January 22 - 28, 2025
Lend a hand at Winton Wetlands ◆ DO YOUR BIT: Carla Boemeke and Miranda Mills encourage other young people to get outside and give back to the environment. PHOTOS: Kurt Hickling
WINTON Wetlands is seeking volunteers to aid in its mission of renewing the ecology of the reserve growing its natural, scientific, cultural and environmental significance and deliver education, research, tourism, recreation and community development outcomes. The team at Winton Wetlands have been working hard to return Winton Wetlands to its natural state so that plants and animals can flourish and the community can enjoy the space and all that it has on offer. Now it’s your turn to lend a hand and improve Winton Wetlands, with almost 9000ha of land part of the restoration project, why not make your mark and give
By JORDAN DUURSMA back to the community. University graduate Miranda Mills who has recently joined the Winton Wetlands team after volunteering, said she would encourage other young people to get involved. “I found out about Winton Wetlands in uni and volunteered with some friends doing tree planting,” she said. “It’s pretty fun to be out in field, you get to be outside and do something different each day.
“It was a rewarding process, you can see the tangible difference you make.” Some of the tasks volunteers can take part in include planting trees, the Growling Grass Frogs Project, visitor engagement such as ‘meet and greets’, and surveys for animals, reptiles and fish. Carla Boemeke, an intern from Germany who is spending five months working at Winton Wetlands, said its important for the community to be involved in the restoration project to raise general awareness about the importance of ecology. “It’s valuable to be out in field with experts in ecology who have a wealth of knowledge to
share,” she said. “I think there is a lack of knowledge out there and it’s important for young people who live around the area to understand their landscape and the biodiversity. “I would encourage people to get involved, for me it was really rewarding to come here and I have learnt a lot. “It’s an opportunity for everyone, particularly young people, to think about how they contribute to the environment and how they can positively impact the environment.” Winton Wetlands field ecologist Sarah Way said there is always need for volunteers. ■ Continued Page 6
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