Koala Field ID Techniques field day

outcomes / learnings: positive verbal and email feedback about the day; a lot of interest in the Koala Safe Spaces program (MCC) and PLC.  Good mix of practical skills learnt (Eucalypt ID) and demonstrations by dogs. Excellent venue, landholders Kim and Peter are local conservation champions willing to share their positive experiences in the Conservation Partners program with the audience.

Attendees feedback.

Summary of Feedback: “What did you like about the event?”

1. Koala Detection Dogs

• Many attendees highlighted the detection dogs as a key highlight, describing them as "amazing," "impressive," and "great to watch in action."
• Observing the dogs find scats in real-time was a memorable experience for participants.

2. Practical, Hands-On Activities

• Participants enjoyed the hands-on approach, especially the practical tree identification sessions.
• The interactive elements helped attendees gain new knowledge and skills, with many appreciating the opportunity to apply what they learned in the field.

3. Presentations and Facilitators

• Presenters were described as knowledgeable, engaging, and informative.
• Specific mention was made of Caitlyn’s Koala-related insights and Kim’s accessible and friendly presentation style on Eucalyptus identification.

4. Venue and Atmosphere

• The relaxed atmosphere, beautiful location, and relevance of the site to participants’ properties and interests added to the event's success.
• Many attendees appreciated the interactive and engaging nature of the venue and activities.

5. Networking and Community

• The event provided a valuable opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and engage with enthusiastic conservationists.
• Attendees appreciated the collaborative and friendly environment, which encouraged questions and discussions.

6. Overall Event Organization

• The event was commended for being well-structured, informative, and accessible.
• The combination of engaging content, excellent presenters, and practical sessions created a memorable experience.

7. Additional Highlights

• Great food, helpful handouts, and an overall excellent venue were also mentioned as positive aspects.
• The event inspired participants by showcasing new techniques and sources of information to support conservation efforts.

Summary of Feedback: “What do you want to learn next?”

1. Koala and Wildlife Conservation

• Participants expressed interest in learning more about implementing Koala surveys and providing suitable habitats, including planting Koala food trees.
• Other wildlife interests included understanding local species like Glossy Black Cockatoos and their breeding habits.

2. Plant Identification and Ecosystem Rehabilitation

• A deeper dive into tree and plant identification was a common request, including:
  • Native grasses (good, bad, and ugly)
  • Eucalyptus species
  • Local flora specific to participants' areas
• Interest in learning about seed collection and growing native plants was noted.

3. Land Management and Restoration

• Attendees were eager to learn about practical techniques, including:
  • Riparian restoration
  • Weed control
  • Safe fencing for wildlife
  • Removing and managing invasive species such as deer
• Rehabilitation techniques for degraded land were also highlighted.

4. Conservation on Private Land

• Participants sought guidance on conservation strategies for smaller properties, such as:
  • Binding conservation agreements
  • Achieving conservation status for their land
  • Regeneration projects tailored to small blocks (<10 acres).

5. Broader Conservation Interests

• Interest in general conservation topics, biodiversity care, and engaging in future flora and fauna workshops was frequently mentioned.
• Attendees expressed a desire for continued learning through field days, workshops, and potentially e-learning courses.

6. Networking and Collaboration

• Setting up networks, such as a Glossy Black Cockatoo network, was mentioned as a way to improve understanding and collaboration.

This feedback highlights a strong desire for practical, hands-on knowledge in conservation, tailored to local ecosystems and personal property contexts.

Summary of Feedback: “Do you have any other comments or suggestions on how this event could be improved?”

1. Overall Satisfaction

• The majority of attendees had no suggestions for improvement, consistently stating that the event was "well-organized," "informative," "interesting," and "enjoyable."
• Phrases such as "No improvements to be made," "I was very satisfied," and "Loved it!!!" were common.

2. Minor Suggestions

• A shorter morning tea break was suggested to ensure all sessions could be attended, especially for those needing to leave early.
• A follow-up on the results of the Koala surveys conducted during the event was requested.

3. Positive Comments

• The event was commended for being well-prepared and well-attended.
• Many participants emphasized their appreciation for the smooth organization and engaging presentations.

Key Takeaways

The feedback reflects a high level of satisfaction, with only minor logistical adjustments suggested. Attendees appreciated the effort and organization of the event and found it valuable and enjoyable.