Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) answered
What COVID-19, colds and flu precautions are being taken?
To join in on the fun you’ll need to be prepared to follow current health advice, as well as guidelines on hygiene and social distancing. To help keep our volunteers, community and staff well, we encourage all participants at our events to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
If you feel at all unwell on the day, please do not attend and call/text the event coordinator Sue Tardif (0490 747 665) to let her know.
Please be conscious that many of our participants are, or care for, people in the 'vulnerable' to COVID-19 infection risk category.
Our event coordinators look forward to your understanding, co-operation and support. We're excited to be inviting you into the Conservation Area!
Can I bring someone else with me?
Family and friends are welcome. We ask that everyone who attends registers. Registrations can be made up to 24 hours before an event.
For youth events, we acknowledge that not everyone will have their own transport. Drivers who attend with you also join the event. NB it is not possible to drop off participants and leave.
Is there a minimum number for an activity to proceed?
Yes. We rarely need to postpone an event, but at the discretion of the activity leader we may do so. In the event of a postponement, you will be advised with at least 24 hours notice.
I don't have any special gear. Will I need it?
All activities are planned so that very little 'special' equipment is needed, and you can replicate the techniques we use elsewhere. Coming prepared for the outdoors is the key requirement.
See the 'What to bring' list for further information, and add whatever you would want to make your day more comfortable.
What to bring
The basics:
- your own drinking water is required (1 litre minimum). You will not be near any taps
- your mobile phone. We need to be able to contact you at any time if plans change, but apps are also used at many of our events
- power bank and your mobile phones charging cable (recommended). We have some for loan). Apps can use your phone charge quickly
- wear appropriate clothing for time in the bush, including long sleeves/pants. Closed toe shoes/boots are required. Gumboots are likely to be a good idea in the days following rain
- binoculars, if you have them (or borrow ours)
- hat, sunscreen, insect repellant (or raincoat if showers are expected)
- a pocket full of toilet paper/tissues (for the bush toilet). NB some events start/end at buildings, but many don't. Check for details on the registration information
- your own tea/coffee, cup, food, cutlery, chairs etc. Please bring what you need
- we will provide disinfecting wipes for any shared equipment we need for the activity, a first-aid kit, disposable gloves and hand sanitiser. Please also bring the personal hygiene items you would want.
Check out your registration confirmation for any other items specific to that event.
Can I take and share photos?
Yes and no. We always ask parents/care-givers permission to use photos of children (and adults), and ask everyone to respect the same principles.
We'd love you to share with us your photos of plants and animals you see. We'll be adding them to our iNaturalist project 'Yellingbo and surrounds'. This is a really valuable way that you can contribute to our knowledge of what species are currently finding refuge in the Conservation Area, and quite possibly, your other favourite places too!
We will talk briefly about this on the day, but we are very cautious about sharing images of the Helmeted Honeyeater or other threatened species on social media, websites or other public publications. It can become a problematic management issue for the Conservation Area, with people wandering in the Conservation Area and disturbing breeding without being aware they are doing so.
Will toilets be available?
Not for most events. Unless stated otherwise in details of the day's event, expect that it will be a 'bush toilet' event, and come prepared.
Do we carpool?
Rarely. Our on-ground events are planned so that we rarely need to do this. Whilst COVID-19 is still part of our lives, facemasks will be required in the rare situations where we carpool short distances. NB children cannot be transported by anyone other than their own family/guardian.
Under what circumstances would you cancel an activity?
Our usual extreme weather cancellation policy will apply - all activities are automatically cancelled on days of Total Fire Ban or if winds are expected to be 50 km/h or more. In addition, there's no prizes for toughing it out. If it's too wet or local conditions unsuitable, we will reschedule - watch out for Sue's text the day prior. We are in the Yarra Valley, so expect it to be cool-cold in the morning. The dropping air here is one of the key reasons Yellingbo Nature Conservation Area has the plant species that enable the Helmeted Honeyeater to exist here.
In addition, cancellations can occur at short notice due to changing COVID-19 restrictions.
Can I ask another question?
Absolutely! At any time, please text Sue your question. Please be aware that Sue works 1 day p/wk. Her phone will be turned on the day prior to an event, but turned off after 5pm.
