Discovery program at Mt Field National Park

FROM today until January 29, the Summer Discovery Ranger Program 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 much, much more.

Now in its 39th year, the program continues to expand and innovate. This year will see the highly qualified team of Discovery Rangers working their magic at a number of parks including Mt Field. Discovery Rangers will also be out in local communities sharing the wonder of the surrounding reserves at community events throughout the summer holidays.

Mandarin-speaking Discovery Rangers will once again be at Freycinet, Mt Field, Maria Island and Cradle Mountain, providing assistance and highlighting the wonders of these parks to Chinese visitors. For the first time, three Aboriginal Discovery Rangers will present Tasmania's rich Aboriginal heritage to park and reserve visitors and community members across the state.

At Mt Field National Park in the Derwent Valley, Discovery Ranger Emma will offer free fun and educational activities at the following times:

Thursday, December 28
11am - Mt Field minibeasts (1 hour). Meet at the William Crooke Shelter (behind Visitor Centre). Bugs are the foundations of ecosystems. Explore their world in this invertebrate extravaganza.
2pm - Eww! What’s on my shoe? (1 hour). Meet in front of the Visitor Centre. Find out why biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility.

Friday, December 29
10.30am - Devils in danger (1 hour). Meet in front of the Visitor Centre. Learn more about Tasmania’s iconic carnivore and what you can do to protect them.
2pm - Prickly pandani (1.5 hours). Meet at the Lake Dobson Carpark. Just a spiky plan or something much more amazing? Find out on this guided walk of the Pandani Circuit.
8.45pm - Creatures of the night (1.5 hours). Meet in the Fagus room in the Visitor Centre. When night falls, Mt Field comes alive. Please book at the Visitor Centre as there are limited spots.

Saturday, December 30
11am - A walk among giants (1 hour). Meet at the Tall Trees Carpark. Get a new perspective on trees, landscapes, fire, and how humans fit in to it all.
4pm - Platypus prowl (1 hour). Meet in front of the Visitor Centre. Learn about the fascinating monotremes that call the streams of Mt Field home.

Sunday, December 31 
11am - Young bush explorers (1.5 hours). Meet at the William Crooke Shelter behind the Visitor Centre. Ever dreamed of being a park ranger? Come along to learn the basics.
3pm - Eww! What’s on my shoe? (1 hour). Meet in front of the Visitor Centre. Find out why biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility.
8.45pm - Creatures of the night (1.5 hours). Meet in the Fagus room in the Visitor Centre. When
night falls, Mt Field comes alive. Please book at the Visitor Centre as there are limited spots.

Monday, January 1
11am - Wild and winged (1 hour). Meet in front of the Visitor Centre. What came first the native hen or the egg? This question and more will be answered on a guided bird walk.
2pm - Discovery and wonder display (1 hour). Meet in front of the Visitor Centre. Get acquainted with some of the amazing creatures that live at Mt Field.

Tuesday, January 2 
10.30am - Russell Falls roving ranger (1 hour). Meet on the Russell Falls track. Learn more about Tasmania’s oldest National Park, as Discovery Ranger Emma roves along the Russell Falls track.
1pm - Art in the bush (1 hour). Meet in the Fagus Room in the Visitor Centre. Discover your inner artist using natural materials and nature as your muse.
3pm -  Platypus prowl (1 hour). Meet in front of the Visitor Centre. Learn about the fascinating monotremes that call the streams of Mt Field home.

PLEASE NOTE: Please bring sun and rain protection. Activities may be cancelled in bad weather. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.