The 2026 Nature Foundation Volunteer Season kicked off in late March with a three-day working bee at Watchalunga Nature Reserve, tackling an ongoing management challenge: the invasive wetland reed, Phragmites australis (Common Reed).
Located on Ngarrindjeri Country, Watchalunga Nature Reserve protects approximately 92 hectares of low-lying Fleurieu Peninsula swamp along the lower Finniss River. This area forms part of a critically endangered ecological community and supports highly significant South Australian biodiversity. The reserve provides essential aquatic habitat for native fish species, including Golden Perch, Congolli, and the recently reintroduced, nationally vulnerable Southern Pygmy Perch. Flora surveys have recorded more than 50 native plant species across the property, highlighting the site’s conservation value.
Phragmites australis is an aggressive riparian plant species that has been encroaching into areas of low shrubland that provide critical habitat for the nationally endangered Mount Lofty Ranges Southern Emu-wren (Stipiturus malachurus intermedius), including several revegetation sites. While Phragmites is native to South Australian wetland ecosystems, it is considered invasive in some areas due to its rapid growth, its ability to outcompete native species, and its increased fire risk.
Over three days, Nature Foundation volunteers, and staff slashed an 11,997m2 area of Phragmites using brush cutters. The reeds had been treated with a site-suitable herbicide in February. Allowing the plants to die back before slashing is a proven approach that significantly increases the effectiveness of control efforts compared with slashing alone.
Sustained effort over multiple seasons is required to keep this tenacious species in check, making this working bee a crucial annual management activity. The results of this persistence were clearly visible this year, with a notable reduction in Phragmites in areas that had previously been of concern — an encouraging sign of progress.
In addition to reed control, volunteers assisted with maintenance of the tracks and areas of Emu-wren habitat revegetated through annual planting days, which began in 2017.
Weeding and tidying through the revegetation areas supports plant growth. Tree guards were repaired or removed as required. Healthy, vigorous growth had seen a large number of plants burst free of their guards providing a highly visible and satisfying indicator of the progress of this annual planting activity. We look forward to continuing restoration efforts at our next planting day in July. Members, keep an eye out for details and registration from mid-May.
Collectively the volunteers logged a valuable 90.5 hours of service. Thank you for your important contribution — here’s to an impactful season!
Learn more about and register for Nature Foundation’s Volunteer Program here: naturefoundation.org.au/volunteer
This important work was partially funded through a Native Vegetation Council Restoration Grant.