Friends of the Australian National Botanic Gardens

Guided Walks - Leaves - to drop or not to drop
2025-05-05 11:00 - 2025-05-11 14:00 (Australia/Canberra) | ACT
Most Australian trees are evergreen but there are a few that lose some or all of their leaves.
Join a free one-hour guided walk to see examples and hear some of the factors that influence why a tree might drop its leaves.
Walks leave from the clock near the ANBG bridge at 11am and 2pm each day.
No booking required for individuals, but groups of more than six people should contact walks@friendsanbg.org.au a week before the planned walk.

Doug Laing - ‘Invasive species in Australia: history, culture and consequences’
2025-05-08 00:00 - 23:59
Are invasive species or climate change the most costly threat to biodiversity and our broader natural environment? Doug, a former diplomat and now active volunteer with the ANBG and Friends, will reflect on the origins, costs, consequences and future trajectory of past follies.
Abstract
There’s no doubt that climate change is the great existential threat facing us, our economies and natural environments, and indeed the world we know, but if we were to rate the most immediate and, arguably, most costly threat to our biodiversity and broader natural environment is its invasive species, not climate change, that is at the top. The major culprits like rabbits, rats, cats and foxes are all too familiar. However, this talk will delve a little deeper into the subject and reflect on the origins, costs, consequences and future trajectory of past folly.
Biography
Doug is a former diplomat, incurable birdwatcher, education ranger and volunteer guide at the ANBG with an enduring fascination with biogeography and how things in nature connect.
Bookings open 11 April at https://www.trybooking.com/DAIRS

Autumn courtyards of Parliament House tours (10am, 11am, 12 noon)
2025-05-09 10:00 - 12:00
Australian Parliament House will be presenting its Autumn Courtyards of Parliament House tours on Friday 9 May and Saturday 10 May 2025.
Join a tour and discover that Parliament House is not only the seat and symbol of Australia’s democracy, but a masterpiece of landscape architecture and design.
Each courtyard is different from the next through sculpture, scale, plant selection, and colour. Led by a friendly guide, this walking tour is a rare opportunity to visit courtyards not normally open to the public. Engage in a tour highlight and have your photo taken with the renowned Budget Tree.
Bookings are essential on all tours. Book here (press on the Book Now button to reach the ticketing options and information) With limited places available, please book to avoid disappointment. If you need help to book your tour, please call 02 6277 5399.
Times: Standard tours: 10:00 am and 12:00 noon. As well, there will be an accessible guided tour at 11:00 am to welcome guests who use wheelchairs, mobility devices, or prefer a slower pace. Booking for this tour can be made via this link here.
Valid photo identification must be shown to participate, as this tour is in the private areas. Without photo identification participants cannot be issued with a private area pass and may not be able to join the tour.
Cost: Adult $46, Concession $36
An optional refreshment package can be added to your ticket. The package includes a delicious scone and hot beverage of your choice from the Queen’s Terrace Café.
Duration: 1 hour
Parking: Free for 1 hour, then parking rates apply

Autumn courtyards of Parliament House tours (10am, 11am, 12 noon)
2025-05-10 10:00 - 12:00
Australian Parliament House will be presenting its Autumn Courtyards of Parliament House tours on Friday 9 May and Saturday 10 May 2025.
Join a tour and discover that Parliament House is not only the seat and symbol of Australia’s democracy, but a masterpiece of landscape architecture and design.
Each courtyard is different from the next through sculpture, scale, plant selection, and colour. Led by a friendly guide, this walking tour is a rare opportunity to visit courtyards not normally open to the public. Engage in a tour highlight and have your photo taken with the renowned Budget Tree.
Bookings are essential on all tours. Book here (press on the Book Now button to reach the ticketing options and information) With limited places available, please book to avoid disappointment. If you need help to book your tour, please call 02 6277 5399.
Times:10:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:00 noon
(As well as the other tours, there will be an accessible guided tour on Friday 9 May at 11:00 am to welcome guests who use wheelchairs, mobility devices, or prefer a slower pace. Booking for this tour can be made via this link here.)
Valid photo identification must be shown to participate, as this tour is in the private areas. Without photo identification participants cannot be issued with a private area pass and may not be able to join the tour.
Cost: Adult $46, Concession $36
An optional refreshment package can be added to your ticket. The package includes a delicious scone and hot beverage of your choice from the Queen’s Terrace Café.
Duration: 1 hour
Parking: Free for 1 hour, then parking rates apply

Plant Science Talk: Dr Alison Pouliot - 'Curry Punk & Jelly Brain: The Conservation and Aesthetics of Fungi'
2025-05-12 10:30 - 11:30
In this talk Alison will explore how fungi are perceived across hemispheres in conservation contexts and which fungal flagships might best capture the public imagination. Alison will also tell some stories from the writing of her recent book, Funga Obscura – Photo Journeys Among Fungi.
The earth’s rapidly changing climate and environmental issues have come into sharp focus through the demise of charismatic megafauna and the ‘biodiversity crisis’. But what about stinkhorns and slime moulds?
How do fungi and their kin get our attention when they are not only overshadowed by more ‘popular’ organisms, but are rarely included in our ideas about ‘nature’ or ‘biodiversity’?
Alison is happy to sign your copy(ies) of her book(s).
This talk is now fully booked.

Biography – Dr Alison Pouliot
Over the last 25 years Alison has divided her time between hemispheres, working both with fungi and their followers. She has been actively involved in fungal conservation, research and education.
After gaining her BA (Philosophy), BSc Hons (Zoology), PhD (Ecology/Mycology), Alison Pouliot is now an ecologist, environmental photographer and author who has presented more than 900 environmental seminars, forays and workshops in Australia, the Americas and Europe. She greatly enjoys working with people from all walks of life to tap into their passions and ideas about the environment and environmental issues, with a focus on fungi. More info at www.alisonpouliot.com
Alison’s books, The Allure of Fungi, Wild Mushrooming, Underground Lovers and Funga Obscura will be available for purchase. Alison is happy to sign your copy(ies) of her book(s).
Bookings open 1 March 2025. Booking Link: https://www.trybooking.com/CZGMJ
Cost: We welcome donations by gold coins, notes, or electronically. The Friends use donations to support Gardens’ programs and development and thank all those who have donated.

Dr Kathy Eyles - 'International commitments towards conservation'
2025-05-15 00:00 - 23:59
Kathy, of the Australian Seed Bank Partnership, will describe how, in this third decade of Global Strategy for Plant Conservation, the Partnership will continue to support conservation of Australia’s native flora and global efforts to reverse the impacts on plant species.
Abstract
The Australian Seed Bank Partnership is a not-for-profit alliance of 14 organisations, bringing together expertise from Australia’s leading botanic gardens, state environment agencies and NGOs. They are working on strategic solutions to deal with the multitude of threats facing our biodiversity. The Australian Seed Bank Partnership aims to deliver a national effort that contributes to the conservation of Australia’s native plant diversity through collaborative and sustainable seed collecting, banking, research and knowledge sharing.
The Global Strategy for Plant Conservation provides an international focus for conservation efforts for the world’s flora. The Australian Seed Bank Partnership has contributed substantially to the targets of the GSPC between 2000–2010 and 2011–2020. In this third decade of global efforts, the Partnership will continue to support improved conservation practices and collaborations to conserve Australia’s native flora and global efforts to reverse the impacts on plant species
Biography
Kathy is National Coordinator, Australian Seed Bank Partnership. She has had a varied career across the public and NGO sector as an environmental planner, program manager, policy analyst and NRM Facilitator. After time out for study, Kathy returned to the Department responsible for environment and water in 2017 working in Natural and Indigenous Heritage and as the Knowledge Broker for the National Environmental Science program, and later in the Wetlands Area with its responsibility for the RAMSAR Convention.
Outside of work, Kathy is a conservation volunteer with the Parkcare program in the ACT, a former convenor of the Friends of Mulligans Flat and Co-convenor with Anne I’ons of Mt Taylor Parkcare Group, as well as a member of the management committees of the Southern ACT Catchment Group and CoG.
Bookings open on 18 April at https://www.trybooking.com/DAJNL

Plant Recognition Group - Getting to know agaric fungi (mushrooms and toadstools)
2025-05-15 14:00 - 16:30
The next Plant Recognition Group workshop will focus on agaric fungi (mushrooms and toadstools).
Heino Lepp from the mycology collection of the Australian National Herbarium will talk about the macroscopic features that help identify agarics and will have fresh specimens on hand. A compound microscope is necessary for the identification of many species but, even for an expert, the first step in identification is a look at the macroscopic features. The aim of the session is to help you learn how to look at agarics in that first step. Binocular microscopes and other aids for identification will be available for the workshop.
Where: Celia Rosser Room, Banksia Centre, ANBG
Booking ESSENTIAL: Please send your name and phone number to plantname@friendsanbg.org.au Seats are limited for this session, so booking ahead is mandatory.
Please advise at least a day in advance if you need to cancel your booking, so that a member on the waiting list can be offered the place.

Cameras and Cafe walk
2025-05-17 08:40 - 10:30
A Cameras and Café walk will be held again on Saturday 17 May.
As usual we meet at the bus stop at 8.40 am. The group then sets out in search of interesting and beautiful images from around the Gardens. We regroup for a refreshment and friendly conversation at Pollen Cafe at around 10.30 am.
At least one member of the Friends of ANBG Photographic Group Committee will be there to lead the activity. All levels of photographic skill are welcome. After our initial gathering at the bus stop you can stay with the group or separate if you wish.

Dr Mathew Trinca ‘Writing the Brindabellas: Country, landscape and nation’
2025-05-22 00:00 - 23:59
Mathew will present stories and ideas about the Brindabellas, ranging from First Nations’ stories to tales of the more recent past like My Brilliant Career and the poems of Banjo Patterson.
Mathew is a Professor of Museum Practice and was the Director of the National Museum of Australia until last year. He is also a Commissioner for Culture and Olympic Heritage for the International Olympic Committee, an Honorary Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities, and sits on several arts and cultural boards and advisory bodies.
Bookings open on April 25 at https://www.trybooking.com/DAJNO

LATE CANCELLATION Associate Professor Duanne White - ‘Antarctic ice shelves?’
2025-05-29 00:00 - 23:59
LATE CANCELLATION DUE TO ILLNESS
What lies beneath Antarctic ice shelves? Duanne, from University of Canberra, will show field studies of how warm ocean currents, past and present, are melting the weak underbelly of the ice sheet in the Denman Glacier region.
Associate Professor Duanne White is a quantitative geomorphologist and geochemist, at the University of Canberra, interested in catchment and Earth Systems. This involves understanding the links between landscape, climate and critters, and how these have changed during the Quaternary period – i.e. the last couple of million years. This interest has taken him across Australia and on several trips to Antarctica, the Arctic and Sub-Antarctic Islands and beyond.
Bookings open on 2 May at https://www.trybooking.com/DAJNR

Photographic Group - May meeting: Graham Gall on photographing botanic subjects
2025-05-30 10:00 - 12:00
This month’s meeting will feature a presentation by Graham Gall, an internationally-awarded photographer based in Canberra.
While he shoots a wide variety of genre, his passion is Australian flora and fauna. Graham is a Birdlife Photography Australia Gold medallist, is widely published, and is regularly commissioned for themed shoots for exhibitions.
Graham will describe his artistic approach to photographing botanic subjects and will give practical insights into producing exhibition-quality shots of flora and associated fauna, from the tallest tree to the most detailed macro view of flowers, fungi, and associated pollinators.
The meeting will also include our regular show-and-tell segment in which participants share their photographic works and the stories behind them. It will take place in the ANBG Theatrette opposite the Visitor Centre.

Off the Beaten Track Themed Walks
2025-06-02 11:00 - 2025-06-08 14:00
Join a free one-hour guided walk to less commonly visited parts of the Gardens.
Walks commence at 11am and 2pm each day.
The walk features examples of work done by Gardens staff to conserve our threatened native species, as well as plants in flower at this time of year.
Meet at the clock near the ANBG bridge.
No booking required for individuals, but groups of more than six people should contact walks@friendsanbg.org.au a week before the planned walk.

Professor Jochen Brocks - ‘The deep origins of our eukaryotic ancestors and the rise of algae in the oceans’
2025-06-05 00:00 - 23:59
Friends ANBG will be among the first to hear Jochen, from the ANU, talk about the evolution of modern eurkaryotes, the “Rise of Algae”, in the body and molecular fossil records; and how it may be a most profound ecological transition in the evolution of complex life, ultimately leading to the emergence of animals.
Abstract
In the 1994 essay ‘Evolutionary Perfection of a Small Molecule’, Nobel Laureate Konrad Bloch suggested that small molecules, such as sterols in the membranes of nucleated cells, may have evolved from more simple ancestor molecules. He had the (back then) crazy vision that it might be possible to find such primordial ‘ur’-sterols in the ancient rock record, thus proving the idea of molecular evolution. However, Bloch was reportedly not really hopeful that such molecules could really ever be preserved or discovered.
In the Botanical Gardens, you will be among the first to hear that that such fossil molecules are abundantly preserved in sedimentary rocks up to 1.6 billion years old. The detected fossil fat molecules represent two steps in the biosynthetic pathway towards modern eukaryotic sterols (such as cholesterol) and appear to be witnesses of a lost world of ancient stem-group eukaryotes that were widespread and possibly abundant during Earth’s middle age (1.8 to 0.8 billion years ago). Our crown-group eukaryotic relatives must have co-existed with those primordial organisms for several hundred million years, unable to invade their niches. With rising atmospheric oxygen levels and changing marine chemistry, crown-group Eukarya, including the algal ancestors of land plants, started to expand and replace the Protosterol Biota ~1,000 to 800 million years ago. This shift to modern eukaryotes, the ‘Rise of Algae’, is recorded in the body and molecular fossil records and may be one of the most profound ecological transitions in the evolution of complex life, ultimately leading to the emergence of animals.
Biography
Jochen Brocks is a professor of palaeobiogeochemistry at the Research School of Earth Sciences, Australian National University. He is fascinated by arcane biological processes in Precambrian oceans, the early evolution of eukaryotes and the emergence of the first animals. To find clues about ancient life, he studies molecular fossils of biological lipids (biomarkers) that can be preserved in sedimentary rocks for billions of years.
Bookings open on 9 May at https://www.trybooking.com/DALER

Black Mountain Weeding Work Party
2025-06-07 09:00 - 12:00
This month we shall be removing woody and other weeds near the ANBG fence, so that there will be fewer seeds / weeds etc “jumping the fence” into the gardens and the Reserve.
Meet: at the Electricity sub-station, Frith Road, Acton.
Bring: water
Wear: hat, sunscreen, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves, stout shoes. We shall break for delicious morning tea at about 10:30am..
Please book: if you are planning to come, please let us know by booking using this link: https://www.trybooking.com/CYPVF
This helps us to let you know if arrangements need to change at the last minute (for example, adverse weather conditions).
If you need further information, please contact Linda by phone 0437 298 711.
We look forward to seeing you at our next weeding work party.
Linda Beveridge
Friends of Black Mountain

Dr Ben Walcott - ‘Our garden 20 years on’
2025-06-12 00:00 - 23:59
“Our garden is now mature at 21 years and counting. I’ll do a picture show of some of our best performing plants both in the ground and in pots.”
Ben and Ros Walcott moved from the USA to Canberra in 2003 and soon became friends of the ANBG. They have developed their own large native garden in Red Hill, drawing on garden experiences both locally and overseas.
Bookings open on 16 May at https://www.trybooking.com/DALEZ

Cameras and Café Walk
2025-06-15 08:40 - 10:30
The next Friends of ANBG Photographic Group Cameras and Café Walk will be held on Sunday 15 June. We meet at the bus stop at 8.40 am, then head off in search of captivating and informative images from around the Gardens. Participants get back together for a “cuppa” and friendly banter at Pollen Cafe at around 10.30 am.
At least one member of the Friends of ANBG Photographic Group Committee will be there to get things started and be a source of advice when needed. All levels of photographic skill are welcome. It is fine to turn up with a mobile phone camera. Surprising and satisfying results are possible with today’s mobile technology. After our initial gathering at the bus stop you can stay with the group or separate if you wish.
In the winter months the Gardens can be atmospheric with heavy dew, frost or fog all contributing to creative photographic possibilities.

Plant Recognition Group – getting to know the ferns at the ANBG
2025-06-16 13:00 - 15:30
The next Plant Recognition Group workshop will be led by Marilyn Faunt and Alison Turner and will focus on ferns at the ANBG. The workshop will provide participants with an overview of the ferns at the ANBG and keys to assist in their identification. Binocular microscopes and other aids for identification of specimens will be available for the workshop.
When: Monday 16 June, 1.00 – 3.30pm including extra time to practice if you wish.
Where: Solander Studio, Banksia Centre, ANBG.
Bookings ESSENTIAL: Please send your name and phone number to plantname@friendsanbg.org.au Seats are limited for this session, so booking ahead is mandatory.
Please advise at least a day in advance if you need to cancel your booking, so that a member on the waiting list can be offered the place.

Dr Peter Caley - ‘So, how many foxes were there in Tasmania?’
2025-06-19 00:00 - 23:59
Was there a widespread breeding population or not? Peter, a CSIRO research scientist, will discuss some of the challenges involved in inferring the presence of foxes in Tasmania.
Abstract
Reports of deliberate fox introductions in 1999 and sightings of foxes leaving a ship at Burnie docks in 1998 sparked concerns about the potential impact on native wildlife.
Some claimed there was a widespread breeding population of foxes in Tasmania and were concerned about their effect on wildlife. Others reckoned the eradication program a waste of money and seemed vindicated when a fox population failed to materialise. Peter, a CSIRO research scientist, will discuss some of the challenges involved in inferring the presence of foxes in Tasmania.
Biography
Peter is a research scientist with the CSIRO who applies quantitative methods to address problems in the environmental, agricultural and health sciences. The dynamics of animal populations as applied to the invasion of pests and pathogens particularly interest him.
Bookings open on 23 May at https://www.trybooking.com/DALFR

John Feehan - ‘Dung beetles are a win-win for farmers and the environment’
2025-06-26 00:00 - 23:59
John, a retired CSIRO scientist, describes Dung Beetles as ultimate recyclers, burying dung, improving soil quality and reducing pests like flies.
John studied dung beetles at the CSIRO until funding for the project ceased. He then started a business supplying dung beetles best suited to the climate and conditions of the area to farmers all over Australia.
Bookings open on 30 May at https://www.trybooking.com/DALGA

Friends of ANBG Photographic Group Monthly Meeting
2025-06-27 10:00 - 12:00
The meeting, which takes place in the Theatrette, will feature a presentation by Rodney Garnett.
Rodney, who is a longstanding member of the Photographic Group, will make an in-depth presentation on a technically and creatively challenging genre – landscape photography.
The meeting will also include our regular show and tell segment in which participants share their photographic works and the stories behind them.

Australian Plants in Foreign Lands Guided Walks
2025-06-30 11:00 - 2025-07-06 14:00
While many Australian plants have found success in overseas countries, some have behaved badly.
Come on a free one-hour guided walk to discover some plants which have made significant contributions in other countries and meet some which have exceeded their welcome.
Walks commence at 11am and 2pm each day.
Meet at the clock near the ANBG bridge.
No booking required for individuals, but groups of more than six people should contact walks@friendsanbg.org.au a week before the planned walk.

Dr Kate Grarock and Dr Bryan Lessard - 'Nanda Kalbarri Bush Blitz: connecting with people to uncover our diverse species'
2025-07-03 00:00 - 23:59
Dr Kate Grarock and Dr Bryan Lessard – ‘Nanda Kalbarri Bush Blitz: connecting with people to uncover our diverse species’
Kate and Bryan, from ANBG, will talk about a Bush Blitz near Kalbarri, WA on Nanda country to gather information about the biodiversity there with representative of Nanda people, Parks Rangers, Bush Heritage, teachers and scientists from all over Australia.
Abstract
Bush Blitz is Australia’s largest species discovery program. It is a unique multi-million dollar partnership between the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Parks Australia, BHP and Earthwatch Australia to document plants and animals across Australia.
There are an estimated 580,000-680,000 species in Australia, with three-quarters of this biodiversity yet to be identified.
Since the Program began in 2010 Bush Blitz has undertaken over 50 multidisciplinary expeditions supporting the discovery of almost 2,000 putative new species. Through this large body of work thousands of species records have also been added to public databases, increasing scientific knowledge to help protect Australia’s biodiversity for generations to come.
We recently ran a Bush Blitz near Kalbarri, WA on Nanda Country. We worked with a diverse group of people including Nanda representatives, Parks Rangers, Bush Heritage, teachers and scientists from all over Australia.
Biography
Dr Kate Grarock is an Environmental Scientist and Expedition Leader at Bush Blitz. Kate loves bushwalking and is passionate about getting people outdoors.
Dr Bryan Lessard is the Communications and Partnerships Officer at Bush Blitz and an experienced taxonomist. Also known as Bry the Fly Guy, he loves to share stories with the community to promote biodiversity and has described 50 species of flies new to science.
Bookings open on 6 June at https://www.trybooking.com/DAMFW

Black Mountain Weeding Work Party
2025-07-05 09:00 - 12:00
Our June work party was cancelled because of wet weather, so we are keeping our fingers crossed for fine weather to remove lots of woody weeds at our next work party is scheduled for Saturday 5 July 2025.
Details of the next weeding work party (including the booking link) are:
Date: Saturday, 5 July 2025, 9am to 12 noon
Meet: at the electricity sub-station, Frith Road, Acton.
Bring: water.
Wear: hat, sunscreen, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves, stout shoes.
We shall break for delicious morning tea at about 10:30am
Please book: if you are planning to come, please let us know by using this booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/CYPVI
This helps us to let you know if arrangements need to change at the last minute (for example, adverse weather conditions).
If you need further information, please contact me by phone 0437 298 711.
We look forward to seeing you at our next weeding work party.
Linda Beveridge
Friends of Black Mountain

Shoshanna Rapley - Invisible birds, smart tech: reintroducing the bush stone-curlew
2025-07-10 12:30 - 13:30
How do you study a bird that’s a master of camouflage and only active in the dead of night? Shoshana, from the ANU, will talk about how GPS technology, tiny handsewn backpacks, and a conservation detection dog uncover the secret lives of reintroduced bush stone-curlews.
Biography:
Shoshana Rapley is a PhD candidate at the Fenner School of the ANU. Birds are her driving passion in life, and she channels this into conservation research across Australia. Her PhD is about the reintroduction of the bush stone-curlew, which involves understanding their behaviours to improve release tactics. She also works on waterbird tracking in the Murray Darling Basin and is an author on the annual Australia’s Environment Report.
Bookings open on 13 June at https://www.trybooking.com/DAMGA

Cameras and Café Walk
2025-07-12 08:40 - 10:30
The next Friends of ANBG Photographic Group Cameras and Café Walk will be held on Saturday 12 July. We meet at the bus stop at 8.40 am, then head off, either individually or in groups, in search of beautiful images from around the Gardens. Participants regroup for a friendly catch up at Pollen Cafe at around 10.30 am.
At least one member of the Friends of ANBG Photographic Group Committee will be there to get things started and be a source of advice when needed. All levels of photographic skill are welcome. It is a great opportunity to get to know other photographers and learn from each other.
In the winter months the Gardens can be atmospheric and photogenic with heavy dew, frost or fog.

John Blay: Wild country plant mosaics and garden design
2025-07-16 17:00 - 17:45
The Australian Garden History Society is presenting an online talk by John Blay, an Australian writer and naturalist who has written extensively about the Australian bush and its people in drama, prose and poetry.

Sit back in your armchair, grab a pre-dinner drink and some nibbles and join John as he takes us on a winding ramble through the wild places of the ranges and coast of southern NSW in this recorded talk, hosted live by Ruth Bailey, in support of the AGHS Nina Crone Writing Fund. John will also be available live to answer questions.
Starting from south of Batemans Bay and finishing at the end of the Bundian Way at Twofold Bay, Eden, John takes us on a journey through the last 60 years of his life, hiking the wild country of southern NSW from the high country to the coastal plains, exploring the question of how does wild nature and our gardens fit together?
With beautiful photographs of our native flora and wild landscapes, John talks about how he created his trilogy of forest books – Wild Nature, On Track and Back Country – based on his wanderings in the bush. He reveals how the beauty and logic of wild plant communities can inspire new ways of designing our gardens—rooted in resilience, ecology, and a true sense of belonging. His talk is a compelling invitation to reimagine the garden not just as a space of cultivation, but as a living mosaic that reflects the spirit and diversity of the bush.
Cost: $10 per person with proceeds going to support the AGHS Nina Crone Writing Fund (recordings will not be available after the event).
For bookings go to https://events.humanitix.com/online-lecture-by-john-blay

Ryan O’Donnell - 'Contributions towards understanding the evolution of the Australian terrestrial orchid flora and its associated funga'
2025-07-17 00:00 - 23:59
Ryan, from the ANU, will summarise recent contributions towards understanding the evolution of the Australian terrestrial orchid flora and its associated funga spanning macro- to micro-evolutionary scales.
Abstract
The evolutionary histories of plants and fungi are inextricably linked, and no where is this more evident than in the hyperdiverse orchid family (Orchidaceae). All orchids are obligately dependent on their mycorrhizal fungal partners to germinate, and these partnerships are thought to have been a major driver of diversification in the family. Australia is home to some of the world’s most charismatic terrestrial orchids. Among these orchids, we can observe a striking degree of orchid-mycorrhizal specificity, where many species associate with only one or two fungal species from a single fungal family. Moreover, Australian terrestrial orchids are also characterised by an unusually high incidence of species pollinated by sexual deception of male insects. As to why such a staggering degree of ecological specificity has evolved both above and below ground in the Australian terrestrial orchid flora remains unknown.
Biography
Ryan is a final year PhD student in the Linde lab in the Research School of Biology at the Australian National University in Canberra. Their PhD research has been focused on the evolution of the Australian terrestrial orchid flora and its associated funga, with close studies of the fungal family Ceratobasidiaceae, and the Greenhood orchids, Pterostylis. Ryan’s previous Masters research focused on Australian mint bushes (Prostanthera; Lamiaceae) with the Universtiy of New England. More broadly, Ryan’s research interests span phylogenomics, systematics, taxonomy, and evolutionary ecology. Prior to becoming a scientist, Ryan was a conservatorium-trained opera singer who performed on stages nationally and internationally.
Bookings open on 20 June at https://www.trybooking.com/DAMGJ

Plant Recognition Group – Getting to know hop bushes (Dodonaea)
2025-07-17 14:00 - 16:30
The next Plant Recognition Group workshop will focus on the genus Dodonaea, commonly known as hop bushes because their colourful fruits resemble those of hops. Dr Judy West will lead the workshop. Previously Executive Director of the ANBG and head of the Australian National Herbarium, Dr West is an expert on this genus. Selected samples of Dodonaea, binocular microscopes, keys and other aids for identification will be available for the workshop.
When: Thursday 17 July 2025 2.00-4.30pm; including extra time to practice if you wish.
Where: Celia Rosser Room, Banksia Centre, ANBG.
Bookings ESSENTIAL: Please send your name and phone number to plantname@friendsanbg.org.au Seats are limited for this session, so booking ahead is mandatory.
Please advise at least a day in advance if you need to cancel your booking, so that a member on the waiting list can be offered the place.

Anke-Maria Hoefer - ‘Frog-tastic facts: Bringing local croakers into your mind (and into your garden)’
2025-07-24 00:00 - 23:59
Frogs are excellent indicators of waterway and wetland health, but they are highly susceptible to environmental change. Anke-Maria, ACT Frogwatch Coordinator, will describe way to better manage, improve and create frog-friendly habitats. Could we entice frogs into our gardens?
Abstract
Anke-Maria coordinates the Frogwatch census every October. Frogs are highly susceptible to environmental change, and their decline or loss is a major threat to biodiversity. Monitoring local frog populations and their habitat is vital as they serve as excellent indicators of waterway and wetland health because frogs are highly susceptible to environmental changes. It also creates a better understanding on how to best manage, improve and create frog-friendly habitat in our increasingly urbanised landscape. Anke-Maria will introduce some of our local frogs and suggest ways we can entice them into our gardens.
Biography
Anke-Maria trains volunteers in the art of frog surveys and runs school programs. As FrogWatch Coordinator she acts as the conduit between citizen scientists and scientists.
Bookings open on 27 June at https://www.trybooking.com/DAMGR

Friends of ANBG Photographic Group Monthly Meeting
2025-07-25 10:00 - 12:00
The meeting, which takes place in the Theatrette, will feature a series of short presentations by members of the Photographic Group intended to encourage and inform participation by Group members in the Illuminate 2025 Annual Photographic Exhibition. The Exhibition takes place from Friday 21 November to Sunday 14 December 2025.
The meeting will also include our regular show and tell segment in which participants share their photographic works and the stories behind them.
