THE Friends Of Tomaree National Park are all about protecting nature through community action.

Friends of Tomaree National Park volunteers marked World Environment Day, and are extending opportunities for the community to become involved and give a helping hand.

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Friends Tomaree National Park Coordinator, and coordinator for the North Tomaree group, Sue Olsson, told News Of The Area, “There are about 50 current volunteers across Friends of Tomaree and Fishermans Bay, the group conducts five regular working bees a month, three at North Tomaree and two at Fishermans Bay.”

Bitou weed is one species of national significance which is targeted for removal – as it smothers out natives.

You can get involved in this community group this weekend by joining the Friends on Saturday 12 June at Zenith Beach, or Sunday 13 June around Tomaree Head.

You can join for a couple of hours on one or both mornings, as the group tackles bitou bush at a critical time when flowering and before spreading more seed.

“Zenith Beach is just one of the glorious places for our work bees.

“Last week we took time out to watch dolphins surfing, then while busy cutting bitou, a white-bellied sea-eagle scooped low over the dunes, seemingly checking out the disturbance” said Sue.

“On World Environment Day the Friends’ Fishermans Bay group enjoyed their Saturday morning discovering interesting pointers about native and weed rushes and lilies, before clearing bitou smothering dainty Correas or native fuschias, and many other natives.

“Their last short workshop, courtesy of the Hunter Region Landcare Network, Tuesday 15 June with local coordinator Josephine O’Brien, focuses on coastal vines and scramblers” said Ms Olsson.

To join in or learn more about these bush and coast care activities, please email tomaree-np-friends@npansw.org.au.

By Marian SAMPSON