For information about the Bushcare Group, meeting times and contacts, please see About.

This month the Bushcare Group worked on the Lawson Parklands site. Natural regeneration continues to be strong, although recent dryness may have resulted in loss of some plants. Approximately 50 mm of rain has fallen in the last two weeks, and the site is now moist again.

Fleabane, Juncus microcephalus and African Lovegrass were the weeds targeted on the Parklands site.

Leptopsermum polygalifolium and Leptospermum juniperinum (approx. 12) were planted in two access path drain lines.

Along Lawson Creek a 20m x 20m zone of weeds (bird droppings) was treated: Arum lily, Ginger lily, Cordyline australis, Privet.

Streamwatch was conducted in adjacent Lawson Creek. Oxygen, phosphorous, water freshness, chemical balance and turbidity were all good.

Welcome to the website of South Lawson Park Bushcare Group. See About for meeting and contact details.

At the September work session ER areas #4 and #2 were the main focus of activity. Further planting of Leptospermum sp. (approx. 10) was conducted in #4. The plants that were put in last month appear to be doing well.

3 x Gahnias and 4 x Leptospermum sp. were planted in #2.

…….

Welcome to the website of South Lawson Park Bushcare Group. See About for meeting and contact details.

The bushcare group worked in the Ecological Restoration/Lawson Upper Catchment zone in August. Japanese Honeysuckle and Privet were managed in ER#4. Substantial planting of Leptospermum sp. was also undertaken.

In ER#2, the swamp, planting of Gahnias, Leptospermum juniperinum and Black Wattle was conducted. Japanese Honeysuckle, as a vine, was treated.

Streamwatch convenor reports that water quality in Lawson Creek was good: oxygen, phosphorous, turbidity, water freshness and chemical balance.

Welcome to the website of South Lawson Park Bushcare Group. See About for meeting times and other details.

July saw the bushcare group return to the Lawson Parklands restoration project. Natural regeneration on this site continues to please. Weeds are reasonably well controlled, although African lovegrass and its smothering tendencies are a concern. Undoubtedly, a dense crop of Fleabane will pop up in spring, although hopefully, it won’t be as bad as last year.

Unfortunately, Ginger lily and what appears to be Cordyline seedlings have become established on the banks of Lawson Creek. The seed has probably been distributed by birds. Preliminary treatment of this infestation has been undertaken.

This month the members of South Lawson Park Bushcare Group worked on the Parklands restoration area project. African lovegrass, Juncus microcephalus, Fleabane and other minor weeds (e.g. Privet, Japanese Honeysuckle) were treated.

The natural regeneration that is now occurring is very pleasing. In particular, eucalypt, acacia, lomandra, tea-tree and persoonia seedlings are prominent.

Streamwatch convenor reports that water quality in upper Lawson Creek was good.

Welcome to the website of South Lawson Park Bushcare Group. For information about the group, please go to https://southlawsonpark.bushcarebluemountains.org.au/about/

The May work session was conducted in ecological restoration areas #2 and #4. Extensive planting of Leptospermum spp. was conducted in #4. Privet regrowth was tackled, revealing Tree ferns, and Callicoma serratifolia previously planted. This area will require constant maintenance for several years.

Planting of Leptospermum spp. and Hakea salicifolia was conducted in #2. The grove of H. salicifolia in this area is making great progress. All plants local provenance, of course.

With Gahnia spp. and coir logs on order, further swamp stabilisation work will be conducted in #2.

Water quality in tributary of Lawson Creek was excellent: oxygen, phosphates, turbidity, chemical balance and freshness.

Welcome to the website of South Lawson Park Bushcare Group! For information about the group and its activities, please see https://southlawsonpark.bushcarebluemountains.org.au/about/.

In April the Bushcare Group conducted a busy session in the upper catchment, restoration area #1. Plant maintenance was conducted. Privet seedlings were removed. Approximately nine Leptospermum sp. were planted in area #1. Recently planted Hakea salicifolia, Calistemon citrinus and Gahnia sieberiana are doing well, but Swamp Wallaby nibbling is affecting other plantings.

A new check dam was constructed in the swamp – restoration area #2.

Despite heavy rain on the previous weekend (approx. 300mm) and evidence of strong flows in the riparian area #4, the sites were stable, and no erosion was evident.

Streamwatch convenor reports good stream water quality: Dissolved oxygen, phosphates, turbidity, salinity-freshness and chemical balance.

…….

This month the regular session was a wash-out (a welcome wash-out, as the rain was very much needed), so an alternative work session was arranged for Tuesday, March 26th. The session was conducted in the Parklands restoration area. A large amount of Fleabane was removed by enthusiastic bushcarers. Approximately 70% of the restoration area is now (temporarily) free of this weed, and seed distribution has been much reduced.

Pleasingly, natural regeneration of a wide range of locally indigenous species is occurring, as abundant moisture and sunshine are available. Over time, these plants will dominate the site, making it difficult for Fleabane and other weed species to become established in large numbers.

Welcome to the website of South Lawson Park Bushcare Group! For information about the group and its work, please go to About: https://southlawsonpark.bushcarebluemountains.org.au/about/

On Friday 16/02/24, Bushcare Officer and bushcarers conducted a planning/mapping/photo survey session on the Parklands restoration site. A further vegetation survey was conducted on Wednesday 28/02/24 by Bushcare Officer and bushcarer. Some very healthy natural regeneration is now occurring.

At the regular session on Sunday, 18/02/204, a vigorous work session was conducted within the Parklands restoration site. Unfortunately, common weed, fleabane, mostly likely Flaxleaf fleabane (Conyza bonariensis), has become well established on the site. This weed poses a threat to the widespread natural regeneration of indigenous plants that is now occurring on the site. Approximately 500 fleabane and their flowers and seeds were removed.

Streamwatch convenor reports that water quality in Lawson Creek was good: oxygen, phosphate, chemical balance, freshness and turbidity.

…….

Welcome to the website of South Lawson Park Bushcare Group! See About for information about the bushcare group and forthcoming session details.

This month the work session was conducted in ER areas #2 and #4, east Waratah Street. Bushcare Group members welcomed Alison and Russell.

Along the main Lawson Creek tributary extensive Privet weeding was conducted. This allowed more sunlight to fall on existing Hakea salicifolia plantings. Callicoma serratifolia, Gahnia sieberiana and Hakea teretifolia were planted in ER areas #2 & #4. Check dams in the swamp tributary of Lawson Creek were strengthened. Bare soil was mulched. Privet seedlings were managed. Juncus microcephalus seeds were removed.