MINIMAL DAMAGE: Orange’s wetlands have remained in relatively good health, according to Orange City Council resources coordinator Roger Smith. Pictured are councillor Neil Jones, wetlands team leader Maryanne Smith and wetlands crew member David Shea discussing the health of the wetlands. Photo: STEVE GOSCH 0131sggwet1
RECENT hot weather has had minimal impact on Orange’s wetlands, according to Orange City Council resources coordinator Roger Smith.
Mr Smith estimates only 5 per cent of trees and shrubs were lost during one of the driest Januarys on record.
“Up until the weekend, the wetlands weren’t going really well and the vegetation was struggling,” he said.
“We had some native trees and shrubs die because it’s difficult to water everything.
“I think only 5 per cent was lost, with Brooklands Wetlands the worst affected.”
Orange recorded nearly 90 millimetres of rain at the weekend, which came in the nick of time, Mr Smith said.
“That rain really helped replenish everything, and now it looks 100 per cent better,” he said.
Mr Smith said all lost plants and shrubs would be replaced in Autumn, the time of year that gave the plants the best chance of survival.
His comments come on the eve of World Wetlands Day on Saturday.
While Orange will delay its celebrations until Sunday, there will also be further activities next week.
On Sunday there will be a walk and talk through Ploughmans Lane from 9am to 11am.
Topics covered include how the wetlands work, survive and function, and the spin off effects they have. All community members are welcome.
On Tuesday there will be a Bill’s Bush Tour around four of Orange’s constructed wetlands.
The tour will leave the Visitor Information Centre at 11am, with only a small number of people able to attend.
Finally, on Wednesday, there will be a community day at Brooklands Wetland, the wetlands most affected by the recent hot weather.
“There we will mulch the community gardens that were planted on National Tree Day last year,” Mr Smith said.
“With this mulching it will help retain moisture and give them [the trees and shrubs] a better chance of survival.”
luke.schuyler@fairfaxmedia.com.au