Summer Newsletter 2023

Welcome to Sunshine 2023 and we hope you have had a welcome break. 

Summer is the season when all our indigenous grasses are producing seed. The indigenous grasses we would typically see in the Reserve include: Weeping grass Microleana stipoides; Wallaby grass Rytidosperma geniculata; Spear grass Stipa mollis; Kangaroo grass Themeda triandra. 
 
Have you noticed some areas of the reserve where the Kikuyu grass is looking lush green and VERY thick? Climbing up trees? This Kikuyu grass is a native to Africa, it was introduced to gardens here as it responded well to mowing and provides a thick grass layer growing via rhizhome (rootstalks.) HOWEVER in a bushland setting where it has no boundaries (requiring large grazing animals, Giraffes, Rhino’s and the like) it can create problems. The thatch that it produces over the years can make for a high, dangerous fuel load.
 
Most of our indigenous grasses (apart from the Poa’s tussocks) are low to the ground and are less prone to fuel load. Whist walking around the Reserve take a look at the grasses and see if you a can recognise indigenous vs exotic grasses.  Better still come along to a Friends group working bee to learn more. 
 
What’s happening in the Reserve. 
Mornington Peninsula Shire continues to use Naturelinks contractor to undertake their regular weed management actions throughout the 5 different sites - Alexandrina, Central, West, Jackson and Upper.

Recently, Naturelinks has also been given the Melbourne Water preventative maintenance works for the creekline which includes the bed and 10m bank.
 
This work is like receiving the missing jigsaw piece to the weed puzzle. The works start at the footbridge and head upstream to the Panorama crossover (880metres.)  Naturelinks are discovering many different weed species in the creekline including English Ivy, Blackberry, Passionfruit, Agapanthus,Honeysuckle vine and Asparagus fern. There are some good quality areas along with problem areas.

Residents of properties backing onto the Reserve can help to prevent garden escapees from getting a foothold in the Reserve by making sure their fence line is clear of weedy species and any seed is removed.

Recently Sunshine Reserve Conservation Fireguard Group met with Mornington Peninsula Shire Fire Prevention Officer Liam Omara  to discuss the APZ (asset protection zone ) adjacent to the Northern creek arm, Upper Sunshine. They discussed the specifications needed to comply with the laws. This requires some regular slashing to be undertaken and some uplifting of the existing trees. We also discussed the extensive erosion and will be re engaging Melbourne Water to gain better understanding and a plan moving forward.

MPS contractor Naturelinks will also be starting works for the recently successful Biolink grant. This will include Woody weed and scrambler weed removal. Some preparation for the National Tree day planting site will also commence.

Pia Spreen