Like koalas, local native orchid populations are also threatened by fires, drought and over development.
Macarthur Australasian Native Orchid Society (MANOS), thanks to community grants from AGL’s Camden Gas Project, will be conducting a native orchid survey across the Macarthur area till the end of 2021 to identify and assist local councils and development stakeholders in the relocation of orchid populations and ensure the conservation of some species only found in the Macarthur area.
The Macarthur region is rich in native orchids, with more than 80 species occurring.
This year, due to the smoky summer and autumn rains there has been huge numbers of flowering orchids to see.
Three quarters of the native orchids in the Macarthur region are terrestrial orchids meaning they grow in soil unlike the epiphyte and lithophytes that grow in trees or on rocks.
Importantly, the terrestrial orchids, only have leaves or flowers above ground for a 10 week period annually and are often missed when council or development surveys are undertaken. This puts these orchid populations at risk.
Native orchids can be found across the Macarthur region in reserves, road verges, residential and rural properties and just about anywhere natural vegetation continues to grow.
MANOS is looking for community support from local residents, bush walkers, naturalists or anyone who sees what they think might be an orchid.
All you have to do is take a picture with your phone and email the photo and location of the plant to MacarthurANOS@gmail.com
MANOS will use the data collected to map orchid populations and create opportunities to conserve, move and relocate populations across the Macarthur region.
“This project will hopefully be used to increase the knowledge of our local orchids and encourage an orchid appreciation and conservation,’’ says a MANOS spokesperson.
AGL community relations manager, Marina Draper said the company was pleased to be working with MANOS to help preserve the native orchid populations in the region.
“We know regional communities across NSW have been severely impacted by severe drought, bushfires and Covid-19 but we are committed to doing what we can to help our local communities not only rebuild by thrive,’’ Ms Draper said.
“This work is critical and will go a long way in supporting and protecting these orchid species which are not just unique to Macarthur but bring much beauty and colour to our region.”
If you are interested in becoming a MANOS member contact them via email at MacarthurANOS@gmail.com.
Like Macarthur ANOS on Facebook or alternatively you can attend one of the monthly meetings at Birriwa Community Centre, Fitzpatrick Road, Mt Annan, on the third Tuesday of each month starting at 7.30pm.
