Nature lovers have a chance to view the natural wonders of the Dawson wetland, a site not normally open to the public, when MidCoast Council hosts a free guided tour on Wednesday, October 23.
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The tour is one of a series of events being held by council to celebrate the release of the 2019 Waterway and Catchment Report Card, an independent study that investigates the health of Mid Coast waterways.
"We are excited to have the opportunity to show off this beautiful site. There has been a lot of work undertaken and it is not only a fantastic example of a natural wetland, it is also a great example of how previously disturbed sites can be regenerated," council's water quality and estuary management program coordinator, Prue Tucker.
"The site is also important as this year the Dawson River has been included as a testing site for our annual Report Card."
The Dawson Wetlands includes 45 hectares of natural vegetation and timber plantation north of Taree. While in the past the entire site has been used for timber harvesting, today areas of the site including the wetlands are being conserved for wildlife habitat.
Tour participants will be able to walk through core koala habitat and experience the beauty of the wetlands from a boardwalk that extends over the water - all while keeping an eye out for the local wildlife.
Walkers will meet at 9.15am, for a 9.30am start. The two hour walk is an easy-medium grade two kilometre loop, however is not suitable for anyone under six years of age. Please bring along your hat, sunscreen and drink bottle. Participants must also wear closed-in shoes and long pants.
Light refreshments will be provided after the walk.
You can book by completing the online form at midcoast.nsw.gov.au/reportcard, and places are limited.
Wetlands are like the kidneys of our rivers, filtering out pollution and improving water quality, Prue said.
"They also provide important refuge for a diverse array of birds and fish, and are a great opportunity for people to wander in natural settings and observe wildlife. Protecting Dawson Wetland is one of the many things that Council is doing to keep the Manning River healthy."