The Coal River Valley Conference Field Trip was jam-packed! This phenomenal field trip showcased such a diverse variety of landcaring work! From schools, to farms, to salt marsh science, to Indigenous land management - it was a full day!
We began with a visit to the RAMSAR wetland Orielton Lagoon. Vishnu Prahalad and Eric Woehler spoke passionately and were extremely knowledgable about the saltmarsh vegetation community, and we had a look at the migratory shorebirds at Orielton lagoon.
Doris Blaesing, specialist in sustainable agriculture, and Lawrence Cowley from Harvest Farms introduced us to their research and development site for improved soil management and plant health, and showed us the ways they maintain soil organic matter, as well as sustainably manage water and nutrient application to crops. The areas under conservation covenant were highlighted as well.
Tony Sheerer took us for an explore of the Frogmore Creek site and their conservation efforts, which many of us felt was a significant, special place, where we saw beautiful orchids and the threatened plant Hardenbergia violacea.
Risdon Vale Primary School's 24 Carrot Garden was next: (These guys WON the Woolworth's Junior Leadership Award) Teachers on the trip shared delightful stories of children learning the ways of food growing, prep, and eating together - even discovering cutting open a lemon for the first time!
Finally, Jamie Graham engaged us all with his deep knowledge of Indigenous Land Management and fire practices. We were so grateful for the opportunity to learn and experience such a variety of expertise and locations throughout the day.
Huge thanks to Risdon Vale Primary, 24 Carrot Gardens, Tony Sheerer, Vishnu, Eric, Lawrence, Jamie, Volunteers and everyone who joined in the fun!
Photos by Natasha Mulhall. www.natashamulhall.com and Vicki Campbell.