Discovery Day – Sloping Main Reserve

The Tasmanian Land Conservancy (TLC) would like to welcome you to Sloping Main Reserve, for a weekend of exploration and activities! This is a unique, not to be missed opportunity to visit our Turrakana/Tasman Peninsula Reserve, a sanctuary for diverse plant life and migratory birds, and home to a superb saltmarsh wetland.

As part of our commitment to global best practice in nature conservation we would like to invite the community to visit Sloping Main with TLC scientists and see first-hand the innovative approaches we are taking to protect this beautiful reserve.

Home to a rich mosaic of native vegetation, Sloping Main supports ten threatened vegetation communities – a diversity of threatened vegetation greater than on any other TLC reserve. Covering 660 hectares, this property features a large, nationally vulnerable saltmarsh, an extensive coastal dune system that supports healthy white gum coastal forest, and critically endangered woodlands dominated by black gum (Eucalyptus ovata).

OPTIONS FOR YOU TO EXPERIENCE AND DISCOVER

• Join us for the day on Saturday 14th, or arrive the night before for camping.
• Choose from a variety of guided walks led by TLC scientists to explore the reserve’s flora, fauna, ecology, history, and ongoing science projects.
• Go on a walk with Dr. Cath Dickson, our Science Manager to dive deep into the ecology and flora of Burdens Marsh and hear about our ongoing science projects and marsh restoration assessment and plans.
• Enjoy an overnight camping experience with campfires, a food van, sunset and sunrise activities, and an evening presentation.
• Local residents can visit a local Land for Wildlife property and learn how their property can contribute to local conservation efforts.
• Children are welcome to join activities and walks. They need to be capable of completing them. Please enquire if you have any questions.

FRIDAY 13 September: Camp with us 

• Arrive between 4 and 6PM
• 5PM Optional Sunset Birding, Yoga or Nature and Forest Therapy Walk.
• 6-8PM Local food van Orlando Plenty Food dinner (food included in ticket price - drinks extra).
  
• 8PM Optional Spotlighting Walk or Barn Presentation
• 6AM Optional Sunrise Yoga or Nature and Forest Therapy Walk.
• 7-9AM Orlando Plenty breakfast (food included in ticket price - drinks extra).

BYO camping equipment.

Want to stay elsewhere? You are welcome to join us for the activities and food and stay in off-site accommodation. 

SATURDAY 14 September: Discovery Day

• Arrive from 8AM for a 9AM start.
  
• Your ticket includes a sandwich and cookie by Orlando Plenty.
  
• BYO hiking gear, water and snacks
• All attendees will join the Burdens Marsh walk exploring the ecology, history and future restoration plans. Plus, please choose one of the options below that best suits your capability.
  
• Options
• Slow and easy walk: Tan interpretation filled slower walk exploring the ecology of the dunes and the area’s fascinating flora, insects and native fauna (approx. 2km).
  
• Moderate walk:  A medium-length wildflowers and eucalypt walk (up to 4km).
• Strenuous Walk: An extended walk across the reserve and beyond with fewer stops for interpretation (up to 10km with challenging terrain and elevation gains).
• Visit a local Land for Wildlife or Gardens for Wildlife property: Discover how your property can be a haven for nature and contribute to local conservation.
• Depart at 4PM.
  

GETTING THERE

Sloping Main Reserve is located near Sloping Main on the Turrakana/Tasman Peninsula. Please allow 1 hour 45 minutes if you're traveling from Hobart or 3 hours 30 minutes from Launceston. A Google Map and navigation instructions will be emailed to participants in the week leading up to the event.

Spring weather can be unpredictable. Be prepared for cold, wind, and rain (and hopefully some sunshine!), regardless of the forecast.

Special Guests

Orlando Plenty: Pop Up Food Van. Tasman Peninsula locals Sappho and Ryan provide seasonal fare and nice coffee from 1970’s retrofit caravan, Orlando Plenty. You can expect delicious vegetarian dishes such as a substantial burger or rice bowl made from locally sourced, quality ingredients. Dinner, breakfast and lunch are included in the ticket price. Drinks are extra.

Elise Dewar: Yoga Elise helps people of all ages find a deep sense of wellbeing through gentle exploration of the breath, mind and body. As a wildlife biologist, Elise will combine her love of yoga and nature to offer accessible yoga sessions aimed at creating sense of calm and connection to the natural environment in Sloping Main's beautiful surrounds.

Matt Lancaster, Participate Tasmania & Nature Moves Me: Nature and Forest Therapy Walks. Led by renowned Hobart Specialist Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist, these Experiences offer a research-based public health practice of guided immersion in forested surroundings with the aim of promoting mental and physical health while relaxing and enjoying nature. 

FINE PRINT

TLC Discovery Day events are always popular and places are limited, so please register early to secure your place. Revenue from ticket sales helps cover the cost of hosting the Discovery Day. Given Sloping Main's remote location, running an event there requires significant logistics and the assistance of third parties.

In the event of inclement weather, or a regional total fire ban, the event will be postponed or cancelled and TLC will refund tickets. If the event is to be cancelled, you will be notified via email on the evening of Tuesday 10 September. Please note that the TLC can take no financial responsibility for attendees' pre-booked accommodation in the event of a cancellation.

If you have questions or need to register over the phone, please contact the TLC on 03 6225 1399. Photographs will be taken over the weekend for use in TLC publications. If you do not want your photo taken, please let us know ahead of the event.

The Tasmanian Land Conservancy acknowledges the palawa pakana people as the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture.