Arum army grows bigger each year

Invasive arum lilies which threaten our special nature are in the firing line like never before, thanks to conservation groups, local governments and a growing army of landholders.

Nature Conservation Margaret River Region’s hugely successful Arum Lily Blitz launches today – and this year there are exciting new offensives to stop arum lilies, protect bushland and save habitat for threatened animals.

They include identifying and reaching out to priority landholders in key natural areas where arum lilies are present, and offering them cost-share funding to control the toxic invaders; supplying free herbicide to all landholders including the 2000-plus property owners already signed up to the program; the model is being rolled out well beyond the shire’s borders to neighbouring regions including Busselton, Capel and Bunbury.

It comes as new talent joins the Blitz team, with Obelia Walker stepping up to run the program alongside Ben Howell, who joined the team after two decades of conservation work in the private sector plus local and state government.

“Securing funding for additional three years means we have an incredible opportunity to build upon the wins of the past six. This longevity means we can make some real inroads into arum lily control at a broader, landscape scale,” Obelia said.

“The strength of the Blitz has always been centred in its people. To get involved, make sure you visit www.natureconservation.org.au where you can join the Arum Lily Blitz, stay up to date, access free herbicide, hear about cost-sharing opportunities, and connect with a wave of community-wide positive action for nature and climate.

“There are many ways you can contribute. You don’t have to own land, live on a bush block or even have arum lilies at your place to do your bit.

“You can also get involved by downloading our weed mapping app called Fieldbook and reporting weed sightings in the national park, reserves, bushland or road verges. This allows us to map infestations, prioritise control and make good decisions.

“In springtime, we encourage people to snip off any flowers they come across to stop seeds from spreading, although you want to watch out for the sap and wear gloves.”

The group says arum lilies outcompete native plants, reduce habitat and food for wildlife, smother orchids and wildflowers, and swamp native plants in a dense, toxic monoculture.

The wide-leafed plants start appearing from underground tubers in winter and produce a white flower in spring, and large-scale control is only possible with a targeted herbicide.

Now in its 7th year, the Arum Lily Blitz partners with government agencies, landholders, and groups like the Friends of the Cape to Cape Track, while supplying free herbicide, training, education and support.

The Blitz is the first coordinated, landscape-scale weed control program of this type in WA, with an ambitious, long term 20-plus year vision to reduce and contain the weed.

“The success of the project to date proves that, when locals are empowered and have access to the knowledge and support they need, they will take action. Many of us have made the choice to live here because of how much we value the beautiful and diverse natural environment. We have to defend what is left,” says Obelia.

“Success relies on persistence and teamwork. So spread the word to your neighbours, be an advocate, and share your arum lily control success stories with us, your friends and family, and even on social media.”

For landholders on larger properties who cannot deal with arum lily infestations on their own, Nature Conservation’s Bush Regeneration Team can be hired to carry out arum control.

For landholders registered with the Blitz, free herbicide can now be collected from the Nature Conservation office as well as from supporting businesses Busselton Agricultural Services, Dunsborough Rural, Vasse General Store, Cowaramup Agencies, Karridale Agencies and True Value Hardware in Augusta.

The Blitz is funded by the WA Government’s State Natural Resources Management Program.

See natureconservation.org.au to find out more, register, and receive free herbicide, info and resources.