Welcome

Landcare is a non-governmental community movement dedicated to preventing land degradation and achieving sustainable land management. It consists of a network of local volunteer groups of which there are over 1700 in New South Wales alone. Each group works to find local solutions to local problems such as salinity, soil degradation, animal pests, weeds, vegetation loss, waterside erosion, poor water quality, coastal degradation and urban land degradation. If you appreciate how lucky we are in the Helensburgh district to enjoy a relatively unspoiled bush environment you should also be aware that it is under serious threat. read more

Monday 9 November 2020

Current COVID-19 situation

The Old Station and Glowworm Tunnel area is still CLOSED as we cannot guarantee physical distancing. Once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, we will assess the condition of the glowworms before re-opening the tunnel. For an update on this situation, please check the Glowworm Tunnel website.


Friday 28 August 2020

BE WEED WISE Arum lily

Arum lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica)

 

 


Arum lily (also commonly named funeral lily or death lily because it was once popular as a funeral flower) is a garden escapee that is now considered an environmental weed. Arum lily is a long-lived plant that is 1-1.5 m tall. It is known for its large, white flowers and recognisable leaves. Arum lily can be toxic to humans, livestock, horses, dogs, cats and birds.

 

Arum lily prefers wet, sunny areas but can also grow in full shade. It is hardy and can tolerate waterlogging, fire, occasional frost and salt. It can grow in tropical and cold areas. In Helensburgh, it is common in swampy areas and along drainage lines and creeks, and has now spread into the Royal National Park and Garrawarra State Conservation Area. It spreads by seed and plant parts.


Arum lily seedhead

Arum lily in Helensburgh

Arum lily in Helensburgh


Removing large clumps of Arum lily is time consuming and requires many years of follow-up.

 

If you have Arum lily on your property or close-by, please do all you can to remove this invasive weed.

 

Grow Me Instead

Swamp lily - Crinum pedunculatum. This Australian native plant has rosettes of broad leaves and clusters of white, highly fragrant, flowers on 1m stems. Suits any soil, full sun or dappled shade and is mildly frost tolerant, it also grows well near ponds.


Grass flag - Libertia paniculata. Australian native which forms a grass like clump with masses of white flowers in spring, for moist, semi-shaded positions.

 



 

 


 



 

Sunday 5 April 2020

COVID-19 Response

Due to the COVID-19 emergency, all Landcare and Bushcare workdays are currently cancelled.

Also the Old Station and Glowworm Tunnel area is CLOSED. For an update on this situation, please check the Glowworm Tunnel website.