Insider Guide – Belair National Park
Donna Ferschl – Senior Ranger in the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges region
How would you describe your job to someone at a BBQ?
Unpredictable – no two days are the same. I can go to work with a clear plan and guaranteed it will always change. My role is very varied, using so many different skills and experiences.
How did you get into this line of work?
I followed my passions which are animals and the environment. I worked with wildlife for many years in a couple of roles but there were limited career opportunities available in Adelaide.
When a ranger position came up it gave me a career path and led me from handling wildlife to protection and conservation.
What do you encounter in a ‘normal’ day on the job?
There is no normal day on the job, it is so diverse. My day could involve anything from office administration to being out in the field running school activities, trail audits, fire management, managing volunteers, search and rescue or facility maintenance.
What’s the most amazing thing you’ve seen at Belair National Park?
Recently, seeing all the creeks and water running in areas of Belair National Park that it wouldn’t normally be has been amazing. Seeing native animals in their natural environment is always special, like seeing bandicoots in the wild by the volunteer centre.
What are your insider tips about Belair National Park?
Come prepared because there is so much to do. Leave enough time to spend the whole day and really explore all the way into the park. Go for a walk, for example to Amphitheatre Rock or Echo Tunnel, and discover the hidden gems throughout the park.
Throughout the month of September, Belair National Park is being celebrated asPark of the Month– an initiative between Nature Play SA and DEW.
For more insider tips on what to do on your next visit, check out5 treasures in Belair National Park.
