CONSERVATION - Murnong Monitoring

Requirements: All welcome, but numbers may be limited, in which case I reserve the right to give preference to those with botanical field work experience, or who have previously participated in MUMC plant conservation trips.

Help the VNPA monitor the rare and endangered murnong (plains yam daisy) in the native grasslands around Melbourne.

We will leave early on Sunday morning. The monitoring will take place at a native grassland reserve, a short drive to the north of Melbourne. Should be finished by early afternoon.

Murnong or plains yam daisy is a perennial herb native to the low grassy volcanic plains around Melbourne, and is much rarer than the other varieties of yam daisy found in Victoria and Tasmania. On this site, there may be less than 100 individual plants. It was a traditional food source for the local indigenous people, but were virtually wiped out with the introduction of sheep and cattle grazing.

This project is still in its early stages and on the day may involve monitoring of the plants that have been previously tagged, or may involve searching for new plants, or some other task. We will be working with other volunteers from VNPA and MCMC, under expert supervision.

For anyone interested in plants, particularly native grasslands, it is a great opportunity to explore these fascinating ecosystems, which are facing further pressure from Melbourne's outward expansion.

Email for further information.