Volunteering on the Larapinta Trail, West MacDonnell National Park, Northern Territory, Australia.
Situated in the heart of Central Australia, the Larapinta Trail extends over 223 kilometres along the backbone of the West MacDonnell Ranges. There are two ranger bases within the park, Simpsons Gap at the eastern end of the park (20km from Alice Springs) and Ormiston Gorge at the western end (140km from Alice Springs). This exciting long distance walking track is divided into 12 sections, each a 1-2 day walk.
Each year the Parks and Wildlife Commission run a maintenance program with the aid of volunteers from the 8th to 19th April. This year our Larapinta Trail repair and maintenance project ran smoothly, due to the generous efforts and hard work of numerous volunteers who assisted our Parks and Wildlife Rangers. Our volunteers (33 in total) came from a variety of locations and backgrounds, and all were enthusiastic in their contribution to the upkeep of the trail. The 33 volunteers were comprised of local, intrastate, interstate and international individuals, as well as a Scout Troop. The Scouts efforts on the Trail earned each of them points towards their Historical Trails badge. We also had assistance from local FEP participants (Traditional Owners).
Volunteers and Rangers were split into groups, given specific jobs to tackle and the tools required to undertake that job. The main tasks completed included: clearing vegetation off the trail, erosion control and installing or replacing trail markers (as a result of recent wildfires damage). During the time spent out on the Larapinta Trail, a good deal of maintenance work was completed while affording an awesome opportunity to see this vast and spectacular section of the Macdonnell Ranges with its cool scenic gorges, and views on how this ancient landscape has been sculptured over time by climate elements.
Overall a very successful start to the 2013 walking season for the Larapinta Trail.
The Rangers really appreciated everyone’s help and we love to offer the opportunity to work with us in our amazing work place! The West MacDonnell National Park Staff would like to thank all the volunteers and visiting staff for their time and hard labour.
Volunteering on the Larapinta Trail, West MacDonnell National Park, Northern Territory, Australia.
Situated in the heart of Central Australia, the Larapinta Trail extends over 223 kilometres along the backbone of the West MacDonnell Ranges. There are two ranger bases within the park, Simpsons Gap at the eastern end of the park (20km from Alice Springs) and Ormiston Gorge at the western end (140km from Alice Springs). This exciting long distance walking track is divided into 12 sections, each a 1-2 day walk.
Each year the Parks and Wildlife Commission run a maintenance program with the aid of volunteers from the 8th to 19th April. This year our Larapinta Trail repair and maintenance project ran smoothly, due to the generous efforts and hard work of numerous volunteers who assisted our Parks and Wildlife Rangers. Our volunteers (33 in total) came from a variety of locations and backgrounds, and all were enthusiastic in their contribution to the upkeep of the trail. The 33 volunteers were comprised of local, intrastate, interstate and international individuals, as well as a Scout Troop. The Scouts efforts on the Trail earned each of them points towards their Historical Trails badge. We also had assistance from local FEP participants (Traditional Owners).
Volunteers and Rangers were split into groups, given specific jobs to tackle and the tools required to undertake that job. The main tasks completed included: clearing vegetation off the trail, erosion control and installing or replacing trail markers (as a result of recent wildfires damage). During the time spent out on the Larapinta Trail, a good deal of maintenance work was completed while affording an awesome opportunity to see this vast and spectacular section of the Macdonnell Ranges with its cool scenic gorges, and views on how this ancient landscape has been sculptured over time by climate elements.
Overall a very successful start to the 2013 walking season for the Larapinta Trail.
The Rangers really appreciated everyone’s help and we love to offer the opportunity to work with us in our amazing work place! The West MacDonnell National Park Staff would like to thank all the volunteers and visiting staff for their time and hard labour.