Many of you are aware of the current community actions to protect the ecologically important Tootgarook Swamp (wetland) from development and preserve it for future generations.
This brings us to me, Jessica Durrant, long-time local resident, environmental activist and huge Tootgarook Swamp supporter if my status as public officer for two of the prominent wetland groups is anything to go by.
So when Save Tootgarook Swamp Incorporated brought up the need to increase the awareness of the plight facing the swamp currently and to raise funds to help aid the group to continue its fight against development within the swamp and further the Ramsar wetland of significance nomination for the area I was more than happy to help.
I have issued myself the challenge to take leave from my full-time job and complete a 100 hour challenge starting Wednesday 20th February to Friday 1st March 2013.
You can show your support for this valuable wetland by sponsoring part or all of my walk.
My challenge will involve my walking (with various supporters) around the Tootgarook Swamp, an area of 381 hectares, which is about 21kms for 10 hours every day for 10 days straight, 8.00am to 6.00pm. A total of 100 hours.
Over that period I will document and record the happenings within the Tootgarook Swamp, both good and bad, and record them on this page and on the Save Tootgarook Swamp Incorporated Facebook page. Thus enabling the public to observe my progress and daily logs and view first hand the pressures facing this fragile area. Various different volunteers will accompany me throughout the walk to keep me going.
Individuals/groups can sponsor any one or more of my 100 hours for any amount they wish. Or sponsorship can be for entire period for any desired amount.
All sponsors will then be recorded on the site with the time and amount sponsored and all monies collected will be donated to Save Tootgarook Swamp Incorporated to further pursue protection for this highly valuable wetland.
This year promises to be the biggest year for the Tootgarook Swamp and this is your chance to let those with the power to make decisions know how important the environment, wetlands and the Mornington Peninsula is to you.
Sign the petition to SAVE, PROTECT AND REZONE TOOTGAROOK SWAMP ON THE MORNINGTON PENINSULA. http://www.communityrun.org/p/Tootgarookswamp
Read my blog here. http://www.spiffa.org/jesss-wetland-walk-daily-blog.html
See my live updates here on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/SaveTootgarookSwampInc
Or subscribe to my live twitter feed. www.twitter.com/TootgarookSwamp
Watch the short film on Tootgarook Swamp here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNuM-YVZgGY
I saw you on your walk last week but you didn't see me. I'm pretty shy and like to keep out of peoples way where I can, but just wanted to say a big thank you for raising awareness about our home and helping to protect it. Went through some tough times with the drought a few years ago but things are looking up. Wish I could give more, great job Jess.
Thu, 7 Mar 2013
Notechis scutatus
$ 15
Glad I managed to catch up with you last week. Great job showcasing our home, we love it here
Wed, 6 Mar 2013
K Gellie
$ 100
Go Jess, keep up the good work - help save our wetlands!
Wed, 6 Mar 2013
Marg and Bill Finger
$ 50
The world needs this swamp!
Tue, 5 Mar 2013
Natalie Davey
$ 100
Love your work and well done to raise awareness about this important wetland!
I saw you on your walk last week but you didn't see me. I'm pretty shy and like to keep out of peoples way where I can, but just wanted to say a big thank you for raising awareness about our home and helping to protect it. Went through some tough times with the drought a few years ago but things are looking up. Wish I could give more, great job Jess.