+ Week of 15/02/16

The World As I Am returned to the summit of Burleigh Heads National Park where Dutchman's pipe (Aristolochia elegans) has a strangle hold on the ecosystem in a small portion of the park.

This exotic species not only poses a threat by forming a mono culture due to its grow abilities, but the native butterfly species the rare Richmond birdwing butterfly (Ornithoptera richmondia) is threatened by this vine.

The presence of this vine within this eco system has a massive impact on the survival of the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly. Reason being is that this butterfly will lay its eggs on the Dutchman's Pipe, confusing it to the native Birdwing vine (Pararistolochia praevenosa). The result.. instant death.

Works continued in the areas outside previously treated zones. Some species nearly as wide as as my wrist at the basal. Recruitment was very high is some areas.

As native regeneration was high throughout the treatment area, manual removal and cut scrap and paint techniques were implemented to reduce the herbicide distribution. No off target species were effected during this treatment.

We will return in a few moths to remove any further recruitment that germinate over the growing period.

+ WEEK OF 14/12/15

A new project began at the south entrance of Burleigh Heads National Park. The objective is to eradicate the Asparagus fern that has formed a mono culture in the understorey. As a result the fern supresses the native regeneration.Using the crowning technique which leaves the roots in the soil to secure the integrity of the bank.Work will continue for a further 2 weeks.

+ Week of 16/11/15

Work continued on the land slip site in Burleigh Heads National Park this week. The survival rate and the native species has been very impressive. Ongoing work was required to prevent the herbaceous weeds from suppressing the growth of the native species.As a result, even within 6 months the security of the bank has increased dramatically. A very successful project.With this round of works complete, we will return to this site in a month or so to continue this maintenance.First Photo is a before shot, followed with an after shot. Final shot is the bank prior to works.

+ WEEK OF 9/11/15

With the completion of the stabilisation of the rock fall at Burleigh Heads National Park, The World As I Am begin works at the summit of the headland. In this portion of the park an exotic species called Dutchman's Pipe (Aristolochia macrophylla) has a strangle hold on the ecosystem.

This exotic not only poses a threat by forming a mono culture due to its grow abilities, but the native butterfly species the rare Richmond birdwing butterfly (Ornithoptera richmondia) is threatened by this vine.

The presence of this vine within this eco system has a massive impact on the survival of the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly. Reason being is that this butterfly will lay its eggs on the Dutchman's Pipe, confusing it to the native Birdwing vine (Pararistolochia praevenosa). The result.. instant death.

Ben and I began work in areas of high density, removing the vines and collecting the seed pods. Zones where marked so within these designated areas we formed transit lines, overlapping each other, making sure nothing was missed. Using the cut scrap and paint technique to ensure the lowest possible environment impact with the best results.

I would like to thank QPWS allowing us to continue works within the park and supporting best environmental techniques.. therefore best outcomes.

+ WEEK OF 2/11/15.

The stabilisation of the slip at Burleigh Heads was completed this week with the mulching of the batter. TWIAM will return to the site to ensure that the exotic weeds are removed, which will allow the native species to secure the integrity of the bank. Below are some before and after shots

+ WEEK OF 11/12/15

We continued in Burleigh Heads National Park at the southern entrance to eradicate Asparagus fern that has formed a mono culture in the understory. Due to the steepness of the terrain, the proximity to the walking path and the amount of traffic over the holiday period, little to no herbicide was used to eradicate this weed with the exception of when the crown was under large rocks, or within the roots of native trees/shrubs. For the most part crowning was the technique implemented during this project.I was lucky to have the assistance of the rangers who were keen to play their part in fixing this degraded eco system. Below are some images of the terrain along with before and after shots. Works will continue on the Asparagus fern in the upcoming week. We will be pushing as far into the park as we can with the available funding.Should anyone visit the park as see what can be achieved in a short time with minimal staff, let parks know what you think. The more public support the better the chance that this project will continue.

+ WEEK OF 26/10/15

Works this week were at Burliegh Heads National Park as Ben mentioned in the last post. Stabilisation of the hill leading up from the ocean to the Basalt pillars towards the top of the hill.The site was infested with herbaceous weeds and exotic grasses which were removed before plating native grasses endemic to this habitat.The terrian was challenging.. constantly having to stop work to allow foot traffic to pass, as every movement could trigger rocks dislodging causing injury to park visitors. QPWS had staff in to manage the traffic so it was stop and start all day.To date 800 plants have been added to the batter. These include grasses, shrubs and vines. Work continues and will be completed next week.

+ WEEK OF 7/08/15

The company has formed and works have begun. The World As I Am... the first offical revegetation project was to assist the stabilisation of a landslide on the Gold Coast. 360 vines, grasses, shrubs and trees were planted.. all endemic to this habitat to secure the bank