Discover Mt Field this summer

THE Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service's  Summer Discovery Ranger program has started today at Mt Field National Park and will run until January 25, 2016. Skilled and experienced rangers will offer visitors to Tasmania's national parks the chance to join in a wide range of activities such as guided walks, evening talks, childrens' activities and more.

The Discovery Ranger program will be the first event in a series of year-long events to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the first national parks in Tasmania - Mt Field and Freycinet. For the first time, Mandarin-speaking Discovery Rangers will be based at Mt Field and Frecyinet to provide assistance to Asian visitors.

For those travelling outside the Derwent Valley, the summer ranger program is also being held at the following locations: Bruny Island, Tasman National Park, Maria Island, Freycinet National Park, Bay of Fires, North-East reserves and Scottsdale/Bridport area, Narwantapu and northern reserves, Arthur-Pieman and north-west reserves, Cradle Mountain. There will also be penguin and shearwater guides at the Bruny Island Neck and Lillico Beach Conservation Area.

Mt Field National Park Discovery Ranger program

Monday, December 28
11am – Really Big Trees. Get a new perspective on trees, landscape, the history and future of humanity and your place within it. Meet at the Tall Trees Car Park. (1.5hrs).
3pm – Art in the Bush. Discover your inner artist using natural materials to make temporary works of spiritual expression. Meet at the William Crooke shelter behind the Visitor Centre. (1hr.)

Tuesday, December 29
10am–noon – Roving Ranger. The friendly Discovery Ranger will be on the Russell Falls Track. Have all your wildlife questions answered and get some local knowledge along the way.
3pm – Feral Peril. Introduced animals are a major threat to many iconic Tasmanian species. Learn how to identify and reduce these threats. Meet at the Fagus Room in the visitor centre. (1hr).

Wednesday, December 30
10.30am – Falling Water, Falling Trees. Join Discovery Ranger Alex on a guided natural history walk to Russell Falls. Meet outside the Visitor Centre. (1hr).
3pm – Creepy Crawlies. Invertebrates are bizarre and beautiful, fascinating and sometimes fearsome. Join this remarkable photographic presentation in the Fagus Room at the Visitor Centre. (1hr).

Thursday, December 31
10.30am – Creatures Great and Small. Join Discovery Ranger Alex on a short nature walk to discover the engines of the forest that may not be so obvious. Meet outside the Visitor Centre. (1 hr).
8.30pm – Quiz Night. Fun and frivolity reign supreme when education meets with entertainment at this now annual event. Team up and test your knowledge of Tasmanian parks at the Fagus Room in the Visitor Centre. (1hr).

Full details are on the Parks and Wildlife Service website.

PLEASE NOTE: These activities are free, but a valid Park Pass is required for activities in the national park. Wear appropriate clothing, sunblock, insect repellent and footwear. Activities may be cancelled in adverse weather (check with Visitor Centre staff). Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. For further inquiries about the Discovery Program at Mt Field contact Alex Dudley on 0428 407 598.