February Perth Branch meeting featuring Dr Ben Miller on urban bushland fire

Recently burnt bushland at Hollywood Reserve, Nedlands.

This month’s General Meeting of the Perth Branch will feature a presentation by guest speaker Dr Ben Miller from Kings Park Science. Ben leads their research into understanding the effects of fire and management approaches in urban bushland.

This coming Tuesday evening, 14 February at the Palms Community Centre, Subiaco, Ben will give what will surely be an interesting overview of the research conducted at Kings Park into fire, its effects on native and invasive plants, and management approaches.

Fire in the Australian landscape is a long-standing feature, whether ignited intentionally or by natural means like lightning. Although bushfires in the southwest and southeast of the country can be particularly savage, many of our natural ecosystems are well adapted to fire. Many can not only recover from fire but also thrive due to it. But it’s not a simple issue. Apart from the carnage it can wreak to people who have the misfortune of being in the path of an inferno, our natural ecosystems have novel challenges that can hinder their recovery, from invasive species, to drought and climate change. Urban pockets of bushland are particularly at risk from being overrun by weeds after fire, but exactly what are the best management practices for these areas, before and after fire, is still an open question.

Doors open at 7.45 pm for an 8 pm start with a $3 donation giving you entry into the night’s door prize.