Wild at Heart: Wildlife of Mulligans Flat

Led by ornithologist and ecologist Dr Jenny Evans, this walk in our Queer Trails and Tales program will explore the special world of Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary and the remarkable conservation work happening right on Canberra’s doorstep.

Mulligans Flat protects part of Australia’s largest single area of Box-gum Grassy Woodland, a critically endangered ecosystem. We’ll explore how the Sanctuary’s predator-proof fence has enabled the reintroduction of native animals that had been locally extinct in Canberra since the early 1900s, and discover how science and on-ground conservation are working together to restore our Australian woodlands. Along the way, we’ll look out for some of the wonderful wildlife that calls the Sanctuary home and see first-hand the benefits of rewilding for the wider ecosystem.

Canberra Environment Centre's Queer Trails and Tales is a series of six guided nature walks celebrating Canberra’s landscapes, wildlife and biodiversity through a queer lens. Led by local experts, each walk brings together science, storytelling and community to explore the fascinating diversity of the natural world.

Numbers are capped at 15 people, so be sure to book before it's too late!

Queer Trails and Tales is proudly supported by the ACT Government’s Capital of Equality Grants Program.

Read more about the whole program here: https://www.canberraenvironment.org/queer-trail-tales

Learn about Dr Jenny Evans

Dr Jenny Evans is an ecologist and evolutionary biologist focused on conservation genetics and long-term studies of wild animal populations. She completed her PhD at the Australian National University, studying the consequences of inbreeding in two iconic Australian species, the superb fairy-wren and the endangered purple-crowned fairy-wren.

Her passion for sharing the world of ecology and genetics has taken her on many adventures, including science festivals, podcast appearances, conference presentations, and ecology and genetics workshops. Here in Canberra, she has been involved in the outreach program at Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary, a nature-based learning program helping people discover the biodiversity on their doorstep. She currently works in environmental regulation, combining science and policy to better protect Australia’s environment.

Accessibility considerations

The walk will involve dirt roads and some grassy sections. The planned route and meeting point require participants to climb through a gate; however, an alternative route can be arranged if accessibility requirements are flagged in advance.

We will work to accommodate accessibility requirements wherever possible. If there is anything we can do to support your participation, please provide further information when you register.

Equipment needed

Binoculars, if you have them; they’ll be handy for spotting wildlife! Please also bring a bottle of water and dress in comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing with closed shoes suitable for walking.

Safety considerations

A first-aid kit, including a snake bandage, will be carried by the guide during the walk.

Inclement weather

In the event of unsuitable weather, the walk will be postponed to 13 February 2027.

Light refreshments will be provided following the walk. Dietary requirements will be requested when you register.