By Molly Taylor
A LARGELY untouched ecosystem near Penola has undergone extensive weed removal to help maintain its native vegetation and wildlife and reduce environmental threats.
Spanning roughly 300 acres, St Mary’s Sanctuary is a pristine area filled with native vegetation and is considered a high-priority feeding habitat to the endangered South-eastern Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo.
Due to its significance, volunteer conservation group Trees For Life has worked to remove woody weeds at the site to improve productivity and reduce degradation of habitat from weed invasion.
A team of eight contractors spent around two weeks to treat all weeds within a 100-hectare block and a follow-up visit is scheduled in 12-months time.