Those who attended the Feeling Fishy, organised Rivers of Carbon, were fortunate to have a stunning day. Local Ngunawal Elder Wally Bell welcomed everyone to country and talked about our shared responsibility to care and respect the Yass Gorge and the many wonderful plants and animals it has within it. Aaron Chatfield, Greening Australia, provided an insight, and a taste, of bush tucker, with the Bulbine Lily ‘potato chip’ a crowd favourite.

Luke Pearce gave a great talk about our native fish, from the tiny Southern Pygmy Perch through to the mighty Murray cod, and discussed the habitat we need to be creating to ensure their survival. A carp cooking demonstration left people surprised by how yummy smoked carp pate and carp thai burgers can be, with Luke’s son Lachlan an excellent waiter.

Platypus, turtles and waterbugs were explored with Woo O’Reilly and Bruno Ferronato who took us on an interesting journey into the life and homes of these special animals. We had ‘toothless’ the Eastern Long-necked Freshwater Turtle along for the day, and he proved to be a star attraction for all present.

The day ended with a walk up the Yass Gorge with tour guides Ross Webster and Ryl Parker pointing out the vast amount of work volunteers have undertaken to weed, replant and nourish this special place right in the heart of Yass. Rivers of Carbon is supporting these efforts with a new project up near the weir in Yass Gorge.