Rainforests once covered much of Australia. Today rainforests cover only 0.25% of the continent, 17% of which occurs in NSW. In the Mid-North Coast, we are blessed with high rainfall and a warm climate that allows a diverse array of rainforest communities to exist. Away from the salt-affected rainforest communities of the coastal fringe, rainforests can reach towering heights, and with their characteristic closed canopy, it can be very difficult to differentiate tree species within these wonderful ecosystems.

We are honoured to have Dr Bill McDonald, retired rainforest botanist from Queensland, join us to share his vast knowledge of rainforest ecology and rainforest plant ID.

This workshop is aimed at restoration practitioners, Agency staff who work locally in NRM and local plant enthusiasts with good botanical knowledge. It assumes prior botanical knowledge, experience in the field of rainforest management and/or ecology, and is not suitable for novices. The workshop will fine tune your botanical knowledge of local rainforest species and how to identify them, both in the field and with botanical keys. It is a day-long event in which Landcare will provide coffee and tea, but please bring your own snacks and lunch.

There will be some hand lenses available to use on the day, but participants are encouraged to bring their own if possible.

This is a very special opportunity to meet a learned rainforest scholar and learn from one of the very best in the field.

To find out more about Dr Bill McDonald and his publication go to this link: Rainforest Trees and Shrubs

Rainforest Trees and Shrubs and will be available for purchase on the day.

This event is possible thanks to the shared work of the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust and Landcare NSW under the Private Land Conservation Matters project, supported locally by MidCoast Council.