Citizen Science Naturewise Weekends at Brookfield Conservation Park – Holidays with an Australian Wildlife Focus

Description

Are you curious about Australia’s native animals? This is a great opportunity for you! Come and learn with the experts.

You are invited to join a Naturewise Holiday Weekend and discover more about the Southern Hairy-nosed Wombats and some of the other native species at Brookfield Conservation Park. We have a weekend each month from March to December in 2016. You are welcome to join us for one or more of the weekends. For those who can volunteer on a few weekends you will see how the different seasons impact on the habitats and influence the behaviour of the wildlife.

Brookfield is a small conservation park located just east of Blanchetown, not far from the mighty River Murray.

At Brookfield you will learn about how researchers undertake their investigations, learn about the wombats, their habits, behaviours, health issues, habitat conservation and what land managers are doing to protect these “bulldozers of the bush” in their natural environment.

As a volunteer you will learn some of the survey methods under the guidance of the resident scientist and the experienced CVA Team Leader.

CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES: The Murray Mallee is one of the last remaining strongholds for populations of South Australia’s faunal emblem, the Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat.  Volunteers will be involved in wombat warren vegetation surveys involving the collection of data (documenting location using GPS, recording measurements of warrens, vegetation, scats). This survey work supports research that plays a critical role in helping to plan for the long term survival of wombat populations in the Murray Mallee.

Brookfield Conservation Park also provides opportunities to spot Australian wildlife such as kangaroos, possums, echidnas, emus, wrens, eagles and many other birds.

ACCOMMODATION: You will spend your Saturday night at Brookfield Conservation Park’s Historic Homestead – shared bunk style accommodation with shared bathroom facilities.  Star gazers and sunrise-watchers are welcome to choose a swag and sleep on the front verandah.  Please bring your own sleeping bag, towel and a small camp pillow.

PLANNED INTINERAY & HIGHLIGHTS

DAY 1 Travel from Adelaide city centre to Brookfield Conservation Park, visiting the Truro Bakery on the way (try their famous Lamingtons!). Notice the changing scenery on your journey. Arrive at the park, where after a brief introduction and safety briefing the park we undertake a wombat warren and vegetation survey.  In the afternoon enjoy a guided tour to discover the fascinating history of the park, local wildlife and learn about the wombat conservation project.  We may also meet university researchers undertaking various other surveys.  A shared dinner and star-gazing compliment an evening in the bush.

DAY 2 Breakfast followed by wombat warren and vegetation surveys.  Lunch and wildlife spotting before our return journey to Adelaide.

Please note: At some times during the year the focus of the weekend surveys may be more on other species such as the Rosenbergs Goannas or the Superb Blue Fairy Wrens, this can happen at short notice due to seasonal conditions in the park and unexpected changes in the planned research staff. The focus will always be on one of the native species. You will always get to learn about the wombats!

Itinerary may be subject to change during the summer months (December-March) due to very hot weather.  This may include earlier starts to avoid the heat of the day and alternative activities. In extreme cases in summer the park may be closed due to high fire danger.  We will communicate with participants in advance should a program be impacted due to park closure in severe weather conditions.

Useful Information

PROGRAM DETAILS

Inclusions: Experienced guide, return travel between Adelaide and Brookfield, meals, accommodation conservation and wildlife monitoring activities.

Duration: 2 days / 1 nights

Departs: 8.00am Adelaide Office

Returns: Adelaide Office approximately 4.00pm

Activity rating: Easy to medium

Price: $140 per person (as at 14/12/15 – may be subject to change in 2016)

Planned dates for 2016

5 & 6 March

2 & 3 April

7 & 8 May

4 & 5 June

2 & 3 July

6 & 7 August

3 & 4 September

1 & 2 October

5 & 6 November

3 & 4 December

What to bring and what to wear: –

– long sleeved work shirts and long trousers (jeans) for protection from the elements, vegetation and insects.
– strong protective boots (hiking boots or work boots with a protective toe cap are recommended).
– wide-brimmed sun hat (and a beanie for colder days)
– a raincoat or jacket (if the forecast is for rain)
– sun glasses & sun block (high SPF)
– water bottles x 2 litres
– sleeping bagsleep-wear, torch with fully-charged batteries, towel and toiletries. \

Team members also assist with preparing meals and domestic duties.

Contact

• Frances at Adelaide CVA
• Phone: 08 8212 0777
• Phone: Freecall CVA National Office 1800 032 501
• Email: adelaide@cva.org.au
• Website: www.conservationvolunteers.com.au

• Cost: $140
• Booking required

• Brookfield Conservation Park, Blanchetown SA Brookfield Conservation Park, Blanchetown, South Australia, Australia

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