COMMUNITY FORUMS, WORKSHOPS & FIELD DAYS
We hold regular forums and workshops on a variety of relevant topics. We also host occasional field days to advance the practical learnings of the local community.
"NEW LIFE"
MAY 2024
What a wonderful afternoon at Claude Road Hall!
​
Over sixty people attended our New Life forum to hear about:
-
the Giant Freshwater Crayfish. This very special invertebrate lives only in the north of Tasmania, and is endangered. Our presenter, Todd Walsh, spoke about his journey from catching and eating crayfish as a youngster to advocating for the species' protection. Todd has become a recognised expert on the species, combining practical and theoretical knowledge. Todd brought a mature (about twenty years old) crayfish and juvenile (two years old) crayfish to the event. The audience was startled to observe that a crayfish takes many years to mature - highlighting its vulnerability to over-fishing, and the great need for protection. Click here to find out more about MRLC's Giant Freshwater Crayfish Project.
​
-
the variety of plant and animal life on Mount Roland. Our presenter was Kristen Lang, who introduced the gathering to MRLC's new "Life on the Mountain" Project. Kristen shared footage from our remote sensor cameras on the mountain, shedding light on the complex little communities which exist there. The curious currawongs and a wombat with joey in the pouch were amongst the audience favourites. Click here to find out more about Life on the Mountain, to view footage, and to see Kristen's observations.
We also heard music from Arcana Rose, and enjoyed afternoon tea courtesy of Klara's Milieu Street Bistro.
SEED COLLECTING WORKSHOP
FEB 2024
Describe your image
Describe your image
Describe your image
An enriching and enjoyable workshop showing participants how to collect the seeds of native plants. We were again fortunate to be taught by Ruth Mollison, a pre-eminent expert on Tasmanian plants. We were hosted at a spectacular, revegetated property at Erriba, and were able to view a number of beautiful mature plants inc. Hakea, Callistemon, Acacia, and Athrotaxis (King Billy Pine).
SHELTERBELTS and BLACKWOODS FIELD DAY JUL 2023
A special day. Participants were privileged to be hosted at two exceptional properties. First, a highly successful, certified organic farm at Barrington. We viewed a variety of shelter belts comprising native Tasmanian spp. and exotics. The owners - one of whom is a professional forester - shared their learnings. Second, a beautiful small-holding at Paradise. Here we were able to inspect blackwood plantations at different stages of growth and in varying locations across the property. Thank you to our generous hosts for sharing their expertise.
SEED COLLECTING
WORKSHOP JAN 2023
A 90 minute workshop, conducted by Ruth Mollison, on how to collect the seed of native plants, and how to prepare and store the seed prior to planting.
​
​
PUBLIC AND PRIVATE RESERVES AUG 2022
-
land reserves in Tasmania
-
public reserves - with a focus on Mount Roland Regional Reserve (what activities can/cannot legally occur there).
-
options to privately preserve land that you love on your property.
Presenters:
Andrea Henderson, Regional Planner Tasmanian Parks & Wildlife Service
Gail Dennett and John Dennett, Co-Chairs of Conservation Landholders Tasmania.
REFLECTIONS ON A STORM JULY 2022
-
A community forum incorporating presentations, poetry, and music to reflect on the devastating wind storm in the Sheffield area 11-12 June 2022. Members of Disaster Relief Australia also attended and spoke about the exemplary, practical support they are providing to local residents.
Events prior to 2022 can be viewed in History