Banksia Bulletin - John Eichler receives Bayside's 2021 Environment Award Working bee updated Bayside Community Nursery now open - Bayside City ...
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Banksia Bulletin
autumn 2021
John Eichler receives
Bayside’s 2021
Environment Award
Working bee updated
Bayside Community
Nursery now open
From the Mayor In this issue
Welcome to the Autumn edition
of Banksia Bulletin.
I had the pleasure recently of
joining 23 environmental groups at
Special features Other articles
It is wonderful to be out and about the Bayside Environmental Groups’
in Bayside, seeing familiar faces and Listening Forum. PLANTS OF BAYSIDE 4
enjoying our natural environment The idea to hold this event came
ATTRACTING BUTTERFLIES 4
6
once again. from Caroline Lawton, President of
A huge ‘welcome back’ to the the Beaumaris Conservation Society,
BAY ROAD HEATHLAND
Bayside Community Nursery, where who had the brilliant idea to bring all SANCTUARY5
a fantastic gala event was held on the environmental groups together to
Saturday 27 March to mark the share their priorities with Council. BAYSIDE COMMUNITY
opening of the 2021 season. Over the course of the morning, we NURSERY IS OPEN 12
It has been nearly 18 months since listened to representatives from each IN MY GARDEN
the nursery has been open to the group as they presented many ideas. AUTUMN BIRD COUNT 13
public. Thank you to all the volunteers These ranged from introducing a
who have been busy in the preceding program to plant replacement Banksia WHAT ARE THE BUSHLAND
AND NURSERY CREWS
8
months preparing our indigenous integrifolia trees on the coast to ways
plant stock for sale. Joining me at the we could better protect and expand role in protecting and enhancing UP TO? 14
opening were Cr Hanna El Mouallem Bayside’s tree canopy. Many groups our local environment. We heard
MCRP BEACH PATROL 3193 15
and Cr Fiona Stitfold. I’m looking shared ideas about how to best recruit, about some of the challenges we face
forward to planting the Eucalyptus train and retain volunteers. such as maintaining Ricketts Point WATER – THE LIFEBLOOD OF
viminalus I purchased at Fairway Aged Council listened as environmental as it continues to grow in popularity LIFE ON EARTH 16
Care as part of a planning regulation, volunteers spoke passionately about as a destination for visitors from far PEAS IN A POD?
very soon. how their groups play an important and wide. HOW TO PUT ECOSYSTEMS
Thank you to my Councillor BACK TOGETHER WITH
colleagues who also attended including A POLE 17
10
Cr Clarke Martin, Cr Alex Del Porto, CONGRATULATIONS
Cr Fiona Stitfold and Cr Jo Samuel-King. VOLUNTEER GROUPS 18
Thank you also to the Council Officers JOHN EICHLER
who helped organise the event and BAYSIDE 2021
for showing their interest in listening
to our community by joining the
ENVIRONMENT AWARD
conversation on a Sunday morning. WINNER
Council is considering the ideas
that were presented and looks forward
to progressing some of these in the
near future.
Cr Laurence Evans
Mayor Laurence Evans OAM speaks to the crowd at the Bayside Mayor
Environmental Groups’ Listening Forum.
Bayside City Council
Australian Emerald Dragonfly
(Hemicordulia australiae) by Pauline Reynolds
Australian Painted Lady
(Vanessa kershawi) by David Cook
(Creative Commons)
Attracting L-R: Alison Murnane, Jason Hall, Michael Norris,
Michael Ruyg, Cr Jo Samuel-King MBBS, Helen
butterflies
Water Ribbon (Triglochin procera) Williams and Sue Forster. Photo by Annie Dennis.
Bay Road
Plants of
Bayside Butterflies are a welcome addition
Words and photo by Aaron Hurrell, to any garden and are easily
Heathland
Citywide Bushland Crew
attracted with a few simple design
principles.
Water Ribbon
Sanctuary
Put out a dish of damp sand and a flat
The Water Ribbon (Triglochin procera) is a variable and rock for butterflies to bask in the morning
robust, formed, perennial plant with a thick woody sun. Provide sheltered and shady positions
rhizome and cylindrical tubers that can handle being throughout the garden that let them retreat
fully aquatic or live an amphibious lifestyle. during the heat of the day. Butterflies prefer
The leaves are erect, or float on the water, usually
flat flowers, such as daisies, that are easy to
between 0.1-3.5m long and 5-40mm wide with dark
land on to extract nectar. They are attracted
February working bee
green colouring on the top surface and the bottom
surface paler in colour to a yellowish green. to a range of coloured flowers, in particular A recent Bay Road Heathland
The flowers of the Water Ribbon are found densely blue, yellow and red. Sanctuary working bee on Saturday 27
packed on a 6-51cm long spike but shorter if found February attracted a great turnout of
growing in permanent water, roughly numbering
Look for the butterfly icon on pages 28-60 volunteers from the Friends group.
between 52 to 320 small greenish flowers. The flower in Live Bayside, Plant Bayside publication This unscheduled working bee made
spikes can either be standing erect or falling over. for plants that provide food and shelter for up for the previously scheduled activity,
The Water Ribbon requires freshwater up to 2m deep butterflies. which was cancelled due to the snap
or irregular flood areas in full sun and semi-shade. lockdown in February.
Source: Bull, Marilyn (1991) Flora of Melbourne: A guide to the
You can purchase some of these plants from Friends enjoyed an impromptu visit
indigenous plants of the greater Melbourne area Carlton Vic: Hyland the Bayside Community Nursery, which is from Councillor Jo Samuel-King MBBS
House Publishing now open for sales (see page 12 for more). who dropped by for a quick chat and Bay Road Heathland Sanctuary Friends group removing bracken on
Saturday 27 February. Photos by Sue Forster.
to help with bracken removal.
4 Banksia Bulletin | Autumn 2021 Banksia Bulletin | Autumn 2021 5
In my
garden
Story and photos by Pauline Reynolds
Here, I share recent
sightings from my garden.
This spectacular Wandering Ringtail
Damselfly (Austrolestes leda) was spotted
on 11 February 2021, in the same week I
also saw an Australian Emerald Dragonfly
(Hemicordulia australiae) on 6 February
2021 (inset and on the cover).
Both were warm days and these
magnificent creatures were photographed
enjoying the late afternoon sun.
You will notice too they are both sitting
on indigenous plants – Austral Storksbill
(Pelargonium australe) and Knobby Club-
sedge (Ficinia nodosa) respectively.
Wandering Ringtail Damselfly (Austrolestes leda)
6 Banksia Bulletin | Autumn 2021 Banksia Bulletin | Autumn 2021 7
Propagating from seed has advantages
from a conservation point of view.
Seedlings provide genetic diversity,
whereas cutting-grown plants are
clones and have genes identical to the
parent. Often, seedlings are also more
resilient when planted out, as they
have stronger or better-structured root
systems.
It was very exciting to find some
‘pea pods’ forming on the Pale Wedge
Pea at Long Hollow this year.
I’m curious as to why our
Gompholobium has set seed, apparently
for the first time, this year. Is it because
we had a wetter season and the plant
wasn’t struggling to survive as it
normally does? Or is that only part of the
explanation? I have watered the Long
Hollow Gompholobium to ensure its
Unripe pods of Pale Wedge Pea (Gompholobium huegelii) January 2021. survival over several previous summers.
Photo by Rob Saunders.
But it didn’t set any seed then.
Another possibility is that there may
be more or different pollinators around
locally than in previous years. Nectar
producing flowers such as peas attract
a range of different insects. There
are many native pollinators and their
Pale Wedge Pea (Gompholobium huegelii) – a locally rare indigenous wildflower. Photo by Rob Saunders. abundance tends to change from one
Peas
season to the next, for reasons that are
not fully understood.
Certain characteristics of the
pollinator are critical with bush peas.
A long tongue is useful for the insect
to reach the hidden nectaries of pea
flowers. But only an appropriately-sized
in a pod?
insect can part their petals and trip
their spring-loaded stamens, dusting
the insect with pollen to transport to
another flower. It seems likely that
successful pollinators for Gompholobium
would be larger than those for the more
common ‘eggs and bacon’ flowers.
Over the years, John Eichler has
Blood-tipped Resin Bee photographed at Long Hollow by John Eichler.
photographed a number of different
native bees at Long Hollow, including
several from the Lasioglossum family
By Rob Saunders Most of Bayside’s indigenous peas The local Purple Coral Pea hard to miss. Our Pale Wedge Pea one or two seedlings have emerged (Social Burrowing Bees) and a couple
Friends of Long Hollow Heathland are small shrubs with bright ‘eggs and (Hardenbergia violacea) is a strong (Gompholobium huegelii) tends to be after some of Bayside’s ecological of different Megachilids (solitary Resin
and Rare Plants Group bacon’ coloured flowers. climber with eye-catching sprays of a low, scrambling shrub. It has tiny burns in recent years, we know of Bees and Leafcutter Bees). Research
Eight local species from the genera Aotus, mauve, pink and lime green flowers. leaves in groups of three, but relatively fewer than 10 plants scattered around in Tasmania suggests the native
Bossiaea, Daviesia, Dillwynia, Platylobium The popular Running Postman (Kennedia large (2cm) flowers. Unlike any of just four reserves – Long Hollow, Megachilids can be important pollinators
and Pultenaea all have flowers that come prostrata) is a ground cover with bright our other bush peas, they are single- Gramatan Avenue, Balcombe Park and for Gompholobium huegelii. Another
in shades of yellow and reddish brown. red flowers. And the adaptable Austral coloured, with a lovely soft, pale George Street. field naturalist who specialises in orchid
Even Golden Spray (Viminaria juncea), a Indigo (Indigofera australis) has very lemon hue (above left). Propagation of the Gompholobium pollination, Rudie Kuiter, has also
taller upright shrub, has similar flowers. pretty sprays of pink or mauve flowers. For a long time, I have been concerned has not been easy either. Bayside told me the Megachilids are abundant
Three other local pea species are more Bayside has one other indigenous about losing the Pale Wedge Pea Community Nursery has grown a this year. Perhaps they are producing
distinctive, being varied in their growth member of the pea family, but it is from Bayside’s reserves, as it is only few trays of cuttings, but until this an unusually fertile year for our
form and flower colour. as hard to find as the other peas are present in very low numbers. While year no seed had ever been collected. Gompholobium?
8 Banksia Bulletin | Autumn 2021 Banksia Bulletin | Autumn 2021 9
Black Rock naturalist John Eichler is a • a handful of records of species that are logs, and its documented insect species
regular contributor to Banksia Bulletin, rare in Victoria; and now number over 266.
known to readers for his extraordinary • a few species that appear to represent For the past 40 years, John has been an
photo-documentation of local fungi, flora new state records*.’ active contributor to surveys with the Field
and fauna, particularly marine life, insects One example of John’s rare finds is a Naturalists Club of Victoria. His skills have
and birds. planthopper or fungus bug that has been been honed through this field experience
On 26 January 2021, John was the acknowledged as one of only four national rather than formal study, although in
worthy recipient of Bayside Council’s records of a new genus in the family his professional career he was a town
2021 Australia Day Environment Award Achilidae. planner. He is unusual in the breadth of
for an Individual. The award recognises Another recent discovery is a rare his interests, understanding how to take a
his ‘outstanding community service to the moth, Philobota chrysopotama, that had photo that illuminates the key identifying
environment through his identification not been recorded in Victoria since the features of almost any living subject.
and photography of flora and fauna within type collection was made in Hampton Due to his reputation for discovering
Bayside and his many featured articles in in 1890. new species and new examples of rare
the Banksia Bulletin’. At George Street Reserve, John recently species, John is now highly regarded by
Mayor Laurence Evans OAM and identified three beetles that he hadn’t seen professionals in fields that he entered
Councillor Alex del Porto presented the in Bayside before — Clerid Beetle (Opilo as an amateur. When he gave a talk on
award and flowers at the Australia Day variipes), Longicorn Beetle (Phacodes rare plants in 2019, senior staff at the
Awards Ceremony at Sandringham Yacht obscurus), and Honeybrown Beetle Royal Botanic Gardens and the Victorian
Club. John told their audience: (Ecnolagria grandis). Government’s Senior Botanist from the
Department of Land, Water, Environment
and Planning joined the conversation.
He is probably Bayside’s foremost John Eichler’s trained eye misses very
little and his camera equipment is simple.
authority on all matters fungal, Even at night, he works without a tripod,
having conducted regular surveys relying on a flash and years of practice to
get a shot right. His gift to Bayside is that
in the reserves since 2003. he shares his vision through exquisite
photos that are a joy to view.
‘I started keeping natural history records The Clerid Beetle has only five other *John Eichler uses both iNaturalist and
when I moved to Bayside over 40 years ago. records in Victoria. Ricketts Point the Atlas of Living Australia websites
My initial focus was marine life and fungi foreshore and Balcombe Park Reserve for data to support species identification.
and in more recent years that focus has have also yielded insects with no previous His Bayside photos can be viewed on the
shifted to insects, spiders and the like. After Bayside records: an unusual Margin- iNaturalist website.
buying a digital camera almost 15 years winged Stick Insect (Ctenomorpha
ago, it became easier to document and marginipennis) at Ricketts Point and
share those observations. a Bee Fly in the genus Aleucosia at
Until recently I spent a lot of time visiting Balcombe Park.
bushland throughout Victoria and beyond. Beyond Bayside, John has added four
That changed in 2020 for two reasons. new plant species to Victoria’s botanical
Firstly, there was a series of COVID-related record and discovered the threatened
lockdowns and, secondly, Sue Forster, fungus known as Tea-tree Fingers
convenor of the Bay Road Heathland (Hypocreopsis amplectens) as well as three
C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S Sanctuary (BRHS) Friends group, asked me of its five known sites. He is probably
John Eichler
to assist in documenting invertebrates there. Bayside’s foremost authority on all
I have been visiting BRHS on a matters fungal, having conducted regular
semi-regular basis for a year now and surveys in the reserves since 2003.
documenting the species seen there. I have John is equally at home down at the
followed a similar but less regular routine beach, documenting marine invertebrates Congratulations to another
at other local bushland reserves (George such as shrimps and sea slugs, seastars, Friend, Derek Jones, on being
Street Reserve, Gramatan Avenue Reserve, molluscs and corals. Many of these have recognised at this year’s
Tulip Street Pond, Balcombe Park, Long been included in the publication Algae
Australia Day Awards as
Hollow Heathland). and Marine Invertebrates of Ricketts Point
Bayside’s Senior Citizen of
This enforced local focus has revealed Marine Sanctuary.
the Year. Derek founded the
B AY S I D E 2 0 2 1 E N V I R O N M E N T A W A R D W I N N E R several surprises. These include: John’s photos are particularly valuable
Friends of Bayside Roads group
• the richness of life forms present, many for what they reveal about ecosystem
of which were new to me – a total of over complexity. Thanks to his careful in 2017, which now has 45
Story by Sue Forster | Photo by Pauline Reynolds 570 species at BRHS; observations, we have a photographic members collecting litter along
• the ability to consistently find new species record of 78 species of fungi found in Bay local roads. You can read more
on each visit; Road Heathland Sanctuary. We also know about Derek’s work in Council’s
• numerous, apparently new, records for that there are still four species of skink Let’s Talk Bayside magazine.
Bayside; and the Marbled Gecko living among its
10 Banksia Bulletin | Autumn 2021 Banksia Bulletin | Autumn 2021 11
Autumn bird count
Join the Birds in Backyards – a BirdLife Australia program –
survey this autumn and document who is visiting your garden.
By Birds in Backyards Why do these surveys? What else can I record?
Your surveys are used There are a few important interactions
To do a Birds in Backyards survey, by BirdLife Australia to track the health you can share with us if you see them.
spend 20 minutes in one spot where of our urban birds, and to monitor the Keep an eye out for:
you can view birds – your backyard, impact of our gardens, outdoor spaces • Breeding behaviours – If you see
local park, school, or other favourite and even our own behaviours on bird a bird carrying nesting materials,
Bayside Community
outdoor place. populations. We can learn a lot from sitting on a nest or feeding chicks,
Simply count how many you see of Birds in Backyards surveys, like how let us know. Select the option
each bird species using that space and different types of gardens can attract under ‘Breeding Activity’ that
tell us about what the outdoor space is different types of birds, and which best matches your observation
Nursery now open
like. features birds may be avoiding or are (Remember to keep your distance
Then to enter your survey data, negatively affected by. In 2021 your though from birds who are breeding.
register your free Birdata account, read surveys will also be used in the very first We don’t want to disturb any nests.
the instructions for the web or app or Urban Bird Index for BirdLife Australia’s Be sure to limit your observations
watch the video. If you download State of Australia’s Birds Report. and don’t get close enough to scare
the Birdata app you can take your Importantly, your surveys contribute a bird off its nest.).
By Pauline Reynolds (Epacris impressa), Honey Pots smartphone or tablet outside with you to the on-ground conservation work we • Aggressive interactions – Let us
(Acrotriche serrulata) and several others. Prices list to do your count. undertake with our volunteers, branches know if you have observed any
Bayside Community Nursery This is the first year the Bayside and partners – from local planting and species initiate interactions with
is stocked with beautiful plants ready for Community Nursery has offered Forestry tubes $2.55 What if I don’t know much habitat improvement projects up to other birds and whether this
public sales every Saturday from 10am- specialty plants and the species about birds? national advocacy and campaigns. We interaction could be classed as
12pm and Thursdays from 10am-1pm. will change each year depending on 150ml pots $7.65 If you are unsure where or how to start, also use the survey data in seminars and aggressive – you can do this in the
Forestry tubes cost just $2.55 and this successful propagation or availability Rocket pots $30.60 or even feel like you don’t know the first workshops conducted by staff, or for ‘Sighting Details’ tab using the ‘Specific
year a table of ‘specialty plants’ will be of seeds or cuttings. thing about birds only that you love to our projects such as the Powerful Owl Species Interactions’ option.
on sale for $12.50. The purpose of introducing specialist Specialty pots (150ml) $12.50 see them, then fear not! The Birdata web Project. Read about how the surveys you • Have you seen any birds feeding on
The specialty plants are some of the plants is to emphasise how challenging portal and app automatically gives you do in your gardens are helping in our the native plants in your garden? If so
less common species growing in Bayside these species can be to propagate and Payment is by card only. a list of 30 birds from your region to get post-fire conservation work here. – who was dining on what? – you can
and are often the most difficult to that they may require extra attention and It’s very exciting to be opening you started. tell us in the notes section when you
propagate and temperamental to grow. a longer growing time in the nursery. again and we looking forward How often should I survey? record the species you have observed
There will be a small number of Silky We would also be interested in buyers’ to seeing the healthy plants on What if I only have super common Each quarter, BirdLife Australia launches under ‘Sighting Details’.
Guinea-flower (Hibbertia sericea), feedback to know if they thrive in their way to local gardens in or introduced birds? a seasonal survey. The autumn survey • Have any birds been dabbling in some
Common Flat-pea (Platylobium people’s gardens and in what conditions Bayside and elsewhere. That is really useful! We want to know period runs throughout March and Oscar-worthy acting? Tell us about
obtusangulum), Common Heath they do best. about the birds you don’t see just as April – but you can still submit surveys the weird and wonderful things your
much as the ones you do. So, if your at any time. You can do as many surveys backyard birds have been up to using
list is only small, all introduced birds as you like, as often as you like! Some the notes section in the ‘Sighting
or full of birds you don’t think are people like to just participate once a Details’ tabs.
Bayside Community Nursery is located at 319 Reserve Road Cheltenham. very ‘exciting’, that is still important quarter (or four times a year) in our
Call 9583 8408 or visit the website for more. information for us. All surveys are seasonal surveys, while others like to Check out the survey instructions page
important so please give it a go. count their birds more frequently. for more info and FAQs.
12 Banksia Bulletin | Autumn 2021 Banksia Bulletin | Autumn 2021 13
What are the Bushland
and Nursery Crews up to?
By Jo Hurse
Bushland and Nursery Ops Supervisor
On behalf of the Bushland and
Nursery Crews we’d like to send all our
volunteers a very warm “welcome back”!
Despite a slight hiccup with the five-
day circuit breaker lockdown in mid-
February, all seems to be getting back to
COVID-normal.
The volunteers were sorely missed for
much of 2020 so here’s hoping 2021 is
more to our liking.
Here’s a quick update on what’s
coming up and what the crew has been
up to.
Julie and Jim have worked tirelessly
through propagation season and George Street Heathland Sanctuary, dominated by Tea Tree and weeds
before burn, 2006. Photo by Pauline Reynolds.
needless to say have had great success
so the nursery is looking full to the brim.
They had great pleasure in welcoming
back the volunteers at the end of 2020.
MCRP
Beach Patrol
The nursery opened for sales every
Thursday from 10am to 1pm and
Saturdays from 10am to 12pm starting
27 March.
3193
The bushland crews that work
predominantly on the foreshore – Andy,
Aaron and Connor – have spent many
weeks over summer pruning and
tackling grassy weeds. This is quite
unseasonal for summer but attributed
to all the fantastic rain we had. Over the Story and photos by Elizabeth Jensen their own gloves, buckets and some picker-
last year, the foreshore has been busier President Marine Care Ricketts Point uppers. They also kept a tally of the items
than ever so they have done extremely they collected, which we then collated.
well working along all the paths, ramps, Beach Patrol 3193 has returned It was a beautiful mild day and
staircases etc, trying to get them all after a long period of inactivity due to within an hour we had collected 40kg
safely pruned. George Street Heathland Sanctuary, heath species in full bloom, COVID-19 restrictions. of rubbish. As usual, our major items
two years post burn, 2008. Photo by Pauline Reynolds.
The preparation for the controlled We had a wonderful turnout in collected continued to be plastic pieces,
ecological burn at George Street Reserve February for our first beach clean since cans and bottles.
has commenced. The preparation for the controlled this site that indicate the regeneration March 2020. It was disappointing to find 839
The crew plans to burn 4,000 square ecological burn at Donald MacDonald will be successful. For example, in Beach Patrol 3193 is run by Marine carelessly discarded cigarette butts the Sanctuary playing about 200 metres
metres of the 2006 wildfire site, where Reserve is nearly finished. The 4,000 the understorey there are patches of Care Ricketts Point with President Beth considering smoking is banned on offshore.
fire swept through a thick stand of square metre site will be the largest Lepidosperma concavum and some Jensen organising the events. the foreshore of Ricketts Point Marine Beach Patrol 3193 meets on the first
Leptospermum laevigatum in the patch of Leptospermum laevigatum isolated Bossiaea cinerea. Twenty-four people made up of Sanctuary. Saturday of every month starting at
reserve. Post-fire there was much hand we have ever burnt. We believe that I would like to specifically thank the regulars and a number of children There were also a number of face 11am at the Beaumaris Yacht Club.
weeding that resulted in the spectacular Leptospermum laevigatum has invaded CityWide Bushland team who has worked helped to clean around the Beaumaris masks, disposable food containers and New members are always welcome.
regeneration of the Heathland. Now, the heath and, with the absence of fire, relentlessly to prepare the burn sites. All Life Saving Club and foreshore area. even a child’s scooter. Check out our website and join our
after 15 years, the heath needs a formed a dense canopy that is taking of the crew look forward to working with To meet Beach Patrol Australia’s However, the highlight of the clean-up Facebook page to stay up-to-date with
controlled burn. over the site. There are some plants at our wonderful volunteers again in 2021. COVID-19 regulations everyone brought was spotting a pod of dolphins visiting our activities.
14 Banksia Bulletin | Autumn 2021 Banksia Bulletin | Autumn 2021 15
Water How to put ecosystems
back together with a pole
– the lifeblood of life on Earth By Gio Fitzpatrick
By Elizabeth Walsh having also cleared away excess growth when they are away. Sheridan has been Committee member Elsternwick Park
Convenor Friends of Native Wildlife Inc. from the other set of bowls which most concerned at the lack of available Association
caused silting of the shallow one. They water around Melbourne for wildlife and
Water for wildlife has become even have been joined by Sheridan who has is now doing something positive in her Mistletoe is the ecological Robin Hood –
more critical as the world is warming kindly filled in for Rosa and George local area. stealing from the rich trees and giving to
rapidly with more frequent heatwaves the poor soil.
and violent weather conditions such as In a healthy woodland containing
stronger winds and ocean/foreshore mistletoes, it is quite possible that one in
events. every three birds you see and hear are
The coastal path in Bayside has a only there because of these important
number of shallow to medium depth parasitic plants.
pottery water bowls placed under taps It’s incredible to realise that when
along the coastal clifftop walking path researchers removed mistletoe from
from Beaumaris to Brighton. woodlands to test its importance in
They are specifically designed to the ecosystem, one-third of the birds
provide a drink and sometimes a bath disappeared over the following three
for birds, reptiles and insects. Although years.
dogs use them too, we would prefer Along with the obvious attraction
owners sought the few metal bowls for of nectar, fruit and dense structure,
pets that are popping up rather than mistletoes drop an abundance of
our pottery wildlife bowls as the smell nutritionally-enriched leaf litter which
of dogs is a deterrent to many small has been found to support over 1,000
animals. extra arthropods per square metre
The water bowls were made by an under the host tree. Imagine the flow-on
amazing potter, Chris, members of a local effects of that!
art group and students from Berendale No other plant supports biodiversity
Brighton bowls south water bowl.
School. Council set them in concrete, quite like a mistletoe and yet people still
however one or two bowls have been almost never plant it.
removed due to alterations to the clifftop How you can help I’m hoping that bush regenerators
path. There are a few simple steps you can take to help, particularly during will soon realise that our work is not
FoNW Inc have been assisted by long- extreme heat events and every day when the weather reaches into the high even nearly done until mistletoe is back
term helpers Sueli, Denis, Pat and Sue 20s and 30s. in the system. Probably the strongest
along with Anne, Heather and Marza 1. In your garden or a local park provide a shallow bowl of water, indication that we’re not yet harnessing
who have joined in more recent years. preferably heavy such as pottery (a pottery planter base would the power of mistletoe is the realisation
A recent call for help in the Brighton be suitable) and 300cm wide. that I’m single-handedly running the
area initiated an immediate response 2. Fill with fresh water regularly and flush out at least once a week largest mistletoe restoration project in
from Rosa and George who have taken to to discourage mosquito larvae. Australia with zero funding.
filling the bowls on the green lawn just 3. Use pebbles, a rock or branch to allow small insects or skinks to access These constraints ended up fostering such as Wire-leaved Mistletoe (Amyema vitelline). It’s an honour to be able to
to the south of the Brighton Baths. the edge either from within or without. a rather unsophisticated innovation that preissii), can be squirted directly onto a help their cause and a reminder that the
The taps over one set of bowls have 4. Place in a shady area to lessen water evaporation. now brings mistletoe restoration into branch by a small hose connected to a pursuit to understand and care for our
been discontinued recently. There is a 5. Place near a grassy tussock or shrub where wildlife can perch or hide the hands of anyone with dramatically hand-powered air pump. Such methods local patch has wider benefits of many
new south-east water drinking fountain safely from predators. lowered cost, time and risk – planting have allowed thousands of mistletoes kinds.
nearby, which is fine for people and 6. Regularly clean the bowl with an old kitchen brush or similar. mistletoe with a pole! that stretch up to five metres above the Three of Bayside’s four mistletoe
dogs but unsuitable for wildlife, so 7. Keep pet cats in cat runs or inside as they are the worst predators Species such as Creeping Mistletoe ground to be planted without expensive species – Amyema preissii, Amyema
our volunteers now bring water-filled of suburban wildlife and could stake out the bird bath. (Muellerina eucalyptoides), whose cherry pickers or arborists. pendula and Amyema quandang – were
containers to transfer water to the FoNW Inc. is planning future water provision across Bayside to ensure seeds have a long sticky ‘tail’, can be BirdLife Australia has also adopted locally extinct before this project began,
wildlife water bowls. survival of wildlife within our municipality. All ideas and initiatives are dangled from the pole and transferred this method for its Regent Honeyeater and all are now beginning to make a
Rosa and George have taken to this welcome by contacting us at info@fonw.org.au to a receiving branch with a ‘flick and recovery work involving the Long- modest revival. Who knows what other
responsibility with heart and gusto, stick’ motion while those without a ‘tail’, flowered Mistletoe (Dendrophthoe long-lost wildlife might follow them back?
16 Banksia Bulletin | Autumn 2021 Banksia Bulletin | Autumn 2021 17
Volunteer Groups
Friends Groups
Friends of Balcombe Park Friends of Ricketts Point Landside
Convenor: Ian O’Loughlin Convenor: Sue Raverty
Mobile: 0412 432 618 Email: ianoloughlin@optusnet.com.au Phone: (03) 9589 2103 Email: sraverty@westnet.com.au
Friends of Bay Road Heathland Sanctuary Friends of Table Rock Editorial Policy
Convenor: Sue Forster Convenor: Ken Rendell The purpose of publishing the Banksia
Phone: 0431 688 606 Email: sue.forster@optusnet.com.au Phone: (03) 9589 4452 Bulletin is to circulate information, report on
events, and to profile relevant environmental
Friends of Bayside Roads Friends of Elster Creek issues important to our community.
Contact: Derek Jones Convenor: Karen Jone The Bulletin is also published to support the
Phone: 0417 360 747 Email: derekhjones36@gmail.com Phone: 9525 3102 Email: karen@ecocentre.com network of people involved in enjoying and
Meeting point: Elwood Canal, Glen Huntly Road Bridge protecting our local environment.
Friends of Beaumaris Reserve Bayside City Council encourages people from
Convenor: Chris Sutton our local community groups to submit articles
Phone: 0438 327 924 Email: sutc@bigpond.com Environment Groups of interest, share experiences and news
about any upcoming events. All articles are
Friends of Brighton Dunes reviewed prior to publication and Council
Bayside Earth Sciences Society Inc. reserves the right to omit or edit submissions.
Convenor: Jenny Talbot
President: Murray Orr
Phone: 0499 592 233 Acknowledgements
Email: baysidefossils@gmail.com
Website: www.beaumarisfossils.org Thank you to all the people who have
Friends of Cheltenham Park contributed to this issue of Banksia Bulletin.
Convenor: Valerie Tyers
Beaumaris Conservation Society Inc Disclaimer
Phone: (03) 9588 0107 Email: valerietyers@hotmail.com
President: Caroline Lawton The views expressed in the Banksia Bulletin
Contact: PO Box 7016, Beaumaris 3193 are not necessarily those of Bayside City
Friends of Donald MacDonald Reserve Council nor its representatives.
Email: pre@bcs.asn.au
Convenor: Kim Croker
Website: www.bcs.asn.au Editor
Phone: (03) 9589 2443 Email: kcroker@bigpond.net.au
Damien Van Trier
Friends of George Street Reserve
Black Rock and Sandringham Conservation The Victorian Junior Landcare and Manager Open Space,
Association Inc Recreation and Wellbeing
Convenors: Pauline Reynolds & Val Tarrant
Phone: (03) 9598 6368 Email: pauline.reynolds.au@gmail.com
President: Craig Brunnen Biodiversity Grants are now open Content Coordinator
Phone: 0488 303 887 Email: brunnenc@gmail.com
Friends of Gramatan Avenue Heathland
Secretary: John Neve for schools, kindergartens, childcare Amy Weir
Biodiversity and Conservation
Phone: 0479 196 260 Email: jneve@ozemail.com.au Planning Officer
Convenor: Ken Rendell
Phone: (03) 9589 4452
centres, Scouts, Girl Guides and youth Please send articles and photos to
Elsternwick Park Association banksia@bayside.vic.gov.au
Friends of Long Hollow Heathland
President: Natalie Davey
Phone: 0425 718 423 Email: natalie_davey1@optusnet.com.au
groups to secure funding from the Copy deadlines
Convenor: Rob Saunders
Phone: (03) 9515 3383 Email: srednuas@hotmail.com
Marine Care Ricketts Point Inc
Department of Environment, Land, Winter 2021
Friday 21 May 2021
Friends of Merindah Park & Urban Forest
President: Elizabeth Jensen
Phone: 0419 354 998 Email: elizabethjjensen@outlook.com
Water and Planning to engage young Banksia Bulletin is published quarterly by
Bayside City Council to service people
Convenor: John de Cruz Douglas
Phone: 0417 386 408 Email: jdecdouglas@internode.on.net
Website: www.marinecare.org.au
people in outdoor, hands-on, on- interested in enjoying and protecting the
local environment.
Friends of Mother Stock Areas
Sandringham Foreshore Association
President: Dr Vicki Karalis
ground projects and environmental If you would like to be added to the
Banksia Bulletin mailing list, please contact
Convenors: Pauline Reynolds and Rob Saunders
Phone: (03) 9598 6368 Email: pauline.reynolds.au@gmail.com
Email: sandyforeshore@optusnet.com.au
Website: sandringhamforeshore.tumblr.com
learning activities. Bayside City Council on 9599 4444 or
email: banksia@bayside.vic.gov.au
Phone: (03) 9515 3383 Email: srednuas@hotmail.com Please indicate whether you would
View the guidelines.
prefer to receive your Banksia Bulletin
Friends of Native Wildlife
Convenors: Anne Jessel & Elizabeth Walsh School Groups by email or via post.
Phone: 0412 545 441 Email: info@bayfonw.org.au
Website: www.bayfonw.org.au St Leonard’s College Conservation Group
Applications close 30 April 2021. Corporate Centre
PO Box 27 Royal Avenue
Sandringham VIC 3191
Contact: Simon Daniels
Telephone: 9599 4444
Friend of Picnic Point Sandringham Phone: (03) 9909 9300 Email: simon.daniels@stleonards.vic.edu.au
www.bayside.vic.gov.au
Convenor: Terry Reynolds banksia@bayside.vic.gov.au
Phone: (03) 9598 2978 Email: reynolds_family@hotmail.com Hours of business
8.30am–5pm
Friends of Ricketts Point Monday–Friday
Convenor: Diana Pearce (except public holidays)
Phone: 0448 573 256 Email: dipearce39@icloud.com
18 Banksia Bulletin | Autumn 2021 Banksia Bulletin | Autumn 2021 19Do you want to know more
about Bayside and the
Banksia Bulletin?
Please refer to our website
www.bayside.vic.gov.au
Nankeen Kestrel
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