NATIVE species have returned to city-managed nature reserves and other rare and significant plants are thriving, thanks to the adoption of bush regeneration techniques.
\nThe City of Greater Geelong is responsible for maintaining about 900 hectares of remnant vegetation across areas of Geelong\u2019s foreshore, rivers, wetlands, bushland and grassland.
\nClever management practices are not only protecting but also improving the health of these natural assets.
\nAlmost 28 hectares worth of weeds were removed from the nature reserve network in 2017-18, paving the way for indigenous plants to regenerate in massive numbers.
\nDirector of city services Guy Wilson-Browne said weed management methods were crucial in providing the right conditions for native plants to return and flourish.
\n\u201cIt is exciting to see the benefits of that work, with species coming back and areas awash with colourful plant life.
\n\u201cWhile we are doing everything we can to enhance our natural assets, we need residents to minimise their impacts on the environment.
\n\u201cIt is vital that we all tread lightly and protect the few remaining areas of significant vegetation that we currently enjoy.\u201d
\nAt the Portarlington Flora and Fauna Reserve, two species have been recorded in the area for the first time, following weed control works.
\nThey are the tall shrubs drooping cassinia (Cassinia arcuata) and the common cassinia (Cassinia aculeate).
\nThe conservation area at the Portarlington Recreation Reserve contains regionally-rare vegetation communities.
\nAt the opposite end of the Bellarine Peninsula, clearing has allowed an influx of rare and significant plants, including orchids, to populate a five-kilometre stretch of foreshore.
\nBuckley Park Foreshore Reserve runs from Collendina and Point Lonsdale and features sensitive sand dunes, Moonah woodland and patches of coastal grasslands.
\nA $370,000 grant from the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority has allowed for the worst weeds at either end of the reserve to be tackled.
\nThe city\u2019s 90-strong reserve network has expanded by two sites in the past six months, including a prominent 13.7-hectare reserve at Indented Head.
\nThe City is celebrating its world-class natural wonders with a range of activities during October for Geelong Biodiversity Month.
\nHead to geelongaustralia.com.au\/environment for details of coming events.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
NATIVE species have returned to city-managed nature reserves and other rare and significant plants are thriving, thanks to the adoption of bush regeneration techniques. The City of Greater Geelong is responsible for maintaining about 900 hectares of remnant vegetation across areas of Geelong\u2019s foreshore, rivers, wetlands, bushland and grassland. Clever management practices are not only […]<\/p>\n