Robyn's current roles are Leader of the Mornington Peninsula District Group of the Australian Plants Society and the Vice President of the State Executive of Management of APS Vic. Her keen interests are in Australian Natives Plants and Birds and the conservation of the indigenous environment. This began as a young girlfollowing in the footsteps of her father and spans more than 60 years. She volunteers with several organisations in the conservation arena, belong to various specialized plant groups and is a keen gardener and traveller of Australia. Robyn is well known in local gardening clubs and "Friends of" groups for her passion, knowldege and enthusiasm. She is essentially a self taught expert in the field. Robyn's key message was based around how unique the native plant life and environment is on the Mornington Peninsula. There are more than1500 species of plant here and still counting. This is1/5th of the species of plants in Victoria. The Mornington Peninsula has over 30 EVA's (types of specific environmental areas) the most of any local council or area in the state. Her talk was then based around these EVAs and the species of plants in them. She did not have time to cover them all, however, the range of plants and habitats she showed us was an eduction for us all. President Carolyn, herself a gardening expert, said she learnt heaps. Her main message is that given the chance the native plants will bounce back if we can give it a chance from the "seed bank" that sits in the ground. This mainly means controlling weeds and leave the areas alone so that it has a chance to reestablish itself. For example do not mow everything! Robyn gave numerous examples of how the land was cleared in the past but has bounced back when left to its own devices. She recounts how Friends Groups have removed the weeds boneseed and polygala from coastal cliff tops and the natives have returned. Robyn also told us that local councils have been mandated and fundedby the state government to set up local indigenous nurserys and support groups and individuals trying to bring back or conserve indigenous EVAs. Robyn also gave us some examples of how local groups/individuals have saved threatened plants from extinction such as the purple donkey orchid along the railway line near Wooralla Drive and a native gum only found at Main Ridge that was down to only 20 trees. Robyn impressed us all with her passion and drive. We are lucky to have her as part of our community and advocting for our native plants and animals.  Robyn with Chair Neil, President Carolyn and new member Jan Robyn also promoted the Plant sale the Morningto Peninsula APS group are holding at the Briars and encouraged us to buy and plant natives! |
