The Queens Lake Walkway Landcare Group’s most recent effort was removing weeds near St Alban’s Way.

“This area was heavily infested with Asparagus Fern as well as several other weeds but is now fairly well cleared and will continue to be monitored for regrowth and re-infestation,” said group member Raylee Selway.

“If you take a walk along this part of the Queens Lake walking track you will see some of the dug up plants hanging in the branch forks of trees so that their roots and crowns will die and not continue to spread.”

The Queens Lake Walkway Landcare Group was formed by Joy Rodwell three and a half years ago and is responsible for the lake foreshore from Henry Kendall Reserve to Christmas Cove Caravan Park.

“There are many nuisance weeds in this area most of which are garden escapees,” Raylee said.

“They include Ochna or Mickey Mouse plant, Morning Glory, Bitou Bush, Mother of Millions, Lantana and Asparagus Fern.”

Another area requiring attention by the group is the gully near Christmas Cove. Joy and her team have planted five new native trees in this area, including Swamp Mahogany, to assist the sugar gliders which come down from North Brother. There are a number of weeds in this area which will be tackled in 2017.

The Queens Lake group also participate in Clean Up Australia Day and will be working in the Laurieton area this year on Sunday March 5.

In 2016 the group collected 15 bags of rubbish along Ocean Drive and in 2015, 26 bags were collected.

“A major problem with this rubbish is the plastics which disintegrate over time into very small fragments which then become a danger to aquatic and land animals which mistake them for food,” Raylee said.

“We have 13 financial members, the oldest of which is Margaret who is 84. Since forming, the group has completed 142 weeks of work which translates into 3260 hours. Not bad for a band of volunteers. There are generally six to eight members available each week to work on Tuesday mornings from 8am to 11am, although an earlier start of 7am is planned when work resumes in January to avoid the heat.

“If you are keen to conserve our native bushland and save our magnificent vegetation, as well as enjoying the company of like-minded people or would like to join us on Clean Up Australia Day, Joy would love to hear from you. Please give her a ring on 0429 330 593.”