Nature Stewards Program
Become a Nature Steward and learn about your local environment, meet like-minded people, and find ways to get outdoors and volunteer!
Nature Stewards is a 10-week program that will introduce you to your local and wider Victorian ecosystems and natural places, including:
- Rocks and soils
- Fungi, plants, and animals
- Climate change and seasons
- Ways to care for Country and manage private property
- Being a citizen scientist, conservation volunteer, advocate for nature, or a nature guide
- How and where you can get outdoors and volunteer in your area
AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 LOCATIONS
- Geelong
- Manningham
- Melton
This program is open to anyone over the age of 18, however preference is currently given to residents of the council areas.
20 places available, via application, for each program location.
Questions about the program
Contact: naturestewards@outdoorsvictoria.org.au
PROGRAM INFO
- 10 x Weekly classes (3 hours)
- 4 x Field sessions (4 hrs)
- Certificate of completion
Expectations
- Over the age of 18
- Best suited to those with little or no formal environmental education
- Willing to try, or continue, environmental volunteering
- Able to take part in Saturday field trips (4 during program, 4 hours in length)
Geelong Program
Autumn/Winter Program:
When: 2nd May – 11th July, Saturdays, 9 30am – 12.30pm
Cost: Resident: Full $140, $70 *Conc.
Non-resident: Full $350, $170 Conc.
*Conc.: healthcare card holder, pensioner & full time student
Where: Leopold Community Hub
31 – 39 Kensington Rd, Leopold
Manningham Program (Warrandyte Area)
Autumn Program:
When: 14th March – 30th May, Saturdays, 9 30am – 12.30pm
Cost: Resident: Full $175, $45 *Conc.
Non-resident: Full $350, $90 Conc.
*Conc.: healthcare card holder, pensioner & full time student
Where: 2-8 Taroona Ave, Warrandyte
Melton Program
Winter/Spring Program:
When: 15 August – 24th October, Saturdays, 9 30am – 12.30pm
Cost: Resident: Full $175, $45 *Conc.
Non-resident: Full $350, $90 Conc.
*Conc.: healthcare card holder, pensioner & full time student
Where: 31 McKenzie St, Melton
Melbourne Program
Next Program
When: To be announced
Cost: Full $350, $90 *Conc.
*Conc.: healthcare card holder, pensioner & full time student
Where: Walmsley House
1 Gatehouse St Parkville
“This has been such a wonderful experience. I’ve learnt so much and feel motivated to learn more. Somehow I missed out on learning about these things in the past. Maybe because I moved schools a few times in high school. I’m such a devotee of nature and this is giving me a much deeper appreciation. The quality of the presenters has been extraordinary. I feel privileged to have met and heard their wisdom. I find myself sharing these learnings in conversation and surprising people with information about their local environment. It’s exciting.”- Leesa, Melbourne 2019
“Thank you for the awesome opportunity presented in these field sessions and for arousing my curiosity in various aspects with regard to engaging with the nature around us.” – Chrysolyte, Melbourne 2019
It’s been a wonderful experience, and I have learned so much about nature and Victoria. There’s a lot of knowledge that will stay with me for my entire life, and many areas that I will do further research into!” – Sophie, Melbourne 2019
“The program has been very informative and all of the speakers have been excellent”– Mary-Jane, Manningham 2019
“It’s been life changing”- Louise, Melton 2019
Nature Stewards is proudly funded by the Department of Environment, Land, Water, and Planning (DELWP), together with the Manningham Council, City of Melbourne, City of Melton & City of Greater Geelong.
Key Supporters: Parks Victoria, Field Naturalists Club of Victoria & Victorian National Parks Association
