Spring Field Trips for Canberra Nature Mappers

Calling all Canberra Nature Mappers!

For the first time ever, Canberra Nature Map is excited to be hosting a program of field trips which will run over the spring/summer season of 2023. All walks will be available to CNM members and will be guided by a selection of CNMs fabulous expert moderators. A variety of trips are being offered, at all difficulty levels, across the ACT: from critically endangered box-gum woodlands, to impossibly tall montane forests and majestic granite peaks. This program has something for everyone, no matter where your love of nature lies!

Interested in taking part? You can book yourself a spot on any of these trips through Ciaran Ernst-Russell (Username Tapirlord) at this address using CNM messaging.

We hope to see you there!

Below is what will be offered for September and October:

Aranda Bushland: 9/9/23, 15 participants, 10am-1pm: A classic spot for nature walking in Canberra, that is worth a visit at any time of year! For this trip we will be observing the early stages of the spring rush as well as the hints of what is yet to come. We will walk at perfect “naturemapping pace” allowing for detailed exploration and socializing. This walk will begin at the Bindubi street car park in Aranda and involve around 3 hours of predominantly off track walking in open scrub. 

Mt Majura: 16/9/23, 15 participants, 12:30pm-3pm: Where else but Mt Majura! An iconic nature reserve, the home of many threatened species, this fabled location is also the birthplace of Canberra Nature Map itself. In order to do this spectacular reserve justice we will explore a variety of habitats including lowland box-gum woodland, creeklines and uniquely diverse farm dams. This trip will involve around 3 hours of easy track-based walking and begin from the Mackenzie street gate car park. Guest leaders: Jane Roberts & Matt Mullaney 

Mt Taylor: 8/10/23, 15 participants, 10am-1:30pm: The crown jewel of southern Canberra which on the surface is both an imposing natural feature and popular hiking destination, but there is another side to Mt Taylor beneath the surface! For this trip we will wander through the lowland grassy woodland ecosystems at the base of Mt Taylor, moving through creek lines, stands of flowering shrubs and open forest to experience the best that this reserve has to offer. This trip will begin at the Colquhoun street car park and involve around 3 hours of easy to moderate off-track walking. Guest Leader: Matthew Frawley

Ashbrook Creek: 15/10/23, 15 Participants, 10am-2pm: A peaceful stroll through shady montane forest, clear mountain creeks and open dry woodland that is sure to be both relaxing and intriguing. These forests are always filled with life, but there is no better time to visit than October! In this trip we will be looking for a variety of animal and plant life including but not exclusive to, lyrebirds, wallabies and montane orchids. We will meet at the Tidbinbilla visitors center and from there begin the walk at Hanging Rock car park. This trip will involve around 3 hours of firetrail walking over a distance of 6km. Leader: Ned Johnston

Later in Spring & Summer we will continue with the following opporunities:

Blue Gum Hill: 18/11/23, 7am-5pm A day-long epic adventure through some of the most glorious country that Namadgi National Park has to offer.

Mt Mugga Mugga: 26/11/23, 10 participants, 3pm-6pm: Exploring the swamps below Mt Mugga Mugga are fascinating places that are home to a diverse range of life. 

Yerrabi Track & Boboyan Trig: 2/12/23, 10 participants, 9am-3pm : Looking at montane bogs, then we will then continue on to the summit of Mt Boboyan.