Family Forest Evening with Greater Glider Spotlighting

FAMILY FOREST EVENING : GREATER GLIDER SPOTLIGHTING

Are you keen for a family forest adventure?  Would you like to see a Greater Glider in the bush?

ACF Community Boroondara and Lighter Footprints, with the wonderful volunteers from Kinglake Friends of the Forest, offer families the opportunity to take a guided walk in the forests of Toolangi on the afternoon and evening of Saturday 16^th September.

Come and see the Greater Glider in its natural habitat. Wonder at the beauty of our magnificent mountain ash forests and learn about why our forests are so important for all of us.

The Program

4.15pm Arrive at Monda Carpark in Toolangi Forest. 

Monda Carpark (map)

4.30 Start the event with introductions and some forest games.

5.15 Bring your own family picnic dinner to share.

6.00 Organise into groups.

6.15 Head into the forest with a guide at around sunset.  Kinglake Friends of the Forest guides will take small groups along the roadside or clearly designated pathways, and you will be provided with high-powered 1,000 lumen spotlights to find the gliders.  Greater gliders are curious creatures who tend to sit and watch rather than be fearful of the lights and people below. 

We will be spotlighting for about 45 minutes.

7.00 Gather back at the Carpark for a hot drink (BYO thermos if desired) and group photograph.

7.15 Head home when ready. 

It is important to note that :

- This is a family event and parents/carers will be responsible for all children in their care; 

- There are no toilets at Mondo Carpark so participants should use toilets before arriving if required. Public toilets are available at Castella Carpark and the Recreation Reserve in Toolangi, and in Healesville.   (Bush pees are another option, of course!)

- Everyone should dress warmly with sturdy shoes/boots. We recommend bringing gloves, beanies, waterproof coats and pants. Even if it is not raining, forests can be damp places. 

- The event will be postponed the day before if heavy rain is forecast.

- Please bring a head torch if you have one.  

This promises to be a fun event for families with children of primary and secondary school age.  Younger children are also welcome but may find walking in the forest at that time of day tiring.  We trust that parents and carers will make common-sense decisions about what their children can manage. 

Families who choose to make a day of it may find other suitable walks at this link: Toolangi State Forest walking trails The Wirrawilla walk is particularly accessible for all ages and abilities as it is along boardwalk and only 500m return. 

See you there!

Julia