An untarnished legacy on Tarn Shelf

Some years ago, Friends of Mt Field used to work with Parks and Wildlife Service ranger Trevor Norris in Mt Field National Park. Both Trevor and the Friends enjoyed working together. Sadly, Trevor died, but he left a legacy to the Friends in his will. The Tarn Shelf Track in the park has been deteriorating, with walkers forming many braids of the track where it is hard to follow. Tarn Shelf was also one of Trevor’s favourite areas. Therefore the Friends decided to use some of Trevor’s legacy to help improve the track and define it more clearly.

A section of Tarn Shelf Track before gravelling in March

A section of Tarn Shelf Track before gravelling in March, where walkers have widened the track by trampling to the left of the track

The same section of Tarn Shelf Track after gravelling in March

The same section of Tarn Shelf Track after gravelling in March The legacy was used to pay for gravel for improving some of the more worn sections of the track in the southern part of Tarn Shelf. The Parks and Wildlife Service kindly made arrangements to buy the gravel and fly it in 12 large bags to sections of track where it was to be spread. In February, March and May 2023, the Friends held working bees in varying weather conditions with old and new volunteers to spread the gravel on the track and mark the edges of the gravelled sections with rocks. Some of Trevor’s successor rangers, Luke Gadd, Stuart Primrose and Ken Field greatly helped the volunteers work on the track.

Getting the gravel from bag to buckets for spreading

Greg, Stuart and Shirley moving gravel from a bag to buckets for spreading in February The Friends look forward to using the rest of Trevor’s legacy to help with their ongoing work to protect Mt Field National Park. If you would like more information about making a bequest to Wildcare, please see https://wildcaretas.org.au/donations/.

Another section of Tarn Shelf Track before gravelling in May

Another section of Tarn Shelf Track before gravelling in May

Finishing gravelling that other section of Tarn Shelf Track in May

James finishing gravelling that other section of Tarn Shelf Track in May