Canberrans have been invited to gain an insight into the Territory’s conservation efforts following the opening of a new nature reserve and learning centre in Mulligans Flat.
Opening ‘Wildbark’ over the weekend, the Minister for Planning and Land Management, Mick Gentleman said the learning centre in the Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary in Throsby provided a front row seat for visitors to admire and learn about the ACT’s iconic and endangered landscapes and native species.
“The Wildbark visitors centre will also provide leading experts and artists with a place to host educational and creative experiences for all ages, year-round,” Mr Gentleman said.
“With regular animal talks and lizard and turtle feeding activities already underway, we are looking forward to starting story time sessions featuring books by Australian authors in the new year,” he said.
“I’m excited for Canberrans to have this new nature reserve and state-of-the-art visitors centre so they can get up close and personal with the special flora and fauna we have here in the ACT.”
Mr Gentleman said the public could also book out the space for their own private functions and make the most of the incredible views.
Minister for the Environment, Rebecca Vassarotti said the new Wildbark facility and the recently released Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary Strategy 2050 were keys to conserving Canberra’s grassy woodland ecosystems.
“Sitting at the entrance of the Sanctuary, Wildbark is a gateway into the Australian landscape of 250 years ago,” Ms Vassarotti said.
“The Sanctuary allows the community to experience native animals up close and get hands on with conservation and research activities,” she said.
“The Sanctuary is also home to the largest Box-gum Grassy-Woodland area managed for conservation in Australia.”
Ms Vassarotti said the Sanctuary spanned 1,384 hectares of the threatened woodland across both Mulligans Flat and Goorooyaroo nature reserves.
“Join experienced Wildbark guides as they take you through the Sanctuary with historical walks during the day or, if you’re feeling especially adventurous, see the Sanctuary come to life during a night tour,” she said.
“Exploring the Sanctuary at night allows you to search for the endangered, nocturnal species that call Mulligans Flat home,” the Minister said.
Further information on Wildbark can be accessed at this PS News link and the 20-page Strategy at this link.
