MID North Coast residents are being asked to celebrate 100 years of Port Macquarie’s coastal rainforest conservation this weekend in Sea Acres National Park.
Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams will tomorrow launch the three-day program of activities on offer at the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre by attending one of the bush-tucker tours.
“This September marks 100 years since the large tract of rare coastal rainforest located just four kilometres from the CBD was first conserved as the Shelly Beach Flora Reserve,” Mrs Williams said.
“The original flora reserve has undergone a number of changes over the past century, including being declared as part of Sea Acres National Park in 2011, and has always remained an important part of the fabric of Port Macquarie.”
Acting Sea Acres Rainforest centre manager Natalie Talbot was glowing in her view of the rainforest.
“Sea Acres demonstrates a wonderful evolution from the early days of protecting Port Macquarie’s rainforest treasure from clearing and urban expansion, to today, as a living example for people to enjoy the peaceful and dynamic forest, and discover more about our local environment and heritage,” Ms Talbot said.
The weekend celebrations aim to reconnect everyone with Port Macquarie’s rainforest. This includes free entry to the rainforest centre across tomorrow and the weekend, a photographic exhibition of Port Macquarie’s past and present, native plant propagation, wildlife presentations, night walks, and the ever-popular Yoga in the Rainforest.
For the full program contact Seas Acres Rainforest Centre on 6582 3355, or email seaacres@environment.nsw.gov.au
