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spring 2023From the Mayor Welcome to the Spring edition of Banksia Bulletin! It is wonderful to be walking around Bayside enjoying the burst of colour our flowers have delivered early this season. Many are pictured in this edition of Banksia Bulletin, however if you would like a closer look, I would encourage you to join one of the final Wildflower Wanders events to see local flora andfauna in our heathlands andreserves. This successful series of events is part of Bayside’s annual Spring Opening program, which has been running since August and will continue until 22 October. To join our volunteers for guided tours, visit the website for dates and locations. Council has recently completed its draft precinct plans for each Bayside suburb that will guide local tree planting and greening while prioritising areas that need it most. This is a key action from Council’s Urban Forest Strategy, which aims to enhance and protect our living environment. Our key goal is to increase Bayside’s urban tree canopycover from 16% to 30% by2040. Take a look at your suburb’s draft precinct plan by visiting the website. You can have your say on all precinct plans until Sunday 8 October. Before signing off, there is an exciting pocket park emerging at 7 Well Street, Brighton, just near Church Street shopping centre. This former vacant site has been designed in consultation with our community. Our new pocket park will showcase a range of over 500 native and indigenous plants, including shrubs, grasses, flowering plants and largetrees. It will be open in time for summer! Councillor Hanna El Mouallem Mayor Insect Survey Night With the Entomological Society of Victoria Sat 30th September 6:30pm-10:30pm George St Reserve Meet at the Tulip St front entrance Please bring a torch or headlamp to spot any nocturnal insects Photo of Myrmecia pyriformis, Bull ant at George St Reserve by Belinda Raymond Cover photo: Showy Bossiaea (Bossiaea cinerea) and Purple Coral Pea (Hardenbergia violacea) Photograph by Pauline ReynoldsIn this issue Special features 5 THANK YOU, KIM CROKER 10 BAYSIDE COMMUNITY HOPS TO HELP FROGS 16 THE CITY SUPPORTING A SANCTUARY 20 A NEST BOX TO CALL HOME Other articles WEEDS OF BAYSIDE 4 SEAN “THE BIRDMAN” DOOLEY 4 NEWS FROM BAYSIDE’S ENVIRONMENTAL VOLUNTEER SUPPORT OFFICER 6 VALE DR ERIC BIRD AND LESLEY FALLOON 8 ORCHIDS BLOOM IN BAYSIDE 14 BOOK REVIEW 18 LOCAL MP VISITS NURSERY 19 BAYSIDE GARDENS FOR WILDLIFE 19 CITIZEN SCIENTISTS COUNT NEARLY 2 MILLION BIRDS AND REVEAL A POSSIBLE KOOKABURRA DECLINE 21 BACK FROM THE DEAD: NEW HOPE FOR RESURRECTING EXTINCT PLANTS 24 VOLUNTEER GROUPS 26 Banksia Bulletin summer 2022/23 Go to www.bayside.vic.gov.au to have Banksia Bulletin delivered directly to your email inbox.Weeds of Bayside By Aaron Hurrell, Citywide Bushland Crew Rambling Dock (Rumex sagittatus or Acetosa sagittata) Rambling Dock is a herbaceous plant native to South Africa that has naturalised and become a weed in Australia and the warmer parts of New Zealand. It has soft stems and is known for its ability for scrambling and climbing. Rambling Dock also goes by other common names like Turkey Rhubarb, Potato Vine, Arrowhead Vine, or Climbing Sorrel. In Australia, it goes by the scientific name of Acetosa sagittata; internationally it is known as Rumex sagittatus. The leaves of the Rambling Dock are a pronounced arrow shape, which grow 3-6cm in length and 2-4cm wide. This is where the weed derives the name sagittatus and sagittata from, as the Latin word for arrow is ‘sagittus’. Its small flowers grow on 15cm long panicles and are a pink to dark pink colour and form into green pods when ready to seed. The Rambling Dock grows from underground tubers that vary in size and can be grown along root runners. When it flowers, the Rambling Dock produces seeds during the summer months, and in colder areas may die back to the tuber. The seeds can float on water, allowing it to spread far from the parent plant, and if the tuber is damaged it can reshoot from the broken sections of tuber. The Rambling Dock is found in many parts of Australia’s urban areas ranging from Queensland down to the eastern coast of Tasmania. The best way to manage Rambling Dock is through manual hand weeding. Though applying herbicide is possible, the possibility for collateral damage is high as Rambling Dock will climb native plants and potentially smother them. The removal of any seed heads before the seeds drop could prevent seeds from spreading, along with removing stems and leaves from smothered native plants. The most effective method for removing the Rambling Dock is digging out the tubers from the ground. Source: Wikipedia Rumex sagittatus FREE EVENT Sean “the Birdman” Dooley Date: Wednesday 18 October 2023 Time: 6.30pm Venue: Beaumaris Library, 96 Reserve Road, Beaumaris Join local author and bird watching enthusiast, Sean “the Birdman” Dooley, in celebrating Bird Week and the 10th year of the Aussie Bird Count, which runs from 16‑22 October. The Aussie Bird Count is an activity for all ages that involves observing and counting the birds that live near you – whether that’s in your garden, the local park, a beach or even your town centre. By recording the birds you’ve seen within a 20‑minute period, you will help BirdLife Australia develop an understanding of local birds whilst getting to know the wildlife on your doorstep! This is an all ages free event. Get involved in the Birdlife Australia Aussie Bird Count by registering your participation. Go to aussiebirdcount.org.au/ Photograph: Bayside Library Service Banksia Bulletin | Spring 20234By Jo Hurse Citywide Bushland & Nursery Ops Supervisor It is with appreciation that we farewell Kim Croker as Convenor of the Friends of Donald MacDonald Reserve, Black Rock. Kim has been in this role since 2011 when she took over from Alison and Bill Johnson. Kim and Betty (Friends of Donald MacDonald Reserve) have volunteered to regenerate the reserve for many years prior to Kim becoming the Convenor. The Friends of Donald MacDonald Reserve formed in 1992. Kim was always present on the first Sunday of the month and, in more recent times, the first Wednesday of the month between 8am and 10am to tackle the weeds, revegetate, keep an eye on the reserve in general and carry out other jobs that arose within the reserve. During this time there have been several different bushland staff looking after Donald MacDonald Reserve who have always enjoyed Kim’s company. They have also learnt from her wonderful accounts of growing up in the area and keen eye for wildlife sightings. We wish Kim all the best and are extremely grateful for her hours of volunteering at Donald MacDonald. Nodoubt, the late Donald MacDonald (the reserve’s namesake in honour of the naturalist and The Argus newspaper journalist) would be proud. The Bushland Crew look forward to seeing Kim out and about when wildlife need rescuing, the occasionalworking bee or maybe pushing apramwithyour newborn grandson. Thanks, Kim! Now recruiting We are looking for our next convenor of Friends of Donald MacDonald Reserve group. This is a wonderful opportunity to become involved in the much-loved and protected local reserve. Please express your interest by contacting Anna Malone on 03 9599 4815 or via email amalone@bayside.vic.gov.au Above: Donald Macdonald Reserve volunteers (L-R) Betty Knight, Moira Longden, Kim Croker and Alison Johnson. Banksia Bulletin | Spring 20235Bayside Environmental Volunteer Support Officer Anna Malone. Photograph by Pauline Reynolds News from Bayside’s Environmental Volunteer Support Officer Friends of Bayside Volunteer Induction Sessions Keen to volunteer with a Friends of Bayside group but don’t know where to begin? Come along to a Friends of Bayside induction session and learn about volunteering opportunities from planting to propagating, and weeding to workshops. There is something to suit almost everyone. Upcoming sessions: •Wednesday 27 September, 6pm-7pm •Wednesday 25 October, 6pm-7pm •Wednesday 29 November, 6pm-7pm Location: Bayside Community Nursery 315-317 Reserve Rd, Cheltenham Register by contacting Anna Malone via amalone@bayside.vic.gov.au, listing your preferred date. Banksia Bulletin | Spring 20236Q&A with Anna Malone What does the role entail? My role is to work in partnership with our Friends of Bayside groups and other environmental community groups and our Open Space contractors, Citywide, to support the successful operations of these groups – essentially to assist them to do the work they do best. What do you love most about your job? I have loved getting to know the different bushland and foreshore reserves and parks and the amazing people who work in them, many of whom have volunteered their time to protecting and improving Bayside’s natural environment for 30, 40 and even 50 years! How have you been spending your time getting to know the Friends groups over the past few months? I have been trying to get to as many of the Friends groups working bees as possible. It is the best way to learn about the work volunteers are engaged in, any issues or difficulties they may find and begin to develop relationships with the volunteers themselves. Key to this has also been getting to know our Open Space contract staff from Citywide, who play an essential role in the induction of volunteers and co-ordination and supervision at our Friends of Bayside working bees in our bushland and foreshore reserves. How do volunteers play a role in Bayside’s important environmental work? Volunteers are so important to the protection and maintenance of our natural environment at Bayside. Not only do they perform many tasks that cannot always be done by Council staff/contractors, but they are also instrumental in the promotion of these beautiful open spaces. I recommend visitors take the time to say thank you if you pass a working bee in progress, a litter collection or when visiting Bayside Community Nursery – or better still, come and find out more about environmental volunteering at Bayside. What types of tasks and activities can volunteers expect to be involved in? Depending on the group, volunteers are involved in a variety of tasks and activities; plant propagation and planting, weeding and watering, rubbish collection and reporting, citizen science, taking guided tours and other promotional activities – the list is endless. How do you recruit, onboard and support volunteers? Recruitment happens in many different ways: advertising on Bayside website/ social media and printed brochures, attendance at volunteer events such as our Wildflower Walks and via word of mouth. I advise new recruits to try a few different Friends of Bayside working bees to get the right fit before committing to a single group or to continue to volunteer for a range of groups. It’s a great way to see the full impact of the work you are engaged in – from propagating to planting to maintenance. We have also recently introduced monthly Friends of Bayside volunteer induction sessions and provide opportunities for further education and networking. Are there specific qualifications or skills that you look for in potential volunteers? The only required skill is an enthusiasm to participate and to be prepared to have a go. Having said that we are extremely lucky to have volunteers with a wide range of skills that greatly assist with the work of Friends of Bayside – ecology, entymology, photography, botany, publishing/editing, public service to name a few. What do you see as the future of environmental volunteering and its role in creating sustainable and resilient communities within Bayside? Over the last few years, we have all learnt to really appreciate the value of our natural environment, particularly in our urban spaces. The nature of environmental volunteering has changed with greater legal and administrative requirements necessary for volunteering as well as changes in peoples’ lifestyle. Ifwe can incorporate more flexibility and expand opportunities for our volunteers, as well as recognise and value the important work they do, then the future looks bright. Connecting volunteers to nature and like-minded individuals/ groups and participating in positive environmental community action is integral to creating sustainable and resilient communities within Bayside. How can individuals or groups get in touch to express their interest in volunteering or to learn more about your environmental initiatives? I am the first point of contact for individuals or groups who are interested in volunteering for Friends of Bayside. I can be contacted by email amalone@bayside. vic.gov.au or by phoning 9599 4815. Make an impact, join a Friends group Our Friends groups are all in need of volunteers to help out at working bees that protect, restore and nurture our reserves, heathlands and foreshore. Joining a Friends group is a great way to connect to Bayside, learn more about our natural environment and make an impact. Turn to page 22 and find a Friends group that interests you or call Anna Malone to find out more on 03 9599 4815. Banksia Bulletin | Spring 20237VALE Bayside Friends groups, Council and the community extend their condolences to the families of two great local environmental advocates, Dr Eric Bird and Lesley Falloon. Dr Eric Bird Words and photograph by Juliet Bird We are sad to report the passing of Bayside environmental advocate, Dr Eric Bird, who passed away on 8 June at the age of 92 and is deeply mourned by his family and many former students and colleagues. Eric was an Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne and is best known locally as the author of Geology and Landforms of Beach Park (1977) and Structure and Surface – The Geology and Geomorphology of the Sandringham District (1990). This series of booklets was produced by Sandringham Council to inform residents and others about the environmental values of thearea. Eric also wrote or co-edited other books including The Coast of Victoria and The World’s Coastline (with Professor Maurie Schwartz from the University of Washington). He also edited the two-volume Encyclopedia of the World’s Coastal Landforms, which brought together the work of 123 researchers from across the world, many of whom had belonged to the International Geographical Union’s coastal study group, which Eric had chaired for many years. Eric’s love of landscapes, and his ability to share that love as a writer andacademic, inspired us all. from Pauline Reynolds Those of us lucky to have worked with Eric Bird on the Sandringham City Council Environment Panel certainly were inspired and the place and the community benefitted from his knowledgeand influence over those years and beyond. from Michael Norris Vale Eric Bird of Black Rock, who loved coasts and wrote extensively about their geology and change well into his seventies. His output included: a survey of changes in Port Phillip Bay (2011); as editor, an encyclopedia of coastal landforms worldwide; and,muchearlier,two the great bookletsin the Sandringham Environment Series. Banksia Bulletin | Spring 20238Lesley Falloon Words by Pauline Reynolds, photograph by Prue Carr When Lesley Falloon turned 100 years old in 2020, she was interviewed at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club. A very memorable comment she made about her time as a City of Sandringham Councillor was that she came to the belief that nothing is all bad, that everyone is entitled to their opinion, to never give up and that sometimes you cannot always be right, although that was a very difficult lesson. She also said that she learnt to be self- critical and learnt to be on a committee. What wise words. Lesley Falloon died on 17 August 2023, aged 103 years and nearly two months. She loved life and made every minute count. At school she won a Commonwealth scholarship and studied science at the University of Melbourne and after her marriage to Ted, WWII and when her children were older, she studied social welfare – she had very broad interests. She also played golf and was invited in the early 1960s to join the Royal Melbourne Golf Club. The Falloon family lived in Linacre Road, Hampton, where Sandringham Council had decided in the 1970s to remove an avenue of large Mahogany Gums (Eucalyptus botryiodes). This was a major catalyst for many budding environmentalists living in the street to spring into action to save the trees. They were successful after a great battle, all of which resulted in many of the activists, including Lesley, to be elected to Council. It undoubtedly changed the direction of the Council from one of development to a highly respected conserving Council. She was a Councillor for 15 years and Mayor twice. She recognised the importance of the conservation of the beautiful naturalenvironment and worked to protect it. While playing golf at Royal Melbourne, Lesley came to appreciate the beautiful remnant vegetation on the course as well and to understand the cooperation between the course and council horticulturalists and “the marvellous sharing of the vegetation” that was happening between the two. Lesley put to the club committee that a walk would be a great way of showing and sharing with the community the wonderful plants blooming along the fairways. So, the Wildflower Wander was born in about 1986 and has become a much-anticipated annual event ever since with Lesley in attendance, with the exception of two years duringCOVID-19. A wonderful legacy. We will miss her exuberance, her laugh and ability to enjoy life, but also remember that Lesley was a trulyamazing contributor to this community. Banksia Bulletin | Spring 20239Next >