Photographic Group March meeting - Where art helps science
2025-03-28 10:00 - 12:00 (Australia/Canberra) | ACT
Dr Michael Mulvaney, the administrator of the citizen science Naturemapr platforms, will address the monthly meeting of the Photographic Group. His topic will be Where art helps science – Nature Photography and citizen science. The talk will emphasise and explain, by way of examples, the valuable contribution that good nature photographers can make to our understanding, conservation and appreciation of the natural world. The meeting will also include our regular show and tell segment in which participants share their photographic works and the stories behind them.

The meeting will take place in the ANBG Theatrette. All members of the Friends are welcome to come along. The Photographic Group members have a range of skill sets and cameras, from digital ‘point and click’ cameras to more complex SLRs. If you would like to attend, just turn up, email photo@friendsanbg.org.au, or contact a committee member.

Dr Kylie Cairns - 'Dispelling the wild dog myth'
2025-04-03 12:30 - 13:30
Kylie, a researcher from the University of New South Wales, specialises in wildlife genetics and conservation biology. Cutting-edge genetics has altered our understanding of the dingo and its origins and is leading to policy changes about dingo management.
Our knowledge of the ancestry of dingoes and wild dogs across Australia has changed dramatically in the last five years. Cutting-edge genetics has altered our understanding of the dingo and answered questions about their origins, identity and how they are different from man’s best friend, the domestic dog. This research is leading to policy changes about dingo management, and to discussions about how to balance agriculture with conservation.
Biography
Dr. Kylie Cairns is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), specializing in wildlife genetics and conservation biology. Her groundbreaking work focuses on the genetic makeup of dingoes, investigating their evolutionary history and ecological role in Australia. Dr. Cairns has contributed significantly to understanding the origins and identity of dingoes and their relationship to domestic dogs and wolves. More recently she has begun using environmental DNA to investigate how dingoes interact with their environment and other species. Her research aims to inform conservation strategies that protect these iconic animals while balancing ecosystem health, biodiversity and agricultural impacts. Kylie is passionate about engaging the public in science and conservation efforts. She frequently collaborates with Indigenous communities to integrate traditional ecological knowledge into her research.
Bookings open 28 February 2025.
Booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/CXZXJ

Botanic Art Groups exhibition 2025
2025-04-05 00:00 - 2025-05-04 23:55
The Friends of the ANBG’s Botanic Art Group will hold its 18th annual exhibition and sale at the Visitor Centre Gallery, with the theme ‘Rainforest’.
The exhibition will feature Australian native plants that grow in rainforest zones from tropical, subtropical, coastal, dry or temperate. Our rainforests extend from the far north to Tasmania.
Most of the works will be on sale, with a proportion of the proceeds donated to the Friends of the ANBG to support the Gardens. Several works will be chosen to be donated by the Friends to the Gardens’ permanent collection. As in previous years, there will also be a work to be won by the lucky winner of a raffle.
The paintings and drawings on show employ a variety of media and techniques. All of them strive to combine accurate and clear illustration of the plant with a visually compelling and aesthetically rewarding composition.
As well as the framed works, there will also be some unframed works and a selection of greeting cards by the members of the Group.

Friends of Black Mountain working party
2025-04-05 08:30 - 11:30
We are looking forward to our next work party, inside ANBG close to the border between ANBG and Black Mountain Nature Reserve.
Meet at the electricity sub-station, Frith Road, Acton.
Bring water, and wear a hat, sunscreen, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves, and stout shoes.
We shall break for delicious morning tea at about 10:00am.
Please book at https://www.trybooking.com/CYPVC if you are planning to come. 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 on 0437 298 711.

Professor David Lindenmayer AO - 'A 25-year experiment to document the effects of large-scale plantation transformation on forest biodiversity'
2025-04-10 12:30 - 13:30
David, from the Fenner School of Environment and Society, will highlight the effects and challenges of plantations on forest biodiversity.
Biography
David is a world-leading expert in forest and woodland ecology, resource management, conservation science, and biodiversity conservation. He has maintained some of the largest, long-term research programs in Australia, with some exceeding 42 years in duration. He is among the world’s most productive and most highly-cited scientists, particularly in forest ecology and conservation biology and has published 1490 scientific articles including 950 peer-reviewed papers in international scientific journals. He has also published 49 books, including many award-winning textbooks and other seminal books.
David held a prestigious Australian Research Council Laureate Fellowship from 2013-2018, where he worked on biodiversity indices, metrics and proxies. He is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science (elected 2008), a Fellow of the Ecological Society of America (elected in 2019), Fellow of the Royal Zoological Society of NSW (elected 2022), and Fellow of the American Academy of Sciences (elected 2023). He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2014. His research has been recognised through numerous awards, including the Eureka Science Prize (three times), Whitley Award (10 times), the Serventy Medal for Ornithology, and the Australian Natural History Medallion. In 2018, he was awarded the prestigious Whittaker Medal from the Ecological Society of America. He was awarded the Macfarlane Burnett Medal for Life Sciences by the Australian Academy of Sciences in 2024.
Bookings open Friday 7 March 2025
Booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/CXZXK

Cameras and Café Walk
2025-04-13 08:40 - 10:30
The next Friends of ANBG Photographic Group Cameras and Café walk will be held on Sunday 13 April. We meet at the bus stop at 8.40 am, then follow our interests and instincts around the Gardens. Regroup for a refreshment and 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.

Plant Recognition Group - Macrophytes in streams and wetlands
2025-04-14 12:30 - 15:30
The next Plant Recognition Group workshop will be on macrophytes in streams and wetlands. The workshop will be led by Dr Jane Roberts, a retired vegetation ecologist, who has an ecological consultant to government in vegetation and water management primarily on lowland rivers in the southern Murray-Darling Basin. Dr Roberts will provide an overview and show live material, species selected being dependent on availability. Binocular microscopes and other aids for identification will be available for the workshop.
When: Monday 14 April 12.30 – 3.30pm 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.

Dr Peter Fullagar and Chris Davey - 'Potential impacts of a rodent eradication program on the Lord Howe Island lowland terrestrial avifauna'
2025-04-17 12:30 - 13:30
Peter and Chris, from Canberra Birds, will describe the extent to which rodent a control program caused a detectable change in abundance of birds on Lord howe Island. They matched the avian response to rodent removal in terms of the known biology of the species, particularly the Lord Howe Island Woodhen.
In response to a request from the Lord Howe Island Board, spring surveys were conducted on the lowland terrestrial avifauna in the spring of 2013, 2014, 2016 to 2018 prior to the rodent eradication programme that commenced in 2019. A final spring survey was conducted in 2022.
The spring surveys were based on the number of individuals recorded on 96 2 ha plots each surveyed four times during a one-week period. The plots were spatially stratified across the northern and western part of the Lord Howe Island lowlands. The count data were analysed using a generalized linear mixed model with Rodent control, Vegetation type and Time after sunrise as fixed effects and Observer, Plot and Year as random effects.
Of the 15 species recorded across the 96 plots only nine were recorded with sufficient frequency to permit analysis. Our emphasis here was to assess the extent to which the rodent control programme had caused a detectable change in abundance (were the numbers in 2022 outside the range of abundances recorded across 2013 to 2018) and to match avian response to rodent removal in terms of the known biology of the species. Emphasis was placed on the Lord Howe Island Woodhen to see if this endangered species would show a positive response to rodent removal.
Biography
Dr Peter Fullagar and Chris Davey, both now retired, spent their working careers at CSIRO in Canberra. They have worked together for many years on issues concerning animal ecology and conservation issues. Since retiring they continue to work on projects of shared interest.
Both have been members of Canberra Birds (Canberra Ornithologists Group) for many years and often utilise the expertise of the Group as volunteers for various citizen science projects.
Bookings open 14 March.
Booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/CXZXL

Emma Cooke - 'Breaking family ties: The genetic rescue of Canberra’s Small Purple Pea population'
2025-04-24 12:30 - 13:30
Emma will discuss work done over the last nine years by the National Seed Bank, ANBG nursery, ACT Office of Nature Conservation and the Parks and Conservation Service teams to collect seed from across the region, establish a seed production orchard, grow on established plants for translocation and design and implement a translocation plan incorporating both genetic rescue and ex-situ population formation of the Small Purple Pea.
Biography
Emma works as a field ecologist with the ACT government’s Office of Nature conservation. She is a vegetation ecologist, specialising in the conservation of rare and threatened flora and vegetation communities of the ACT. She guides policy and management and runs monitoring and conservation projects.
Bookings open 21 March.
Booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/CXZXM

Little-known stories about Black Mountain vegetation patterns and fire history
2025-04-26 09:30 - 12:00
Join plant ecologist Michael Doherty for a walk and little-known stories about vegetation patterns, fire ecology and fire history on Black Mountain. We will also discuss fire and vegetation management past, present and into the future. This walk is part of the Heritage Festival.
Fully booked – all places taken.
Some books will be available for cash sale.
All walks are rambles on rough uneven ground with some steep sections.
Meet at electricity substation, Frith Road, Acton. Look for the banners.
Cost – donation
Bring – friends, water, snacks, sturdy shoes, hat, sun cream.

Dr Rod King - ‘Not too hot... not too cold’
2025-05-01 00:00 - 23:59
Rod, a retired CSIRO scientist and currently the Treasurer of Friends ANBG, will talk about temperature and reproduction of plants, including Australian natives.
Rod ‘s research with the CSIRO focused first on environment and reproduction in cereals and grasses, and then on Australian plants with horticultural potential. After retiring in 2008 he continued as an Honorary Research Fellow with CSIRO until 2013. His scientific publications exceed 140 over his career and cover a very diverse range of studies in plant science. He is the Treasurer of the Friends of the ANBG.
Bookings open 4 April at https://www.trybooking.com/DAIQT

Ngunawal & National Capital stories of Black Mountain - fully booked
2025-05-02 09:30 - 12:00
Black Mountain is an important element of the Aboriginal and national capital landscape from deep time to today. Let’s join Wally Bell, Ngunawal elder, and Mark Butz, history researcher and writer, as they unearth the lesser-known stories of Aboriginal, historic and natural heritage of Black Mountain. This walk is part of the Heritage Festival.
Fully booked – all places taken.
All walks are rambles on rough uneven ground with some steep sections.
Meet at the Caswell Drive eastern car access on mountain side. Limited parking. Drive from Belconnen Way southwards along Caswell Drive towards Glenloch Interchange. Note the yellow diamond shape advisory sign showing access road on left, and the blue and white “P” sign for parking. Pull into the carpark carefully. Look for banners.
Cost – donation
Bring – friends, water, snacks, sturdy shoes, hat, sun cream.

Friends of ANBG Photographic Group Monthly Meeting
2025-05-02 10:00 - 12:00
This month’s meeting will feature a session in which members of the Photographic Group present up to three images for a constructive discussion and critique led by highly experienced and respected Group members, Graham Gall and Steven Playford. This is an opportunity to share photographic knowledge and skills throughout the Photographic Group.
The meeting will also include our regular show and tell segment in which participants share their photographic works and the stories behind them.

Black Mountain Weeding Work Party
2025-05-03 09:00 - 12:00
We plan to remove lots more woody weeds.
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/CYPVD

Guided Walks - Leaves - to drop or not to drop
2025-05-05 11:00 - 2025-05-11 14:00
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.
