Join Wangarratta Ski Club in surveying Snow Gum woodlands surrounding their clubhouse on Sunday August 23. 

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.

The logistics:

• Meet at 4pm at Wangarratta Ski Club. Attendees at the club will be back from skiing for the day at this time. The proposed survey area is contained to around the club, the ski tow area & access road. That area has a mix if healthy and fire affected snow gums, which will be important to monitor long term. 
• JP will be the volunteer coordinator. Please ring the Wang Ski Club number if you need to contact anyone on the day: 0490 251 237  

• Contact Andrew Croke if you need more info ahead of the event: 
  0457 819 355

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 @ 4pm

WHERE

Meet at Wangarratta Ski Club, 2392 Great Alpine Rd