GeoCatch and the City of Busselton are on a mission to reduce woody weeds around Meelup Regional Park and nearby reserves by supporting landholders to control weeds on their own properties.
The Bushland Connections project will provide incentives for peri-urban landholders to remove weeds and plant native species, with the aim of reducing weed ‘escapees’ reaching nearby bushland.
GeoCatch Coordinator Jen Mitchell says that woody weeds are degrading bushland reserves.
“Woody weeds outcompete native species in our native bush and can quickly spread to take over large areas,” Jen said.
“Weeds like the Sydney golden wattle are often chosen as garden plants or used for screening and spread their seeds into neighbouring bushland.
“As part of the Bushland Connections project, we will support landholders to remove these weeds and plant native alternatives as a way of future-proofing our reserves,” she said.
The project aims to address priority woody weed species and reinforce the community’s connection with surrounding bushland.
“We are really lucky to have reserves like Meelup and Big Rock right on our doorstep, and there are ways we can all play our part to help conserve them,” said Jen.
“Even in urban areas, choosing the right plants for your garden will ensure that weeds don’t spread and cause harm to our native bush.”
If you are interested in being involved in the Bushland Connections project or would like further information, please contact GeoCatch on 0491 069 078.
This project is supported by funding from the Western Australian Government’s State NRM Program.
