Dear NRPG members and interested.

Here’s an update from the City of Kalamunda regarding the progress of Friends Groups in the city.

Best Wishes. Clive

Please share the below updates with your members to highlight the amazing work our volunteers have accomplished across Kalamunda over the past year.

Friends of Coral & Crayden	The Friends Group members have been diligently weeding and removing rubbish from Crayden Reserve, focusing on invasive grasses and oxalis encroaching from neighbouring properties. On August 29th, they removed 14 + bags of weeds. This vital work not only prevents invasive species from outcompeting native flora but also enhances soil quality and supports local biodiversity. Their efforts rewarded with the stunning flowering of the endemic Leaping Spider Orchid and Sun Orchids within the reserve.
Friends of Gunbar Way	The Friends of Gunbar Way have reported excellent results from their 2022 revegetation project, with few plant deaths and some plants reaching heights of up to one meter. Their ongoing Friday action days focus on removing invasive weeds, such as blackberry and watsonia, and they have successfully installed interpretive signage that provides information on the Noongar six seasons. Their consistent maintenance efforts and innovative watering solutions, like using a recycled IBC, have significantly contributed to the positive survival rates of new plantings. The group has now shifted its focus to restoring the wetland areas by weeding and replacing invasive species with native riparian plants.
Friends of John McLarty Park	The Friends of John McLarty Park have been actively planting native seedlings and spreading mulch to support their revegetation efforts. This work has helped retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and create a welcoming environment for local wildlife. Additionally, the group has contributed to the installation of environmental interpretive signage throughout the reserve, educating the community about the importance of biodiversity and the Noongar Six Seasons.
Friends of Jorgensen Park	The Friends of Jorgensen Park have been actively managing the biodiversity of Jorgensen Park, focusing on the removal of woody weeds, including Polygala and Acacia pycnantha, particularly around the granite rock area adjacent to the Bibbulmun Track. In March 2024, they launched their volunteer work program, marking their 12th year of continuous effort in this space. Their regular volunteer workdays include weed removal and revegetation along Spring Road Creek, supported by DBCA’s river grants, with 3,200 wetland species planted to enhance the local habitat.
Friends of Kadina Brook	The Friends of Kadina Brook have constructed a second riffle as part of their Community Rivercare Grant project. In April 2024, around 20 members worked together to move laterite rocks and place hessian sandbags to stabilise the brook’s banks and prevent erosion that threatened a large Marri tree. On September 7th, 2024, they hosted the “Water Retention and Habitat Improvement in Kalamunda” event, in collaboration with Regen WA, highlighting their Landcare achievements. Attendees learned about creating leaky weirs, native vegetation, and sustainable water management, showcasing the group’s commitment to habitat conservation.
Friends of Over Avenue	The Friends of Over Avenue have conducted regular rubbish clean-ups and weed control, particularly focusing on Gladioli and Freesia’s within the reserve. Their efforts have supported positive regeneration results following last year’s-controlled burn, enhancing the reserve’s natural beauty and health.
Friends of Piesse Brook (Schipp Road)	The Friends of Piesse Brook have recorded significant volunteer hours focusing on weed control at Shipp Road Reserve. Their targeted efforts have successfully shifted the status of various invasive species from heavy infestation to a controlled state. The group also participated in busy bees, clearing fallen Marri branches and removing exotic Diosma shrubs, with branches strategically placed to reduce erosion on sloped areas.
Friends of Kalamunda Railway Heritage Trail	This group has been dedicated to managing the woody weed Acacia longifolia, as well as Gladioli and Watsonias, along the Railway Heritage Trail. They are also actively documenting key values and threats to update the Reserve’s Action Plan, ensuring that the trail remains a valuable natural and cultural asset for the community.
Friends of Robert Road (Crumpet Creek)	The Friends of Robert Road, also known as Friends of Crumpet Creek, have been diligently planting native species including buttercups, Hakea, Banksia, and Graceful Honeymyrtle, alongside their ongoing weed control efforts. They have also removed fallen branches from the creek following winter storms to ensure proper water flow. These continuous activities are focused on preserving a healthy habitat for the thriving Bandicoot population in the reserve.
Friends of Spring Road	The Friends of Spring Road collaborated with the City to plant along the roadside of Jorgensen Park as part of a remediation effort. The group selected the plant species, which were supplemented with soil wetters won at the City’s Heavenly Hectares event, enhancing the survival rate of the new plantings.
Friends of Woodlupine Brook	The Friends of Woodlupine Brook, along with City staff and Nature Link Director Dr. Jane Chambers, have contributed to environmental research. Research conducted by Murdoch University focused on creating a frog hollow within Woodlupine Brook to enhance breeding grounds for local frog species. The group’s recent activities have included planting native vegetation and removing waste along the brook to stabilise the banks and support local wildlife.

Kind regards,

Marc Papalia   Education and Engagement Officer – Natural Areas
City of Kalamunda | 2 Railway Road Kalamunda WA 6076 | PO Box 42 Kalamunda WA 6926
T 08 92579854 | M 0407 605 847 | kalamunda.wa.gov.au

We acknowledge the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation, and pay our respects to leaders past, present and emerging.

Please consider the environment before you print this e-mail.

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