Friends help blitz invasive weeds at You Yangs

Wednesday 9 May, 2012

Community groups recently joined forces with Parks Victoria to tackle invasive weeds and protect biodiversity in a Boneseed Blitz at You Yangs Regional Park.

The Friends of the You Yangs organised the community working bee to help contain the spread of Boneseed in the park.

Nicole Urbanski from the Friends of the You Yangs said it was great to see more than 50 volunteers dedicate their time over the weekend to give something back to the park.

“We recognise that helping combat Boneseed is important in preserving the environment that we love and appreciate at the You Yangs,” said Nicole.

“It was great to see families and friends from a variety of community groups join with rangers and put in a tremendous effort to help remove the weed.

“It was hard work but very rewarding to see piles of weeds removed at the end of the day.”

Parks Victoria Ranger in Charge Gary Learmonth said Boneseed is a weed of national significance that invades a large area of the park, along with vast sections of bush land in Victoria.

“Boneseed is a fast growing and aggressive plant that threatens the survival of native plants and impacts on the food supply for native animals,” said Gary.

“The working bee on the weekend was part of a broader containment program which focuses on preventing the spread of the weed through chemical treatment and manual removal of plants.”

The weed management program is delivered by Parks Victoria and contractors, in conjunction with passionate volunteers and community groups including Corio Landcare Group, the Friends of the You Yangs, Conservation Volunteers, Green Jobs Australia, Corrections Victoria and the Australian Native Orchard Society who collectively invest about 3000 hours each year to help remove the weed.

“Parks Victoria appreciates the efforts of the friends and volunteers who removed a considerable amount of Boneseed in the park over the weekend,” said Gary.

“We also hope this work helps the community gain a better understanding of the noxious weed.”