Amanda Ferguson, 2014 North Queensland student blogger, writes:

Sunday, May 10

This week we’ve been kicking it at Eco Village at Mission Beach. The Wet Tropics rainforest and local Aboriginal culture have been the topics of discussion during our lectures and field excursions.

The Aboriginals really had a unique connection to the land. We learned from the Nywaigi people that historically they ate green ants as a source of vitamin C. To eat it, you bite off the bulbous green part. Of course, I had to try it and was surprised it actually was fairly tasty! Who needs vitamins when you can just eat ants?

We also spent a day with Ingan Tours for a kayaking trip and a cultural session, which both were loads of fun. I think the Aboriginal culture definitely has a lot to contribute to not only Australian culture, but also conservation efforts simply because they know so much of the land. Their culture developed directly from their relationship to the land. While many traditions may not be compatible with contemporary societal views, I believe we could learn a lot just from finding out how the Aboriginal people worked with the land instead of just taking from it. We only had a short exposure to Aboriginal culture, but the rainforest we spent some further time in.

Of course the rainforest was as wet as its name mentions, but the vegetation was probably some of the most large and luscious I have ever seen. Large could also be said about the spiders. The palm fans and beautiful trees though kept me well distracted enough that I didn’t even mind those eight-legged creepies. The rainforest while beautiful, is really a battle between each of the plants fighting for sunlight and space. The Mission Beach area in total is home to more than 70 species of birds, frogs, butterflies, wallabies, lizards and much more.

The cassowary, Australia’s heaviest flightless bird, is another interesting creature that makes its home in this region. With glossy black plumage, a vivid blue neck and dinosaur-like helmet on top of its head, it is honestly one of the strangest creatures I have ever seen. The cassowary plays a vital role in dispersing seeds of key rainforest flora species, so its presence here is crucial.

It’s time to move on though and, with all the mosquitoes we’ve endured, we’re ready to leave by this point. Next is the homestay; farm life here we come!