Canberra's newest nature-based nature reserve and learning centre, Wildbark, was formally opened today at Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary.
Canberrans and tourists can now visit the learning centre and reserve to find out about innovative conservation and restoration work happening around Mulligans Flat.
Minister for Planning and Land Management Mick Gentleman said Wildbark provides a front row seat for Canberrans and visitors to admire and learn about our iconic and endangered landscapes and native species," Minister Gentleman said.
"The Wildbark visitors centre will also provide leading experts and artists with a place to host educational and creative experiences for all ages, year-round. With regular animal talks and lizard and turtle feeding activities already underway, we are looking forward to starting story time sessions featuring books by Australian authors in the new year.
"Wildbark is the result of years of collaborative hard work led by the Woodlands and Wetlands Trust, with support from the ACT Government, the Australian National University and the Odonata Foundation.
"It's also the product of the ideas and feedback the community, including Ngunnawal Traditional Owners, shared with us during the consultation on the Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary Strategy 2050, which has recently been published.
"I'm excited for Canberrans to have this new nature reserve and state-of-the-art visitors centre so they can get up close and personal with the special flora and fauna we have here in the ACT," Minister Gentleman said.
The public can also book out the space for their own private functions and make the most of the incredible views.
Minister for the Environment Rebecca Vassarotti said the new Wildbark facility and Strategy are key to conserving Canberra's grassy woodland ecosystems.
"Sitting at the entrance of the Sanctuary, Wildbark is a gateway into the Australian landscape of 250 years ago," Minister Vassarotti said. "The Sanctuary allows the community to experience native animals up close and get hands on with conservation and research activities.
"The Sanctuary is also home to the largest Box-gum Grassy-Woodland area managed for conservation in Australia. It spans 1,384 hectares of the threatened woodland across both Mulligans Flat and Goorooyaroo nature reserves.
"Join experienced Wildbark guides as they take you through the Sanctuary with historical walks during the day or, if you're feeling especially adventurous, see the Sanctuary come to life during a night tour. Exploring the Sanctuary at night allows you to search for the endangered, nocturnal species that call Mulligans Flat home.
