Weed beaters wanted!
20 February 2016
Community organisation 'Friends of Grasslands' (FOG) will be continuing their fine work at the Hall Cemetery next month. (see the Calendar entry for date and times). These autumn work mornings are to continue the control of fleshy weeds, especially emerging thistles, and also of selected patches of exotic grass. The major action will be spot application of herbicide through the grassy woodland. Some physical removal can also be done.
Morning tea is provided. Please dress for the weather and tall grass. Most importantly - so that enough gear (and morning tea) is on hand to match the enthusiasm of volunteers, please register with at least two days in advance.
In a summary of 2015 activity John tells us that four work mornings were once again held throughout the year in the grassy woodland block surrounding Hall Cemetery, involving a total of around 70 volunteer-hours. Continuing the trend of recent years, little effort was needed for large woody weeds - a few tenacious Briar Roses and Hawthorns were the exceptions. Instead, control focused on fleshy weeds including various Thistles, Plantain, Cleavers and Capeweed via both physical removal and herbiciding. The persistence of the Cleavers is particularly annoying.
In addition areas of exotic grasses are further pushed back by attacks on Phalaris, Perennial Rye and Tall Fescue, but this is a big job. The exotic grass flowering was huge this year including the species above together with Yorkshire Fog, Giant Brome and Sweet Vernal, so a lot of new germination is likely in future years. Finally, areas under our steadily growing Bursarias are regularly maintained to keep cover low.
Hall Cemetery has become one of the sites specified in the fantastic Canberra Nature Map website and mobile phone app. By mid-Feb 2016, over 88 sightings of species of native plants, fungi, birds, frogs and reptiles were listed for this location with spiders, insects, moths, ..... yet to be added!
Congratulations John and to FOG for your dedicated and very capable work. Contact John if you help.