Field trips, a community tree planting day and a marine turtle presentation are among the array of ‘Caring for our Coast’ events being hosted by Fraser Coast Regional Council over the next four weeks.
Cr Jade Wellings said Council sought to play its part in preserving, protecting and managing the Fraser Coast’s unique environment through a range of strategies, programs and educational events.
“The Fraser Coast has a diverse natural environment with an abundance of native flora and fauna, and Council’s Natural Environment Program provides opportunities for residents to get involved in activities to manage and maintain our bushland and open spaces,” she said.
“Council’s Natural Environment team have organised a range of free events during March with the theme of ‘Caring for our Coast’ and we encourage residents to come along and get involved.”
The Fraser Coast Regional Council’s ‘Caring for our Coast’ events include:
Tuesday 8th March – Guided Coastal Plant Walk, Pialba (9am). Meet at The Pines carpark.
Come along and learn about the different types of plants found in coastal areas and why they are so important. Please bring comfortable shoes, hat, sunscreen, water bottle.
Friday 18th March – Coastal Plants Propagation Workshop, Community Nursery, Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens (9am) Learn how to propagate coastal plants you can grow in your own yard. Numbers limited to 20 participants, please register by contacting Council’s Customer Service Centre on 1300 79 49 29 during business hours. Please bring comfortable shoes, hat, sunscreen, water bottle.
- Sunday 20th March – Shorebird Field Trip, Toogoom (8am) Meet at the end of Ries Road
Migratory shorebirds are getting ready for their epic migration to the northern hemisphere. Join the Queensland Wader Study Group to learn more about these extraordinary birds.
Numbers limited to 12 participants, please register by contacting Council’s Customer Service Centre on 1300 79 49 29 during business hours.
Please bring a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, water bottle and a pair of binoculars if you have them. Wear shoes that can get wet at high tide (or be ready to remove your shoes). The walk to the roost is 1.5km return.
- Wednesday 23rd March – Exploring Rocky Shores, Pialba (5.30pm) Meet at The Pines carpark.
Come along and learn about the hidden (or not-so-hidden) creatures that call the rocky shore their home.
Please bring non-slip shoes (no thongs please), hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle.
- Saturday 26th March – Community Tree Planting, Point Vernon (from 7am) Oceanview Street Reserve (adjacent to Parraweena Park)
Join us for a morning of tree planting, guided walks, microscope adventures and nature hunts. BBQ breakfast included (coffee and tea available for purchase). Please bring comfortable shoes, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a water bottle.
Activities – 7.30am Guided Bush Bird Walk
8.00am Tree Planting begins
9.00am Guided Environmental Restoration Walk
9.45am Kids Activities
10.45am Guided shorebird walk
Thursday 31st March – Marine Turtle Presentation, Community Nursery, Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens (1.30pm) Join the Lower Mary River Land and Catchment Care Group to take a closer look at the extraordinary lives of marine turtles, the threats they face and what you can do to help them.
Numbers limited to 20 participants, please register by contacting Council’s Customer Service Centre on 1300 79 49 29 during business hours. Please bring a hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle.
- Saturday 2nd April – The Successes and Challenges of Foreshore Restoration Guided Walk, Toogoom (9am). Meet at the beach access/car park, end of Jeppesen Street. This activity will be led by one of our longest-serving CEP Volunteers who will provide participants with some insights into the work she has been doing over the past 16 years. Please bring comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen and a water bottle.
All the details about the ‘Caring for Our Coast’ program are available here – https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/caring-coast
Article and photos submitted by Fraser Coast Regional Council
