The Friends of Ray Owen Group or FROG as they are more commonly known will hold a community planting day on the 15th of August in the bushland of the Ray Owen Reserve, Lesmurdie. FROG are one of the larger Friends Groups that assist the Shire of Kalamunda in maintaining the condition of the local bushland areas and have recently formed an excellent working relationship with Boral Resources. This year Boral have kindly donated 1000 locally endemic plants to add to the groups efforts to re-vegetate degraded areas of the reserve this planting season. Members of FROG would like to invite anyone interested in having a go to join them in planting the seedlings next Saturday week. Participants are invited to register on the day at the main car park, near the BMX track, at 8:00am on Saturday morning.
Shire of Kalamunda Environmental Coordinator Giles Glasson said, “Bushcare Volunteering in Kalamunda is alive and well, with 45 groups currently registered consisting of more than 330 enthusiastic volunteers. These volunteers willingly give of their time to care for the flora and fauna of the local patches of bushland throughout the Shire. Friends Groups vary from 1 or 2 people to large well organised groups, tackling complex management situations. The Shire encourages residents to take part in bushcare groups by providing support and resources such as plants and regular free training.”
In undertaking the plantings FROG will provide valuable support to the Shire as it prepares to implement the initial year of the Ray Owen Management Plan. The scheduled works will add $45,000 worth of value to the reserve with the major highlight being the Ray Owen Trails Project. The project is scheduled for commencement in the coming spring and is planned to be delivered to the community just in time for the local bushwalkers to use over the Christmas break.
The project aims to improve the natural environmental aesthetics at Ray Owen while offering a recreational experience for the local community members who will be able to enjoy the improved amenity of their surroundings. Additionally the Shire is aiming to undertake the control of annual and perennial weeds, improve the amenity of signage on the reserve and install information pertaining to Phytophthora dieback.
The continued support from local businesses and enthusiastic volunteers will prove critical in assisting the Shire achieve this goal.