Meet Senior Park Ranger Angus
Each edition, we’ll introduce you to one of the friendly new faces you may see next time you visit Glenthorne National Park-Ityamaiitpinna Yarta.
The number of rangers based at Glenthorne has grown as part of the formation of National Parks and Wildlife Service’s new South Metro District.
This new district will service Glenthorne National Park-Ityamaiitpinna Yarta, Marino, Hallett Cove and Moana Sands conservation parks, Onkaparinga River national and recreation parks, and Sturt Gorge and Shepherds Hill recreation parks.
Senior Ranger, Angus Droogan-Turniski sat down for a quick chat to tell us more about himself and why he’s excited about being part of the South Metro District.
What motivated you to become a ranger?
I’ve always enjoyed spending time outdoors bushwalking and birdwatching so becoming a ranger felt natural to me.
Through my role I get a fantastic balance of field work and planning around park management.
The best part is that every day is different.
What excites you most about working in a new national park?
The most exciting aspect of working in a new national park is being able to set up new places for people to come and enjoy.
The Glenthorne precinct is not only creating more places for recreation, but also increasing the connectivity of habitat.
It’s amazing to see how quickly the area is transforming and the wildlife is responding to the changes.
Can you tell us about any hidden gems across the Glenthorne precinct that visitors should know about?
There are hidden gems right across the Glenthorne precinct.
There’s breathtaking views from Marino Conservation Park, fantastic geology at Hallett Cove and rich history at Glenthorne National Park.
There are also fantastic mountain bike trails, and future walking and riding trails being created.
I’m also looking forward to explore Happy Valley Reservoir when it opens up in December.
What animals do you enjoy seeing most while at work?
The interconnected relationship of our wildlife is what I enjoy most.
It can be a unique orchid that is only pollinated by one type of wasp, or an old gum tree with hollows just the right size for a bird or small animal. To me it’s about observing how it all works in harmony.
The best way to see wildlife in a park is to find a spot to sit for about 20 minutes. If you stay calm and relaxed the animals should feel more comfortable and you will notice more around you.
Get to know the other South Metro District rangers Steve Johnson, Bec Brown, Jae Ellis and Courtney Heinjus.
Keep an eye out in our next edition to get to know Glenthorne’s local Ecologist, Sam Chesson.