Event Type
Landcare Region
BCT Region
Rainforests once covered much of Australia. Today rainforests cover only 0.25% of the continent, 17% of which occurs in NSW. In the Mid-North Coast, we are blessed with high rainfall and a warm climate that allows a diverse array of rainforest communities to exist. Away from the salt-affected rainforest communities of the coastal fringe, rainforests can reach towering heights, and with their characteristic closed canopy, it can be very difficult to differentiate tree species within these wonderful ecosystems.
We are honoured to have Dr Bill McDonald, retired rainforest botanist from Queensland, join us to share his vast knowledge of rainforest ecology and rainforest plant ID.
This workshop is aimed at restoration practitioners, Agency staff who work locally in NRM and local plant enthusiasts with good botanical knowledge. It assumes prior botanical knowledge, experience in the field of rainforest management and/or ecology, and is not suitable for novices. The workshop will fine tune your botanical knowledge of local rainforest species and how to identify them, both in the field and with botanical keys. It is a day-long event in which Landcare will provide coffee and tea, but please bring your own snacks and lunch.
There will be some hand lenses available to use on the day, but participants are encouraged to bring their own if possible.
This is a very special opportunity to meet a learned rainforest scholar and learn from one of the very best in the field.
To find out more about Dr Bill McDonald and his publication go to this link: Rainforest Trees and Shrubs
Rainforest Trees and Shrubs and will be available for purchase on the day.
This event is possible thanks to the shared work of the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust and Landcare NSW under the Private Land Conservation Matters project, supported locally by MidCoast Council.
Event Topics
Event Outcomes
Growth in learning measure (Scale 1 - 100)
Summary of Attendee Feedback: Advanced Rainforest ID Workshop
What attendees liked about the event:
- Venue and Atmosphere:
- The venue was inviting, inspiring, and offered a beautiful setting for the workshop.
- Participants appreciated the opportunity to connect with others in a serene and attractive environment.
- Presenter and Content Delivery:
- Bill MacDonald was widely praised as an excellent presenter with deep knowledge of the local region.
- Clear, interesting presentations catered to both beginners and those with more advanced skills.
- Participants valued the mix of theory, practical activities, and hands-on plant identification.
- Content and Activities:
- The workshop provided an excellent balance of theoretical knowledge, practical use of rainforest taxonomic keys, and in-field plant identification (including immature and mature trees).
- Opportunities for questions and participant contributions were well facilitated.
- Networking and Sharing:
- The event fostered connections among participants, allowing them to put faces to names and share experiences.
- Suggestions for Improvement:
- Consider hosting future workshops in a drier, more diverse forest to broaden the learning experience.
- Improve the survey process to make it shorter and easier to complete.
- Provide additional facilities, such as a second portaloo, given the number of attendees.
Overall, attendees described the event as a wonderful day with excellent content, delivery, and opportunities for learning and connection.
Summary of Attendee Feedback: Advanced Rainforest ID Workshop
What attendees want to learn next:
- Practical Plant Identification:
- Assistance with identifying significant plants on individual properties was requested.
- Support for Facilitators:
- Continued support for knowledgeable staff, such as Isabelle, to raise community awareness about rainforest ecology and plant identification.
- Other Feedback:
- One attendee noted they are not a landholder, which may influence their learning interests.
Note: Some responses (e.g., "N/A") indicated no specific preferences or additional learning needs.
.