Residents who bought weeds to the AlburyCity Waste Management Centre on 1 and 2 August were rewarded with five free native plants as part of an initiative that aims to reduce weeds across the City.
Weeds can have a serious impact on the natural environment, waterways, agricultural land and human and animal health.
AlburyCity Vegetation Management Officer, Sarah Stuart, said it is important that residents are aware of the impact weeds can have.
“Many weeds such as privet, rhus tree and blackberry nightshade can cause allergies or are toxic and can cause problems when inhaled, ingested or touched,” she said.
“When weeds spread to places like Albury’s endangered Grassy Box Woodlands, they out compete endangered native plant communities and reduce the area’s biodiversity.”
The native plants given away included shrubs, trees, grasses and groundcovers that require little water and are suited to local conditions.
Sarah Stuart said most produce bright flowers that will attract wildlife and brighten gardens in spring.
“Native plants in home gardens provide local wildlife with shelter, food and breeding sites,” she said.
“This is important because a lot of birds, insects, frogs, butterflies, and lizards have lost their habitat due to development and clearing.”
For further information contact Sarah Stuart, telephone (02) 6023 8111.
