Become a Nature Steward
Become one of the first Victorian Nature Stewards and pick up some new skills, friends, and local 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 and seasons
- Ways to care for Country
- 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
This program is open to anyone over the age of 18, * residents & visitors of the City of Melbourne can apply for the Melbourne Program. Residents only of the City of Melton can apply for the Melton Program (Other locations in the near future, subject to funding).
Places are limited to 20 in the first round pilot programs for each location, so apply NOW.
Applications
Melbourne Program: 7th Jan- 25th January, 2019
Melton Program: 7th Jan- 1st February, 2019
Questions about either program
Contact: naturestewards@outdoorsvictoria.org.au
PROGRAM INFO
- 10 x Weekly classes (2.5 hours)
- 3 x Field sessions (4 hrs)
- Certificate of completion (with at least 80% attendance)
Expectations
- Over the age of 18
- You live in either Melbourne or Melton council districts (for early 2019 program)
- No-prior knowledge or training required
- Willing to try, or continue, environmental volunteering
- Willing to take part in extended feedback surveys
- Able to take part in Saturday field trips (3 during course, 4 hours in length)
Fees
- $290 incl GST full fee (special discount for pilot programs)
- $90 incl GST concession (full time student, healthcare card holder, pensioner)
Dates & Times
- Melbourne Program : 21st Feb to 9th May 2019, Thursdays 6.30 – 9pm (breaks for Easter and ANZAC Day)
*Three field sessions running Saturdays 8:30am – 1:00pm
* Graduation date to be announced
Applications open from 7th- 25th January, 2019
- Melton: 16th March to the 25th May 2019, Saturdays 9.30 – 12pm (breaks for Easter and ANZAC Day)
*Three field sessions running Saturdays 1:00pm – 4:00pm
* Graduation date to be announced
Applications open from 7th January – 1st February, 2019
Apply Here
Locations
- Melbourne will be based at Walmsley house, Royal Park, Parkville
*Field session venues TBA
- Melton will be based at the Melton library and learning hub, Melton
*Field session venues TBA
Nature Stewards is proudly funded by the Department of Environment, Land, Water, and Planning (DELWP), together with the City of Melbourne and City of Melton.
Key Supporters: Parks Victoria, Field Naturalists Club of Victoria & Victorian National Parks Association
