This summer, Parks Victoria (PV) will continue its volunteer program which is working on eradicating the invasive Hawkweed from the Bogong High Plains.

Hawkweeds are a highly invasive pest plant species which could cause major environmental damage in alpine and sub-alpine areas of Australia if not eradicated early.

The volunteer courses run out of Falls Creek over the summer in week long blocks. Details are below.

Participating in the Falls Creek Volunteer surveys is a great way to help protect the Victorian Alps from this dangerous weed, as well as a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the magnificent alpine environment during the green summer months.

The dates for the 2019/2020 Season are provided below and a maximum of 15 volunteers per session:

Session 1: Monday 9th – Friday 13th December 2019

Session 2: Monday 16th – Friday 20th December 2019

Session 3: Monday 6th – Friday 10th January 2020

Session 4: Monday 13th – Friday 17th January 2020

Session 5: Monday 3rd – Friday 7th February 2020

Session 6: Monday 10th – Friday 14th February 2020

What is involved?

Volunteers will be required for one week and need to make their own way to Falls Creek and arrive between 1pm to 3pm on the Monday of the session start date, with an Induction presentation at 4pm on Monday and departure at 1pm on Friday. There is no experience required, all training is provided. Volunteers will just need lots of enthusiasm, a moderate fitness level and a good eye for detail to find every last Hawkweed plant. Volunteers will need persistence to survey for at least 5 hours per day walking through sometimes challenging terrain, steep uneven surfaces and dense vegetation in the peak of Summer.

 

What is provided?

There is no cost for being a volunteer on this Project. Bunk style accommodation has kindly been provided by Falls Creek Resort Management. Transport will be provided to and from the survey areas each day. Parks Victoria will be providing standard condiments, hot drink provisions and dinner on the last night.

 

What will participants need to bring?

An information pack about the surveys and what to bring will be sent a few weeks before the Survey session starts. In brief – Hiking boots are a must, garden gloves, broad brim hat, sun glasses, sunscreen, long sleeve tops and pants, wet weather gear, drink bottle, bedding and food for breakfast, lunch, dinner, cold drinks, fruit and snacks.

 

How to join the program through Park Connect:

Parks Victoria is using an online system called Park Connect to register people on volunteer programs. If you are interested in helping to eradicate this alpine invader and would like to apply, you will first need to:

 

  1. Register as a volunteer at www.parkconnect.vic.gov.au.
  2. Once you’re registered, login to apply for upcoming programs listed here or copy and paste this link into your web browser https://www.parkconnect.vic.gov.au/Volunteer/group-details-public/?id=5c4fbcb0-de2e-e711-8184-f0921c124e44 and select the Hawkweed Eradication Program you would like to join.
  3. Once you have signed up to a Hawkweed Session on Park Connect, this ensures you are covered under the Parks Victoria Insurance Policy and you will receive an automated Park Connect email.
  4. I will be in contact with you following your signup on Park Connect and will send out further information about the program before your Session starts. If you do not receive an email from me confirming your signup a week after you have registered, please contact me via email: yohanna.aurisch@parks.vic.gov.au as your signup may not have been successful.

 

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact Yohana Aurisch, who co-ordinates the volunteer involvement in the Hawkweed Eradication via email: yohanna.aurisch@parks.vic.gov.au.