Citizen Science Nature Event at Toolangi

Would you like to help protect endangered native animals using hands-on citizen science?  If so, this forest training event could be for you!  It is being organised by ACF Boroondara, Lighter Footprints and Members of the Victorian Forests Alliance, and will be held in the beautiful village and forest of Toolangi, about an hour north-east of Melbourne on Wurundjeri and Taungurung Country. 

In one afternoon-evening, you can learn how to document the habitat of greater gliders using tools for mapping, GPS locating, photography, and Basecamp app recording.  Your trainers, who are all experienced members of Kinglake Friends of The Forest, Nillumbik Friends of The Great Forest, WOTCH, and/or Warburton Environment, use these tools to record and document the location of endangered greater gliders, and use the collected data to prevent VicForests destroying areas of glider habitat through logging.

The event will be held on Saturday 27th May, starting at CJ Dennis Hall in Toolangi, and finishing with a couple of hours in the forest, practising your use of the tools, in a small group led by a trainer.

The cost will be $10 per participant to be paid on the day.

You will need to bring a bottle of water, snacks, food for dinner, and a good torch (ideally a head torch).  You should also wear suitable clothing: sturdy shoes, warm clothing, waterproof coat and overpants, a hat and gloves.  Gaiters are also recommended. 

The event will be limited to 30 participants, but a waitlist will be offered to people who register after that number is reached. 

Register today to grab a training spot.

Event schedule:

2.00pm : arrive at CJ Dennis Hall, 1715 Healesville-Kinglake Rd, Toolangi, for registration and briefing over a cuppa

2.30pm - 4.30pm : citizen science training in detection and locating of greater gliders

4.30pm : meal break for a pot luck dinner (please note that the kitchen facilities are limited and that it is preferred that any food offered for sharing is vegan, gluten-free, and clearly labelled)

5.30pm : depart in cars to selected forest locations (sunset at 5.18pm)

6.30 - 8.30pm : walk up to 2kms in the forest or along a road through the forest, spotting greater gliders and recording the location of the endangered animals and their habitat trees. 

8.30pm: return to the cars for thermos cuppa and cake.

9.00pm: event finish

Greater Glider (Petauroides volans subsp. volans)