Why do some trees get big? Why do some get really big? In this educational excursion, we will take a deep dive into the Tall Trees grove at Mt Field National Park, an exemplary collection of the tallest flowering forests in the world. Moving slowly and carefully observing the towering eucalypts above us, we will compile a toolkit to understand how these trees grow and what they can teach us about the world. As a bonus, we'll get to see some spectacular waterfalls carved into the sandstone geology. Participants will learn about plant growth, basic botanical identification, bushfire dynamics, Southern Hemisphere biogeography, disturbance ecology, and giant forests.
We will take a break during the tour to have lunch. Please pack your own food and water, and wear warm clothing and sturdy shoes. Bring binoculars and a telephoto camera if available. We will be slowly walking on easy trails totalling about 5 km, beginning at and returning to the Visitor Centre (and Waterfalls Cafe). Transport from Hobart is available for a limited number of people.
The drive takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. If you choose the transport option, we will leave from Dunn Place Car park (TMAG, Hobart) at 8am and return by 3:15pm. We will be in the lower section of Mt Field, with a very sh