Long time members Geoff Robertson and Margaret Ning have again invited COG to join them for a camp-out on their 240 ha property near Nimmitabel. Garuwanga is managed for conservation purposes and has a variety of habitats including open grassland and shrubland, Snow Gum woodland, large patches of forest, and Casaurina nana heathland. There are many amazing rocky outcrops and a large variety of scenery. On the north it is bounded by the Kydra (Numerella) River and the west by Winifred Creek, with several water courses crossing it.
Most of Garuwanga is accessible by foot or by car and we will be exploring the property and adjoining areas for its bird life. Late spring will be a prime time to see all the summer migrants and for nesting. COG added 7 new bird species when we visited in November 1999 and a further 4 in April 2003. To date there have been 310 native plant species, over 90 bird species, 20 reptiles, at least 10 native mammals and 4 frogs recorded at Garuwanga. It is therefore appropriate that it will be a joint camp-out with the Friends of Grasslands.
Participants can arrive either Friday evening or Saturday morning. They will need to bring their own bedding and food. The property has plenty of places to pitch a tent. There is some limited other accommodation and access to the house, which has a modern kitchen, electricity, limited hot water and a flush loo, will be available. It is expected a number of the meals will be shared.
To register your interest and to obtain further details including how to get there, please contact Jack Holland on 6288 7840 (AH) or by E-mail on jack.holland@deh.gov.au.