March had seen a mere 3.5 mm rainfall and plants were clearly under heat stress. Thankfully the heavens opened on Easter Monday with 54 mm of much needed rain.

This last quarter has seen Mornington Peninsula Shire work covering multiple sites throughout the Reserve. Notably in one particular area, the Sunshine west polygon, from the footbridge on Sunshine Drive to corner Edward Grove. This area has been extended NW to link with the recent Biolink grant area.

We have been focussing on woody and scrambler weeds including the usual suspects sweet Pittosprum, Boneseed, Pink berry heath, Asparagus fern, Blackberry, Passionfruit and Honey suckle. You may have seen some of the debris lined up along Sunshine drive?

All debris has been removed to reduce fine fuel and allow for better access for ongoing management. We see clear evidence of key indigenous species liberated and are hopeful the natural regeneration will continue to thrive given the extra space.

MP Koala has kindly gifted Sunshine Reserve a number of canopy species ‘Koala food’ for supplementary planting throughout the newly worked areas and at the March working bee.

Observations from the field include:

• the increased erosion below footbridge as seen below
• the recent evidence of small fire /matches graffiti and vandalism under footbridge
• Rabbits still thriving
• Garden escapees still presenting in the field
• Please remove your seeding plants from your fence lines to make a positive difference to our bushland.

Pia Spreen

It is a summer like no other. With abundant rain comes a mass of green growth and weirdly Funghi (Omphalotus nidiformis!) The Reserve looks in good health with funded works progressing well. Our National Tree Day site is GROWING with some of the plant guards removed.

Melbourne Water has continued to fund Naturelinks in Sunshine Creek, adding real value to tackling those English ivy hot spots.

English ivy is a scrambler that trails along the ground and climbs up high in the trees where it can produce and cleverly disperse seed more easily. We have pulled out huge amounts of this noxious weed. Blackberry is also a target species.

Works have started for our most recent successful Mornington Peninsula Shire Biolink grant from the Esplanade to corner Edward Drive. We are working through this area targeting all scrambler and woody weeds including Boneseed, Polygala, Pittosporum, Genista, Blackberry, Bluebell creeper and Asparagus fern. Removal of these weeds will allow natural recruitment and some planting of canopy species.

Garden escapees such as Agapanthus sp. (below) continue to menace bushland. It is always important to cut the seed heads off to prevent further seed drop and dispose in green bin waste. The Spider plant has also carpeted huge areas.

In coming weeks please stay vigilant during the summer period and keep your properties maintained to reduce fire risk. Think about your pets, particular valuables, fire plan and family movements on high fire danger days. Download the CFA app on your phone for up to date information and alerts.