This is the last chance this year to observe some tiny, cute, furry, threatened native Australian animals - which live in a box up a tree. :-) 

The third, and last, nestboxing weekend will run on May 3 and 4.

The Regent Honeyeater Project has been operating a nestbox program for over a decade in the Lurg Hills near Benalla. The boxes provide arboreal homes for threatened species such Sugar Gliders and Squirrel Gliders. All of them boxes need to be checked each year - to monitor the populations and to learn more about their habitat needs.  

Monitoring activities are undertaken in teams and involve visiting nextboxes in the forest, checking for wildlife, recording data and observations. It's also a great opportunity to learn about these unique Australian animals, and to practice map reading skills and bush navigation. 

Photos from the first nestboxing weekend

TRIP DETAILS
Volunteers will drive up to Benalla on Saturday morning, returning in the evening on Sunday (weekenders) or Saturday (day trippers).
The other options is to take a train to Benalla on Friday afternoon.

You will need: 
- food & water for the weekend (we'll be out in the field during the day, on Saturday there is a group BBQ dinner)
- sleeping bag and/or tent - free accommodation is provided in the Benalla Scout Hall (mattresses are provided, bring everything else), or you can camp
- sturdy shoes, long trousers, long-sleeved shirt, gaiters, sun protection, rain gear (just in case) 
- money for petrol & car maintenance (~$20-25 depending on numbers)
 

Trip meeting will be on April 29.
I am not able to attend this trip, but it's not a problem to organise a group anyway. All welcome!
If you have questions in the meantime, find me at the clubrooms on a Tuesday night or email me at conservation at mumc dot org dot au. 

More about the nextboxing project: 

http://regenthoneyeater.org.au/nestbox2013.php