Cairns Regional Council - Parks & Leisure Issue 5 - December 2014

This newsletter will be

published quarterly, showcasing articles

and photographs on volunteer activities

throughout Council’s Parks & Leisure

branch.

In this issue:

• Cattana Wetlands

• Explore Queensland Botanic Gardens

• VolunteerProfile• Friends celebrate

25 Years • Year’s Recap• Gardens’ Plant

Library• Test your

knowledge• Inspiration for

Down ‘n’ Dirties• Zingiberales

theme concludes• What’s On

Wetlands high on list of attractionsThe area now known as the Cattana Wetlands, is situated near the coast and just north of Yorkey’s Knob. Once owned by the Cattana family and farmed for sugar cane, it is now developing into a unique recreational wetlands area, open to the public for day use.

Before being sold to the Mulgrave City Council in 1993, some of the land was mined for sand and gravel used for beautification of Cairns Esplanade. This extraction created both saltwater and freshwater lakes which have provided the basis for a quality nature reserve and recreation area covering some 80 hectares.

Under the auspices of Cairns Regional Council, the real work began with an allocation of over $3m from both state and federal government to provide tourist amenities and staff to manage the resource.

In 2014 the opportunity for a volunteer group to provide assistance de-vineing and maintaining the precious native trees along the walkways and around the lakes gave rise to the birth of The Jabirus as

a volunteer group specifically formed to work each Tuesday morning at Cattana Wetlands in support of the NEATO Employment and Council staff members.

Jabiru Sharren Wong expresses some thoughts: When I started to think about Cattana Wetlands I realised I appreciated a lot of different things but wondered “what do visitors think?”. My web search found that Trip Advisor rated it 4 out of 5. This was great to know but why such a high rating? What does this mean? I read the reviews and was pleasantly surprised to see how many and how recent the reviews were.

Visitors appreciate how accessible it is. There is ample parking space. They like the clean toilets, BBQ and picnic facilities. “Free” is a comment coming up frequently as do “green” and “peaceful”. People appreciate walking on the wheel chair friendly paths in relative privacy. Provision of abundant and well placed seating and hidden bird hides allow quiet observation of the lakes and birdlife they attract. Heat and mozzies are the only

Continued Page 4

Volunteers Voice

Making a difference in Cairns

Page 2 Volunteers Voice

Explore Queensland Botanic Gardens If you are heading away on a trip around Queensland, drop by the Friends House or Cairns Botanic Gardens Visitors Centre before you go for a copy of the Queensland Botanic Trail brochure, a trail of botanic gardens for garden lovers to discover.The new Trail brochure, created by the honorary Botanic Gardens Australia & New Zealand Queensland committee and printed as a result of fundraising among gardens, including several Friends and Guide groups, was developed to promote Queensland’s Botanic gardens.

Each of Queensland’s Botanic Gardens has its own landscape character and plant collections, yet each is linked to BGANZ through their commitment to the philosophies and role of botanic gardens across the globe. In Queensland there are over 20 botanic gardens. Some are grand gardens funded by supportive local authorities and dedicated volunteer groups. Some are less glorious, their funding diminished, or the enthusiasm of their founders replaced by bureaucracy and indifference, yet they still entice visitors curious to see the fascinating world of plants.

The Queensland Botanic Gardens Trail connects the network for travellers keen to see indigenous plants and discover something of the regional character, or visit gardens where they can learn of exotic plants ecologically compatible to the local environmental and climatic conditions.Across Queensland the network of botanic gardens grows and displays thousands of significant taxa, (beauties like the Cooktown Orchid on front of the brochure), plants threatened and endangered in the wild, or plants representative of Queensland’s 13 classified bioregions. Some botanic gardens in the trail are part of the early history of the state, established as acclimatisation gardens where plants were trialled for their potential as new crops.In 2013, three of Queensland’s more recent Botanic Gardens, Mackay, Gold Coast and Tondoon in Gladstone were celebrating milestones of ten and twenty five year anniversaries. Representatives from each are now part of the current network, Botanic Gardens Australia and New Zealand Inc. who compiled and published the first

BGANZ Q Botanic Gardens Trail Brochure.The momentum for new botanic gardens development peaked several times during the 20th Century, in the 80’s as a result of stimulation by Australia’s bicentenary, led by Queensland Landscape Architect Lawrie Smith OAM. Lawrie’s push intensified over the next years, and a succession of regional botanic gardens were established through the 1990’s and early 2000’s. The most recent is Whitsunday, and a new garden at Mossman in the tropical far north is just starting.Each botanic garden in Queensland has different standards of botanical discipline, many undertake an incredible breadth of work behind the scenes in conservation, science and education and their records and plant collections contribute to the knowledge of

horticulture. As living museums, botanic gardens display plants for the visiting public, academics, horticultural professionals and importantly for the younger generation, and many gardens host curriculum based education for schools and adult workshops.Queensland’s Botanic Gardens provide opportunities for adults and children to explore and investigate the extraordinary world of plants, they invite discovery and many also invite

involvement. Friends groups actively contribute, and some are the driving force behind their establishment, existence and perpetuation.Across the state, Queensland’s botanic gardens hold a unique collection of the diverse flora of the state, supplementing the research and knowledge of our unique Australian flora. They are beautiful and interesting places to visit, and contribute to their local economies by encouraging visitation, and have a critical role in the science of botany.They are also pivotal in the larger Australian and global network whose role is to ‘secure plant diversity for the well-being of people and the planet’. From Goondiwindi to Gladstone, Cooktown to Longreach, Gold Coast to Emerald and all points between, the trail of Queensland’s Botanic Gardens bring joy, as well as educate, inform, demonstrate and engage their communities and visitors.Kate Hefferman - involved in as both an honorary capacity as Friend, and as a professional consultant to Gold Coast Regional Botanic Garden.

Volunteers Voice Page 3

President of Friends of the Botanic Gardens, Cairns, Val Schier has great vision for the Gardens and its Friends and wants to ensure all members feel valued and useful whatever their interest.

‘I am highly impressed with the partnership between Council staff and Friends members. I think the relationship is stronger than that in any other garden in the nation.

“I am excited about the latest plans for the Conservatory, Chinese Gardens and projects to assist with way-finding and we will keep fund-raising so we can continue assisting Council with enhancement of the Gardens.

“This area is unique in that its natural rainforest, historical Tanks, developed garden environment and the natural mangrove / lake systems are all within five kilometres of the city centre. Linking the Gardens, Visitors Centre and the Tanks Art Centre is critical so the entire Gardens is ‘easily discovered and explored’ by our visitors and locals.”Coming from a small village in Tasmania where everyone worked together Val has always been community minded, influenced by her parents who were involved in many groups such as the Lions, Garden Club and School associations and the local Community Centre. “Social cohesion is very important and you’ve got to put effort in to make communities strong. I’ve always worked in the community and have been involved in a range of groups over the decades: Scouts when my son James was little, basketball, softball, theatre, Arts and environmental groups and of course the Community Association at Machans Beach where I’ve lived on and off since 1984.”

Val has had many senior management roles including Regional Director of State Government departments of Families and Communities and director in TAFE before becoming Mayor of Cairns. When asked what inspired her to stand for the Friends President’s position, Val said “I very much value the location of the Botanic Gardensand its location. It is an extraordinary asset for both locals and tourists and I welcome the opportunity to make a contribution to make them even better.”

Since accepting the position Val has been very supportive of the Friends and other volunteer groups; introducing herself to the Down ‘n’ Dirty group and attending the Little Taccas program with her grand-daughter. She has been impressed with the fundraising ability of the Friends, “especially with the Gardeneers and their plant sales which have been working extremely well.

“The 25th Anniversary Garden Party was a delightful celebration and a great opportunity to say thank you to all the volunteers particularly the four who have a century of service between them - Mary Gandini, Ray Church, Coralie Stuart and David Warmington.

“I’ve lived in the tropics the greater part of my life (WA, NT & Cairns) and I’m kept here because of the spectacular natural environment even though I still love my birth country of Tasmania. I will continue to work with the Gardens and would like to create some diverse projects for members not currently actively involved. It is a unique environment; an asset of which we should all be very proud.”

Page 4 Volunteers Voice

Cattana Wetlands- canefield to minefield to nature’s miracle

From Front Page:negatives in the reviews. The occurrence of our ‘hungry friends’ varies greatly depending on the time of the year and time of the day when visits are made. Insect repellent is a necessity at times.Overall, the factors that resulted in so many positive comments are just what we are aiming for; quite an inspiration for all connected with the ongoing work.

Through 2014, the Jabirus group has grown steadily. We began with a core group potting and weeding plants at the Council Stratford Nursery. We then moved operation to Cattana Wetlands. Since then we have been meeting weekly on a Tuesday morning from 9am until 12noon. During this time we have seen the group welcome new members, some visiting the area temporarily, passing through, studying, or just coming along when they are able.

Our de-vining has opened up the view of the Lakes and assisted in caring for the area; a reward in itself ! More

recently our focus shifted to the water of the lakes when we discovered the dreaded Salvinia weed infestation in Jabiru Lake and Kingfisher Pool (Kira Kira to traditional owners. The lakes were formerly named earlier this year with signage recently installed). Manually removing the bulk of the water weed has been a challenge the Jabirus have embraced. Beginning the work by scooping from the edge and then utilising a canoe to remove from the lakes’ centre.We are encouraged by our progress and hope to eradicate Salvinia from the area. Along with permanent Council staff we will be keeping a close eye on the situation.Council has recently finished building a covered observation platform on Cuckoo Lake (Kurril). Our current project, in addition to general maintenance, is to landscape the area surrounding the platform. We will use local plants that will enhance the outlook without restricting the speactacular kalaedescope across Jabiru Lake to the majestic Whitfield Range beyond.

Those interested in the botany of the wetlands will view the next few years as a time when we are perfectly placed to observe the growth and development of many plants we see in only their adult form in rainforest. We are witnessing flowers, leaves and fruits, close to ground and eye level. In a few years these same plants will have grown to heights where we will no longer be able to see these same exhibitions without binoculars.

We hope to work in conjunction with the fulltime caretakers, to identify and name plants in the wetland environment. As Jabiru volunteers we are keen to learn

Volunteers Voice Page 5

Cattana Wetlands- canefield to minefield to nature’s miraclemore about the flora and share with visitors botanical treats currently worth viewing. A bulletin board near the entrance with pictures and some interesting information about the focus plants, currently flowering or fruiting, along with wildlife information, is an idea we are developing.’The layout of the area includes a range of different environments. Besides the wetlands surrounding the lakes, there is also a wet rainforest board walk, dry rain forest area and Feather Palm groves surrounding the lakes.

As work is continuing at Cattana Wetlands, we are seeing the emergence of a wonderful place where locals and visitors can go to appreciate nature in a peaceful and quiet environment. During the past year, the Jabiru volunteers have witnessed the changing landscape and have come to appreciate the seasonal changes that are part of this environment.

Bird numbers and varieties frequenting the area are increasing. Depending on the season and the time of day, bird watchers have been rewarded by the steadily increasing variety of birds to be seen. As of July 2014, there had been sightings of 177 species recorded.

Other wildlife are returning, including the occasional crocodile!

In the brief 21 years since it was first purchased by Council and with only five years since landscaping and plantings first began, Catanna Wetlands is already exhibiting an impressive return to nature. As this natural resource continues to grow and mature, we will see the development of plants and an increase in wildlife which will enhance the already attractive wetlands making it high on the list of attractions by visitors and community members alike. The Jabirus

Photos: Page 4 Top: Tessa Ducie and Prue Fitzpatrick weeding Jabiru Lake edge.Bottom (from left): Public Liaison and Volunteers’ Officer Louisa Grandy and Jabirus Sandy Long and Prue Fitzpatrick setting up for Salvinia scooping. This page: Top: Morning tea is a great bonding time for the Jabirus.Bottom: Viewing Platform area ready for planting in the wet season (from left) back: Charles Wang, Jeff Pretty, Sandy Long; front: Louisa Grandy, Rick Wong, Prue Fitzpatrick and Sharren Wong.

Page 6 Volunteers Voice

Friends celebrate 25 years of service within Gardens

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Volunteers Voice Page 7

Friends celebrate 25 years of service within Gardens

Friends of the Botanic Gardens, Cairns celebrated their 25th Anniversary on Saturday 11 October

with a tea party in the Gardens.Cr Jessie Richardson and Friends President Val Schier presented 25 Years of Service certificates to Ray Church (founding member), Vice President Coralie Stuart, Botanic Garden Curator David Warmington and Mary Gandini (founding member - who was not able to attend).The occasion was very positive with members enjoying a relaxed setting, sharing stories, getting to know past and present members and enjoying a perfect sunny morning in the Gardens. 1. From left: Donn (database volunteer) and Judy Corcoran, Dr David Rentz (Friends Patron), Cytrina Stanton (Friends House), Peter Shanahan (Committee member) and Susan Moir.2. Lee and Lother Ross.3. Gail Sedorkin (publicity officer), Heather Johnson and Sybil Cummings (secretary).4. Marian Altis (treasurer) and Lorraine Smith.5. Leonie Sequeira and Lois Hayes (Down ‘n’ Dirty volunteers) with Rose Sequeira.6 Patricia Lawardorn (Friends House) and Carol Madden. More photographs Pages 6 & 7

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Page 8 Volunteers Voice

Friends Celebrate

1. Friends having a good laugh Christine Read, Jackie Frost (membership coordinator) and Lorraine Smith.

2. Friends Newsletter editor Rita Shedrick and Library Coordinator Judith Pedersen.

3. Long time Friends members Norma Coley (also past Gardens staff member) and Susan Moir share memories.

4. Hank and Anne-Marie Van Rath (Speaker Coordinator) enjoying the tea party celebrations.

5. Jenny Martin enjoying the festivities.

6. Cr Jessie Richardson and Friends President Val Schier.

7. Nannette (Gardeneer) and Murray Fairbairn.

8. Wonderful setting for Friends’ celebrations.

9. Past staff member Theo Utzinger and ‘Gardeneer’ Ray Church reminisce.

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Volunteers Voice Page 9

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Page 10 Volunteers Voice

1. What are the primary macro elements required by plants?2. How many Botanic Gardens are in Qld?3. What are two main leaf types that help in identification?4. What is the leaf arrangement of a Costus?5. Name the 3 main components of soil in order of increasing size.6. When would you apply gypsum?7. What is another name for aerial layering?8. What does the term cauliforous mean?9. What family do Plumeria (Frangipani) and Adenium belong to?

10. What specilised roots do Grevillea possess?

Answers:1. Nnitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K).2. 203. Simple and compound.4. Whorled.5. Clay, silt and sand.6. When soil is of clay type structure.7. Marcotting.8. Plants which flower and fruit from their main stems or woody trunks rather than from new growth and shoots. This can allow trees to be pollinated or have their seeds dispersed by animals which cannot climb or fly.9. Apocynaceae.10. Proteoid.

Garden’s plant library open to publicFriends member Judith Pedersen has volunteered her time cataloguing the Botanic Garden’s plant library collection for over ten years.

Judith continues to maintain the collection as new books are purchased by the Council to support Friends, staff and visitors education.

Books may be used in the library and visitors are welcome to browse the collection which numbers over 800 copies on botanical and related topics as well as many titles which are now out of print.

Year’s recapWhat a year! Celebrations, events, monies raised, new members. It all began with a Recognition Morning Tea which highlighted the work of the Gardens /Cattana Wetlands and residential volunteers to the Council and the community.

Friends oF the Botanic Gardens, cairns

Friends celebrated their 25th Anniversary (see photos / article pages 6-9), donated $95k to the new Conservatory, raised membership to 179; raised further funds through sausage sizzles, the annaul Jazz Night, Walk & Talks events and through winning first prize in the the Cairns Festival Parade ‘non-motorised / pedestrian category’. They continue to raise awareness for the Friends and the Gardens.Gardeneers

Plant Sales have become increasingly popular this year with greater numbers attending each Wednesday even though members are now working within the Conservatory contruction site!Friends shoP & Visitor Guides

Since opening it’s doors the Friends House has gone ahead in leaps and bounds. Volunteers enjoy assisting visitors with information about the Gardens and Friends events. Sales have also increased and the ‘best plant library in town’ is becoming popular.down ‘n’ dirty

This group has 23 consistent members with 11 newly registered this year. With a steady 10 to15 attending each Wednesday morning this group enjoys assisting staff in keeping up with general gardening duties. They have also enjoyed learning new plant names and horticultural skills.JaBirus

The Cattana Wetlands now has nine volunteers who meet each Tuesday to weed, plant and mulch. They have completed a full circuit of the Jabiru Lake weeding out major vines strangling trees as well as planting of the bbq shelter. They are currently working with Council staff to control, if not eradicate, Salvinia modesta (water weed).LittLe taccas

This year’s new nature activities program proved very popular with children and their parents. Next year we will be asking for bookings in February and beginning the program in March.

Test your knowledge

Volunteers Voice Page 11

Inspiration for Down ‘n’ DirtiesWinner of the 2014 Seniors Week Garden Competition ‘Most Colourful Garden’ Beryl Watson opened her garden to the Down ‘n Dirty volunteers

one Wednesday.Usually the volunteers work in the Botanic Gardens each Wednesday from 9am until noon however it was inspiring to take time out and see what other gardeners

create in their own backyards.1. Beryl Watson welcomes the Down ‘n’ Dirties.

2. Anne Griffin and Jeff Barnes enjoying the garden.3. Ingrid Clark and Peter Hunt.

4. This field trip proved very popular with 21 members attending.

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Page 12 Volunteers Voice

Plant Information: Zingiberales

Zingiberales has been our plant theme in Issues 3 and 4 covering familes such as Heliconiaceae, Zingerberaceae and Costaceae.This issue we will conclude this theme with Marantaceae, Lowiaceae, Strelitziaceae, Musaceae and Cannaceae.

MARANTACEAE – the Prayer PlantsThis is the second largest family in the order with 30 genera and 450-500 species. Genera and their distributions include: Maranta, Calathea, Stromanthe, Ctenanthe and Pleiostachya from Central to South America; Donax, Phrynium and Stachyphrynium from Asia and Melanesia; Ataenidia, Marantochloa, Thalia and Thaumatococcus from Africa.

These plants are extremely popular for the home garden, offering a great variety of contrasting coloured and patterned foliage for those shady areas. They also come in a variety of sizes from the small Calathea micans, a miniature ground cover from Peru; to the large Calathea lutea or Havana Cigar – both can be seen in the Gardens.Many of these plants have dark maroon coloration underneath their leaves enabling them to utilise any light that may filter through a dark rainforest canopy onto the forest floor.

LOWIACEAEProbably the most unusual family in this order is the single genus, Orchidantha, with 5 to 8 species, found in SE Asia and Pacific Islands. This is the most poorly known genus of this order in terms of botany and horticulture but well worth a visit to the Gardens to see them when in flower. Visitors often ask about the ginger-type plant with its orchid-type flowers (as the name also suggests), and they have a smell all of their own!

STRELITZIACEAE – the Birds-of-ParadiseThere are 3 genera with 7 species of the family, restricted to southern Africa, Madagascar and South America.Unique features are the woody trunk (absent in some Strelitzia), the birdlike

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Prayer Plants, Bananas and

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Volunteers Voice Page 13

PHOTOS:

1. Calathea zebrina2. Calathea insignis3. Calathea roseopicta cv.Asian Beauty

4. Stromanthe sanguinea5. Saranthe unilateralis

6. Orchidantha maxillarioides 7. Thalia geniculata

8. Musa velutina

9. Zingerberales rhizogram.

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appearance of the inflorescence and flowers, and the woody, capsular fruit.Most people know the ‘Birds-of-Paradise’ however, due to its common name placing it in a different family, many people do not realise that the ‘Travellers Palm’ is actually a Ravenala, a large Strelitzia – have a good look at the large flower (inflorescence).The ‘Bird of Paradise’ that many people recognise, Strelitzia parvifolia, is better suited to the sub-tropics and even southern areas where it isn’t quite so humid and wet. It does extremely well in the hot, dry type climates. The tropical wet season can cause rust problems and also rot in these plants.

MUSACEAE – the BananasAlthough Bananas are restricted mainly to eastern Asia, they also include tropical Africa, Australia and the South Pacific. However they have been extensively cultivated and hybridised for thousands of years and Australia is known as one of the largest farmed producers.Characteristics: Large leaves spirally arranged at top of stem and pulpy fruits.There is a small collection of restricted, ornamental, non-edible bananas in the Botanic Gardens near the front lawn that are especially grown for educational purposes. Because these particular species are possible carriers of disease and may be a threat to the banana industry they are carefully monitored. When seeds are on the verge of forming, the flowers are cut back to ensure these species do not spread to the farming industry.

CANNACEAE – the CannasThis solitary genus in the family, with an estimated range of species from 9 to 50, is often grown in the home garden for their gloriously showy blooms. Although easily grown in the tropics they seem to be favoured more so in the sub-tropics.NOTE: This is an outline of the Zingiberales order only. There is more information easily obtained from the Cairns Botanic Gardens library.

Cannas and Birds-of-Paradise

Cairns Regional Council - Parks & Leisure Volunteers Voice

Contributions:Please submit articles (must be volunteer or plant based) by February for the next quarterly publication in March.Email: l.grandy@cairns.qld.gov.au. Please note articles are subject to editing.

Interested in Volunteering?There is something to suit everyone. If you are interested in supporting any of the following volunteer programs please contact Public Relations & Volunteers Officer Louisa Grandy 4032 6648:• Visitor Guides• Plant Database • Public Relations & Shop assistance in the Friends’ House• Tuesdays - Cattana Wetlands Jabirus • Wednesdays - Botanic Gardens Down ’n’ Dirty Volunteers • Children’s Nature Activities Program - Little Taccas.For Friends of the Botanic Gardens membership details email info@botanicfriendscairns.com.au or telephone 4032 3900.

Cairns Regional CouncilPO Box 359, Cairns Q 4870 Australia.07 4032 6650

Cairns Botanic Gardens64 Collins Ave,Edge Hill, Cairns Q 4870, Australia4032 6650

Friends of the Botanic Gardens, Cairns4032 3900

Keep up to date with all events -

Cairns Botanic Gardens and Friendsof the Botanic Gardens, Cairns are on

the Web and Facebook

It’s that time of the year again when the ‘Corpse Flowers’ stink out the Gardens. Pictured: Amorphophallus paeoniifolius. If you wish to know more

about these unusual plants come along to hear all about them in February with specialist Steve Jackson (details below)

• Last day for the ‘Little Taccas’ Children’s Nature Activities Program for 2014 will be Thursdasy 7th December. We will be celebrating Christmas and making wreaths out of nature items such as seed pods. Bookings for 2015 will be taken in February with the program beginning on Thursday March 5. Telephone 4032 6650

• Botanic Gardens Horticulturalist and specialist in Amorphophallus, Steve Jackson, will be guest speaker at the Friends Saturday Walk ‘n’ Talk on February 21st at the Botanic Gardens Visitors Centre 8.30am until 12 noon.

What’s On

• Friends Christmas Plant Sale, will be held at the Cairns Botanic Gardens on Sunday 7th December, 8.30am-12pm.

• Friends ‘Insect Walk in the Gardens Precinct’ will be led by Peter Shanahan and David Rentz on Wednesday 11th February. Meet at the Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre at 6pm.

• Starry Night Cinema begins at 7pm on Wednesday 17th December at Cairns Botanic Gardens and Friday 19th December at Sugarworld Gardens - a special family Christmas film to be announced.

• Volunteers will enjoy a Christmas Break-up on Wednesday morning, December 3 from 9.30am with all groups giving a presentation on their achievements for the year and next year’s plans.