Grass Tree community monitoring project
The Grass Tree Community Monitoring Project commemorates the work of Dr Gretna Weste, who carried out highly valuable research on Phytophthora cinnamomi, a disease that attacks plant roots, causing 'dieback' and often leading to the death of native plants. Phytophthora cinnamomi (previously called Cinnamon Fungus) is a problem in the Brisbane Ranges, Wilsons Promontory and other national parks. NatureWatch volunteers and the Friends of Brisbane Ranges monitored the health of the area's iconic Grass Trees over 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2011.
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What do volunteers do?
Volunteers count, measure and assess the health of Grass Trees at selected sites.
How will my work contribute to nature conservation?
Results from the project will be used to evaluate and refine the management strategies used to manage Phytophthora cinnamomi in the Brisbane Ranges and Wilsons Promontory national parks.
They will also contribute to ongoing research by Deakin University into the spread, effects and management of Phytophthora cinnamomi.
Monitoring is carried out with high standards of hygiene to prevent the spread of Phytophthora cinnamomi on the boots of volunteers.
The project is run by the VNPA NatureWatch program with ongoing support and input from Parks Victoria, Professor David Cahill with Deakin University School of Life and Environmental Sciences and Friends of Brisbane Ranges.
For more information about this project please download our NatureWatch Information Booklet. To get involved email Caitlin or phone her on 03 9341 6510.
This project is dedicated to the memory of Dr Gretna Weste (pictured right).