Released 20/11/2022 - Joint media release
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.
Wildbark at Mulligans Flat is located in Throsby, on Canberra’s northside near Gungahlin. Follow Bettong Avenue onto Rosenberg Street for the Wildbark building and free parking. For more information on the new facility, visit the Wildbark website. For more information on Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary Strategy, visit the YourSay engagement page.
Quotes attributable to Alison Russell-French, President of Woodlands and Wetlands Trust:
“Wildbark will offer the Canberra community the opportunity to connect with nature. Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary is unique and now home to species like the Eastern Bettong and Eastern Quoll that have been extinct in this region for over one 100 years.
“The 30-year Strategy for Mulligans Flat is a strong statement about the importance of collaboration between all interested stakeholders and giving voice to their views about the future of the reserve.”
Quotes attributable to Professor Saul Cunningham, Director ANU Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University:
“The opening of this wonderful learning centre means the community can engage with the research that underpins the Mulligans Flat sanctuary and better understand the conservation that is happening on their doorstep.
“This centre will be a global leader, showcasing what can be achieved when you bring researchers, managers, students, and visitors together to enjoy, understand and protect their environment. It is a true partnership and I thank the ACT Government, Odonata and the Woodlands and Wetlands Trust for their vision, enthusiasm, and collaboration.”
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Mick Gentleman, MLA | Rebecca Vassarotti, MLA | Media Releases