Memorial Tree for Bill Mollison

11th November 2016

The Friends of the Highfields Library organized a ceremony and tree planting memorial for Bill Mollison (4 May 1928 – 24 September 2016) who was an noted Australian researcher, author, scientist, teacher and biologist. He is referred to as the "father of permaculture.

The family of Bill Mollison publicly stated that 'He wanted everyone to plant a tree when he passed.'

Samantha from the Highfields Library organized the tree and purchased it from the Crows Nest Community Nursery which is staffed by volunteers under supervision of the Toowoomba Regional Council.  The tree chosen was a River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) under advice from the nursery staff. It is a perfect tree for the reserve being a Koala feed and habitat tree. The tree was planted in the front section of the reserve just off the path from the Community Court entrance. A tree bag was placed around the tree to protect it.

Samantha and the friends of the Highfields Library will continue to water the tree regularly to ensure it survives.  May it grow well and be a wonderful tribute to Bil Mollison.

J.G.

Friends of the Highfields Library at the tribute and tree planting for Bill Mollison at the Charles & Motee Rogers Bushland Reserve, Highfields. 11.11.2016

Tree Privet regrowth removed at reserve

4 November 2016

BROAD-LEAVED / TREE PRIVET REGROWTH REMOVED

Two Broad-leaved or Tree Privet (Ligustrum lucidum) was found to have re-grown from two plants cut back in previous years within the reserve.  Dougal promtly removed the two trees and the stumps
were treated to ensure they don't re-grow.

Broad-leaf privet (Ligustrum lucidum) originates from eastern Asia. Privets are considered to be serious environmental weeds throughout Australia. Infestations threaten biodiversity, including endangered plant and animal species and ecological communities. Privet seeds are commonly spread by fruit-eating birds. Birds such as pied currawongs, silver-eyes and rosellas can spread the seed widely into previously uninfested areas. Privet seedlings often germinate in clusters, as a result of birds regurgitating the seeds.

J.G.

Dougal insepcting the regrowth of a Broad-leaf privet (Ligustrum lucidum) weed.

Broad-leaf privet (Ligustrum lucidum)

Broad-leaf privet (Ligustrum lucidum)

Removal of Micky Mouse Weed

4th November 2016

REMOVAL OF OCHNA (aka MICKEY MOUSE PLANT)

Ochna (Ochna serrulata) Native to southern Africa, is a significant environmental weed in Queensland and New South Wales, and is regarded as a potential environmental weed or "sleeper weed" in other parts of Australia.

This plant reproduces mainly by seed. Its brightly coloured fruit are readily eaten and dispersed by birds and other animals. They may also be dispersed in dumped garden waste.

Two small Ochna plants were found within the Charles & Motee Rogers Reserve, and were quickly removed during our November working bee.

J.G.

Ochna (Ochna serrulata) - Environmental weed removed from Rogers Reserve 4/11/16

Ochna (Ochna serrulata) - Environmental weed removed from Rogers Reserve 4/11/16

Ochna (Ochna serrulata) - Environmental weed removed from Rogers Reserve 4/11/16

Greg removing the Ochna (Ochna serrulata) - Environmental weed from Rogers Reserve 4/11/16