Discovering Wildflowers and Orchids
A Communities Journey to Hidden Roadside Gems
Community Participation - LEP23_036_LLC4_2
The issue
Roadside vegetation is invaluable for preserving landscape connectivity, local endemic species and serving as wildlife refuges. However, these seemingly ordinary stretches of land are often overlooked, neglected and unexplored. Further undervalued elements to roadside vegetation are our observations and memory as we travel by. Subconsciously, people begin to form a mental map of local roadside vegetation which is rarely recorded or acknowledged formally.
The solution
It is fundamental that we explore these snippets of knowledge. In particular, noting that the Billy Buttons flower in that drainage on the north side of town every year and then following this up by inviting the community out into that environment to explore this. So armed with a tip off and valuable local knowledge of the orchids growing at Billy’s Roadside around Lake Cowal, we planned an event for the community. The main aim was to grow appreciation, share local knowledge and get out in the field to rediscover.
The impact
Each year now, conditions permitting, we set off on these guided walks to educate the community on the amazing abundance of wildflowers and delicate orchids hiding in the 50 metre radius. It is a gift to share these spaces with community and to open discussions about other local rare gems hidden throughout the district. This season was a particular highlight with two new orchid species discovered in this location - the Common Onion Orchid (Microtis unifolia) and the Subalpine Leek Orchid (Prosophyllum sphacelatum). Each year our knowledge grows, as does the deeper awareness within our participants, fostering an exploring nature and desire to learn about our backyard. You never know what you will find if you just start looking.
Key facts
- 2024 event had 20 participants
- 25 wildflower species counted
- 2 new orchid species discovered