Biodiversity month

Join us for a guided nature discovery walk through Braeside Park and explore one of our most important natural areas! Learn about the reserve’s unique habitats, native plants and wildlife, and discover how you can become a citizen scientist and contribute to local conservation.

Using the iNaturalist app on your smartphone, you’ll record your observations and help contribute valuable biodiversity data as part of the 2026 Biodiversity Blitz. Whether you’re new to nature or a seasoned explorer, this is a great opportunity to connect with your local environment and make a meaningful contribution to biodiversity monitoring.

Please wear comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for walking on uneven and potentially wet ground.

Date: Saturday 26 September 2026
Time: 9:00am to 11:00am
Location: Braeside Park, meet at the Red Gum carpark
Suitable for: All ages, children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult
Please bring: A backpack with a light snack and water
Wear: Comfortable, closed-toe shoes
Cost: Free
Register

Join the Marine Mammal Foundation for an engaging presentation exploring the incredible marine mammals of Port Phillip Bay and Victoria’s coastline! Discover the world-leading research, education and conservation work being undertaken to better understand and protect these amazing animals and their watery habitats. Plus, learn how you can contribute to vital marine mammal research and support conservation in our local environment.

Date: Wednesday 30 September 2026
Time:  5:00pm to 6:30pm
Location: Aspendale Life Saving Club
Suitable for: Adults
Cost: Free
Register

Join us for a guided nature discovery walk through The Grange and discover why urban bushland is so important for Kingston’s birdlife and biodiversity! Learn about the resident, seasonal and migratory birds that rely on connected habitats, and explore the wildlife corridor linking Braeside Park, Rowan Woodland Reserve, Namatjira Park and Karkarook Park. Plus, discover the habitats that support bird diversity, the threats facing urban birds, and how you can help protect these important natural spaces through simple conservation actions and citizen science using iNaturalist.

Date: Wednesday 9 September 2026
Time:  10am to 12pm
Location: The Grange Reserve, Clayton South, meet at the picnic shelter
Suitable for: Adults
Cost: Free
Register

Join expert entomologist Luis Mata for a special evening exploring the fascinating world of nocturnal insects at Sir William Fry Reserve.

This guided event will focus on documenting insect species active at night using a technique known as lightsheeting - a LepiLED entomological (insect) light set up against a white canvas sheet to attract insects in a gentle, non-invasive way. We will share our findings on the iNaturalist app and contribute to the Biodiversity Blitz.

Date: Saturday 19 September 2026
Time:  6:00pm to 8:00pm
Location: Sir William Fry Reserve, Nepean Highway, Highett 3190 
Cost: Free
Bring: A backpack, snack and water
Wear: Comfortable, closed-toe shoes
Suitable for: All ages, children under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
Register

This event is supported by the Suburban Rail Loop Authority as part of their Buzzing Burbs program which aims to create more friendly places for native pollinators including birds, bees, bats, butterflies, and other wildlife.