Put yourself in the picture and write your own story– volunteering with NT Parks
The battle against gamba grass is well underway, and two NT Parks and Wildlife volunteer groups play an important role in this essential work
The NT Parks and Wildlife North Australian Parks (NAP) team delivers exceptional stewardship across more than 6,100 square kilometres of high‑value protected areas. These iconic locations attract nearly two million visitors each year and include priority tourism destinations, RAMSAR wetlands (a published list of internationally recognised wetlands of significance)and places of deep cultural significance.
A vital part of this team are the volunteers who contribute their time and energy to activities ranging from visitor services to infrastructure management, remote area patrols and weed control. Many NAP volunteers are full‑time workers or have other commitments that prevent them from participating during the working week. Despite their busy schedules, they still value the opportunity to contribute their skills to protecting some of the NT’s most precious natural environments. These dedicated individuals join volunteer groups working on a range of projects across parks and reserves in the Top End.
One of the most significant threats to the Top End landscape is gamba grass ( Andropogon gayanus). This introduced species has the potential to dramatically alter landscapes, challenging even the most resilient habitats. Fortunately, the battle against gamba grass is well underway, and two NAP volunteer groups play an important role in this essential work.
Volunteers involved in the award‑winning weed management project coordinated by the Casuarina Coastal Reserve Adopt a Spot team work to stop the spread of gamba grass within the Reserve. After an initial training and induction session, volunteers visit their assigned patch in their own time, surveying for gamba grass seedlings and removing them when found.
The Weedwalkers are another highly committed group working on gamba grass eradication, this time within Litchfield National Park. These hardy and adventurous volunteers attend several working bees throughout the wet season, hiking into remote areas of the park to survey, map and remove isolated gamba grass plants.
Eradicating isolated infestations is a critical step in weed management, and the work of these volunteer groups is contributing significantly to the long‑term goal of eliminating gamba grass from NT parks.
The old adage that “many hands make light work” is especially true in weed management. Both the Weedwalkers and the Adopt a Spot team are actively welcoming new volunteers who would like to join their efforts. Each group offers a different type of volunteer experience, ensuring there’s something for everyone who wants to get involved.
The Adopt a Spot team operates in Casuarina Coastal Reserve during the gamba grass growing season, approximately September to April. After training and induction, volunteers visit their designated spot whenever it suits them, using Avenza Maps and the Weedmate app to report findings back to the team leader. This flexibility makes Adopt a Spot one of the most adaptable environmental volunteer opportunities available.
The Weedwalkers meet several times throughout the wet season to hike into remote areas of Litchfield National Park in search of isolated gamba grass plants. If you’re a keen bushwalker and perhaps a little fitter than average, joining this team offers the chance to explore the quieter side of one of the NT’s most spectacular national parks while contributing to vital conservation work.
Volunteering with NT Parks and Wildlife looks different for everyone, but all volunteers know their efforts form an essential part of the broader land management picture. Whether you want to build your skills and knowledge, give back to the places you love, or simply spend time in spectacular environments with wonderful people, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact volunteer.parks@nt.gov.au and we will connect you with the team.
