Residents of Redland City Council have been invited to swap their weeds for a free native plant at Bushcare’s annual ‘Trees for Weeds Day’, this Saturday 15 August.
The initiative aims to call attention to the spread of weeds that cause problems for native foliage.
At several locations across the municipality participants will be able to swap a shopping bag of weeds for a native plant.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the benefits of the program are two-fold.
“This is a great opportunity for the community to target the spread of invasive weeds threatening our natural environment and at the same time spruce the garden up with some new native plants.
“When left unkempt these weeds have the potential to escape backyards and into the surrounding bushland where they smother and damage native plants.
“By targeting the issue in our own yards, together we can make a great impact and prevent any further spread or damage to our local environment.”
Residents will be able to swap weeds for up to five native plants.
All weeds are welcome, but this year’s main focus is the Mother of Millions and Mile a Minute.
Environmental spokesperson Cr Lance Hewlett said these particular weeds are a large problem for the area.
“Mother of Millions is a succulent plant with clustering red or orange tube shaped flowers while Mile a Minute is a dense smothering vine with purple to pink round flowers and five loped leaved.
“Both weeds are durable, rapid growers that cause ongoing damage to our native plants, so if you spot them, dig them out and bring them to one of the five Island locations: North Stradbroke, Coochiemudlo, Karragarra, Macleay and Russell Island.”
Local Bushcare Groups will be on hand at the events to help educate attendees and offer advice on weed identification and management.
For the event locations and more information, contact Redland City Council.
