Naturewise - Brookfield Conservation Park Wombat Conservation
Nr Blanchetown, SA

CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES: Conservation Volunteers manage Brookfield Conservation Park in the Murray Mallee. The Park is a scientific hub in the region drawing scientists, researchers, students and community volunteers to work together. Brookfield has also become a focus location for addressing an emerging wombat health issue.  Over the past 2 years during the summer season, increasing numbers of Southern Hairy-nosed wombats in the Murray Mallee have been found in poor and emaciated condition with damage to their skin and other organs.  The cause of this has not been determined but is likely to be nutritional stress. In the areas affected wombats have been found, very few native grasses remain. Instead, the habitat is often dominated by weeds. While we don’t know the cause we cannot be sure how to counteract this health issue. However, it is possible to improve wombat habitat by restoring the landscape vegetation.  Eminent researchers such as Dr Rod Wells are assisting with current research with much of the data coming from Brookfield and the surrounding landscape.
Participants will be involved in strategic weed management including surveys and removal; wombat warren surveys involving the collection of data (documenting location using GPS, collecting scat samples, recording measurements of warrens); erection of vegetation enclosure’s and surveys of existing vegetation for future long term monitoring. There may also be the opportunity to do a spotlight or bat survey. 

ACCOMMODATION: Scientific Camp – bunks or swags, open bush kitchen, long drop toilets, solar bag showers. Please bring your own sleeping bag, towel and if required camp pillow. 

INTINERAY & HIGHLIGHTS

DAY 1 Travel to Brookfield Conservation Park. Lunch and project induction. In the afternoon we enjoy a guided walk in the park to explore the local area.  LD

DAY 2 - 4  Assist with daily research and monitoring activities, wombat warren surveys involving the collection of data (documenting location using GPS, collecting scat samples, recording measurements of warrens); erection of vegetation enclosure's and surveys of exisiting vegeatation for furture long term monitoring.  There may also be the opportunity to do a spotlight or bat survey.  BLD

DAY 6 Final morning of conservation activities before lunch, camp pack up and return journey to Adelaide. BL

Meal Code:             B - breakfast           L – lunch                                D - dinner

PROGRAM DETAILS

Inclusions: Experienced guide, return transfers from Adelaide city, meals, accommodation conservation and wildlife monitoring activities.   

Duration: 5 days / 4 nights 
Departs: 8.00am Adelaide Office 
Returns: Adelaide Office approximately 4.00pm
Activity rating: Easy to medium
Price: $520 per person