Join GECO forest activists and ecologists for a three day Spring survey camp. Learn survey techniques and help us survey for threatened species in areas of forest scheduled for logging.
The camp is free of charge, donations to cover costs are most appreciated.
IMPORTANT UPDATE - THE CAMP LOCATION HAS CHANGED.
Due to some road closures that will make survey sites difficult to access the camp will now be held in the Kuark Forest just 45 mins drive from Orbost.
Camping will now be at Kuark Gap. See the map below for directions.
Drive past Orbost on the Princess Hwy for approx 15kms until you reach Murrungower picnic area. Turn left onto Murrungower Rd and continue for about 20-30 mins.
When a large intersection is reached with a big old tree in the middle of the intersection, turn left onto Greens rd.
Follow Greens Rd passing Jack Rd on your left and continue on Greens rd until the camp at Kuark Gap is reached.
Murrungower and Greens roads are gravel but are in good condition and suitable for all vehicles.
Vegan and Veg dinner is provided for $5 a plate each night (Friday, Saturday). Plates/bowls and cutlery provided.
Please bring your own breakfast and lunch.
The GECO kitchen tent will be set up with communal kitchen gear, gas burners and a water trailer providing hot water, a sink for washing up and rainwater for drinking.
We recommend you arrive on Thursday night (September 28th) to be ready for the start of the program on Friday morning at 9am.
Activities will run from Friday morning through to Sunday afternoon.
GECO supplies all survey equipment but if you have powerful torches, binoculars, compass, GPS, cameras etc please bring them.
No experience or prior learning is required, just a sense of adventure and reasonable level of fitness. Walks in the forest are not on formed tracks and various obstacles and hazards will be encountered.
Participants join walks at their own risk.
What to bring:
- Camping gear: tent/swag and tarp, head torch, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, water bottles/containers etc
- Warm clothing and wet weather gear
- Sturdy footwear for walking in the bush
- Gaiters or tough long pants for walking
- Food for breakfast and lunch for each day
- Money to purchase a $5 vegan meal each evening (all money goes to GECO campaign). You might also like to buy some GECO merchandise like hoodies, t shirts, posters, stickers etc.
- Fuel for your cars. Fill up in Orbost if coming from the south or Bombala if coming from the north. You need enough fuel to drive from the campground each day to field trip locations and still have enough left over to get out of Goongerah. If you have a jerry can bring it along.
East Gippsland is a remote environment, no shops, no fuel and limited phone reception. Be prepared.
There is some mobile coverage at the camp.