “rip and mound” method on the Rijs property was highlighted.
FOGL, Wendy Parker, gave a talk to the combined group on the current projects and challenges of her group. This was followed by another great lunch provided by Marcia Rijs and helpers. After lunch the group drove down the road to Jim Stephenson’s property where Jim led a tour highlighting the extensive revegetation works adjacent to the mouth of the Nicholson River. The day concluded with coffee and cake at the Stephenson homestead.
