Dr Kylie Soanes at our AGM
We had the great pleasure in hearing about the work of Dr Kylie Soanes who is an urban ecologist at the University of Melbourne in the School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences.
She investigates creative and practical ways to conserve biodiversity in cities and towns, working with industry and government to develop a strong evidence base for urban conservation.
She speaks about her recent research on the state of urban biodiversity conservation in Australia, and details some current projects underway in Melbourne.
Well worth a listen!
Happy Christmas!
Bili Nursery, 525 Williamstown Road, Port Melbourne, will be open over the Christmas period – 9-4 weekdays, 10-3 Saturdays – closed public holidays.
We hope to see you there.
Dec 5 Bird survey
The survey was carried out on a bleak day and yielded a lower result than usual. However, it was very pleasing to see how much insect life there is, especially, currently, various dragonfly species. Water levels are higher than for over a decade, eliminating habitat for dotterels and stilts, for example.
Photos: Ursula Dutkiewicz
Nov 7 Bird survey
Both major lakes are very full – more than for at least a decade. Accordingly, wetland species numbers are down, mostly because of the current depth of these water bodies and many other newly formed areas of water offering good feeding opportunities outside the park. On the other hand, although the survey results were modest, several interesting species have been observed this month, notably the Brown Quail, Olive-backed Oriole, Fan-tailed Cuckoo, and Sacred Kingfisher.
The survey team would like to pay tribute to the late Daniel Gilmore, a professional zoologist who visited the park often and was generous with his advice and encouragement. He leaves many friends behind.
Photos Ursula Dutkiewicz
Oct 3 Bird survey
Glorious weather, but no unexpected or unusual sightings. Water levels are very high and vegetation in excellent condition. Two species of honeyeaters; White-plumed Honeyeaters and Little Wattlebirds are more abundant than usual.
Insect populations are considerable, especially around the water bodies.
We are hiring – coordinator of volunteers
Westgate Biodiversity is keen to employ a part-time coordinator, 1 – 2 days/week, to work with our wonderful volunteers at Westgate Park and Bili Nursery. We can be flexible with the days worked but prefer Mondays and Wednesdays.
Here’s the position:
Duties
- Recruiting volunteers
- Organising and scheduling corporate and group volunteering
- Coordinating volunteer rosters at Bili Nursery and Westgate Park
- Assisting with induction of volunteers
- General admin – filing, managing records, following up inquiries
- Assistance in social media
Requirements
- Competence in IT
- Experience managing volunteers
- Excellent people skills
Desirable
- An interest in the environment and in indigenous plants
- A happy disposition
- A willingness to work in a small office set in a lovely outdoor nursery
The position is based at Bili Nursery, 525 Williamstown Road, Port Melbourne.
Coordinator of volunteers position
Sunday working bees back on
Starting in March, we will be resuming our monthly volunteer work days – the second Sunday of each month – 10am to 2pm with a well-earned break for lunch.
There is much to do at Westgate Park and we will be mostly weeding or planting.
You will need a Working With Children Check or have applied for one (required by Parks Vic).
We will have gloves, sunscreen, and whatever equipment is needed. We suggest you bring lunch, a water bottle and a hat, and wear sturdy enclosed shoes.
If you can join us – every Sunday or just some – please register below.
We look forward to working with you!
Register for Sunday working bees
Clematis microphylla
Ubiquitous, unique, fragrant, and dioecious.
On any visit to Westgate Park in winter/spring you can’t miss the sweet perfume of this small-leaved Clematis. It can scramble over the ground and climb as high as 3 meters over other plants or rocky outcrops. It’s also a great garden plant for arbors and along fences.
We take a look at why it’s so special…
Clematis microphylla twines gently in and around the stems of its host plant without doing damage. It has strong woody stems and a single plant can have a lifespan of several decades.
Separate plants – male and female – are required to produce seed, ie. C. microphylla is dioecious and this is unusual in the plant world.
The male plant produces the pollen and has masses of star-shaped, fragrant, creamy-white flowers with 20-30 stamens. The female flower has four, oblong, creamy-white petal-like sepals and many carpels (female reproductive organs) but neither flower has actual petals.
Post-pollination
C. microphylla flowers for around four months up to October attracting bees, butterflies and other insects to its pollen and nectar. These winter flowers are also a bonanza for small, insectivorous birds.
The fruit develop over the next four months and mature from December to March. The small seeds are attached to a silver, feathery tail (or awn) and are widely dispersed by wind.
The plant provides wonderful cover for small birds and many birds line their nests with the soft feathery remains of the seed’s transport system.
We have good stocks of Clematis microphylla in our Bili Nursery – 535 Williamstown Road, Port Melbourne – and now is the ideal time to plant!
Clematis microphylla appears to have had wide application by Traditional Owners. The leaves have a peppery taste, the starchy roots were pounded and kneaded into dough, and the taproot was roasted. Leaves were used to treat headaches and skin irritation, and root fibres were woven.
Thanks, JH and Melb Water
The crew from John Holland and Melbourne Water are working in the park on the major task of duplicating the sewer under the Yarra River – a project to be completed in 2024. They took time out this week to see more of the park and to help out with spring planting.
Thank you to George and the team for having us out onsite planting today. Thankfully the weather held off and we got to enjoy some sunshine out in the beautiful Westgate Park.
Thanks again for helping to coordinate the day – we all had a great time.
Bec
Sept 5 Bird survey
The Park is very green and plants are thriving. Water levels are high, and volunteers including corporate staff, are doing great work extending understorey vegetation.
Common Froglets abound in some water bodies, and as usual, the Brushtail Possum near the barbecue sleeps peacefully during the day, half its body protruding from the splinter-bordered hollow.
Reed Warblers have returned and there are pleasing numbers of Little Wattlebirds. No Noisy Miners were observed in the park itself, only along neighbouring roads.
Sighting four Australian Wood Ducks was unusual – this common species elsewhere in Melbourne rarely visits Westgate Park.
All photos by Ursula Dutkiewicz:
