Fire Ecology Guided walk

Our native plants have evolved in a landscape where fire was a part of the ecosystem. Join our guides to explore two fire sites and learn about some of the adaptations that our native plants use to survive bushfire.

Many plants have evolved defences to allow them to survive fires, such as thick bark, underground lignotubers, or woody fruits. Other plants focus on the next generation as they are killed by fire, but in the aftermath release seeds that rapidly germinate to take advantage of the lack of competition post-fire. The chemicals in smoke often help stimulate these seeds to germinate.

In 2012, a large fire burnt through bushland near the southern end of Bold Park. Over a decade later and the plants have grown back, but they still show signs of the fire that went through. Earlier this year, a controlled burn took place in a nearby area as part of ongoing research into the effects of fire within urban bushland areas. The walk will pass both of these areas as our guides share how fire has shaped the landscape and the evolution of our native plants.

This free walk starts at 10am from the end of Wollaston Road in Mt Claremont. Be sure to dress for the weather, including shoes that are comfortable for walking. Please contact us for more information.

Please note that there are no toilets in Bold Park, with the nearest public facilities at Perry Lakes Reserve or the Mount Claremont Community Centre (closed Sundays). Walks go ahead in most weather conditions, but will be cancelled if a severe weather warning is in place.