Weeding Capeweed and Thistles at Mt Alexander

About

After the January bushfire, the vegetation at Mt Alexander is recovering well with lots of colorful flowers in the forest understory and in the open meadows. Sadly, the fire also stimulated germination of some invasive weeds, particularly Capeweed and Thstles. They are encroaching on the habitat of native flora directly competing with native daisies, Chocolate and Bulbine Lilies, Sun Orchids, Sundews, and many other species.

The silver lining is, most of these weeds are annual species, and so they will die off naturally. However, we can reduce their numbers next time there is a fire by taking off their flowers now, before they produce seeds. This will help improve habitat for native plants, including the critically endangered Ballantinia antipoda, that is endemic to Mt Alexander and the vulnerable Clover Glycine (Glycine latrobeana).

Led by expert botanist Dr Stan Wawrzyczek, this will be perfect for nature lovers who want to help protect native biodiversity and the beauty of Australian bush at a. On the day, we will head off-track to target weeds invading key areas of habitat on the eastern slopes of the mountain. There will be time to look at native wildflowers as well as work to suppress the weeds.

To attend the event and be covered by our insurance policy, we request that you fill and submit an online form to register as TSC volunteer. In the form, please indicate the date of the event and type 'Mt Alexander Weeding' in the even title field.