Help wanted at Iluka Lagoon

Help is wanted to regenerate native bush at the Iluka Lagoon, Umina.

Bushland regeneration volunteers are mainly involved in removing invasive weeds from sites in order to encourage the regrowth of native species, which in turn helps to provide habitat for birds and mammals, according to co-ordinator Steve Cummings.

Steve is the local co-ordinator of the small group at Iluka Lagoon and Wetland, Umina, one of six similar groups on the Peninsula.

He has been working at the site for about six years and he needs more willing hands.

At present, fellow volunteer Sue Francis is his only regular help and although the area barely covers two hectares, it is a big job for two people.

The lagoon and wetland, which drain into Ettymalong Creek were once part of wetlands that extended from Umina to south Woy Woy but it is now surrounded by houses, and only separated from them by a three metre buffer zone.

The land is a council reserve and has been declared ecologically significant under State legislation because of the swamp mahogany trees that grow there.

These large native trees were once common in the wetlands of the Central Coast and are vital in providing habitat and a year-round food source for many native birds and animals, according to Steve.

They bloom during the winter months when other eucalypts are not in flower.

Vegetation has been classified as open forest in the reserve although there are some species more commonly seen in rainforest areas.

Paperbarks, swamp mahoganies and angophoras make up most of the taller trees with smaller, bleeding heart and cheese trees lower down.

The bleeding heart trees (Omalanthus), with their distinctive heart shaped leaves and the odd, bright red, leaf were once almost covered by a wall of morning glory weed but patient weeding has returned them to something like their natural state.

This is what motivates Steve Cummings and others like him, to get out there every month and donate a couple of hours of their own time towards bushland regeneration.

Over 25 different species of birds have been sighted in the reserve as well as ringtail possums, flying foxes, skinks, blue-tongue lizards, four different types of frogs, a green tree snake and the eastern snake-necked turtle.

Some of the worst weeds on the site include willow and coral trees as well as a rather unusual but flourishing weed, Cyperus papyrus.

This eight feet tall non-native is the original plant that the ancient Egyptians used to make papyrus and has certainly originated from someone's garden.

Invasive weeds like this can quickly take over, crowding out native plants and reducing habitat and food sources for birds and animals, so Steve asks please never dump your garden clippings in the bush.

Another particular problem faced by Steve at the site is that of herbicide, pesticide and fertiliser run-off from neighbouring gardens.

Pesticides and herbicides do enormous damage to both plant and wildlife and the excess nitrogen introduced by fertilizers changes soil acid to levels that native plants cannot tolerate, and increases algal growth in the water.

No previous experience or knowledge is required to become a volunteer.

You do not have to be a botanist or even a gardener.

All you need is two hours per month and a willingness to help our local native flora and fauna.

If you would like to assist at the Iluka site, the group meets for two hours on the second Saturday of every month starting at 9am and 8am during the summer months.

Please ring Steve on 4344 5594 for further details.

Gosford Council's bushcare officer Robyn Urquhart would also like to hear from anyone interested in being part of a roving group of regenerators who would go from site to site assisting the regular groups.

The current six sites cover a range of vegetation from wetlands to sand dunes so this could appeal to those looking for variety as well as a challenge.

Contact Robyn Urquhart at Gosford Council on 4325 8222.

Paula Perry, September 28