Volunteers Voice - Issue 5 - Dec 2014

Cairns Regional Council - Parks & Leisure

Issue 5 - December 2014

Volunteers Voice This newsletter will be published quarterly, showcasing articles and photographs relating to volunteer activities throughout Council’s Parks & Leisure branch.

Making a difference in Cairns

Wetlands high on list of attractions

In this issue: • Cattana Wetlands • Explore Queensland Botanic Gardens • Volunteer Profile • Friends celebrate 25 Years • Year’s Recap • Gardens’ Plant Library • Test your knowledge • Inspiration for Down ‘n’ Dirties • Little Taccas • Zingiberales theme concludes • Christmas Wishes • What’s On

The area now known as the Cattana Wetlands is located near the coast just west of Yorkeys Knob. Once owned by the Cattana family and farmed for sugar cane, it is now developing into a unique recreational wetlands area, open to the public for day use.

volunteer group, specifically formed to work each Tuesday morning at Cattana Wetlands in support of the NEATO Employment and Council staff members.

Jabiru Sharren Wong says: “When I started to think about Cattana Wetlands I realised I appreciated a lot of different After being sold to the Mulgrave City things but wondered ‘what do visitors Council in 1993, some of the land was think?’. mined for sand and gravel that was then “My web search found that Trip Advisor used to improve the Cairns Esplanade. rated it 4 out of 5. This was great to know This extraction created freshwater lakes but why such a high rating? What does which now provide the basis of 80 this mean? I read the reviews and was hectares of quality nature reserve and pleasantly surprised to see how many and recreation area. how recent the reviews were.

Under the auspices of Cairns Regional Council, the real work began with an “Visitors appreciate how accessible it is. allocation of over $1.5m from state There is ample parking space. They like government and $1.5m from Cairns the clean toilets, BBQ and picnic facilities.

Regional Council to provide tourist ‘Free’ is a comment coming up frequently amenities and staff to manage the as do ‘green’ and ‘peaceful’.

“People appreciate walking on the wheel resource.

In 2014 the opportunity for a volunteer chair friendly paths in relative privacy. group to provide assistance de-vineing Provision of abundant and well-placed and maintaining the precious native trees seating and hidden bird hides allow quiet along the walkways and around the lakes observation of the lakes and birdlife they Continued Page 4 gave rise to the birth of the Jabirus as a attract.

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Volunteers Voice

Explore Queensland Botanic Gardens If you are heading away on a trip around Queensland, drop by the Friends House or Cairns Botanic Gardens Visitors Centre before you go for a copy of the Queensland Botanic Trail brochure, a trail of botanic gardens for garden lovers to discover.

The new trail brochure, created by the honorary Botanic Gardens Australia & New Zealand Queensland committee and printed as a result of fundraising among gardens, was developed to promote Queensland’s Botanic gardens.

Each of Queensland’s Botanic Gardens has its own landscape character and plant collections, yet each is linked to BGANZ through their commitment to the philosophies and role of botanic gardens across the globe.

In Queensland there are over 20 botanic gardens. Some are grand gardens funded by supportive local authorities and dedicated volunteer groups; some are less glorious, their funding diminished, or the enthusiasm of their founders replaced by bureaucracy and indifference, yet they still entice visitors curious to see the fascinating world of plants.

The Queensland Botanic Gardens Trail connects the network for travellers keen to see indigenous plants and discover something of the regional character, or visit gardens where they can learn of exotic plants ecologically compatible to the local environmental and climatic conditions.

Across Queensland the network of botanic gardens grows and displays thousands of significant taxa, (beauties like the Cooktown Orchid shown above), plants threatened and endangered in the wild, or plants representative of Queensland’s 13 classified bioregions.

Some botanic gardens on the trail are part of the early history of the State, established as acclimatisation gardens where plants were trialled for their potential as new crops.

In 2013, three of Queensland’s more recently established botanic gardens, Mackay, Gold Coast and Tondoon in Gladstone, celebrated milestones of 10 and 25 year anniversaries. Representatives from each are now part of the current network, Botanic Gardens Australia and New Zealand Inc which compiled and published the first BGANZ Q Botanic Gardens Trail Brochure.

The momentum for new botanic gardens development peaked several times during the 20th Century, in the ’80s as a result of stimulation by Australia’s bicentenary, led by Queensland Landscape Architect Lawrie Smith OAM. Lawrie’s push intensified over the next years, and a succession of regional botanic gardens were established through the 1990s and early 2000s. The most recent is Whitsunday, and a new garden at Mossman in the tropical far north is just starting.

Each botanic garden in Queensland has different standards of botanical discipline, many undertake an incredible breadth of work behind the scenes in conservation, science and education and their records and plant collections contribute to the knowledge of horticulture. As living museums, botanic gardens display plants for the visiting public, academics, horticultural professionals and importantly for the younger generation, and many gardens host curriculum based education for schools and adult workshops.

Queensland’s Botanic Gardens provide opportunities for adults and children to explore and investigate the extraordinary world of plants, they invite discovery and many also invite involvement. Friends groups actively contribute, and some are the driving force behind their establishment, existence and perpetuation.

Across the state, Queensland’s botanic gardens hold a unique collection of the diverse flora of the state, supplementing the research and knowledge of our unique Australian flora. They are beautiful and interesting places to visit, and contribute to their local economies by encouraging visitation, and have a critical role in the science of botany.

They are also pivotal in the larger Australian and global network whose role is to ‘secure plant diversity for the well-being of people and the planet’. From Goondiwindi to Gladstone, Cooktown to Longreach, Gold Coast to Emerald and all points between, the trail of Queensland’s Botanic Gardens bring joy, as well as educate, inform, demonstrate and engage their communities and visitors.

Kate Hefferman - involved in as both an honorary capacity as

Friend, and as a professional consultant to Gold Coast Regional Botanic Garden.

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President of the Friends of the Botanic Gardens, Cairns Val Schier has great vision for the Gardens and its Friends and wants to ensure all members feel valued and useful whatever their interest.

“I am highly impressed with the partnership between Council staff and Friends members. I think the relationship is stronger than that in any other garden in the nation.

“I am excited about the latest plans for the conservatory, Chinese Gardens and projects to assist with way-finding and we will keep fund-raising so we can continue assisting Council with enhancement of the Gardens.

“This area is unique in that its natural rainforest, historical Tanks, developed garden environment and the natural mangrove / lake systems are all within five kilometres of the city centre. Linking the Gardens, Visitors Centre and the Tanks Art Centre is critical so the entire Gardens is ‘easily discovered and explored’ by our visitors and locals.”

Coming from a small village in Tasmania where everyone worked together Val has always been community minded, influenced by her parents who were involved in many groups such as the Lions, Garden Club and school associations and the local community centre.

“Social cohesion is very important and you’ve got to put effort in to make communities strong. I’ve always worked in the community and have been involved in a range of groups over the decades: Scouts when my son James was little, basketball, softball, theatre, arts and environmental groups and of course the community association at Machans Beach where I’ve lived on and off since 1984.”

Val has had many senior management roles including Regional Director of State Government Department of Families and Communities and a director of TAFE before becoming Mayor of Cairns. When asked what inspired her to stand for the Friends President’s position, Val said: “I very much value the location of the Botanic Gardens and its location. It is an extraordinary asset for both locals and tourists and I welcome the opportunity to make a contribution to make them even better.”

Since accepting the position Val has been very supportive of the Friends and other volunteer groups; introducing herself to the Down ‘n’ Dirty group and attending the Little Taccas program with her grand-daughter. She has been impressed with the fundraising ability of the Friends, “especially with the Gardeneers and their plant sales which have been working extremely well”.

“The 25th Anniversary Garden Party was a delightful celebration and a great opportunity to say thank you to all the volunteers particularly the four who have a century of service between them - Mary Gandini, Ray Church, Coralie Stuart and David Warmington.

“I’ve lived in the tropics the greater part of my life (WA, NT & Cairns) and I’m kept here because of the spectacular natural environment even though I still love my birth country of Tasmania. I will continue to work with the Gardens and would like to create some diverse projects for members not currently actively involved. It is a unique environment; an asset of which we should all be very proud.”

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Volunteers Voice

Cattana Wetlands- canefield to

caring for the area; a reward in itself! More recently our focus shifted to the water of the lakes when we discovered the dreaded Salvinia weed infestation in Jabiru Lake and Kingfisher Pool (Kira Kira to traditional owners. The lakes were formerly named earlier this year with signage recently installed). Manually removing the bulk of the water weed has been a challenge the Jabirus have embraced. Beginning the work by scooping from the edge and then utilising a canoe to remove from the lakes’ centre.We are encouraged by our progress and hope to eradicate Salvinia from the area. Along with permanent Council staff we will be keeping a close eye on the situation.

“Council has recently finished building a covered observation platform on Cuckoo Lake (Kurril). Our current project, in addition to general maintenance, is to landscape the area surrounding the platform. We will use local plants that will enhance the outlook without restricting the spectacular kaleidoscope across Jabiru Lake to the majestic Whitfield Range beyond.

From Front Page:

“Heat and mozzies are the only negatives in the reviews.

The occurrence of our ‘hungry friends’ varies greatly depending on the time of the year and time of the day when visits are made. Insect repellent is a necessity at times.

“Those interested in the botany of the wetlands will view the next few years as a time when we are perfectly placed to observe the growth and development of many plants we see in only their adult form in rainforest. We are witnessing flowers, leaves and fruits, close to ground and eye level. In a few years these same plants will have grown to heights where we will no longer be able to see these same exhibitions without binoculars.

“We hope to work in conjunction with the fulltime “Overall, the factors that resulted in so many positive caretakers, to identify and name plants in the wetland comments are just what we are aiming for; quite an inspiration for all connected with the ongoing work.

“Through 2014, the Jabirus group has grown steadily. We began with a core group potting and weeding plants at the Council Stratford Nursery. We then moved operation to Cattana Wetlands. Since then we have been meeting weekly on a Tuesday morning from 9am until noon. During this time we have seen the group welcome new members, some visiting the area temporarily, passing through, studying, or just coming along when they are able.

“Our de-vining has opened up the view of the lakes and assisted in

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minefield to nature’s miracle environment. As Jabiru volunteers we are keen to learn more about the flora and share with visitors botanical treats currently worth viewing. A bulletin board near the entrance with pictures and some interesting information about the focus plants, currently flowering or fruiting, along with wildlife information, is an idea we are developing.

“The layout of the area includes a range of different environments.

Besides the wetlands surrounding the lakes, there is also a wet rainforest board walk, dry rain forest area and Feather Palm groves surrounding the lakes.

“As work is continuing at Cattana Wetlands, we are seeing the emergence of a wonderful place where locals and visitors can go to appreciate nature in a peaceful and quiet environment. During the past year, the Jabiru volunteers have witnessed the changing landscape and have come to appreciate the seasonal changes that are part of this environment.

“Bird numbers and varieties frequenting the area are increasing. Depending on the season and the time of day, bird watchers have been rewarded by the steadily increasing variety of birds. As of July 2014, sightings of 177 species had been recorded.

Cairns

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“In the brief 21 years since it was first purchased by Council, and with only five years since landscaping and plantings first began, Catanna Wetlands is already exhibiting an impressive return to nature. As this natural resource continues to grow and mature, we will see the development of plants and an increase in wildlife that will enhance the already attractive wetlands making it high on the list of local attractions.”

In this

The Jabirus

Photos: Page 4 Top: Tessa Ducie and Prue Fitzpatrick weeding Jabiru Lake edge.Bottom (from left): Council Public Liaison and Volunteers’ Officer Louisa Grandy and Jabirus Sandy Long and Prue Fitzpatrick setting up for Salvinia scooping.

This page: Top: View over Jabiru Lake.

Bottom: Viewing Platform area ready for planting in the wet season (from left) back: Charles Wang, Jeff Pretty, Sandy Long; front: Louisa Grandy, Rick Wong, Prue Fitzpatrick and Sharren Wong.

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Friends celebrate 25 years

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of serving the Gardens

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riends of the Botanic Gardens, Cairns celebrated their 25th Anniversary on Saturday 11 October with a tea party in the Gardens.

Cr Jessie Richardson and Friends President Val Schier presented 25 Years of Service certificates to Ray Church (founding member), Vice President Coralie Stuart, Botanic Garden Curator David Warmington and Mary Gandini (founding member - who was not able to attend).

The occasion was very positive with members enjoying a relaxed setting, sharing stories, getting to know past and present members and enjoying a perfect sunny morning in the Gardens.

1. From left: Donn (database volunteer) and Judy Corcoran, Dr David Rentz (Friends Patron), Cytrina Stanton (Friends House), Peter Shanahan (Committee member) and Susan Moir.

2. Lee and Lother Ross.

3. Gail Sedorkin (publicity officer), Heather Johnson and Sybil Cummings (secretary).

4. Marian Altis (treasurer) and Lorraine Smith.

5. Leonie Sequeira and Lois Hayes (Down ‘n’ Dirty volunteers) with Rose Sequeira.

6 Patricia Lawardorn (Friends House) and Carol Madden.

More photographs Pages 6 & 7

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Friends Celebrate 1. Friends having a good laugh Christine Read, Jackie Frost (membership coordinator) and Lorraine Smith.

2. Friends Newsletter editor Rita Shedrick and Library Coordinator Judith Pedersen.

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3. Long time Friends members Norma Coley (also past Gardens staff member) and Susan Moir share memories.

4. Hank and Anne-Marie Van Rath (speaker coordinator) enjoying the tea party celebrations.

5. Jenny Martin enjoying the festivities.

6. Cr Jessie Richardson and Friends President Val Schier.

7. Nannette (Gardeneer) and Murray Fairbairn.

8. Wonderful setting for Friends’ celebrations.

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9. Past staff member Theo Utzinger and ‘Gardeneer’ Ray Church reminisce.

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What a year! Celebrations, events, monies raised, new members. It all began with a Recognition Morning Tea which highlighted the work of the Gardens/ Cattana Wetlands and residential volunteers to the Council and the community.

Friends of the Botanic Gardens, Cairns The Friends celebrated their 25th Anniversary; donated $95,000 for the new conservatory; raised membership to 179; raised funds through sausage sizzles, the annaul Jazz Night, Walk & Talk events and through winning first prize in the the Cairns Festival Parade ‘non-motorised/pedestrian category’.

Gardeneers Plant sales have become increasingly popular this year with greater numbers attending each Wednesday even though members are now working around the conservatory contruction site!

Friends Shop & Visitor Guides Since opening its doors the Friends House has gone ahead in leaps and bounds. Volunteers enjoy assisting visitors with information and sales have increased and the ‘best plant library in town’ is becoming popular. Guided tours continue to be popular at the Gardens and will resume in the new year.

Database Volunteers There are now 3 volunteers, along with staff, working weekly on the Plant Database.

Down ‘n’ Dirty This group has 23 consistent members with 16 newly registered this year. With an avaerage 12 attending each Wednesday morning this group enjoys assisting staff in keeping up with general gardening duties.

Jabirus The Cattana Wetlands now has nine volunteers who meet each Tuesday to weed, plant and mulch.

They have completed a full circuit of the Jabiru Lake weeding out major vines strangling trees as well as plantings around the bbq shelter. They are currently working with Council staff to control, if not eradicate, Salvinia modesta (water weed).

Little Taccas This year’s new nature activities program proved very popular with children and their parents. Next year bookings can be made in February for the new program beginning in March.

Friends member Judith Pedersen has volunteered her time cataloguing the Botanic Garden’s plant library collection for over 10 years.

Judith continues to maintain the collection as new books are purchased by the Council to support Friends, staff and visitor education.

Books may be used in the library and visitors are welcome to browse the collection, which numbers over 800 copies, on botanical and related topics as well as many titles which are now out of print.

Test your knowledge 1. What are the primary macro elements required by plants?

2. How many Botanic Gardens are there in Qld? 3. What are two main leaf types that help in identification?

4. What is the leaf arrangement of a Costus?

5. Name the 3 main components of soil in order of increasing size.

6. When would you apply gypsum?

7. What is another name for aerial layering?

8. What does the term cauliforous mean?

9. What family do Plumeria (Frangipani) and Adenium belong to?

10. What specilised roots do Grevillea possess?

Answers: 1. Nnitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K).

2. 20 3. Simple and compound.

4. Whorled.

5. Clay, silt and sand.

6. When soil is of clay type structure.

7. Marcotting.

Year’s Recap

Garden’s plant library open to public

8. Plants which flower and fruit from their main stems or woody trunks rather than from new growth and shoots. This can allow trees to be pollinated or have their seeds dispersed by animals which cannot climb or fly.

9. Apocynaceae.

10. Proteoid.

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Inspiration for Down ‘n’ Dirties

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Winner of the 2014 Seniors Week Garden Competition ‘Most Colourful Garden’ Beryl Watson opened her garden to the Down ‘n Dirty volunteers recently.

Usually the volunteers work in the Botanic Gardens each Wednesday from 9am until noon however it was inspiring to take time out and see what other gardeners create in their own backyards.

1. Beryl Watson welcomes the Down ‘n’ Dirties.

2. Anne Griffin and Jeff Barnes enjoying the garden.

3. Ingrid Clark and Peter Hunt.

4. This field trip proved very popular with 21 members 3. attending.

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Little Taccas - explore and learn

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from nature play and activities ‘Little Taccas’ Children’s Nature Activities Program has been very popular with a new program planned for 2015.

The program’s aims have proved successful with children and parents connecting with nature, learning about and experiencing the natural world and raising awareness of the gardens, with parents saying things such as “I didn’t realise there were so many beautiful areas to visit here, thank you”.

In the past decade, the benefits of connecting with nature have been well documented in numerous scientific research studies and publications. Collectively, this body of research shows that children’s social, psychological, academic and physical health is positively impacted when they have daily contact with nature.

The program begins on March 5 and bookings can be made from February, telephone 4032 6650.

1. Billie with her Treasure Hunt collection.

2. Maddux exploring nature with volunteer Peter Hunt.

3. Exploring the boardwalk and gardens.

4. Flower arranging was a popular theme.

5. From left: Council staff Louisa Grandy and Volunteers Del Van Mierlo, Peter Hunt, Chris Brett and (in front) Natasha Stanley enjoy this program as much as the ‘Little Taccas’.

6. Creating a collage out of nature items is a great way to explore nature and its intricacies.

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Prayer Plants, Bananas,

Plant Information: Zingiberales

Zingiberales has been our plant theme in Issues 3 and 4 covering familes such as Heliconiaceae, Zingerberaceae and Costaceae.

This issue we will conclude this theme with Marantaceae, Lowiaceae, Strelitziaceae, Musaceae and Cannaceae.

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MARANTACEAE – the Prayer Plants This is the second largest family in the order with 30 genera and 450500 species. Genera and their distributions include: Maranta, Calathea, Stromanthe, Ctenanthe and Pleiostachya from Central to South America; Donax, Phrynium and Stachyphrynium from Asia and Melanesia; Ataenidia, Marantochloa, Thalia and Thaumatococcus from Africa.

These plants are extremely popular for the home garden, offering a great variety of contrasting coloured and patterned foliage for those shady areas. They also come in a variety of sizes from the small Calathea micans, a miniature ground cover from Peru; to the large Calathea lutea or Havana Cigar – both can be seen in the Gardens.

Many of these plants have dark maroon coloration underneath their leaves enabling them to utilise any light that may filter through a dark rainforest canopy onto the forest floor.

LOWIACEAE Probably the most unusual family in this order is the single genus, Orchidantha, with 5 to 8 species, found in SE Asia and Pacific Islands.

This is the most poorly known genus of this order in terms of botany and horticulture but well worth a visit to the Gardens to see them when in flower. Visitors often ask about the ginger-type plant with its orchid-type flowers (as the name also suggests), and they have a smell all of their own!

STRELITZIACEAE – the Birds-of-Paradise There are 3 genera with 7 species of the family, restricted to southern Africa, Madagascar and South America.

Unique features are the woody trunk (absent in some Strelitzia), the

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Cannas and Birds-of-Paradise birdlike appearance of the inflorescence and flowers, and the woody, capsular fruit.

Most people know the ‘Birds-of-Paradise’ however, due to its common name placing it in a different family, many people do not realise that the ‘Travellers Palm’ is actually a Ravenala, a large Strelitzia – have a good look at the large flower (inflorescence).

The ‘Bird of Paradise’ that many people recognise, Strelitzia parvifolia, is better suited to the sub-tropics and even southern areas where it isn’t quite so humid and wet. It does extremely well in the hot, dry type climates. The tropical wet season can cause rust problems and also rot in these plants.

MUSACEAE – the Bananas Although Bananas are restricted mainly to eastern Asia, they also include tropical Africa, Australia and the South Pacific. However they have been extensively cultivated and hybridised for thousands of years and Australia is known as one of the largest farmed producers.

Characteristics: Large leaves spirally arranged at top of stem and pulpy fruits.

There is a small collection of restricted, ornamental, non-edible bananas in the Botanic Gardens near the front lawn that are especially grown for educational purposes. Because these particular species are possible carriers of disease and may be a threat to the banana industry they are carefully monitored. When seeds are on the verge of forming, the flowers are cut back to ensure these species do not spread to the farming industry.

CANNACEAE – the Cannas This solitary genus in the family, with an estimated range of species from 9 to 50, is often grown in the home garden for their gloriously showy blooms. Although easily grown in the tropics they seem to be favoured more so in the sub-tropics.

NOTE: This is an outline of the Zingiberales order only. There is more information easily obtained from the Cairns Botanic Gardens library.

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PHOTOS:

1. Calathea zebrina 2. Calathea insignis 3. Calathea roseopicta cv.

Asian Beauty 4. Stromanthe sanguinea 5. Saranthe unilateralis 6. Orchidantha maxillarioides 7. Thalia geniculata 8. Musa velutina 9. Zingerberales rhizogram.

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Cairns Regional Council - Parks & Leisure

Volunteers Voice

Christmas Wishes

Cairns Regional Council Parks & Leisure Branch wish our volunteers a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and would like to thank you all for your wonderful contributions to our gardens and parklands.

What’s On Last day for the ‘Little Taccas’ Children’s Nature Activities Program for 2014 will be Thursdasy 7 December. We will be celebrating It’s that time of the year again when the ‘Corpse Flowers’ stink out the Christmas and making wreaths out Gardens. Pictured: Amorphophallus paeoniifolius. If you wish to know more about these unusual plants come along and hear all about them in February with of natural items such as seed pods. specialist Steve Jackson (details below) Bookings for 2015 will be taken in February with the program beginning on Thursday 5 March. Telephone Friends’ Night Walk: ‘Insect Walk Friends’ Walk ‘n’ Talk on Saturday in the Gardens Precinct’ will be led 21 February will feature Cairns 4032 6650 to place a booking.

by Peter Shanahan and Dr. David Botanic Gardens’ Horticulturalist Friends Christmas Plant Sale, Rentz on Wednesday 11 February. and specialist in Amorphophallus, will be held at the Cairns Botanic Meet at the Botanic Gardens Visitor Steve Jackson, at the Botanic Gardens on Sunday 7 December, Centre at 6pm for a light supper Gardens Visitors Centre from 8.30am until noon. from 8.30am to noon. with walk beginning at 6.30pm.

Cairns Regional Council PO Box 359, Cairns Q 4870 Australia.

07 4032 6650 Cairns Botanic Gardens 64 Collins Ave, Edge Hill, Cairns Q 4870, Australia 4032 6650 Friends of the Botanic Gardens, Cairns 4032 3900

Like us on Facebook to keep up to date with all events Cairns Botanic Gardens and Friends of the Botanic Gardens

Interested in Volunteering?

There is something to suit everyone. If you are interested in supporting any of the following volunteer programs please contact Public Relations & Volunteers Officer Louisa Grandy on 4032 6648.

Opportunities include: • Visitor Guides • Plant Database • Public Relations & Shop assistance in the Friends’ House • Tuesdays - Cattana Wetlands Jabirus • Wednesdays - Botanic Gardens Down ’n’ Dirty Volunteers • Children’s Nature Activities Program - Little Taccas.

For Friends of the Botanic Gardens membership details email info@botanicfriendscairns.com.au or telephone 4032 3900.

Contributions: Please submit articles (must be volunteer or plant based) by February for the next quarterly publication in March.

Email: l.grandy@cairns.qld.gov.au. Please note articles are subject to editing.