The wonderful Wildflower Society of WA

Bush Heritage Australia is truly grateful for and would like to acknowledge the hundreds of volunteer hours provided by members of Western Australian Wildflower Society in recent years.

Thanks to their help with collecting, processing, identifying and mounting thousands of plant specimens, we now have a thorough understanding of the unique plant species assemblages of Charles Darwin Reserve and Eurardy Reserve in the Mid-west of Western Australia.

We now have over 50 Threatened, Priority and/or endemic plant species on the list for Eurardy Reserve – amazing!

Our most recent purchase in the Mid-west – Hamelin Station Reserve – is located next to the Shark Bay World Heritage Area and had never been surveyed in detail for flora. It's on the northern-most edge of the south-west global biodiversity hotspot and has an interesting mix of south-west and more arid inland plant species. We're so very grateful that the Wildflower Society volunteered to repeat their fantastic work at Hamelin also.

In spring this year the Wildflower Society commenced a flora blitz at Hamelin – collecting specimens in shrublands, salt marsh, mallee woodlands and rangelands areas. The aim was to obtain a comprehensive list of the plant species present so we can better understand the ecological values of the property.

Although it wasn't a great year for wildflowers due to a dry winter, we collected many interesting specimens and had a lovely time in the bush. We saw Thorny Devils, native bees and enjoyed lunches on the edge of Hamelin Pool and under ancient Snakewood trees.

We were also lucky to have a team dinner with VIP guests Professor Stephen Hopper and his wife Chris (WA botanical royalty!) which was a real thrill.

The species lists and collections that result from this vital work ensure that Bush Heritage can manage its reserves in the most effective way, better describe the unique ecological values of the Mid-west, share information with national and state databases and determine the most useful research questions for the future.

We very much appreciate the ongoing hard work of so many dedicated volunteers – we think you are awesome!

Thanks again