In mid-September, Nature Foundation members enjoyed a unique opportunity to explore the South-East of South Australia, visiting two of our nature reserves—Geegeela and Bullock Bridge—and other nature-based experiences, including the Naracoorte Caves and Coorong National Park.
The three-day, two-night tour saw a chartered bus and car convoy transport 32 members and four Nature Foundation staff between the various locations. The first nature reserve stop at Geegeela included a presentation and bush walk led by Bryan Haywood, Senior Ecologist at Nature Glenelg Trust, our partner in surveying and monitoring Geegeela Nature Reserve.
Located on the traditional lands of the Bindjali people in South Australia's upper south-east in an area known as Bangham, the 102-hectare Geegeela Nature Reserve and adjoining Geegeela Conservation Park offer a combined area of 960 hectares of native vegetation. It comprises an open to slightly undulating country with a medium to dense cover of remnant eucalypt and buloke woodlands, with an understorey of annual grasses, sedges, and shrubs. The property was generously donated to Nature Foundation by long-term member Karen Foale in 2019. The nature reserve is home to several state-listed flora and fauna species, including the Blue-winged Parrot (Neophema (Neonanodes) chrysostoma), listed as Vulnerable in SA and nationally.
During the walk, Bryan showed the group a series of roof tiles used as part of the surveying methods. This human-made item attracts small fauna seeking shelter that can be easily lifted to review without disturbing native vegetation. During one inspection, the group was fortunate to see a baby Michell's Short-tailed Snake (Suta nigriceps) sheltering beneath the tile.
Guests were also excited to discover many unique native orchids and other wildflowers flourishing throughout the area.
Following a morning visit to Naracoorte Caves, the afternoon included visiting the recently acquired Bullock Bridge Nature Reserve and a talk and walk with Nature Foundation's CEO Alex Nankivell.
Located on the traditional lands of the Meintangk people, Bullock Bridge Nature Reserve is east of Kingston on the Limestone Coast, adjacent to the Mount Scott Conservation Park. Rich in botanical diversity, Bullock Bridge is a sanctuary for native birds and wildlife, and the group were excited to see an echidna during their walk.
The tour group gathered for dinners on both evenings and enjoyed discussing the day's events.
This was the first tour of this type that Nature Foundation has undertaken, and it was a good experience that will help us plan future tours and events.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and assisted with this tour. For future opportunities, keep an eye on our updates.
