Over two weeks in April 2026, Pakana Rangers, NRM South and the Tasmanian Land Conservancy spent time together on Country at Putalina and Piyura Kitina, strengthening relationships through shared time on Country, conversation and learning.
Across both sites, the focus was on understanding the landscape as a connected system, from saltmarsh and plant communities to birds and other ecological indicators, and how these elements interact to reflect the health of the whole.
At Putalina, the group moved through a range of vegetation communities, from coastal saltmarsh through to a healthy Eucalyptus viminalis wet forest, a threatened vegetation community. The saltmarsh was full of life, with glasswort covering much of the ground and crabs moving through the flats. The group also visited areas where saltmarsh restoration had previously been undertaken by Pakana Rangers and Junior Rangers during a Junior Ranger Camp, with healthy signs of growth evident. Bird surveys recorded 29 species, with no introduced specie – bar a couple of mallards, likely runaway pets from a neighbouring farm. This lack of introduced species is indicative of a relatively healthy ecosystem.
At Piyura Kitina, these conversations continued across the landscape, including along the creekline where ongoing weed management by Pakana Rangers is supporting native regeneration. Saltmarsh condition and restoration remained a key focus, alongside plant identification and bird surveys. Observations such as birds moving through the area and crabs active within the marsh contributed to a broader understanding of how the system is functioning.
More than anything, these days were about being on Country together, sharing perspectives, asking questions and learning from one another. Building on an already strong foundation, this time together strengthened collaboration and highlighted opportunities to continue working together into the future.