Let’s go hunting for Banksia

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NACC staff and more than 20 local community members recently joined WWF-Australia and Jurien Bay Regional Herbarium to conduct a rare flora search in the heart of our region.

 The cohort of keen volunteers met at Minyolo Nature Reserve with a shared hope of finding a new population of Banksia prionophylla.

Volunteers on the look out for the rare Banksia.
Volunteers on the look out for the rare Banksia.

 Banksia prionophylla is a rare and poorly known species, identified from only one population on the planet. It grows to about 60cm in height, and is a lignotuberous, branching, small shrub with a woody stem. Banksia prionophylla flowers in July and the flowers are yellow but inconspicuous.

A key feature of the plant is its upright and tough leaves, which typically tend to twist around to show the underside of the leaves.

bansia 2

While the target Banksia was not spotted, the group had a fantastic time (despite the many pepper ticks) and were fortunate to view a translocation site of the threatened Grevillea calliantha (listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act 1990).

“It was wonderful to have such strong community support for Florablitz, with 20 volunteers joining in the hunt for Banksia prionophylla on Saturday,” said event organiser Shenaye Hummerston.

“We covered a lot of ground and unfortunately did not find any new plants, showing just how rare this plant really is.”

“The Jurien Bay Regional Herbarium Group volunteers will continue to search for this and other rare and poorly known species in the region and new volunteers are always welcome.”

If you have seen Banksia prionophylla or would like to help search for it please contact Shenaye Hummerston on 0455 066 897 or shummerston@wwf.org.au.

 

 

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In 2020-21 I talked about ‘raising the bar’. In 2021-22 we worked on setting the bar on fire. Over the last 12 months, the team at NACC NRM has not stopped.

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To this end, Western Mulga rangers have improved management across 19,000 ha for the conservation of Malleefowl through firebreak and access management. They completed the maintenance of water holes and supported the monitoring of over 90 Malleefowl mounds.

Similarly, the Kwelena Mambakort Aboriginal Corporate ranger team have contributed positively to Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo populations by installing artificial hollows and habitat restoration.

All ranger teams have collected native seed, propagated native plants for restoration, and planted native vegetation in key locations across the NAR. Seed collection provides valuable industry experience and has facilitated the planting of over 100,000 seedlings during the year.   

In September 2021, the NACC NRM team delivered the WA Threatened Species Forum, held in tandem with the National Malleefowl Forum. Given the impact of COVID and the timing of this event, having more than 100 delegates from all over Australia was a significant achievement. The two Forums brought together 12 events over five days and featured 14 local artists, 25 businesses and 36 youth participants.

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This planning work links to existing NACC NRM on-ground projects, including Beyond Reasonable Drought and the Chapman Catchment Collaborative regeneration project.

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We also supported on-ground works throughout the region, including at the following locations Yuna, Dalwallinu, Dandaragan, Merkanooka, Goodlands, Kalannie, Bunjil, Yardarino, Canna, Kondut, Latham, Kadathinni, Nabawa, Red Gully, Sandy Gully, Waddy Forrest, Devils Creek, Perenjori, Bowgada, Ellendale, Wandana, Namban, Hill River, Warradarge, Gillingarra, Regans Ford and Moonyanooka.

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While we have said farewell to some, we have welcomed many new faces across all programs, including our Administration team. We have also hosted a school-based trainee from Nagle Catholic College who has been working towards a Certificate II in Conservation and Ecosystem Management. This trial position has been very successful, and we look forward to making this opportunity available again in 2023.

During 2022 we have taken on new projects that align with our organisational and program objectives, and we have successfully completed some great initiatives that support continued conservation and sustainability outcomes. I want to thank the whole team who continue to go above and beyond for the organisation and each other proving their ongoing commitment to our purpose and our values.