Community Collab To Ditch Coastal Weeds
The Tasmanian Walking Company Foundation is committed to taking real action against threats to Australia’s wilderness areas. We often get our boots on the ground and our hands dirty to support vulnerable ecosystems so that they can thrive into the future.
In early August, the Foundation community alongside Wildcare and Tasmania Parks and Wildlife came together to tackle a weed that’s wreaking havoc on Tasmanian coastlines: sea spurge.
What is Sea Spurge
Sea Spurge is an invasive plant species commonly found along Tasmania’s coastlines and in sand dunes, where it thrives amid high salt levels and poor soil. It’s a bushy perennial that grows to about 70 centimetres in height and has green succulent leaves that sprout yellow flowers arranged in a spiral around a stem. The plant is native to parts of the Northern Hemisphere but has spread to Australia and New Zealand, largely thanks to the ability of sea spurge seed to travel along ocean currents.
Ecosystems have been affected by sea spurge outcompeting native vegetation and altering dune structures, therefore contributing to increased erosion. You can read more about Sea Spurge here
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One Weed at a Time
In the Foundation’s effort to eradicate sea spurge at larapuna/Bay of Fires, we hit the beach to try and ditch the prolific floral pest, as well as collecting debris that had washed ashore. TWC Head of Values and Standards Heath Garrett says the group spent an overcast day digging up clusters of weeds that are also a threat to wildlife.
“When it starts growing in the dunes, it changes the shape of the dunes and takes away the nesting habitat of the local birds...so we’re super keen to make sure that it doesn’t take hold in areas like this,” said Heath, “It’s a great community initiative: many hands make light work!”
Huge thanks to everyone involved in the clean-up. To find out more about the Foundation including how to get involved or donate, visit the website.
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