"Only people of discernment and good taste could appreciate the flowerless charms of ferns ". Such was the thinking that underpinned the fern mania of the mid-1800's when ferns became fashionable.  Volunteer ANBG guides Alison Turner and Marilyn Faunt will share their fern discovery journey and hope we look at ferns with fresh eyes and […]

In this talk Doug will recollect this journey, discussing some of these affinities and concluding that we are much closer than we might think to our far-flung neighbour on the eastern edge of the Pacific Ocean. Abstract Beyond our immediate Asia-Pacific region, there can be few places that share as many botanical affinities with Australia […]

Caitlin, from Australian National University, will talk about how plants inspire improvement in sustainable management of food energy and water resources. Harvesting resources from industrial and urban wastewater and developing resource-use-efficient crops are key steps towards transitioning to a circular green economy and building a sustainable future.  Abstract We depend on the contributions plants make […]

Join us to hear Dianne Firth OAM talk about her involvement with Black Mountain being an enduring source of inspiration for her. She will reflect on Black Mountain in the context of the Federal Capital site, its role in the Griffin's design for the Federal City, T. C.G. Weston's revegetation process, the NCDC expansion of […]

Suzi, from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, will explain why the ACT’s park reserves and the gardens are so important for our common species of butterfly, as well as some of our lesser-known gems. She will then outline the threats facing butterflies and recommended conservation measures, including why citizen scientists have such a critical role […]