Environmental visionaries at St Stithians College have listed two species, bugweed and blue gum as invasive plants and trees to be removed from their beautiful grounds.
According to Sandy Andrew, communication consultant for the college in Lyme Park, the blue gum tree’s roots move around looking for water and each tree drinks its own weight in water every week. Large flies are attracted to the bugweed plant and the excretions of these flies coupled with the secretions of the plant produce dysentery.
St Stithians is proud of its greening policy, which is aimed at returning the area to its original state, complete with indigenous trees, grasslands and a wetland. Andrew said that, “The current landscape plan, which has been written in conjunction with all the relevant environmental organisations, is on the point of being formalised, promoting Saints as a park school.” A thorough environment impact assessment has been undertaken, taking all services, the seasons and the vital water into consideration. “The plan has the planting of indigenous, low-maintenance and water-wise trees and flora as its main focus,” said Andrew.
Andrew added that bird lovers should be interested to hear that 30 species of birds have returned, including herons and the sparrow hawk. A variety of water birds have made an appearance, as have Egyptian geese. The grasslands are full of guinea fowl. “Bird Life SA rings all the birds [at the school], enabling the organisation to keep track of the welcome visitors.” Aside from the birds, insects and animals are also finding a home at Saints. Civets and genets have been spotted, as has a giant tortoise.
Andrew invited residents to come and enjoy the greenery at the college. Pauline Dickson, who has assisted in the development of the area for the last 34 years, has a specific request, “If you are walking your dog, take a poop scoop along with you. If you have a licence to fish in the well-stocked dam, make sure you take all your netting home,” said Dickson.
