Merri Island Planting and Clean-up

(Near Zoe Circuit, Northcote, Melway 30 C8. Funded by Melbourne Water River Health Incentives Program.)

Ray (secretary of Friends of Merri Creek) told us on the day that Merri Island was the first site the Friends worked on in 1989. The island was constructed (I think for storm water management) and trees were planted. 20 years on the trees are now quite large and established. Staff of the MCMC have been working hard to clear rubbish and weeds such as Wandering Jew.
I'm not sure which 'Wandering Jew' was infesting the island, there are a few plants with this name including Commelina cyanea (also known as Scurvy weed - native to the East Coast of Australia, NSW to QLD). There was also another vine infesting the island growing up into the canopy. MCMC staff cleared these weeds, and laid weed mats and even dug the holes into which we had the glorious task of planting a whole range of grasses, shrubs and small herbs.

 Wattles are blooming in force at the moment. The yellow blossoms creating a sense of air and light all along the creek.

I had never ventured to this side of the creek before, I am always on the western bank where the cycle path lies. Despite the filthy brown water the creek is peaceful along this stretch, and the morning remained sunny for the planting.
There do seem to be more volunteers at plantings which occur closer to the inner city. One woman asked me where I was from, when I answered that I lived in Preston she responded with, 'We are starting to get more people from out there'. She was trying to be welcoming, however her tone may not be as welcoming as she might wish it to be. Class, opportunity and access to education.... these might all be factors that delimit who has or finds the time and inclination to get down to the creek on the weekends.