Coffs By Nature (5 November 2020)

I was recently able to spend time with some of the Council staff behind the popular Coffs By Nature tours and events.

This program has been running for around 13 months now and, despite the challenges posed by bushfires and the pandemic, the team has still managed to run 53 events in that time which have attracted more than 2,100 participants.

The aim of Coffs By Nature is to help people connect with the wonderful natural environment that we know is very important to both locals and visitors. I met up with the staff at a spot in the Orara East State Forest marked by a tree that has been dated as being nearly one thousand years old – and it was only about 15 minutes from the city centre.

Enhancing and protecting our natural areas is a clear community focus that comes through in our regular Customer Satisfaction Surveys and the MyCoffs Strategic Plan. The Coffs By Nature program is an excellent way for everyone, of whatever age or background, to learn more about the environment we all care about – and it’s free.

There is a wide range of walks and workshops with local experts on offer through the program – from learning about marine life, special kids fun-packed eco adventures, creative nature writing sessions, koala spotting and even learning about bush regeneration.

If you want to find out more, go to the Our Living Coast website which has all the details.