2007 Free Science Week Events

National Science Week

18 - 26 August 2007
Forestry, it's a growing science

FREE FORESTRY TALK & BBQ

(Hobart) Monday 20th August, 1pm

A forest talk by Forestry Tasmania's Senior Forest Resource Planner Mike McLarin 'The science behind sustainable wood supply calculations' is to be held on the 20th August at 1pm in the Exhibition Hall, Forestry Tasmania (79 Melville St Hobart).

Mike's 20 - 25 minute talk will outline the major components involved in wood resource estimation, being areas of forest, yields of wood and forest management strategy. The concept of sustainable yield is defined and described.

Examples are presented to show the planning systems and methodology used to calculate sustainable wood supply.

A free bbq will be provided following the talk.

Click here to book a seat for this talk or phone (03) 6233 8219

FREE FOREST BUS TOUR - INTERPRETIVE WALK & PICNIC LUNCH

(near Latrobe) Wednesday 22nd August 10am- 2pm

On this forest walk you'll catch a glimpse of the archaeology of the relict features of the shale mining industry and look at the effect of wildfire on both the native vegetation and the historic relics.

We will be meeting at the Latrobe Visitors Centre at 10am (adjacent to the Lucas Hotel) and will board a small bus that will take us into the Warrawee Forest Reserve where we will take a walk to examine the archaeological features and the effect of wildfire on the surrounding bush.

A picnic lunch will be provided and participants invited to discuss ideas for the proposed interpretive walking track. The walk is not strenuous but sensible boots/shoes are imperative as the going can be wet and slippery in places.

Following lunch at the Warrawee Reserve, the bus will take us around to Quicksand Rd to look at relics from the latter stages of the shale oil industry including the remains of the Bronder Retort and various features that are preserved amongst a Gunns plantation.

The bus will return to the Visitor Centre by 2.00 pm.

Your guide for this tour will be Jane Becker - Community Liaison Officer for Mersey District and Archaeologist.

Click here to book a space on the tour or phone Forestry Tasmania's District Office on (03) 6424 8388. Bookings must be made prior to the close of business on the 20th August. Limited availability

FOREST TOUR FROM HOBART into the WARRA RESEARCH SITE

INCLUDES BBQ at the Tahune AirWalk
(Near Geeveston) Saturday 25th August 9am - 5pm

A Bus Tour to the Warra Research Site: You are invited to join a bus tour hosted by a Forestry Tasmania scientist looking at the range of research being carried out at the Warra Long Term Ecological Research Site. The tour will include looking at the nature of long-term ecological research, how forests regenerate, alternative techniques for harvesting timber and the maintenance of biodiversity, water and other forest values.

The bus will leave from 79 Melville Street, Hobart at 9 am, returning at approximately 5 pm. There will be a free lunchtime sausage sizzle at the Tahune AirWalk.

Bring suitable shoes/boots, warm and waterproof clothing, snacks and refreshments.

Click here to book your seat or phone (03) 6233 8219 Bookings must be made prior to the close of business on the 23rd August. Limited availability

• To see how Forestry Tasmania's researchers are involved with the Forest Education Foundation's National Science Week Events click here.

National Science Week (18th - 26th August 07) is an annual nationwide activity that aims to increase public awareness of science through events staged by science-based organisations.

Forestry Tasmania invests more than $3 million each year in research to better understand forest ecology and to inform sustainable forest management practices. More than 25 scientists are employed to work on over 50 long and short-term research and development projects across a broad range of forestry issues. Much of this work is carried out in collaboration with scientists from a range of organisations and external academic institutions.