Like many other kinds of animals worldwide, snakes in Australia are in trouble: many populations are declining. In order to reverse that trend, we need to understand why it’s happening and find evidence-based ways to conserve snake populations. In this talk, eminent researcher Professor Rick Shine describes research projects that have addressed that aim – […]
Monthly Meeting Friday 10th July, 7.30pm, 2026 by Zoom Read More »
Following some welcome showers of rain, the fungi are putting on a show. This month we are privileged to have as leader Joy Clusker, co-author of the excellent guide to identification of the “Fungi of the Bendigo Region”. Joy will take us to some fungi hot spots in the tall, damp forests around Bullarto, sharing
Excursion: Saturday 11th July 2026, 9.30am Read More »
The June meeting will be the first of our 3 winter meetings by Zoom for 2026. Brown Brood Frogs have sadly experienced a significant population decline across Victoria, attributed to habitat loss, altered water flows and the deadly disease, chytrid fungus. It is also likely that changes in seasonal rainfall, driven by climate change, may
Monthly Meeting Friday 12th June, 7.30pm, 2026 by Zoom Read More »
The Yung Balug Aboriginal Artefacts Museum houses a vast collection of important aboriginal artefacts, some found and donated by local farmers. The garden includes indigenous food plants (and a marvellous collection of Eremophila species). The museum entry is free but donations are appreciated with 100% of funds spent on housing an ever-expanding collection. After lunch
Excursion: Saturday 13th June 2026, 9.00am Read More »
Bev Lewis is a local artist with particular expertise in natural history illustration. Bev says of her work: “Why do natural history art? Why not take a photo? My aim is to do with the human eye and pencils more than can be achieved with an electronic ‘eye’ and pixels. Direct connection between eye and
Monthly General Meeting, Friday 8th May 2026, 7.30pm, Uniting Church Hall, Lyttleton St. Read More »
The Post Office Hill Action Group is a Landcare group that manages 22.6 hectares of public land on behalf of the community, with a focus on preserving the natural, cultural and historical features of the Post Office Hill Reserve in Chewton, Victoria. Djaara (Dja Dja Wurrung people) have lived and cared for their traditional lands
Excursion: Saturday 9th May 2026, 1.30pm Read More »
It’s time for our next roadside clean-up. A pleasant walk enjoying the wildflowers along some roadside bush as we do our bit for the community. Meet: 9am near Tait’s Decorative Iron, corner of Willy Milly Rd and Pyrenees Highway, Castlemaine. Bring: Gloves, water, sturdy footwear. Garbage bags and safety vests supplied. Contact: Geoff Harris
Roadside Clean-up: Monday 11th May 2026, 9am Read More »
The South East Australian Naturalists’ Association (SEANA) “camps” are an excellent chance to meet fellow field naturalists from around SE Australia. We are pleased to advise that our club will be hosting the SEANA Spring camp for 2026 and warmly invite you to attend. The camp will be based at the Campbells Creek Community Centre,
SEANA Spring camp Castlemaine, 9-11 October, 2026 Read More »
Lynda grew up with a passion for the natural world. She undertook studies in Applied Science with post-graduate studies in Environmental Science at Monash University. Lynda spent her career working within industry, always with the aim of trying to improve the environmental performance of the industries that support our demands. Only in retirement has she
At last some rain and somewhat cooler weather, and on cue some autumn gems are appearing in our bushlands! Join us for a search through some open woodlands for tiny Midge Orchids, larger Autumn Greenhoods, autumn flowering wattles and a trove of ground-cover native plants. Several other orchid species have been found here in the