International Student Volunteers

Tasmanian Wetlands and Woodlands Rehabilitation Australia

Introduction: ISV has partnered with the Tasmanian Landscape Conservancy (TLC) to operate conservation volunteer programs since 2005. The Tasmanian Land Conservancy is a not-for-profit and non-government organization with a goal of protecting Tasmanias threatened species habitats and rare ecosystems. Tasmania has a wonderful natural heritage, with over 40% of the state already protected by magnificent reserves. Despite this, many of its unique species are still under threat, with over 700 species of wildlife and plants in danger of extinction. The TLC aims to protect areas of high conservation values for species which are not adequately protected. This is achieved by purchasing and managing private land and assisting other private land owners to protect their land through conservation covenants. Since its inception, TLC has protected over 148,000 acres of important areas for conservation, including 8150 acres secured in ten permanent reserves. Volunteers will be working on two project sites in different locations, each conserving important wetlands and woodlands across Tasmania, spending one week at each site. Sites include: Flat Rock Woodlands Community Restoration Project (southern midlands) is part of an internationally recognised biodiversity hotspot with high numbers of endemic and threatened species. The property links to neighboring protected areas creating a continuous protected area of over 1000 ha. Previously the land was owned by a logging company and was misused as a site for dumping, and trail bike riding. TLCs is engaging the local community and making significant progress in changing their appreciation and understanding of the reserves value. Lutregala Marsh Wetlands Project (Bruny Island, Southern Tas) is an outstanding example of a coastal salt marsh and saline grassland with twelve different vegetation communities and a hotspot for birds - particularly raptors such as the Tasmanian Wedgetailed eagles (Aquila audax fleayi), the largest raptor in Australia. Liffey Woodlands Restoration Project (northern Tas near the central highlands) features some rainforest with beautiful old growth myrtle trees. Much of the surrounding area is also protected for conservation. Liffey is known for its picturesque waterfalls, alpine heath, wet and dry sclerophyll forests and temperate rainforest gullies. Mammal species include Tasmanian Devils (Sarcophilus harrisii), platypus (Orthinorhynchus anatinus), and pottoroos (Potorous tridactylus apicalis).

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International Student Volunteers

Long Point Wetlands Rehabilitation Project involves a wetland of international (Ramsar) importance and is a complex habitat of fragile, low-lying salt marshes, coastal grasslands and ancient sand dunes providing critical summer habitat for migratory water birds from all over the world such as the endangered eastern curlew (Numenius madagascariensis), the largest of the worlds wading birds. Local and international volunteers are essential to the success of TLCs projects and they have hosted 16 ISV groups in the past 7 years. Project Goals and Tasks: The long-term goals of these projects are to eliminate or substantially reduce the threats to the conservation values of the reserves, which will improve their ecological viability. The work will focus on environmental and landscape management. Each location will have different tasks such as: weed removal; tree planting (including digging holes, planting seedlings, erecting tree guards and handwatering seedlings); seed collection; erosion control; fence repair and maintenance; and rubbish removal. Project Highlights: Volunteer in one of the worlds most picturesque places, Tasmania. Volunteering in two distinct sites with a free weekend to explore the cultural hub of Hobart city will allow you to taste Tasmanias culture, history and natural beauty. In terms of biodiversity, Tasmania offers unique species of tremendous conservation value. Through diverse, hands-on and physical habitat restoration tasks, youll get to see the rewards of your work while volunteering alongside friendly and passionate locals and learning about conservation land management. Learning Outcomes: This project addresses the United Nations millennium development goals directed at environmental sustainability. Volunteers will learn about the meaning and value of sustainability, within the context of the interrelated areas of the economy, society and the environment. The project will explore and critically reflect sustainability issues locally and globally. In particular, volunteers will discuss themes such as: environmental management issues including erosion control; weeds and pest management strategies; wetland and forest ecology; conservation biodiversity; and much more. Volunteers will also enjoy learning about Australian landscapes and native wildlife as well as the uniqueness of Tasmania overall. ISV supports the use of discussion groups, reflective journal writing and the facilitation of focused activities to maximize the many learning opportunities. Accommodation and Meals: The accommodation style will vary depending on the two project locations for your group, and will vary from basic dormitory style to a small cottage and/or sheep shearers quarters, affectionately known as the sheep shack! Volunteers will share cooking and cleaning responsibilities. Meals will be wholesome and varied, not unlike that which you are used to at home. Vegetarians will be accommodated.

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International Student Volunteers

Testimonies:
You are able to improve your knowledge of conservation while expanding our knowledge on the Tasmanian land. It was a great experience. Katelyn Peters, University of Minnesota Twin Having the opportunity to volunteer in Tasmania has opened my eyes to the world of nature. Along with forming a family with my group and allowing me to make a huge impact on the island of Tasmania, I have learned life lessons I will never forget! Maria Miller, Indiana University This was an amazing way to experience new things, connect with the environment and help change the planet. I would never have had the chance to meet such amazing people and gain field experience in Tasmania if it weren't for ISV. Timothy Benvegnu, University of Utah

IMPORTANT! The full details of your project including a packing list and information about banks and internet access will be included in the ISV Project Overview, which will be sent to you approximately 30 days prior to your departure.

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