A new Forest Sensing exhibit is ready and waiting to be explored at one of the Sunshine Coast's natural wonders.
The exhibition, at the beautiful Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve at Maleny, invites you to slow down, open your senses, and truly tune into the rainforest.
Visitors can explore interactive displays, learn fascinating facts about the rainforest ecosystem, and pick up tips on how to connect with nature.
The exhibition is open daily from 9:30am to 3:30pm (excluding public holidays) throughout the year. It is a perfect activity for all ages and an ideal way for families to spend some time in nature.
Sunshine Coast Division 5 Councillor Winston Johnston described the 'Forest Sensing' exhibit as a fantastic way for families to discover nature.
"The forest is a vibrant and mesmerising world," Cr Johnston said.
"It's rare that we take the time to tune in, but when we do, the forest reveals its secrets through subtle signs and rhythms."
"I encourage you plan a trip to Mary Cairncross and slow your footsteps, open your senses and let the rainforest guide your discoveries."
Experience the rainforest through sight, touch, smell, and sound
Become a citizen scientist with a forest explorer kit. It's packed with binoculars, a magnifying glass, a mini microscope and a recording clipboard to help uncover and record the rainforest's hidden wonders.
Use your sense of touch to explore the tactile wall, where a variety of bark, seeds and leaves showcase the rich textures of the forest.
Take some time to slow down and find calm with a mindfulness kit that includes a soft cushion, a nature journal with pencils and sketch paper, and prompt cards offering gentle activities like guided listening to help you relax and tune into the sounds of nature.
Then follow your nose at the smell station, where distinctive scents reveal clues to species such as the blackish-blind snake, celerywood and short-eared possum, because smell is a great clue to what's hiding in the undergrowth.
Mary Cairncross is full of surprises
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is home to an amazing diversity of plants and animals making it a special place to explore.
Quiet visitors may enjoy seeing a pademelon in the undergrowth, which despite its name, is not a type of fruit, but a small and very cute rainforest wallaby. Summer is the perfect time to see the spectacular red flowers of the black bean tree, and if you look closely, you might even see the rare Richmond birdwing butterfly sipping its nectar.
Bird enthusiasts will appreciate more than 100 species found in the reserve including the green catbird, known for its call that sounds just like a cat! Another highlight is one of Queensland's largest red cedar trees, believed to be more than 400 years old, standing proudly within the reserve.
Time to explore hidden treasures
Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Tim Burns invited the community to explore the seasonal and daily changes that happen in the forest through the new exhibit.
"This display is a wonderful opportunity for our community to pay deeper attention to their surroundings, whether through seeing, smelling or listening." Cr Burns said.
"By engaging all our senses in the rainforest, we are more in tune with the natural world around us. It helps us see that we are part of this incredible ecosystem and need to treasure it."
