How You Can Help
Most residents in the Maylands lakes area have a common interest and shared concern for the lakes, its native animals and amenities. The FOML was created by the community, for the benefit of the community. Participating in our busy bees to collectively improve our environment undoubtedly generates a spirit of camaraderie and common purpose. Find out how to join in at the Volunteers page!
Have you found Injured Wildlife?
You can also contribute as an individual by ensuring your activities do not inadvertently damage the environment.
Feeding birds information
Please note that highly processed human foods (like bread) have elevated sugar and protein levels that are harmful to native birds. Please see the link for more information before feeding the waterfowl.
Using alternative cleaners
Washing your car
Cats and Wildlife information
One of the delights of the lakes precinct is the native bird life, and in particular watching the waterbird chicks and cygnets hatch and grow. Tragically, many of the birds are killed by domestic cats. Please help preserve our native wildlife by ensuring your cat does not roam free.
The purr-fect companion: An indoor lifestyle improves cat welfare and outcomes for wildlife
Dogs
Please observe the “Dogs on Leash” by laws when exercising your dogs around the lakes, particularly when water birds are nesting and hatching chicks. Ducklings, cygnets and turtles are particularly vulnerable when on land and even if your dog does not attack them, parent birds are wary of breeding where there is a perceived danger. Please also note that the Samphire on the river front is the nesting area for rare ground birds, the Buff Banded Rail and Little Grassbird.
Dog poo
Pick up your dog’s poo! Please take responsibility for your dog and show consideration for the rest of the community that use the parks and walkways. Please also ensure your dog is kept on lead in all public areas, other than those specified as “off-lead”.
Fertilisers
The fundamental problem with our lakes is a very high nutrient level. Run off from gardens and lawns is a significant culprit as all stormwater goes into the lakes. Please choose fertilisers that are low in phosphorus and nitrogen.
Another good tip when applying fertiliser is to mix it, 50/50 with granular Wetta Soil. This not only reduces nutrient run off and concentrations, but also reduces water usage and promotes root growth. Regular application of liquid Wetta Soil will also help your garden and the environment!
Native Gardens
Better still, plant a native garden! They are low maintenance, don’t need strong fertilisers and attract native birds.
What to do with turtles
During breeding season, it is quite common to find turtles, eggs and hatchlings in your garden or on the roads. Please take special care in handling them (refer to link).
Injured Wildlife
Wildlife Helpline: (08) 9474 9055
W.A. Seabird Rescue: 0418 952 683
Turtle Oblonga Rescue Perth:
- Metro 0414 476 867
- South 0424 727 624
- East 0424 727 411
Native Arc Inc.: (08) 9417 7105
Native Animal Rescue:(08) 9249 3434
Darling Range Wildlife Shelter: (08) 9394 0885
Kanyana Wildlife Shelter: (08) 9291 3900
Emergency Wildlife Vet: (08) 9204 0400
Open 24 hours: 305 Selby St N, Osborne Park
Rescuers and carers are volunteers. Centres do not pick up so injured/abandoned wildlife are required to be delivered to centres.
Rubbish and Plastics
The damage plastics are causing to the environment and wildlife is now well established. Please ensure that rubbish, plastics, balloons and straws are properly disposed of, so they don’t pollute our lakes.
Aquatic Weeds
Please do not dispose of your aquarium plants into the lakes. Many of these are classified as ‘weeds’, which often spread rapidly and can be almost impossible to eradicate.
Aquatic Invaders
Never place fish into the lakes, as these can cause irreparable damage to native species in both the lakes and the Swan River into which they flow.