10 May 2008 Treatment Weekend

The inaugural Sycamore weedout weekend was a great success. The weekend began with an introduction into the history of the spread of the Sycamore infestation on the Jenolan Reserve and of previous efforts to control it. Then the volunteers learnt how to kill Sycamores safely and effectively using the drill and inject, frill and inject and cut and paint herbicide application techniques before being unleashed on the Sycamore infestation itself. Efforts were concentrated on working on the periphery of the infestation to try to contain it and prevent it spreading any further. A hard but satisfying days work was followed by a hearty BBQ and socialising under the stars in Mceowns Valley with after dinner spotlighting to get acquainted with the nocturnal life of the Jenolan Karst Management Reserve. Greater Gliders, Ring-tailed and Brush-tailed Possums, Swamp Wallabies, Eastern Grey Kangaroos were seen and a Sooty Owl was heard. The next day the work continued bolstered by several people who came along just for the day. By the end of the weekend the advancing Sycamore infestation was halted and rolled back down the hill. Obviously a huge task still lies ahead for the Jenolan Landcare Group but after the weekend there was a sense of satisfaction that at last the battle has been joined!   Photos from the weekend.

 

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