Mt Cannibal - An Orchid Arc
Late in 2014, the Friends of Mt Cannibal Reserve, with the support of Cardinia Shire Council,
were successful in obtaining a Department of Environment and Primary Industries funded;
Communities for Nature grant.
The monies attained from this grant has allowed the Friends Group to put
a few exciting activities into action at Mt Cannibal.
First and foremost, we have launched a full scale attack on the largest single threat
to the flora and fauna of Mt Cannibal Reserve.
PINK. BERRY. HEATH (Erica baccans)
Additionally, we decided that some of the budget could be allocated to
enriching the experience of Mt Cannibal Reserve for all the trail users, who come from near and far
to enjoy the natural beauty of area!
were successful in obtaining a Department of Environment and Primary Industries funded;
Communities for Nature grant.
The monies attained from this grant has allowed the Friends Group to put
a few exciting activities into action at Mt Cannibal.
First and foremost, we have launched a full scale attack on the largest single threat
to the flora and fauna of Mt Cannibal Reserve.
PINK. BERRY. HEATH (Erica baccans)
Additionally, we decided that some of the budget could be allocated to
enriching the experience of Mt Cannibal Reserve for all the trail users, who come from near and far
to enjoy the natural beauty of area!
THE THREAT
Pink Berry Heath - Erica baccans
THE ACTION
Setting the standard
To kick off the Orchid Arc project, the Friends Group embarked on a learning journey... With a little assistance from BUSH EcoConsultants, the dedicated volunteers utilized their own, Mt Cannibal personalised, vegetation monitoring app, to collect vegetation data and photo points, allowing them to track and monitor changes in the site.
This is useful both to track effectiveness of Pink Berry Heath removal on the regeneration of indigenous vegetation, and also for better understanding and monitoring of the long term vegetation changes in the reserve. |
Sending in the Troops
Due to the differing terrain and the sensitivities of some regions of the reserve, the troop groups sent to tackle the Berry Heath, were split into levels of mobility, plant ID and overall environmental vegetation management skills.
Groups contributing to the project are: - Conservation Volunteers Australia - Environmental contractors - Friends of Mt Cannibal volunteers - Local volunteers on working bee days - The Green Army Volunteers |