Communities and local conservation groups from across NSW will celebrate the beauty and diversity of our native plants and wildlife and the environment at the Festival of Nature, a calendar of more than 90 nature-based events across NSW.
During biodiversity month in September, the Nature Conservation Council of NSW and its member groups will inspire a better connection with nature with bushwalks, birdwatching, photo competitions, wildflower walks, talks, and guided sculpture or art installation.
“We all depend on the diversity of nature for clean air and water, food and the many other essentials of life. Celebrate Nature provides the ideal opportunity for everyone to get out and experience our unique wildlife and special places,” said Nature Conservation Council of NSW Chief Executive Officer Pepe Clarke.
“Australia has more plant and animal species than any other developed country in the world, with about 10 per cent of the whole world’s biodiversity calling our nation home.
“Disappointingly, we are not doing all we can to protect this unique natural legacy. In NSW alone, more than 1000 species are threatened with extinction, including the squirrel glider, orange-bellied parrot, and the Australian fur seal.
“During Biodiversity month, I invite you to enjoy all the wonders of natural world and reflect on how we can best safeguard our precious environment for future generations,” he said.
Some highlights from the program include:
Sydney
Think Nature: Corridors and Connectivity, a broad vision for conservation.
Hosted by the National Parks Association of NSW
8pm, 28th September
Sutherland Multi Purpose Centre, 123 Flora St, Sutherland
‘Connectivity conservation’ has become a buzzword in the last few years.
Kirstin Proft, Biodiversity Conservation Officer at the National Parks Association of NSW (NPA),will discuss what connectivity conservation is and how it is changing the way that we think about protecting nature. The presentation will be illustrated with examples of current conservation projects that NPA is undertaking.
To RSVP email: ssydney@npansw.org.au.
Celebrate Nature: Brushes in the Bush. Hosted by Ryde - Hunters Hill Flora and Fauna Preservation Society
2:00pm-4:00pm, 3rd September
Meeting Place: 2pm at the Visitor Centre, Field of Mars Reserve, Pittwater Rd, East Ryde
Suitable for: Adults, children and teens
An invitation to young artists to join a painting expedition in our beautiful urban bushland.
Artists from 4 to 12 years of age are invited to come with an adult to enjoy an afternoon in the Field of Mars Reserve. Please bring paper and paints, texta or pencils and a bottle of water. At 2.15pm an experienced guide will introduce you to this glorious bushland area and show you things to draw and paint. At 3.30pm we will return to the Visitor Centre to display your work and enjoy afternoon tea. All participant artists will receive a special certificate.
In the case of bad weather, there will be bush art activities in the Visitor Centre.
Register: Alfred on (02) 9879 6067 or email: alfred.vincent@bigpond.com no later than Thursday 1st September. Alfred can supply a map and other information about the venue.
Outside Sydney
Think Nature: Launch of Gosford Food Waste Challenge. Hosted by the Nature Conservation Council of NSW and Gosford City Council
10:00am-4:00pm. 10th September
Australian Springtime Flora Festival
Mt Penang Parklands, Kariong near Gosford on the Central Coast of NSW
The Gosford Food Waste Challenge is an exciting, practical education program designed to teach you all you need to know to minimise your food waste. Developed by the Nature Conservation Council of NSW and the Office of Environment and Heritage Love Food Hate Waste, this program will save your wallet and help the environment! Register for the Gosford Food Waste Challenge at our launch at the Australian Springtime Flora Festival or online at www.nccnsw.org.au/gosford-food-challenge.
Celebrate Nature: Wonderful Wolli Picnic. Hosted by Wolli Creek Preservation Society
10.30am to 2.30pm. 11th September
Discover the hidden treasures of the Wolli Valley this spring. Join a short, guided walk and have fun with children's activities. Bring a picnic to enjoy with family and friends.
The day is planned as an introduction for families to the natural bushland of Wolli Creek Valley. Wolli Creek Preservation Society members will lead short walks to explore the beautiful and easily accessible, bush paths in Girrahween Park. There will be information about the Valley and fun activities for children. The Valley contains the last significant area of natural bushland in Sydney's inner south-west and supports a wide range of flora and fauna. It is a vital green corridor that helps preserve the biodiversity of the Sydney region.
Meet at Girrahween Park (Earlwood). The park is within easy distance to surrounding suburbs and easily accessible by train and bus. Train to Bardwell Park or alternatively you can catch Bus 423/412 to Earlwood or Bus 473 to Bardwell Park. There is car parking at Earlwood Carpark.
For further information contact Judy Finlayson on 0431 914 553 or email: info@wollicreek.org.au.
[For the full event listing for the Festival of Nature visit http://www.festivalofnature.org.au ]