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On Sunday 3rd April, 2022, a group of the Friends assisted DEW by completing a survey of the scattered trees on the western side of the property. In total 321 trees were surveyed. 285 trees or 88.8% were observed to have survived. This was amazing, given that the trees were only guarded and not mulched. It is unknown if they had been watered since being planted, but it is likely, given the survival rate.
The species observed included Acacia pycnantha (Golden Wattle) 65 plants, Allocasuarina verticillata (Drooping Sheoak) 95 plants, Euc. camaldulensis (Red River Gum) 36 plants, Euc. leucoxylon (SA Blue Gum) 13 plants, Euc. microcarpa (Grey Box) 9 plants and Euc. Porosa (Mallee Box) 67 plants. Just 36 plants were observed to have died or were missing from their guards.
It was a great opportunity to assist the Dept for the Environment and Water and in doing so, we used the exercise to involve some of our group who had little knowledge of native plant identification. By lunch time we had educated many of our group, including some young children who had great fun identifying the various plant species.
While we walked a bird survey was conducted and this included 5 Australasian Pipits, 1 Nankeen Kestrel and 1 Black-faced Cuckoo Shrike and later in the day 1 Common Bronzewing Pigeon, 1 Superb Fairywren and several waterbirds and ducks were seen in and around the large dam. These included Grey Teal ducks x6, Hardhead duck x1, Australasian Grebes x2 and Hoary-headed Grebes x3. In total 31 species were identified, which isn’t a bad number, given the ongoing construction work which is happening to create the National Park. In coming months, as the plants grow and work nears completion, bird numbers are expected to increase.
It was very satisfying to see so many trees across the property surviving with many really starting to become very well established. The recent rains would have certainly helped these trees. It was reported that in the few days following this survey 9.6mm was reported at Noarlunga, so these trees and plants at the Glenthorne National Park Ityamaiitpinna Yarta would have appreciated any rain which was received at O’Halloran Hill.
In the afternoon several planted pods were examined. Recently caterpillars and adult Checkered Swallowtail butterflies were identified, and on our walk, we saw caterpillars of the native Sweet Potato Leaf Worm (Aedia leucomelas) feeding on Bindweed plants (Convolvulus sp).
Also seen on the day were a couple of Western Grey Kangaroos on the western side of the property and it has been reported that quail (possibly Stubble Quail) were seen at the property recently, along with a juvenile Bearded Dragon lizard. Things are certainly starting to happen down at the Glenthorne National Park.
Thanks also to the Wednesday group leader, Jeff Dougherty, who has completed a number of further tree surveys for DEW. Again, tree survival has been very good. Thanks to Jeff for completing a survey of a further 325 trees.
The total amount of data collected by the Friends over almost half the 208 hectares shows that 696 trees were surveyed on the western and southern sides, with a survival rate of 610 trees or 87.64%. This must be qualified by saying that many slashed trees in the southern areas were not counted which would reduce this survival percentage.
The highest tree in volume surveyed was the Drooping Sheoak (Allocasuarina verticillata) 214 trees. Second was the Golden Wattle (Acacia pycnantha) 141 trees or 20.26%. Grey Box (Euc. microcarpa) accounted for 85 trees or 12.21% and Mallee Box (Euc. porosa) 73 trees or 10.49%. It must be stated that distinguishing between these 2 species is somewhat difficult, but in general, in the areas surveyed, planted tree survival is very good, indeed.
Discussions with the Senior Ranger has given us the green light to expand our activities in and around the scattered trees in our work areas. It is not envisaged that lost trees will be replaced, rather, native grasses and other smaller native plants will be planted in these more open sites in order to provide a varied habitat for insects, birds, reptiles etc.
Please remember that we hold Bushcare Days on the first Sunday, second Saturday and third Sunday of each month, along with each Wednesday morning. We do hope that you can join us and please bring your family along to have fun while getting some important work done.
All are welcome. |
