The Dorrigo Green Army team has been working closely with National Parks. The Green Army is a hands-on, practical environmental action programme that supports local environment and conservation projects across Australia. It’s an initiative for young Australians aged 17-24 years interested in protecting their local environment.
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Identification of rare flora species and subsequent recording of any sightings is key to achieving the goals of the Dorrigo National Parks Green Army Project.
While working on the Eagles Nest Track at Point Lookout the team were searching for the following three rare flora species known to be found in the area:
Green Waxberry (Gaultheria viridicarpia)
Mountain Angelica (Gingidia montana)
The Fragrant Pepper Bush (Tasmannia glacifolia)
With the help of their supervisor Peter Abell, an experienced horticulturist, all three species were sighted at numerous locations along the track.
Closer to home, within the Dorrigo National Park, the team have recorded many sightings of Parsonsia dorrigoensis. This species along with many others is currently in the process of being propagated in the teams nursery, with the goal of being replanted along the Wonga Walk. This strategy is being employed with various other species to create a buffer zone and replace weeds that have been removed.
Ongoing progress is being made in the re vegetation sites around the National Park to remove invasive weeds. These include Small Leaf Privet, Tobacco Bush, Trad and Moth Vine. To tackle the infestation of Small Leaf Privet the team has employed injecting techniques and cut stump swabbing techniques.
An alarming issue has been brought to light from the Green Army teams work in the re vegetation area is the notable presence of feral cats. Both sightings and evidence of predation has been observed. This poses significant threat to the native fauna species and is an ongoing issue for the Dorrigo National Park.
The presence of the rare flora species gives the team inspiration and motivation to continue their great conservation work and to adrenals issues such as feral cats and weed infestations.