Goongerah Environment Centre (GECO) & Goongerah Landcare presents the second Goongerah Citizen Science survey camp of 2016, over the Labour Day long weekend, March 11-14, 2016

Learn about East Gippsland's wildlife and forests that are under threat from logging. Workshops and presentations on forest ecology, rainforest evolution and identification, threatened species survey techniques and forest campaign updates. No scientific knowledge/experience is required

Practical sessions will focus on remote fauna camera deployment, nocturnal wildlife spotlighting, rainforest mapping and measuring carbon stocks in areas  threatened by logging.

Data we collect on the camps is compiled into reports that are submitted to the Victorian government to ensure that logging operations are not in breach of the law and threatened species and rare forest types are protected.

To read about the success of our last camp click here.

We'll be camping at Kuark Gap, on Greens rd in the Kuark Forest. It's a really easy drive that all two wheel drives can do and takes less time than coming direct to Goongerah. The other good thing about this plan is we will be based in the the heart of the Kuark forest and forest survey opportunities are right on our doorstep. Camp is right next to spectacular old growth forest.

From Melbourne: Drive to Orbost, Continue past Orbost heading east on the Princess highway for about 15kms. Look for signs to the Citizen Science Camp just before Murrungower rd Picnic Area (currently under redevelopment, you will see lots of earthworks machinery). At Murrungower rd Picnic area you need to turn left off the Princess hwy onto Murrungower rd. Drive up Murrungower rd for about 25mins until you reach a large intersection with a giant tree in the middle of it. Look for the Citizen Science Camp signs directing you to turn onto Greens Rd. Continue on Greens rd for about 15-20mins. Go past Jack Rd on your left, stay on Greens rd. Continue for another 5 mins and you will see us camped on Greens rd at Kuark Gap. We will have the full camp set up there with a kitchen etc from Friday morning.

From Sydney:
Drive to Bombala and instead of taking to the Delegate rd that you would take to Goongerah take the Monaro Highway, cross the border and head to Cann River. At Cann River turn right onto the Princess highway. Drive for about 58 km until you reach the Murrungower Picnic area. Turn right onto Murrungower rd at the picnic area (currently under redevelopment, you will see lots of earthworks machinery). Turn right from the highway onto Murrungower rd, Drive up Murrungower rd for about 25mins until you reach a large intersection with a giant tree in the middle of it. Look for the Citizen Science Camp signs directing you to turn onto Greens Rd. Continue on Greens rd for about 15-20mins. Go past Jack Rd on your left, stay on Greens rd. Continue for another 5 mins and you will see us camped on Greens rd at Kuark Gap. We will have the full camp set up there with a kitchen etc from Friday morning.

Click here for google maps location of Murrongower Picnic area where you need to turn off the Princess Highway.

There is mobile reception in most spots up Murrungower rd and also at the camp, so if you need assistance please call us on 0414 199 645.

Look for the signs. Bring your own camping gear, tents, tarps, water containers etc. You will need solid footwear, wet weather gear, head torch, gaiters (if you want to keep the leeches away) and warm clothing. Most surveys will be conducted in remote and trackless terrain in thick bush, so a decent level of fitness and appropriate gear and clothing is required.

We will supply tasty vegetarian dinners each evening for $5 a plate, bring your own breakfast and lunch for the full four days. The GECO kitchen will beset up with cooking facilities such as gas burners, kettles, pots and pans and basic food supplies for all to use.

There are no shops here. Come prepared with plenty of food and fuel. Make sure you fill up your fuel tank at the last available fuel in Orbost if coming from Melbourne or Bombala/Delegate if you are coming from Sydney.

Victor attended in January and had this to say,

“Just got back from GECO Citizen Science Camp in far East Gippsland. I've met forest conservationists all over Australia and they're all tough as nails but this group of experts are by far the toughest and most innovative that I've ever met. Full immersion into experiencing the different types of ecosystems. The knowledge of species both flora and fauna and how important the natural environment is necessary to sustain existence combined with the fearlessness of our guides was extraordinary.”