DISCOVERY Rangers are back on duty at Mt Field and other Tasmanian National Parks, providing a program of free activities as well as enhancing the visitor experience for locals and visitors. Ten Discovery Rangers and 12 Wilderness Rangers recently completed four days of training ahead of their deployment to support existing Parks and Wildlife field staff and volunteers throughout the peak summer season.
“The aim of our Discovery and Wilderness Rangers is to provide an enhanced visitor experience by supporting walker safety and knowledge through the delivery of information and activities, as a way of providing interpretation of an area’s natural and cultural heritage,” Parks Minister Jacquie Petrusma said recently.
“They also provide education on how to experience all that Tasmania has to offer in an environmentally responsible way, through the delivery of key messaging including ‘Leave no Trace’ principles. This ensures visitors to our beautiful state enjoy our national parks and reserves, but importantly, leave the environment just as they found it.”
Although recently interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Discovery Rangers have been delivering services in Tasmania’s national parks for more than 40 years. This summer they will be stationed at eight popular locations including Mt Field National Park in the Derwent Valley. They will run a range of free activities including guided walks, evening talks, games and activities to suit all ages.
Wilderness Rangers will provide support to walkers in Tasmania’s remote track locations including at Mt Anne and Walls of Jerusalem, to ensure walkers are well prepared and educated on safety requirements for some of Tasmania’s more challenging tracks.
The next activities at Mt Field National Park this weekend are:
Saturday, January 8
* 11am – Pollination Discovery Table (2hrs): Find out about the weird and wonderful world of pollination.
Meet outside the Visitor Centre.
* 3pm – Russell Falls guided walk (1hr): Take a walk back into the deep past and explore the ancient
forest. Meet at the start of the Russell Falls Track.
Sunday 9 January
* 11am – Pollination Discovery Table (2hrs): Find out about the weird and wonderful world of pollination. Meet
outside the Visitor Centre.
* 4.45pm – Meet the Discovery Ranger to discuss ‘species map’ progress (1hr): Tell us what you saw and heard! We want to know!
All activities are free. Please bring sun and rain protection. Activities may be cancelled in bad weather or unsafe conditions. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Phone Discovery Ranger Tom on 0477 924 020 for any inquiries regarding this program. BE COVID SAFE: do not attend activities if you are unwell or suspect you have been in contact with COVID-19.
