The City of Melville and Friends of Piney Lakes have doubled the number of Piney Lakes Nocturnal Discovery Walks this year, adding a monthly weeknight walk in addition to the monthly Saturday night walk. The walks will now take place on the last Saturday and Wednesday nights of most months, with the first walks for 2007 being held on Saturday, 20 January, and Wednesday, 31 January.

Mayor Katherine Jackson said the popular night-time spotlight safaris gave visitors an opportunity to view the resident wildlife of the Piney Lakes Reserve, including frogs, waterbirds, bats, bandicoots, turtles and spiders. “Learn frog calls, see bats in flight and find out just what runs off into the darkness when you turn on your backyard light,” she said. “Walkers are supplied with specially designed head spotlights to get a clear view of the nocturnal creatures. It’s definitely a great night out.”

The Nocturnal Discovery Walks are guided by local wildlife enthusiasts from the Friends of Piney Lakes community group. The walks depart at dusk from Piney Lakes Environmental Education Centre and last for about 90 minutes. The cost is $10 adults and $5 children aged six to 15 years. Bookings are essential and participants are required to pay at least one week before the walk date.

Piney Lakes Reserve is an important remnant of native vegetation, comprising 50ha of bushland, wetland and a lake. It provides a wide range of habitats that support a diverse range of native wildlife.

For more information or to make a booking, contact Piney Lakes Environmental Education Centre Customer Service Officer, Liz Boyd on 9364 0791 or email eboyd@melville.wa.gov.au. Alternatively, visit www.pineylakes.org.