Just for a change, our Landcare Led Recovery team have had the pleasure of paddling to work this week. The new mode of transport is the quickest way to work: across the Murray River to Grays Island.

As part of our Bonegilla Bat Biodiversity project, the team will be removing a veritable forest of Tree-of-heaven on the island over the next few weeks.

Despite it’s name and tropical appearance, this tree is high on the woody weed hit list. Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima) has a tendency to sucker extensively from its roots, forming dense thickets and outcompeting other desirable plants. It’s also mildly toxic to humans, capable of causing allergic reactions, headache and nausea, rashes, dermatitis and conjunctivitis.

Much appreciated volunteer assistance is helping to get this job done. A big thanks to Charles Sturt University student Gavin (pictured), whose first day on the job was here. Other volunteers are most welcome to join our team as we beaver away.

Thank you to David Breedon, the Murray Canoe Guy for hire of his Canadian canoes, which get our team to work and back each day.

This program is part of a Landcare Led Bushfire Recovery project, supported by the Australian Government’s Bushfire Recovery Program for Wildlife and their Habitat.