NSW | Kayaking Mangrove ~ Mission 2

8:00 am - 11:00 am 07/07/2017

Host Tribe: Hunter Intrepid Landcare

TICKET REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Click here to secure your place

Map of where to meet: Click here
Opposite 1006 Nelson Bay Rd, Fern Bay NSW 2295

National Parks and the Hunter Bird Observers Club have invited us to participate in this very interesting habitat restoration project! We will be hosted by Tom Clarke (a local landcare and birding legend). Tom describes himself as a ‘student of nature’, and he will be sure to share some of his in-depth knowledge about bird behaviour and ecosystem complexity.

What to bring?
– Water for the whole morning
– Weather protection/bush protection (hat/long sleeves/rain jacket/sunscreen/repellent)
– Enclosed shoes/long socks that can get muddy/wet (I recommend volley type shoes)

Activities:
8am- meet across from the Fern Bay Store (1006 Nelson Bay Rd, Fern Bay NSW 2295)
We will then do a quick safety briefing and then paddle for approximately 30mins to Smith Island. We will spend our time on the island exploring and removing the invading mangroves to restore the coastal saltmarsh shorebird habitat.

Why remove mangroves as a habitat restoration activity?
Tom will talk to us about the key threatening processes in the Hunter estuary, including the recent encroachment of mangrove into Saltmarsh. Tom will explain the complex dynamics (human and non-human) that have contibuted to this phenomenon.
Coastal Saltmarsh is an important habitat for two critically endangered birds, the Eastern Curlew and the Curlew Sandpiper. By restoring the Saltmarsh, we are talking a step towards protecting habitat for these critically endangered species.

A government permit is approved for this activity, and specifies the areas to be restored.

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