It was a perfect Noosa morning on the river for our 2nd “Tread Lightly” Event at Sheep Island.
on the 17th April 20 volunteers from Noosa Bush Beach and Creek Care, Noosa Parks’ Botany Group and NICA went on 2 pontoon boats to Sheep Island Conservation Area.
Sheep Island is between Makepeace and Goat Islands. Under the excellent leadership of endemic vegetation experts Robert Price and Joan Heavey, the team surveyed the 12.6ha of Sheep Island, recording species as they went. A species list hadn’t previously been documented.
Number of species identified are; 12 trees species, 5 mangrove species, 5 shrubs, 2 ferns, 5 vines, 16 herbs, grasses and sedges, 2 mistletoes and 13 weed species. Also 6 kangaroos.
Other volunteers continued with ongoing invasive weed removal, mainly Easter Cassia in full flower and Mile a Minute vine. To give us a measure, we set up quadrants in among the Easter Cassia infestation which covers 3 ha. The result are a little scary. The average was 55 plants per sqm. Ie; 30,000sqm x 55 = 1,650,000 plants.
It was a fairly high tide, so it was wet feet crossing over the salt marsh. As usual after a series of high tides and following Cyclone Alfred, there was an assortment of rubbish to collect around the foreshore and across the salt marsh.
A plentiful morning tea was on-board the boats with lively discussions. Thanks to Rob, Joan and Eri for their knowledge and experience.
For their support through their Engaging Science Program grants, our sincere thanks to Qld Dept of Environment Tourism Science and Innovation.
Contact NICA’s office if you would like a copy of the plant list.
