Get out and about on these great (and free!) opportunities with Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory (PWCNT) as part of Barkly Nature Watch!

PWCNT Community Engagement Officer Susie Armes said this is a great opportunity for children to learn about local plants and animals and have some outdoor fun.

“Here in the Barkly, there are lots of animals that are nocturnal (active at night) and they’re just waiting to be discovered.

“On Wednesday, August 24 at 4:30 pm, we’ll meet at the front of the Tennant Creek Town Council Library to investigate what lives in and around Tennant Creek and what makes these animals so special,” Mrs Armes said.

Children will have an opportunity to learn how to read the traces of nocturnal animals and other outdoor skills. For this activity children must be accompanied by an adult.

“On Thursday, August 25, a spotlight walk has been organized at the Tennant Creek Telegraph Station to find out more about the creatures that lurk in the dark! Learn some new spotlighting techniques, before using them to spot animals.

“Along the way we might be lucky to find giant frogs, glittering spiders, nocturnal birds out catching an evening meal, microbats or other mammals!” Mrs Armes said.

All ages are welcome, bring along your own torch, and wear sturdy closed in shoes and insect repellant. Meet at the Telegraph Station carpark at 6:30pm.

For morning nature lovers, it’s time for another mid-morning walk around Lake Mary Ann.

On Saturday, August 27 from 9 am, bring out your nature diary and record the changes while strolling on one of the many walking tracks.

Getting out in the natural environment is important for both physical and mental health so leave the working week behind with a refreshing morning walk out at Lake Mary Anne.

For more information on these events and the Barkly Nature Watch project contact Susie Armes on (08) 89518247, 0401 112 525 or email susie.armes@nt.gov.au