Wetlands Walk

Budding Wildlife Warriors have embraced an opportunity to explore one of the city’s most beautiful environments, the Marrambidya Wetland.

Wagga Wagga City Council’s Environmental Education Officer Alice Kent revealed a 53-strong crowd took part in this week’s Wetland Wander; a guided experience of the stunning attraction designed to inspire the next generation.

“We had children as young as two come along to learn about the wetland and take part in a range of activities,” Ms Kent said.

“I’d say the most popular activity was the fishing game run by the Wagga Wagga Urban Landcare Group.

“It engaged kids in sustainable fishing using print-outs of different species.

“The game highlighted the different kinds of fish that can be found in our area… helping kids learn which species shouldn’t be thrown back once they’re caught and what size a native fish needs to be if they are to be kept.”

Aspiring young scientists also had the chance to check water quality with the help of special “water bugs”, learn more about the role of a Vegetation Management Officer and try out ‘twitching’, more commonly known as birdwatching, in the wetland’s bird hides.

“Spring is a magical time for birdwatching at the wetland because there are so many different species down there,” Ms Kent said.

“We were lucky enough to spot a Black-winged Stilt and an Australasian darter,” Ms Kent said.

“Perhaps the sweetest moment was when we came across a family of Dusky Moorhens.

“The chicks were adorable! Old enough to look exactly like tiny, miniature versions of their parents.”

Ms Kent is encouraging avid birdwatchers or keen nature enthusiasts to take a trip down to the wetland to try their luck as the weather continues to warm up.

“At the moment we’ve got a lot of birds migrating between bodies of water,” she said.

“Recently we had a squadron of pelicans visit the wetlands. They weren’t there on Friday, but they’ll be back.”

Wetland Wander participants also enjoyed a free barbecue lunch and had the chance to take home a local native seedling to plant in their garden.

“The activity day was a terrific way to finish the school holidays,” Ms Kent said.

“We are really lucky to have access to this important space… it was wonderful to share it with the community.”

The Marrambidya Wetland is located in Narrung Street, Wagga and is open to the public to visit 7 days a week.