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Field Trip, Norah Head, Central Coast
Saturday 15 October 2022, 07:15pm
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Leader Grant Webster

Take the expressway north. After approx. 70km, take the Sparks Road exit towards Norah Head. The Bowling club is
about 30mins away. Meet in the carpark at the Norah Head Bowling and Sports Club, at the end of Victoria Street, Norah
Head.
One of the features of the coastal floodplains was the wetlands that formed in the swales of ancient sand dunes. This was
the home of the “Wallum” habitat. Wallum was originally the name given to species of Banksia by the traditional owners of
the Sunshine Coast. Over time, this name was broadened to refer to the complex of swamps, heaths, and woodlands
growing on low sandy soils along the coastal strip. These wetlands grimly hang on in isolated pockets on the highly urbanised
coastal strip. Tonight, we will look at the coastal heathlands, particularly the Wallum habitat. We will look at
some of the unique frog species that have adapted to the dark, tannin-stained, highly-acidic waters of these coastal
heaths.
Grant’s research takes him to many unusual frogging locations. Tonight, we are fortunate to once again have Grant lend
his time and skills to show us another of his research sites. Grant has an unrivaled familiarity with the Wallum habitat and
coastal heathlands. With a little luck, we may even get a chance to see the elusive Wallum Froglet, as well as some of the
other frogs of this unique habitat.