Volunteers needed for Nature Conservation fight against arum lily in Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park

Volunteers are being sought to join Parks and Wildlife, Nature Conservation Margaret River Region and community groups to help tackle a troubling infestation. Surveys of the region’s prized Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park have revealed widespread devastation from the 2021 bushfire has allowed arum lilies to get a strong toehold despite once being cleared from the reserve. Nature Conservation’s Mike Griffiths said when the fire destroyed more than 7800ha of native vegetation, it also removed much of the natural defences against the perennial invasive weed. “The fire had a massive impact on the forest and the natural vegetation is bouncing back well — but so are the arum lilies,” he said. “A lot of people are wondering if the fire knocked the arums around, but it didn’t. “If anything, it opened up the understorey and created more space for them to get ahead when they would normally have stiff competition from native species.” Arum lilies grow faster than other vegetation and the new project, dubbed Battle for the Boranup, was designed to get the upper hand. Half-a-dozen volunteers were needed to help survey the arum infestation during two weekdays and two weekends in early spring, with Nature Conservation providing training and equipment. Mr Griffiths said once the surveying was done, Nature Conservation’s on-ground professional team and contractors would help spearhead control efforts alongside Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions crews and other groups including the Friends of the Cape-to-Cape Track. Nature Conservation had crowdfunded $9000 for mapping and arum control. “We know Boranup is a hotspot for arums because of the moisture and sheltered valleys,” Mr Griffiths said. “The forest is a treasured icon of the Margaret River region. “It’s popular for camping and with hikers on the Cape-to-Cape Track, and so we really want to make the most of this opportunity to carry out arum control. “If we don’t, they’ll only spread further and do more damage to the forest.” Friends’ arum co-ordinator Jenny Kikeros said arums were always one of the first plants to reappear after bushfires. “They regenerate from rhizomes and seeds, so they were ready to take advantage of the lack of competition,” she said. “But the good news is the fire has made some areas easier to access.” A DBCA spokesperson said the agency had collaborated with Nature Conservation on arum lily control during the past several years, with the new project the latest step. “DBCA has developed a rehabilitation plan for the area impacted by the 2021 Calgardup bushfire, which includes an initial three-year weed management program,” the spokesperson said. “Implementation of this program has commenced focusing on several species, with arum lily being prioritised for density mapping and survey of post-fire infestations and targeted control.” To get involved, contact mike.griffiths@natureconservation.org.au for more information and to register.