An aerial view of the picturesque Devilbend Natural Features Reserve, a haven for wildlife conservation efforts.
Jamie Edgerton, a founding member of the Devilbend Foundation Inc committee, speaks to Sarah Halfpenny about the organisation’s journey from its inception to its ongoing efforts to preserve the Devilbend Natural Features Reserve in Moorooduc.
How did the Devilbend Foundation Inc come about, and how long have you been involved in its activities?
The Devilbend Foundation Inc was founded in 2006 as a formalisation of the advocacy efforts of an alliance of over 40 environmentally concerned community groups to retain the decommissioned Devilbend Reservoir site in public ownership. A public consultation process in 2003 found strong support for a ‘community vision’ that proposed retention of the site for restoration as a wildlife reserve. In 2006 the site was designated as a natural features reserve, with Parks Victoria as its land manager. Most DFI committee members, including myself, have been involved in DFI and its informal predecessor, Devilbend Steering Group, since early 2004.
Why is Devilbend Reserve considered of significance?
The State Government’s 2004 Devilbend working group found overwhelming evidence of the ongoing local extinction of native species and threats to biodiversity on the Mornington Peninsula. The community process highlighted the urgency of restoration of patches of wildlife habitat of meaningful size, and the Devilbend site was recognised as an ideal site for this critical purpose. The site has about 150 native plant species, of which 83 are regionally significant; 11 ecological vegetation classes, all regionally rare, vulnerable or endangered; more than 84 fauna species of regional or higher significance; and numerous Aboriginal archaeological sites and stone artefacts.
What initiatives are the Devilbend Foundation Inc currently working on?
In collaboration with Parks Victoria and Melbourne Water, we are working on:
- Bird monitoring – continuing monthly bird counts in Devilbend Reserve and the adjoining Woods Reserve. These have been conducted since 2004 in collaboration with BirdLife Australia, and over 150 bird species have been recorded
- Water quality monitoring – a Waterwatch and Macro Invertebrates team take monthly observations
- Habitat restoration – monthly weeding of mostly woody weeds in the reserve, and periodic participation in planting of local native species.
Members of the Devilbend Foundation Inc diligently weed amid the tranquil beauty of the reserve.
Tell us about the Friends of Daangean group and its role in caring for the park through habitat restoration.
Friends of Daangean is the arm of Devilbend Foundation Inc which works with Parks Victoria on habitat restoration. ‘Daangean’ is the local Bunurong name for the site. They have been conducting monthly working bees on the site, primarily engaged in the removal of woody weeds such as sweet pittosporum. Friends of Daangean is also an active participant in planting and weeding activities organised for the public by Parks Victoria.
Considering the Bunurong people’s connection to the land, how are they involved in advising and participating in the Devilbend Reserve’s management and conservation efforts?
In recognition of the significant cultural and archaeological values of the reserve, Parks Victoria involved the Bunurong Aboriginal Land Council in the consultation and design process for the preparation of the Devilbend Natural Features Management Plan. Staff of the land council have also been involved in related management activities, including the identification of key archaeological sites, the routing of public pathways in the reserve, and the installation of soil conservation measures to protect sites of special significance.
In what ways can volunteers contribute to the preservation and improvement of the reserve?
Volunteers from all age groups are needed to join in each of our ongoing activities. Specifics can be found on our website at devilbendfoundation.org.au, and by subscribing to our quarterly newsletter, called DFI News.
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