The Grandmother Tree

Many people living around Perth have no idea of the size and antiquity of our indigenous trees.  I suspect some have never visited our extraordinary bushland areas!

I'd like to share with you some photos of "The Grandmother Tree", which lives in a Bush Forever Site next to Ellenbrook.  The base of the tree measures about 5m in circumference.  The tree species is Stout Paperbark (Melaleuca preissiana). 

Photos do not do it justice!  I haven't been able to find tables matching age of this species to its girth, so can only guess at how long it has been growing.  Since Federation (January 1901) - a mere 110 years?  Absolutely.  Since European settlement of Western Australia (in 1829), 180 years ago?  Highly likely.  I suspect this tree might be closer to 300 years old, or even more.  The soft papery bark bears scars from some bushfires over its lifetime, and has, paradoxically, protected the tree from being burnt.  These large trees provide nectar for honeyeaters and Honey Possums, as well as shelter and a place to raise their young.

You would think that such an enormous tree would stand out like a sore thumb in the landscape.  But look at this photo, taken from a hilltop.  The Grandmother Tree is in the middle distance, about 250m away, on the right.  Can you see it in this photo?

(Not the tall jarrah!)  How about in this one, a section of the above photo enlarged?  

The Grandmother Tree is in a low part of the landscape, and is the dark patch in the middle, to the left of the tall Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) which is on a hill.  It's not the only large tree in the area.  Here it is circled below in yellow.

This tree is one of our local treasures.  It, and others like it, is an important part of local biodiversity, and needs to be conserved and protected from any proposed development or changes to land planning.

Twilight adventure in Karakamia

Last night, a large group of excited adults and children visited Karakamia Wildlife Sanctuary.  Karakamia is run by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy, and covers over 200ha of beautiful bushland with jarrah and marri trees, with rolling hills and small creeklines. 

The first place we visited was the information centre, a rustic log house, where we met our guides, and split into two smaller groups.

Our guides took us carefully through the bush just after sundown.  We learned about the various nocturnal mammals that live in the forest, such as the woylie (a.k.a. Brush-tailed Bettong), quenda (Southern Brown Bandicoot) and Tammar wallabies.  We saw all of these animals during our walk, as they foraged in the undergrowth for their food, safe from harm.  Karakamia Sanctuary is surrounded by a "predator-proof" fence, which keeps out feral animals like foxes, cats and dogs.

There were so many things to look at; golden orb spiders, leaf-curl spiders, trees that are hundreds of years old, and places where animals had dug for food.  We saw a trapline put in by visiting biologists to study small animals.  Our guides showed us places where some of the animals live, such as goanna burrows, and possum hollows in wandoo trees.  We learned a little bit about the jarrah forest web of life.

After two hours of walking, looking and listening, we headed back to the log house for well-deserved cups of tea and snacks.  What an exciting adventure! 

Ellenbrook Bushland Group, in association with City of Swan, is planning more adventures like this one for local residents.  Keep an eye on the Upcoming Events listing above.