• Walk to Maggs Mtn. lookout for local area orientation then return to Arm Camp via the Arm Gorge. Along the way students will be introduced to dry forest environments, forest evolution in progress and some Aboriginal history evident in the upper Mersey. Students will then complete a worksheet on dry forest environments before walking to the Arm Falls.

Evening meal approx. 6:30 pm.

Evening

• games

Evening meal approx. 6:30 pm.

Evening

• concert

• Day trip to Lee’s Paddocks. Students will be introduced to the early explorers and cattlemen history of the area and some of the key people involved. Appreciation of nature for its natural beauty and Tasmania’s Parks and Reserves system will also be key aspects of the day trip.
• (Alternatives could include:
  A day trip to the Little Fisher Valley. Students will spend most of the day in trackless, open rainforest. Aspects of Aboriginal and European history can be explored as well nature appreciation and Tasmania’s Parks and Reserves system.
• A day trip to the Pillinger plateau. Students will experience sub-alpine to alpine vegetation and enjoy magnificent views of the Cradle Mtn.-Lake St. Claire National Park. Aspects of Aboriginal and European history can be explored as well as nature appreciation and Tasmania’s Parks and Reserve system.)

Evening meal approx. 6:30 pm.

Evening

• campfire and marshmallow toasting if weather permits.

Evening meal approx. 7:30 pm.

Evening

• video

• Students complete worksheets and any unfinished creative work.
• Walk to a private eucalypt plantation through the Arm River Forest Reserve.
• camp clean up and pack up.
• prepare lunch and leave for school approx 1:00 pm.

1. There are different types of forests

An introduction to the nature and distribution of native grasslands, dry and wet eucalypt forests and rainforests.

2. Forests change

An investigation of young and old forests and how and why forests change.

3. Forests provide habitat for a wide variety of plants and animals

Common animals found in each forest type and why, (the Tassie Tiger habitat), and consequences for some animals as forests change.

4. Forests provide a wide range of resources

Aboriginal use of forests, snaring, timber harvesting, honey collecting, recreation and Hydro development.

5. Forests are managed for a diverse range of purposes

World Heritage,National Parks and reserves in the Mersey Valley area, recreation opportunities, timber production, maintenance of water quality, scenic values, archaeological values etc. and possible consequences of particular management practices.

6. People have a range of different values associated with forests

Exploration of some of the values different community groups hold about Tasmania’s forest environments.

7. Many issues arise as a consequence of human use of forests and forest products.

A brief look at some of the issues associated with the use of forest environments in Tasmania over the past 20 years and how some management practices have changed as a result.