Event Type
When
-
Event Location
Maitland/Dungog
Landcare Region
BCT Region
Event Description
Hunter Region Landcare Network awarded $243,220 for 5- Year environmental education project to revive the Lower Hunter Dry Rainforest!
The Dry Rainforest Revival Lower Hunter project is funded by the latest round of the NSW Environmental Trust’s Environmental Education Grants Program. The grants support projects that develop skills and encourage and inspire involvement by the community in reviving environmental protection.
Hunter Region Landcare Network will be working closely with partner organisations Hunter Local Land Services and Maitland City Council to make this project a success.
The project will build the skills base in the Hunter region and provide opportunities for the community to engage in environmental action within the Maitland LGA. This area is one of the most highly cleared in Australia, and this grant aims to provide opportunities for the whole of the community to engage in action to restore pockets of the rainforest. This restoration of a string of semi-connected patches of the forest will improve native biodiversity and the health of our river systems.
The project will deliver tailored education to school students and the wider community, engaging rural landowners and urban landowners alike and creating local champions to embed learning and action within their networks.
For more information on the projects and the Environmental Education Grants Program visit: www.environmentaltrust.nsw.gov.au/grants/education
Quote from Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison:
“Each of these education projects plays an important role in broadening and transforming community knowledge and skills. Inspiring more members of our community to become environmental stewards will result in improved local environments that can be appreciated and enjoyed well into the future.
The Dry Rainforest Revival Lower Hunter project will benefit the Maitland and Greater Hunter community, and I look forward to the results of this fantastic local project.”
Quote from Lower Hunter Landcare Co-ordinator, Stacy Mail :
“This grant will provide opportunity to bring real bio-diversity back to the Maitland Floodplain with the recreation of this iconic rainforest.
Event Topics
Event Flyer
Event Photos
Event Outcomes
Number of Attendees
34
Number of Landowners
7
Growth in learning measure (Scale 1 - 100)
A survey is completed by each attendee The below fields are extracted from this survey. To access the full feedback survey please refer to the attachments section below.
Attendee Level of Knowledge before event (Average)
46
Attendee Level of Knowledge after event (Average)
59
Event Outcome
Unravelling the mysteries of Hunter Valley Dry Rainforest- The Scoop, December 2024
Summary of Feedback: Dry Rainforest Workshop
Key Themes Highlighted by Attendees:
- Diverse Range of Speakers and Topics:
- Attendees appreciated the variety of speakers and the breadth of topics covered.
- Comments such as "the assortment of speakers and topics" and "a huge range of knowledgeable speakers" reflect the value placed on diverse expertise and perspectives.
- High-Quality Presentations:
- Feedback noted that the event was "well presented and explained," indicating that the presentations were clear, engaging, and informative.
- Passion and Enthusiasm:
- The enthusiasm of the presenters was a standout feature, with mentions like "the passion of all speakers" demonstrating that the energy and commitment of the speakers resonated with the audience.
- Community and Networking:
- The workshop successfully fostered a sense of community. Phrases like "bringing people together passionate to revegetate and what's happening" highlight the importance of connecting like-minded individuals committed to environmental restoration.
This feedback underscores the workshop's success in delivering a well-rounded, engaging, and community-focused event.
Summary of Feedback: Topics for Future Learning
Key Areas of Interest Identified by Attendees:
- Simplified Botanical Knowledge:
- Several attendees expressed a desire for plant identification in more accessible terms, with comments like "layman’s terms for non-Latin speakers" and "botanical to common name."
- This suggests interest in making technical plant knowledge more user-friendly.
- Deeper Understanding of Flora:
- Attendees want to learn "more about the plants," indicating a keen interest in expanding their botanical knowledge, including species characteristics and ecological roles.
- Practical Skills for Revegetation:
- Topics such as "steps to successful revegetation" and "how to proceed on a local level" show a desire for actionable guidance on implementing restoration projects.
- Continued Engagement:
- Feedback like "more of the same" suggests attendees found the current content valuable and wish to see similar sessions in the future.
These responses highlight a blend of interest in accessible plant education, practical revegetation strategies, and ongoing opportunities for learning and engagement.
Summary of Feedback: Additional Comments and Suggestions
Key Suggestions for Improvement:
- Supplementary Materials:
- Attendees suggested providing "information handouts" to complement the workshop content, enabling participants to review key insights post-event.
- Expanded Content:
- A desire for "a broader explanation on the different types of rainforest types" was noted, indicating interest in a more comprehensive understanding of rainforest ecosystems.
Positive Feedback:
- The event was well-received, with one participant stating, "it was fantastic, thank you," and others requesting "more of the same," showing overall satisfaction and enthusiasm for similar workshops in the future.
Specific Interests:
- One attendee highlighted a particular focus on "riparian revegetation" due to challenges associated with managing vegetation along the Patterson River, which faces fluctuating conditions such as floods and dry periods.
These comments reflect a strong appreciation for the workshop while offering practical suggestions to enhance future sessions and address specific ecological challenges.