Snow gums are the iconic vegetation species of the Australian High country.

They are beautiful, vital for biodiversity and tourism, help hold snow pack which is released into river catchments, and hold deep cultural value for many people. However, we are now seeing the beginning of ecosystem collapse across these alpine forests and woodlands – drought, dieback and successive fires have altered the structure, composition, and condition of snow gum woodlands dramatically. During August 2026, resort and mountain loving communities will coordinate with Friends of the Earth to conduct a couple of hours of citizen science in order to better understand the health of local snow gum forests.

Join Friends of the Earth on a relaxed hike on the Summit Trial at Lake Mountain (1.8km) on Sunday August 23. 

The logistics:

• 1pm – Meet at The Duck Inn Marysville. We will then carpool to Lake Mountain.
• 2pm – 1.8km along the Summit Trail at Lake Mountain. About an hour and a half of Snow Gum citizen science activity on the trail.
• 4pm – Return to Marysville. Social time at The Duck Inn Marysville (optional)

What to expect

·        You don't need any survey experience, just a willingness to walk through snow gum forest, assessing the trees for their health. We will provide a briefing once we are on site to explain how to assess and record the data. Expect to have a fun day outdoors in a gorgeous environment adding to our knowledge about the health of these iconic trees. These surveys will be happening as part of a process to gather data about the health of snow gum forests and will be used to assist in gaining threatened species listing under federal environmental laws. You can read more here.

What to bring

·         We will be hiking quite a distance and you will need appropriate boots and clothing for potentially walking in snow. Note that we will not be venturing outside of the village into the ski area. You will need warm gear, good gloves, water, rainproof jacket and over-pants to be outdoors in an alpine environment. We may get quite wet during the surveying so make sure you have a warm top to stay warm (synthetic or wool rather than down). Something to sit on (e.g. foam mat) would be good.

·       WHEN

Sunday August 23th, 2026 @ 1pm-4pm

WHERE

Meet at The Duck Inn Marysville at 1pm. We will then carpool to Lake Mountain.