Connecting with Country bushwalking with Mark 14 Sept

On Monday 14 September a small group of us went on a bushwalk out of ANSTO at Lucas Heights to connect with country led by Mark Rice SSR and his colleague Helen Pollard a Restoration ecologist and botanist. It was a warm day but was much cooler under the trees and along Barden Creek. The creek rock platforms revealed lots of treasures. Deep grooves and more elaborate rock art.

We saw a kangaroo, a whale or dugong and two spirit people were found up on the ridge.

Mark explained what they were and how there were others hidden underneath moss and reeds and other foliage, as well as their symbolic meaning. A swift piece of volunteer restoration revealed a sacred water pond next to the figures.

Helen showed us edible and carnivorous plants and we saw the beautiful waratahs and Gymea lilies in their Spring abundance.

Mark adding water to reveal grooves

Helen found a unique plant

large rock carving

restoration work