Vernal Pools Conservation Zone Revegetation Plan

Transcription

1 Vernal Pools Conservation Zone Revegetation Plan

2 Glossary buffer catchment described endangered endemic exotic grassland minimum area around each pool required for pool to function the area which feeds surface water into a wetland or watercourse formal, scientific, taxonomic description of a species a taxon in serious risk of disappearing in the wild within years native to the particular region of the study not native to Australia the Austrodanthonia/Austrostipa grassland connecting the vernal pools propagative material seeds, tubers, bulbs, corms, cuttings and divisions provenance seed rare taxon upland seed from the local population a taxon which is rare within Australia but not facing any identifiable threat a taxonomic group of plants (usually species but not necessarily) all land at around the pools that avoid inundation due to soil or elevation vernal occurring in spring time vernal pool specialist plants grow almost entirely in vernal pools vernal pool species plants with a preference for growing in vernal pools or similar habitats hydroperiod indigenous inoculum the time that a wetland or pool retains free water native to Australia vernal pool soils carrying seeds, tubers and bacteria/fungi vulnerable weed a taxon not presently endangered but at risk over years a plant out of place (may apply to indigenous & endemic plants as well as exotics) i Vernal Pools Conservation Zone Revegetation Plan ǀ Parafield Airport

3 Table of Contents 1 Overview Purpose Aim Native Vegetation Pre European Vegetation Associations Vernal Pool Specialist Vegetation on Site Habitats on Site The Vernal Pools The Grasslands Significant Plant Species Rehabilitation Implementation Schedule Weed Control Weed Control in the Vernal Pools Weed Control in the Grasslands Revegetation The Vernal Pools The Grasslands References... 7 Appendix 1 Vernal Pools Conservation Zone and Location of Pools... 8 Appendix 2 Native Vegetation in the VPCZ... 9 Appendix 3 Dominant Weeds in the VPCZ Appendix 4 Vernal Pool Revegetation Species Appendix 5 Grassland Revegetation Species Vernal Pools Conservation Zone Revegetation Plan ǀ Adelaide Airport ii

4 1 Overview Parafield Airport hosts the last known array of vernal pools within metropolitan Adelaide. An unusual representation of a habitat once more common across the Northern Adelaide Plains, most in the region have been lost due to agricultural practices and recreational and urban development. The site now hosting the vernal pools was used for farming, grazing, and later a driving range (Coleman and Cook, 2002). Discovered during a flora survey in 2001 in preparation for the construction of Elder Smith Road (Hagan, 2001), the pools as a habitat were found to have high wetland values, hosting flora significant to both the region and the state and uncommon aquatic fauna and meeting at least one ANZECC important wetland criterion (Seaman, 2002). The roadworks undertaken in 2007 impacted 3 of 11 pools. To meet with Parafield Airport Limited s (PAL) legislative requirement to preserve biodiversity under the Airports (Environment Protection) Regulations 1997 (the Regulations), habitat loss was offset with remedial works in existing pools on the site and the experimental construction of a new pool. This is the first vernal pool to be anthropogenically constructed in South Australia. In agreement with the Department of Infrastructure and Transport (DoIT), PAL has committed to an ongoing monitoring program to assess the progress of the mitigation measures undertaken. The monitoring program now has 3 aims: To assess the viability of vernal pool construction as an option for offset by comparing the experimental constructed pool against other good quality naturally occurring reference pools To measure the success of remedial works by comparing remediated pools against control pools that were not remediated To perform an annual condition assessment of the pools that measures whether the actions outlined in the Management plan are succeeding in protecting the vernal pool habitats. The constructed pool must achieve the same biodiversity and water quality of the reference pools before it can be considered successful offset for the impacts caused by the construction of Elder Smith Rd. As such, monitoring of this pool must continue and the results of the monitoring program annually submitted to the DoIT. To protect these offsets and to prevent further habitat loss, the remaining pools are situated within the Vernal Pools Conservation Zone (VPCZ) (Appendix 1). In recognition of the natural heritage values of the VPCZ, PAL has in its 2012 Sustainability Plan (Airport Environment Strategy) committed to further remediation and rehabilitation of this unusual habitat by developing and implementing VPCZ Management and Revegetation Plans. 1.1 Purpose Specifically, the purpose of this plan is to demonstrate how PAL will achieve the revegetation oriented targets set in the VPCZ Management Plan by: Providing a framework for vegetation management Identifying revegetation zones to best address the rehabilitation needs of each of these zones Giving an indication of recommended revegetation species and percent cover for each of the vegetation types for each of these zones Providing instruction for weed control activities, including target species and techniques for implementing these with minimal off target impacts Providing PAL and involved contractors and community groups with an implementation schedule for carrying out the recommended actions over the period Aim The aim of this plan is to address the native flora and fauna objective under VPCZ Management Plan; To encourage appropriate native invertebrates and vertebrates into the conservation zone by providing suitable habitat. With a goal of increasing the proportion of native, endemic flora to exotic flora to 20% of 2007 levels by The plan will do this by: Retaining and restoring the Grassy Ephemeral Wetland (Vernal Pools) and connecting Grasslands Conserving any remnant native plant species Address and implement the revegetation needs of the conservation area Implement this plan to guide the revegetation efforts for the best possible biodiversity outcomes over the following years. 1 Vernal Pools Conservation Zone Revegetation Plan ǀ Adelaide Airport

5 2 Native Vegetation 2.1 Pre European Vegetation Associations Historic records for vegetation assemblages prior to European settlement indicate that the stretch between Dry Creek to Gawler consisted of grassy plains, interspersed by riparian woodlands hugging the Little Para and Gawler Rivers. These are now commonly referred to as the Northern Adelaide Plains, dominated by Wallaby (Austrodanthonia) and Spear (Austrostipa) grasses, which gave way to samphire shrublands to the west and Mallee Box (Eucalyptus porosa) woodlands to the east (Kraehenbeuhl, 1996). Vernal pools similar to those at Parafield were once common in the Two Wells area and supported a dense growth of Nardoo (Marsilea spp.) and Shield Shrimp (Lepidurus apus viridis ) (Coleman and Cook, 2002). Many of the pools have been lost over time due to roadworks, agricultural practices and urban development. 2.2 Vernal Pool Specialist Vegetation on Site As outlined in the VPCZ Management Plan, the local soil and water properties and processes generate a specific environment which supports a particular vegetation assemblage suited to these conditions. Many of the plants found at the Parafield vernal pools are vernal pool specialists (VPS). The dominant natives which occur in each of the pools are tabled in Appendix Habitats on Site The Vernal Pools The Parafield vernal pools proper include the pool itself and the surrounding catchment that feed rainfall runoff into the pool. Vernal pools worldwide are associated with small crustaceans, specifically Fairy, Seed (Ostracoda spp.) and Shield Shrimp. VPS crustaceans that are known are often extremely endemic, with some species existing in very restricted area of pools. Other invertebrates seen at the pools include some with an aquatic phase in their lifecycle, such as dragonflies, damselflies, and chironomids or bloodworms, the larvae of non biting midges. Eggs of invertebrates described above may be transferred between pools by hitching a ride on wading birds or via ingestion, which they are able to survive due to the hard case of the egg. It has been suggested that some eggs may remain dormant for decades or even centuries before hatching (Belk, 1998). Some wading and water birds, such as stilts, egrets and herons have also been observed in the pools. Frogs, snakes, lizards have also been observed utilizing the site. For more information on fauna of the VPCZ, please refer to the Vernal Pools Conservation Zone Management Plan (AAL, 2012) The Grasslands The Grasslands between the Vernal Pools are highly valuable as they provide connectivity, enabling gene flow between the pools and replenishment of native species. The group of Blues butterflies were noted during the course of site visits, feeding on the Loosestrife (Lythrum hyssopifolia) blossoms. Cabbage Whites (Pieris rapae rapae) are abundant during late November, and occasionally Caper Whites (Belenois java teutonia) have been sighted. Meat ants, small black ants, hoverflies and introduced honeybees (the latter collecting from White Clover [Trifolium repens]) have also been recorded on site. Some unusual birds noted in the vicinity that utilize grasslands include the Stubble Quail (Coturnix pectoralis), Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) and White winged Fairy Wren (Malarus leucopterus). Grassland interspersed with sparse heath species, isolated clumps of chenopod shrubs and isolated small trees will expand the habitat of the unusual population of White winged Fairy Wrens known to inhabit Parafield Airport, as well as other bird species that are not hazardous to aircraft. 2.4 Significant Plant Species Flora and fauna studies conducted since 1999 over the entire airport have identified a number of significant species that are listed under State legislation. Some plants found at PAL also appear on the locally significant list (Table 1). Vernal Pools Conservation Zone Revegetation Plan ǀ Adelaide Airport 2

6 Table 1 Listed species at Parafield Airport Common Name Species Name State Listing Regional Listing Black Cotton Bush Maireana decalvans Endangered Endangered Hoary Rush Juncus radula Vulnerable Vulnerable Five spine Bindyi Sclerolaena muricata var. villosa Rare Rare Barren Cane grass Eragrostis infecunda Rare Vulnerable Austral Pillwort Pilularia novae hollandiae Rare Endangered Wiry Dock Rumex dumosus Rare Endangered Swamp Crassula Crassula helmsii Endangered Lagoon Saltbush Atriplex suberecta Vulnerable Swamp Wallaby grass Amphibromus nervosus Vulnerable Australian Mudwort Limosella australis Vulnerable a dock Rumex tenax Vulnerable Lesser Joyweed Alternanthera denticulata Rare Flat fruit Club rush Isolepis platycarpa Rare Hairy Nardoo Marsilea hirsuta Rare Round Leaf Wilsonia Wilsonia rotundifolia Rare Tar bush Boerhavia dominii Rare Common Nardoo Marsilea drummondii Near Threatened Twiggy Sida Sida intricata Near Threatened 3 Rehabilitation 3.1 Implementation Schedule In carrying out the works described in the sections following, the implementation schedule (Table 2) should be referred to for guiding timing of works. However, timing of works should reflect climatic conditions plants will respond to seasonal variability and as such, the implementation schedule is indicative only. Table 2 Implementation schedule for the VPCZ Revegetation Plan Activity Autumn Mar, Apr, May Winter Jun, Jul, Aug Spring Sep, Oct, Nov Summer Dec, Jan, Feb Gathering native plant seed Propagate native plant seedlings Planting native seedlings Weed control use of herbicide Weed control Annual weedy grass slashing Weed control Slashing long grass Weed control removal of dock and nightshade seed heads 3 Vernal Pools Conservation Zone Revegetation Plan ǀ Adelaide Airport

7 3.2 Weed Control Eradicating weedy invasive plants on a regular basis reduces competition for endemic plants (Figure 1). Aggressive, invasive weeds known to currently pose particular threat to the VPCZ include; Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum), Clover (Trifolium spp.), Curled dock (Rumex crispus), Salvation Jane (Echium plantagineum), Mustard Weed (Brassica sp.) and Blanket Weed (Galenia secunda). For a full locational listing of weeds known to occur at the site, see Appendix 3 Dominant Weeds in the VPCZ. The stormwater drains in the vicinity, such as the Bennet Road drain, may become weed infested, particularly after storm events. Popular plants for council landscaping can also include highly invasive species, such as Ash trees. Both the drains and the perimeter should be monitored to ensure that weedy escapees do not establish in the conservation zone. Couch Grass The best time to spray the Couch (Cynodon dactylon) is after rain and when the plant is actively growing. In late summer when Couch is under stress due to a lack of water, adding a foliar fertiliser such as Ammonium nitrate to the herbicide mix will improve the effectiveness of the herbicide (Glyphosate BiActive). Couch grass should be sprayed three times while it is actively growing and this should be done at 4 6 week intervals, depending on the growth. After such a program the amount of actively growing Couch should be quite small, however regrowth from the roots will occur the following year and will need to be monitored to completely eradicate it from the site. Spot spraying could occur on a bimonthly basis to deal with any regrowth, and a follow up check done in the following year. The herbicide Fusilade (Active ingredient: Fluazifop p butyl) could be carefully used where couch grass is growing over the vernal pool plant, Round leaf Wilsonia (Wilsonia rotundifolia). This chemical does not affect broadleaf weeds and should be safe to use around this species. A small area should be trialled first to ensure that the Round leaf Wilsonia is not affected. On no account should Glyphosate BiActive be used near Round leaf Wilsonia. Kikuyu Grass Figure 1 Mustard Weed and Salvation Jane in degraded pool Weed Control in the Vernal Pools If the pools remain dry due to drought, specific water and soil processes (ferrolysis and ph swing) fail to occur and the pools become susceptible to invasion by weeds, particularly clover and introduced grasses. Careful application of herbicide is appropriate in the pool catchments and within the pools after they have dried out in summer. However, herbicides or pesticides shall not be used within vernal pools during the hydroperiod. Weeded areas that are left bare should be revegetated promptly with local endemic species to prevent weedy reinfestation. This requires a small stock of appropriate replacement plants. For herbicide use within the pools, the best approach to weed control is outlined below (Coleman and Eden, 2006). Some VPS plants are introduced and have naturalised their presence is not detrimental to the function of the pools, and may actually be beneficial. These should be left in situ. Kikuyu should be sprayed three times with Glyphosate BiActive while it is actively growing and this should be done at 4 6 week intervals, depending on the growth. At the end of the spraying the amount of actively growing Kikuyu should be quite small; however regrowth from the roots will occur the following year and will need to be monitored to completely eradicate it from the site. Spot spraying could occur on a bimonthly basis, with a follow up check done in the following year. Dock Ripening seed heads of Curled Dock occurring within the pools should be cut and removed from site. Summer growth may be spot sprayed with a broadleaf herbicide such as MCPA; however the optimum time to spray dock is following the winter rains when the plants start to actively and vigorously grow and show new leaf. Glyphosate BiActive should be used to spray young new growth. A follow up inspection and spray could be done approximately 2 months after the main spray and then a similar spray the following year will be required. Vernal Pools Conservation Zone Revegetation Plan ǀ Adelaide Airport 4

8 Wireweed Wireweed (Polygonum aviculare) is a summer growing plant and may be spot sprayed in late summer or early autumn with Glyphosate BiActive. The sprayed area should be inspected and retreated in late spring to deal with any new growth. In some areas this weed will need to be removed by hand as spraying will affect the vernal pool plants where the Wireweed is growing through them. Silver nightshade Ripening seed heads of Silver Nightshade (Solanum eleagnifolium) occurring within the pools should be cut and removed from site Weed Control in the Grasslands Common or notable grassland weeds include Blanket Weed, Artichoke Thistle (Cynara cardunculus), Star of Africa (Ornithogalum thyrsoides), African Boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum), Couch, Kikuyu, White Clover and introduced grasses. Woody weeds should be controlled via cut and swab. Blanket Weed, Couch, Kikuyu and White Clover should be controlled by direct foliar spray with Glyphosate. Star of Africa should be sprayed during flowering to ensure herbicide is taken into the bulb. Artichoke Thistle should be sprayed with Glyphosate in the heart of the plant. Control of introduced Wild Oats (Avena fatua), Perennial Rye Grass (Lolium perenne) and Barley Grass (Critesion murinum) species should occur via annual slashing in August and/or September while their seed is generally milky and unviable. This timing should ensure that native Wallaby (Austrodanthonia and Amphibromus spp.) and Spear (Austrostipa spp.) grasses will still have an opportunity to set viable seed that will ripen over summer, enabling natives to outcompete weedy grasses. 3.3 Revegetation The Vernal Pools Revegetation of Pools should occur through early winter before pools have a chance to fill with water. No revegetation should occur in Pools 2 and 6, as these are reference pools for comparison with the constructed pool, and provide the target conditions. Classic vernal pool vegetation composition develops circular bandings of plants, correlating with hydrology of the pools. Typically, these bands can be as described below and are illustrated in Figure 2: Band 1 round the outer edge of the pools. The outer ring of plants commonly, Crassula spp., Round leaf Wilsonia, Rosinweed (Cressa cretica), Toad Rush (Juncus bufonius), Loosestrife, assorted Chenopodium spp. and Australian Mudwort (Limosella australis). Band 2 main part of pool. Nardoo (Marsilea spp.) and Common Spike rush (Eleocharis acuta) are the dominant plants in the main bodies of the pools, with some Finger Rush (Juncus subsecundus) and Crassula spp. Band 3 central part of pool. Swamp Wallaby Grass (Amphibromus nervosus) grows in the deepest parts of the pools, where water is held the longest. For a species list with seed collection and propagation advice, refer to Appendix 4. For planting zones, refer to Appendix 1. Figure 2 Pool 6 displaying vegetation banding 5 Vernal Pools Conservation Zone Revegetation Plan ǀ Adelaide Airport

9 3.3.2 The Grasslands The Grasslands should maintain native tussock grasses as the dominant cover, interspersed with sparse heath species up to 30% total cover. This should be complemented with isolated clumps of chenopod shrubs to no more than 20% total cover of the site. In a few areas outside the pool catchments, isolated small trees to less than 5% total cover are appropriate (Figure 3). For a species list with seed collection and propagation advice, refer to Appendix 5. Planting arrangements for each of these types should resemble the schematic provided below. For planting zones, refer to Appendix 1. Figure 3 Schematics of 5% vegetation cover (top), 20% vegetation cover (middle) and 30% vegetation cover (bottom) Vernal Pools Conservation Zone Revegetation Plan ǀ Adelaide Airport 6

10 4 References Adelaide Airport Limited (AAL) (2012) Vernal Pools Conservation Zone Management Plan , Adelaide Airport Limited, Adelaide. Belk D (1998) Global Status and Trends in Ephemeral Pool Invertebrate Conservation: Implications for Californian Fairy Shrimp, Pages in Witham CW, Bauder ET, Belk D, Ferren WR and Rornduff (Eds), Ecology, Conservation, and Management of Vernal Pool Ecosystems Proceedings from a 1996 Conference, California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, CA. Coleman PSJ and FS Cook (2002) Bennett Road Vernal Pools: Understanding the first step to restoration, Delta Environmental Consulting, Adelaide. Coleman PSJ and R Eden (2006) Mawson Connector Mitigation plan for vernal pools, Delta Environmental Consulting, Adelaide. Hagan V (2001) Remnant Indigenous Flora Survey Area: Proposed Southern Road Corridor, Parafield Airport, Bush Anew, Adelaide. Kraehenbeuhl D (1996) Pre European Vegetation of Adelaide: A survey from the Gawler River to Hallett Cove, Nature Conservation Society of SA Inc, Adelaide. Seaman, R.L. (2002) Wetland Inventory for the Mount Lofty Ranges, Department for Environment and Heritage. 7 Vernal Pools Conservation Zone Revegetation Plan ǀ Adelaide Airport

11 Appendix 1 Vernal Pools Conservation Zone and Location of Pools Vernal Pools Conservation Zone Revegetation Plan ǀ Adelaide Airport 8

12 Appendix 2 Native Vegetation in the VPCZ Species Constructed Pool Pool 2 Pool 6 Pool 4 Pool 8 Pool 10 Pool 11 Pool 9 Amphibromus nervosus # Atriplex semibaccata Atriplex suberecta Austrodanthonia caespitosa Austrostipa scabra Chloris truncata Chenopodium pumilio Crassula natans var. minus # Cressa cretica # Cyperus gymnocaulos Eleocharis acuta # Enchylaena tomentosa Enneapogon nigricans Eragrostis infecunda Isolepis platycarpa Juncus bufonius Juncus subsecundus Limosella australis# Lythrum hyssopifolia # Maireana brevifolia Maireana decalvans Marsilea spp.# Oxalis perennans Rumex dumosus # Rumex tenax Sclerolaena muricata var. villosa Wilsonia rotundifolia # # = Vernal Pool Specialist. 9 Vernal Pools Conservation Zone Revegetation Plan ǀ Adelaide Airport

13 Appendix 3 Dominant Weeds in the VPCZ Weed Species Constructed Pool Pool 1 Pool 2 Pool 3 Pool 4 Pool 6 Pool 8 Pool 9 Pool 10 Pool 11 Grasslands African Boxthorn Lycium ferocissimum Field Garlic Allium vineale Lesser Joyweed Alternanthera denticulata Capeweed Arctotheca calendula Wild Oats Avena fatua Blanket Weed Galenia spp. Great Brome Bromus driandrus Clammy Goosefoot Chenopodium pumilio Couch Grass Cynodon dactylon Barley Grass Critesion murinum Curled Dock Rumex crispus Artichoke Thistle Cynara cardunculus Thread Iris Gynandris setifolia Common Heliotrope Heliotropum europeaum Kikuyu Grass Pennisetum clandestinum Perennial Rye Grass Lolium perenne Burr Medic Medicago polymorpha Mustard Weed Brassica spp. Olive Tree Olea europaea Star of Africa Ornithogalum thyrsoides Soursob Oxalis pes caprae Date Palm Phoenix dactylifera Salvation Jane Echium plantagineum Silver Nightshade Solanum eleagnifolium Vernal Pools Conservation Zone Revegetation Plan ǀ Adelaide Airport 10

14 Weed Species Constructed Pool Pool 1 Pool 2 Pool 3 Pool 4 Pool 6 Pool 8 Pool 9 Pool 10 Pool 11 Grasslands White Clover Trifolium repens Wireweed Polygonum aviculare 11 Vernal Pools Conservation Zone Revegetation Plan ǀ Adelaide Airport

15 Appendix 4 Vernal Pool Revegetation Species Species Swamp Wallabygrass Amphibromus nervosus Swamp Crassula Crassula helmsii Maximum Water Depth/ Band 50 cm Band 3 Inundation Period Band 1 Up to 2 months Propagation Notes Material Source Notes 6 8 months Reproduce from seed collected Dec Mar from existing vernal pools. Sold commercially in tubes. Seed may be present in inoculum collected. Available on site also present in inoculum from Pool 7. From Pools 7 and 5, and should be present in inoculum collected from Pools 2 and 6. Amphibromus grasses grow in the ephemeral wetlands of the Swan Coastal Plain and the Western Basalt Plains of Victoria can tolerate drying out in summer. Requires long inundation to set seed, so plant in deepest parts of pools. Cressa cretica Rosinweed 0 1cm Band 1 Germinates readily on the drying surface of the ponds at the start of the pools drought phase in October. It may prefer a small quantity of salt in the fine surface soil. Seed should be present in inoculum collected from Pool 7. Grows in saline/brackish swamps. Short little herb with pinky white flowers, grayish leaves. Prefers waterlogged soils rather than inundated areas. Eleocharis acuta Common Spike rush 10 cm Band months Reproduces by division. Try seed germinated by the bog method. Collect seed Jan Feb. Seed should be present in inoculum collected from Pool 7. Local seed is available from plants at the Port Wakefield Road Waterloo Corner Road intersection where water stands for long periods. Eragrostis infecunda Barren Canegrass < 50 cm 3 9 months Reproduces from small plantlets that form at the nodes along the grass stem. Large patch on the Bennett Road embankment Associated with lignum, prefers spring flooding. Can withstand drying out in summer. Reputed to be difficult to increase. Transplant, possibly divide. Isolepis platycarpa Flat fruit Club rush Observation suggests that this plant reproduces from seed. No published details available. Vernal Pools Conservation Zone Revegetation Plan ǀ Adelaide Airport 12

16 Species Juncus bufonius Toad Rush Maximum Water Depth/ Band Inundation Period Band 1 Observation suggests that this plant reproduces from seed. No published details available. Suggest collecting seed Dec May Propagation Notes Material Source Notes Seed shall be collected from the site. Seed should be present in inoculum collected from Pools 6 and 2. Juncus subsecundus Finger Rush Band months Division of clumps and transplanting should be successful. Should reproduce from seed collected Dec May. Seed shall be collected from the site. Seed should be present in inoculum collected from Pools 6 and 2. Limosella australis Austral Mudwort Band 1 No published data. Attempt seed propagation. The plant grows into mats by layering like strawberry, so layers (see Wilsonia) and offsets could be taken from plants in existing vernal pools. A small area of inoculum was raked from Pool 2 where this plant occurs. It has been recorded in the new pool. Lythrum hyssopifolia Lesser Loosestrife Band 1 Reproduces by seed and by layering. Plants produce upwards of 3000 seeds per plant. Germination rate high. Collect seed in Dec Mar. Seed may be present in inoculum collected from Pools 7 and 5, and should be present in inoculum collected from Pools 2 and 6.. Marsilea drummondii Common Nardoo < 10 cm Band months Reproduces by division of floating stems and by sporocarps the same way ferns do, can withstand drying out. Division is faster but will result in a lower genetic diversity. Can be transplanted. Grows in Greenfields wetlands and along Waterloo Corner Road. Grows both in permanent shallow water and ephemeral areas at the edges of lagoons. Collect propagation material from Kaurna Park, Two Wells, Greenfields Stage 1, The Paddocks and existing vernal pools. Rumex dumosus Wiry dock No published data. Suggest that inoculum should contain well weathered seed. Pool 2 where this plant occurs. Rumex tenax A dock Band 2 Seed germinates freshly, in 2 3 weeks Collect seed in January. Seed may be present in inoculum collected from Pools 7 and 5, and should be present in inoculum collected from Pools 2 and 6. Can withstand occasional inundation but doesn t like permanently wet feet. 13 Vernal Pools Conservation Zone Revegetation Plan ǀ Adelaide Airport

17 Species Wilsonia rotundifolia Round leaf Wilsonia Maximum Water Depth/ Band Inundation Period Band 1 Grows by layering: scratch the underside of the runners and peg into a propagation pot. Cut away from parent when roots have set on the buried piece. Also grow from seed collected in Jan Feb. Propagation Notes Material Source Notes Seed may be present in inoculum collected from Pools 7 and 5, and should be present in inoculum collected from Pools 2 and 6. Grows in salty swamps. Vernal Pools Conservation Zone Revegetation Plan ǀ Adelaide Airport 14

18 Appendix 5 Grassland Revegetation Species Species Propagation Notes Material Source Notes Acacia victoriae ssp. victoriae Elegant or Bramble Wattle Atriplex semibaccata Berry Saltbush Grows from seed, collect in Spring. Acacia seed dormancy is broken by using boiling water, scarification or nicking the seeds. Alternatively green (not hardened) seed can be sown direct. Grows from seed. Germination is high from very fresh seed. Collect seed Jan Feb. Likes calcareous conditions, crusty alkaline soils and sand. Needs good drainage. EVERYTHING eats it, despite the spikes. Definitely needs tree guards to protect it from rabbits and hares. Can sucker if roots are damaged. Good ground stabilizer. Berries attractive to lizards, birds and invertebrates. Austrodanthonia setacea Bristly Wallaby Grass Austrostipa scabra Rough Speargrass Grown from seed collected between Oct Dec. Germination 24 days, germination rate approx. 375 plants/gram of seed. Most Austrostipa species have an after ripening period. Collect seed in late spring or early summer. Chloris truncata Windmill Grass Convolvulus remotus Austral Bindweed Grown from seed collected between Dec Mar. Germination 36 days, germination rate approx. 835 plants/gram of seed. Collect seed Jan Feb. This plant is relatively common between Dry Creek and Virginia, where it frequently can be found along the graded edges of roads. This plant is relatively common between Dry Creek and Virginia. Dichopogon strictum Chocolate Lily Enchylaena tomentosa var. tomentosa Ruby Saltbush Eragrostis deilsii Mulka Seed needs to be stored 2 3 months prior to growing. Germinates in cool conditions only. Seed is collected in Jan Feb. Germination period is 35 days with approximately 30 plants germinating per gram of seed. Grown from seed or cuttings. Seed does better with flesh cleaned from it. Germination occurs in 1 4 weeks. A well drained medium is best for cuttings. Collect seed Oct Apr. Seed has an after ripening period of nearly two years very slow. Divisions are the most likely method of increasing. This species currently occurs on other parts of the site and is recommended to increase the diversity of the upland buffer areas. Seed available on site. Seed needs to be stored 2 3 months prior to growing. Germinates in cool conditions only. Seed is collected in Jan Feb. Germination period is 35 days with approximately 30 plants germinating per gram of seed. Grown from seed or cuttings. Seed does better with flesh cleaned from it. Germination occurs in 1 4 weeks. A welldrained medium is best for cuttings. Collect seed Oct Apr. Sold in forestry tubes (48/box). This species occurred more commonly on land now under houses at Mawson Lakes. 15 Vernal Pools Conservation Zone Revegetation Plan ǀ Adelaide Airport

19 Species Propagation Notes Material Source Notes Lotus australis Australian Trefoil Seed needs treating with near boiling water for 30 seconds, then a cold soak for several hours. Good germination in 2 3 weeks. Collect seed Jan Mar. Roadsides in Dry Creek to Virginia area. Maireana brevifolia Short leafed Bluebush Rinse FRESHLY collected seed under tepid water, rubbing the fruits. Collect seed Jan Mar. Seed available on site. Maireana decalvans Black Cottonbush (bluebush) Rinse FRESHLY collected seed under tepid water, rubbing the fruits. Likes heavy soil, seasonally waterlogged. Collect seed in Nov May. Small numbers of this species occur across the site. This species is listed in the NP&WS schedules and currently occurs on other parts of the site. It is proposed that this plant be used extensively in the upland buffer areas. Muehlenbeckia cunninghamii Lignum Grow from cuttings. Low success with seeds. This plant is relatively common along Dry Creek and the Little Para River. Sclerolaena muricata var. villosa Five spined Bassia or Black Roly poly Sclerolaena uniflora Bassia Grown from seed. Collect seed in Oct Dec. Caution is needed while collecting the seed as it has large sharp spines. No information, should reproduce from seed, collected in summer. Seed available on site. This sub species is listed in the NP&WS schedules and currently occurs on the site. It is proposed that this plant be used extensively in the upland buffer areas. Sida intricata Twiggy Sida Reproduction reputedly difficult. Yellow flowers, recorded in a wide variety of soil types. Vernal Pools Conservation Zone Revegetation Plan ǀ Adelaide Airport 16

20 Adelaide Airport Limited 1 James Schofield Drive, Adelaide Airport, South Australia 5950 Parafield Airport Limited Building 18, Tigermoth Lane, Parafield Airport 5106 Phone (+61) Fax (+61) airport@aal.com.au The information in this brochure is correct at the time of publication but may change without notice. For the most up to date information go to 8/12