A presentation at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga on Wednesday 13 March will examine how people can join scientific expeditions to explore Australia’s deserts.

Ms Sophie Woods (pictured), a fourth-year veterinary science student in the CSU School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences
in Wagga Wagga, has organised the Australian Desert Expeditions (ADE) event.

She said the ADE presentation is being hosted by student-run club Wildlife@CSU and will explain how any interested participants can join an expedition and benefit from the experience.

“Expedition leaders will deliver a fascinating and informative presentation about ecology and trekking in the desert,” Ms Woods said.

“They will explain how interested people can explore Australia’s vast desert wilderness on structured and supported scientific surveys using pack camels, where every step reveals an ancient landscape.

“By attending the presentation audience members can talk to the leaders about joining them on a tour and discovering the ecology of the desert.

“Potential expedition participants could include students and scientists interested in desert ecology, and the general public.

“I encourage people to find out how they can join the ‘Songlines and Shared Journeys’ survey program and create their own desert story in 2019.”

The Australian Desert Expeditions presentation will be from 6pm to 8pm on Wednesday 13 March in the Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation (building 229, room 182) at CSU in Wagga Wagga.

Wildlife@CSU is a student-run club at CSU in Wagga Wagga. Its main objectives are to educate and enhance knowledge about wildlife, and to develop practical skills pertaining to wildlife health and management.

“We provide our members with a range of activities including hands-on, immersive workshops,” Ms Woods said.

“We also arrange guest speakers to discuss current conservation work, research and medicine related to a range of terrestrial and marine, native and exotic wildlife.”

Wildlife@CSU also creates opportunities for networking and to support the local community.

“The club holds fundraisers such as bake sales, barbeques and raffles to contribute to local, national and international organisations doing great work,” she said. “This year we will be supporting WIRES Riverina Branch and The Australian Wildlife Conservancy.”

Ms Woods said Wildlife@CSU is open to all CSU students, staff and alumni.

“We aim to keep our members updated on current events, volunteering and research opportunities related to wildlife via our Facebook group and email list,” Ms Woods said.

For more information about the Australian Desert Expeditions presentation or Wildlife@CSU contact Ms Sophie Woods at Wildlife@CSU via wildlife.csu@gmail.com or 0437 817 127.