Wendon Way Bushcare Update
Seasons Greetings
Holidays and the festive seasons have delayed issuing this update, so my apologies.
Working Bee #2
A group of nine volunteers were out early on November 10 to try and beat the heat. We continued with weeding the pesky polka dot plant and you can see we are already making headway.
Thanks to a donation from ACF Community Brisbane Northside, we decided to trial a small planting of around 10 native tube stock before summer. Volunteers were also given a plant to take home for their garden as a thank you. Back in November the ground was very hard and even with the assistance of a drill-driven auger to prepare the holes it was tough going. The plants were then mulched and hand-watered - a job well done !
Hindsight is a wonderful thing …
Why we forgot to factor in precautions for wildlife will remain a mystery and who knew the Wendon Way bush turkeys could be so destructive so quickly (overnight!) A couple of the plants disappeared altogether and three others were uprooted. Ken from Northside Brisbane Catchments came to the rescue with some plant guards he had to hand and we replanted where possible. Thanks to Maria and Leanne for looking after the remaining plants over the following weeks helping them to establish.
In early December Maria and I met with Wes, our BCC Catchment Officer. Wes provided two different types of plant protectors and showed us how to set them up correctly. A couple of plants looked the worse for wear but we protected all that were left and crossed our fingers for the weather.
Two steps forward …
Last week we noticed some site interference with all boundary stakes (except the one with the bushcare notice asking for the area not to be disturbed) piled on a collection of dead branches around one of the trees. Three of the plant guards around our struggling plants were also removed. Perhaps someone thought they were helping in case of flooding or maybe children were enjoying themselves playing in the bush. Whatever the reason, we would ask that this small section we are currently working on not be disturbed. The reason for this is we are primarily using an approach that methodically clears small areas in and around healthy vegetation so that each area can be re-colonised by the regeneration of native plants, replacing the weeds.
We have reinstated the boundary stakes and redistributed the dead branches/logs across the site to act as habitat for insects and small lizards, etc.
Unfortunately most plants did not survive the large volume of rain and we are left with only three healthy plants. Sadly a big failure rate but we’ve learnt a lot. On the positive side of things the creek did not break its banks and while it’s a bit soggy on the park side the majority of the site is in good order.
Wendon Way 2025
Some of our volunteers have asked for regular timing of our working bees so we are going to trial the second Sunday of each month starting at 7.30am and see how that pans out. We will put advance notice by way of email, across FB pages and on the physical sign at the park. If you have thoughts or questions on this or any other matter, please feel welcome to email wendonwaybushcare@gmail.com
Hold the date - Sunday January 12, 7.30 - 10.30am
We will hold an extended session as Wes our BCC Catchment Officer will be joining us. He is going to provide some more plants for us to put in and there will be heaps of opportunity for Q&As. Depending on time and weather we could also have a walk and talk through another part of our designated area if that is something volunteers would like. Do not feel you have to commit to the whole three hours just come along for whatever time you have available.
Finally, massive thank you …
I can’t believe how far we come in only a few months and how grateful I am to all those who have given support behind the scenes and on the working front. The group has a great vibe and I look forward to seeing you all again in the new year.
Till then, wishing you and yours the best over the holiday season.
Jane