Weedy vine tackled
Araujia sericifera – Moth or milky vine – used to be a garden favourite but like so many weeds, it is a huge pest. It has been coming into the Park and we discovered the source is next door – the former Herald and Weekly Times printing works which have been empty for some time.
Araujia sericifera comes from South America, it climbs up to 2 meters, it’s tough, produces masses of seeds and has toxic sticky milky sap.
That’s why we pulled it out this week. Thank you George, Jackie and David!
Disappearing plants
Though not listed as threatened in Victoria, many of the 320 native plant species that once existed in the Melbourne region have all but disappeared. (Ref Flora of Melbourne) This makes Westgate Park and Bili Nursery important in protecting and conserving this diversity.
You can help by planting these species in your garden. Below are some of the rare plants we currently have in stock at Bili Nursery. Phone us on 0492 972 652 to order or just call in at 525 Williamstown Road, Port Melbourne.
Brachyscome multifida – Cut-leaf Daisy
Lasiopetalum baueri – Slender Velvet-bush
Malva preissiana – Australian Hollyhock
Podolepis jaceoides – Showy Podolepis
Brachyscome basaltica – Basalt Swamp Daisy
Lythrum salicaria – Purple Loosestrife (now in bloom and looking stunning in the compound lagoon at Westgate Park)
Mentha australis – River Mint (edible)
Jan 12 bird survey
A memorable survey. Common Sandpipers had long been expected, but this seems to be the first time the species has been recorded, in this case near the tug pier on the lower Yarra River. (There is a dead seal nearby on the riverbank.)
The female Musk Duck is also most unusual, although again one would expect this species to be present from time to time. No raptors and few New Holland Honeyeaters sighted, but Black-winged Stilts are back, and nesting, after an absence of some six months.
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!