Conservation Experiences
Arid Recovery Project -Native Environment Restoration
Arid Recovery is a community and industry conservation initiative dedicated to the restoration of Australia's arid lands. The project is on a 60km² reserve 25 kilometres north of Roxby Downs in the Outback. The project is gradually fencing the reserve and eliminating introduced species such as rabbits, cats and foxes. This has provided an area of complete protection into which four species of locally extinct mammals have been reintroduced. From time to time volunteers can assist with research and monitoring of the reserve. Interested persons should contact the Arid Recovery directly. All volunteers must be members of the Friends of Arid Recovery community group.
Birds Australia Gluepot Reserve -Wildlife and Reserve Conservation, Assistant Ranger
Gluepot Reserve is one of Australia's largest community owned conservation reserves, located 1.5 hours north of the Murray River. You can assist personnel from universities and institutes with their onsite research projects, assist with the reserve's own biodiversity projects such as bird, reptile, mammals and vegetation monitoring or be part of the Assistant Ranger program. Participation and accommodation are free of charge, however visitors must provide their own food. Assistant Rangers are taken year round but are subject to onsite accommodation availability.
Conservation Volunteers Australia -Conservation Projects
Conservation Volunteers Australia runs programs throughout Australia, including tree planting, seed collection, endangered species protection, weed control, flora and fauna surveys, walking trail construction, fencing and environmental monitoring. South Australia has a number of interesting programs running at locations such as Kangaroo Island, Murray River and Flinders Ranges. Specific programs for groups can also be developed upon request.
Crystal Hill Sanctuary -Willing Hands
Crystal Hill Sanctuary offers a unique hands-on experience. The Sanctuary is a haven to many species of animal and birds. Set on 17ha next to the spectacular Morialta Conservation Park in the Adelaide Hills, the land is being restored as closely as possible to the natural habitat of the Mt Lofty Ranges. The Sanctuary is dedicated to permaculture principles, which guide the restoration. People with willing hands are welcome to join in all the restoration projects including building, land management and care of native fauna. A real learning experience.
Earthwatch - Australian Wildlife Research
Earthwatch is the world's oldest, largest and most respected organisation involving the public in scientific field research. Volunteers collect data under scientists' direction and work as full-fledged expedition members, sharing costs of the research among them. Expeditions in South Australia include:
Waterbirds of the Coorong, Echindas and Goannas on Kangaroo Island and Itjaritjari, Marsupial of the Outback.
Earth Sanctuaries Ltd - Australian Wildlife Conservation & Habitat Restoration
Earth Sanctuaries is world-renowned for its success in conserving Australia's wildlife. You can join habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring and specific sanctuary projects. There are Earth Sanctuary projects are at Warrawong Earth Sanctuary in the Adelaide Hills and Hanson Bay Sanctuary on Kangaroo Island.
Echidna Care Inc
A non-profit organisation which funds scientific research projects by placing paying volunteers on expeditions with scientists. Projects specialise in areas such as bio diversity, sustainable living and feral animals. Telephone +61 8 8553 7174 or email Echidna Care direct.
Explore the Outback Camel Safaris -Cultural and Natural Heritage Research
Explore the Outback Camel Safaris is Australia's leading nature-based educational camel safari operator. Take part in exploratory tours on camel back. The projects are varied but you can expect to be involved in camel handling, expedition-style camel trekking and riding, flora and fauna surveys, historical research and more.
Foundation for Australia's Most Endangered Species (FAME)
FAME is world-renowned for its success in conserving Australia's wildlife. Volunteer opportunities exist at both Warrawong and Yookamurra Sanctuaries. Volunteers can join in tasks such as the revegetation and habitat restoration for the endangered species that roam free within the protection of the feral proof fence at both Sanctuaries. Meals and accommodation vary at each Sanctuary.
Iga Warta - Aboriginal Cultural Experience
Iga Warta offers a unique opportunity for you to experience the Adnyamathanha culture by staying, sharing and learning in an Aboriginal community setting. A range of tours and activities are offered to suit all your interests, and feature Adnyamathanha culture and the rules for living from the Muda (Dreaming). There is onsite accommodation from swags and tents, to bunkhouse and ensuite cabins.
Mallyons on the Murray - WWOOF
Mallyons on the Murray are a member of the Willing Workers on Organic Farms (WWOOF) program, and host visitors on their organic fruit and vegetable property. They specialise in stone fruit (peaches, apricots), figs, nuts, citrus, strawberries and vegetables. The farm also has a Bush Café and Gallery. Jobs for visitors include planting, picking fruit, weeding, jam making, helping the café and general farm work. Other activities on the farm include wildlife watching, walks, fishing, boating, swimming and stargazing. On-site caravan accommodation is available for workers. Your stay can be arranged prior to trip departure, and farm stays are usually 1 to 3 weeks in duration.
Saunders Gorge Sanctuary - Farming and Nature Conservation
Saunders Gorge Sanctuary is a 1364ha sheep grazing property that is being converted and developed as an eco-tourism conservation area. It is an hour east of Adelaide in the hills overlooking the Murraylands region. Spend time with the property owners and learn about the history of the property and conservation work that has been achieved. You can be involved in the ongoing conservation work and preservation of the natural environment, including local flora and fauna surveys. Bed and breakfast accommodation and meals are available on-site.
Scientific Expedition Group - Minnawarra Long Term Biodiversity Project
The Minnawarra Long Term Biodiversity Project is a project to investigate and record the biodiversity in heritage listed blocks on the property called Minnawarra near Myponga. Volunteers from the Scientific Expedition Group are invited to take part in this project. This is an opportunity to take part in a scientific expedition close to Adelaide. It is a chance for armchair expeditioners to see what actually goes on on a biodiversity project. The survey involves pitfall trapping to record small mammals and reptiles, vegetation surveys and bat observations. Expeditioners with skills in these areas are
especially welcomed.
The Nature Conservation Society
The Nature Conservation Society of South Australia is a voluntary body with members drawn from all parts of the state and all walks of life. The society's primary objective is to foster the conservation of South Australia's wildlife and natural habitats. It has a number of current projects and surveys. Some of these require help from volunteers, especially for fieldwork. Current projects include Spring Survey at Beetaloo, Distribution and abundance of Mallee Fowl, Eastern Mt Lofty Ranges, Flora and Fauna Survey of Gum Lagoon and many more.
