Think pink this World Wetlands Day and join NACC in exploring one our region’s most iconic land — and water— marks.
NACC’s Hutt River and Lagoon Free Community Bus Tour will explore the Hutt River and Hutt Lagoon (our region’s “Pink Lake”) on February 2, to help celebrate World Wetlands Day 2017.
World Wetlands Day marks the anniversary of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance in Ramsar, Iran, on 2 February 1971.
Since then, government agencies, non-government organisations, individuals, and community groups have celebrated World Wetlands Day by undertaking a multitude of actions aimed at championing wetlands, raising public awareness of wetland values and benefits, and promoting the conservation and wise use of wetlands.
Activities have included seminars, nature walks, festivals, announcements of new Ramsar sites, media events, and on-ground wetland rehabilitation works.
As part of NACC’s tour, experts from the WA Department of Parks and Wildlife and Department of Water will be on-hand to provide detailed information about the Hutt River and Hutt Lagoon.
During this full-day, free bus tour, participants will learn about the Hutt River and Hutt Lagoon’s important ecosystems, and the unique plants and animals that make these unique wetlands their home.
NACC Biodiversity Coordinator Dr Jessica Stingemore said: “The Northern Agricultural Region has a diverse range of wetlands – from freshwater springs to saline coastal marshes – which, because we have such an arid climate, are really important ecosystems.
“Wetlands are hotspots of specialised and unique biodiversity, and provide critically-important ecosystem services – particularly as sources of freshwater, and as filter systems that take-up nutrients from land-based run-off. They are also just beautiful places to visit,” she said.
Places are limited on this fun and fascinating wetland tour, so those interested are asked to please RSVP by 30 January – to NACC Coastal & Marine Officer Vanessa McGuiness at: Vanessa.McGuiness@nacc.com.au or on 0448 147 263. Please specify any dietary requirements.