John Feehan - ‘Dung beetles are a win-win for farmers and the environment’
2025-06-26 00:00 - 23:59 (Australia/Canberra) | ACT
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.

Dr Lucy Aplin 'Clever cockies - Innovation and adaptation in sulphur-crested cockatoos'
2025-07-31 12:30 - 13:30
Aplin and her team investigate cognition and culture in urban sulphur-crested cockatoos, asking whether the spread of new innovations can facilitate adaptive behavioural responses to anthropogenic change.
Biography
Lucy Aplin is head of the Cognitive and Cultural Ecology Group, and leads the Clever Cockies Research Project. She currently holds joint positions as SERI Professorial Fellow at the University of Zurich and Associate Professor at the Australian National University.
Previously, Lucy was a Max Planck Research Research Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute for Animal Behaviour, Junior Research Fellow at St John’s College, University of Oxford. SHe studied for her PhD jointly at the Australian National University and the University of Oxford.
Bookings open 4 July 2025 at https://www.trybooking.com/DDQUU
Booking
Lunchtime talks are held at 12.30 pm every Thursday from February to November. Talks last for 1 hour. We welcome donations by gold coins, notes, or electronically. The Friends use donations received at each talk to support Gardens’ programs and development and we thank all those who have donated.
Unless otherwise indicated, talks are held in the ANBG Theatrette.
It is a good idea to reserve a seat at the talks that you wish to attend; talks may be booked out very quickly. Bookings can be made from about 30 days in advance until the night before the talk or until seating limits are reached.
Bookings open 4 July 2025 at https://www.trybooking.com/DDQUU
The Friends of the ANBG thank the speakers who volunteer their time and talents to further the knowledge of all attending events in the Gardens. Many summaries or PowerPoint presentations of Thursday talks are available to Friends at the ANBG library. Please direct queries about the talks to the Thursday Talks Team: email talks@friendsanbg.org.au.

Black Mountain Weeding Work Party
2025-08-02 09:00 - 12:00
A big thank you, to our work party volunteers who removed approximately 1250 woody weeds in a difficult area at our July work party.
Details of the next weeding work party (including the booking link) are below, and we look forward to seeing you at our next weeding work party.
Date: Saturday, 2 August 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/CYPVK
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

Jed Pearson - ‘Beyond the Bill: Platypus, Science & Waterway Conservation’
2025-08-07 00:00 - 23:59
Jed, Waterwatch Coordinator with Molonglo Conservation Group, will dive into the secret life of the platypus, and how these monotreme marvels help us read the health of our freshwater ecosystems—and what we can do to protect them.
Abstract
Mysterious, elusive, and utterly unique, the platypus isn’t just an Aussie icon—it’s a living barometer for waterway health. As an indicator species, their presence (or absence) tells us a lot about the state of our creeks and rivers. This talk dives into the secret life of the platypus, the pressures they face, and how their populations provide crucial insights for waterway managers. From pollution levels to habitat degradation, discover how these monotreme marvels help us read the health of our freshwater ecosystems—and what we can do to protect them.
Biography
Jed Pearson is the Waterwatch Coordinator for Molonglo Conservation Group, leading water quality monitoring and platypus surveys in the Molonglo catchment. With a background in agriculture and ecological consulting, he specialises in riparian restoration and waterway health. Jed is passionate about empowering communities to protect and restore local waterways.
Bookings open on 4 July at https://www.trybooking.com/DANCM

Plant Science Talk
2025-08-11 00:00 - 23:59
The next Plant Science talk will be on Monday 11th August at 10.30am.
If you are not already on the email list and wish to receive information on these talks please email plantscience@friendsanbg.org.au.

The Art of Living Together Guided Walks
2025-08-11 11:00 - 2025-08-17 14:00
When plants and animals interact, both participants may benefit, one may benefit while the other is not affected, or one may benefit while the other is harmed.
Join a free one-hour guided walk to see some interesting examples of plants that interact with each other and plants that interact with insects, birds and mammals, and decide who gets the better deal from each of these interactions.
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.

Plant Recognition Group workshop - Getting to know local wattles
2025-08-11 13:30 - 15:30
PLANT RECOGNITION GROUP
Getting to know local wattles
The next Plant Recognition Group workshop will focus on local native wattle trees and shrubs (family Mimosaceae) that flower during winter. Dr Suzette Searle (President Wattle Day Association Inc.) will host a presentation on the main identification features and will have selected samples on display. Binocular microscopes, hand lenses and other aids for identification will be available for the workshop.
When: 1:30 – 3.30 pm on Monday 11 August 2025, with extra time for personal practice if you wish.
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.

Dr Matt White and Anthony Hoffman - ‘Threatened ecological communities assessments’
2025-08-14 12:30 - 13:30
Matt and Anthony will discuss the progress and overall impacts from listing of ecological communities under national environment law over the past 25 years, as well as recent unique examples such as the Empodisma peatlands of south-western WA, the Karst springs of the Naracoorte Coastal Plain, and the Drooping sheoak grassy woodland of the Eyre Peninsula.
Bookings open on 11 July at https://www.trybooking.com/DANCR
Abstract
2025 is the 25th anniversary of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, the national environment law which recognised threatened ecological communities as a specific ‘matter of national environmental significance’. This means they have the same level of protection as threatened species, migratory species, Ramsar wetlands and world and national heritage areas. Types of ecological communities that have been listed for national protection include forests, woodlands, shrublands, grasslands, wetlands, marine and cave communities. These cover over 16 million hectares of native habitat across all states and territories of Australia. Threatened ecological communities may be protected and recovered across all land tenures, not just conservation estate. Ecological community listings also allow for the protection of all plants, animals and other organisms present in the community (including species not otherwise protected) and the key ecological processes critical to natural ecosystem function and services. In addition, ecological communities have strong cultural significance for many Australians, especially for First Nations, land managers and local communities working to protect their local threatened bushland. Matt and Anthony will discuss the progress and overall impacts from listing of ecological communities under national environment law over the past 25 years, as well as recent unique examples such as the Empodisma peatlands of south-western WA, the Karst springs of the Naracoorte Coastal Plain, and the Drooping sheoak grassy woodland of the Eyre Peninsula.
Biography
Matt is Director and Anthony is a senior assessment officer within the Ecological Communities section of the Federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. For more than 15 years, both have worked closely with the national Threatened Species Scientific Committee and many other experts to identify, describe and conduct rigorous scientific assessments and write priority conservation actions for threatened ecological communities. Matt and Anthony have collectively contributed to the listing of, and/or national conservation plans for, all of the 104 ecological communities that are recognised at the national level for priority protection, management and recovery.
Bookings open on 11 July at https://www.trybooking.com/DANCR

Black Mountain Summit Walk - 25th Anniversary
2025-08-16 09:30 - 11:30
Dear Friends,
We hope you are keeping wonderfully warm in this wintery weather … Maybe a way to be warm is the 25th Anniversary of the Summit Walk. The Summit Walk is between the summit of Black Mountain and the Visitor Centre of the Australian National Botanic Gardens (ANBG), and was officially opened by the Chief Minister of the ACT, the head of the ANBG, and the Telstra representative; the organisations that cooperatively developed the walk.
The details of this 25th Anniversary Summit Walk are as follows … and feel free to send to your other friends and networks …
Summit Ramble Saturday 16 August 2025,
9.30am (sharp) to 11:30am (approximately)
This year is the 25th Anniversary of the Summit Walk between the Summit of Black Mountain Nature Reserve to the Visitor Centre at the ANBG. This walk was a joint initiative between the ACT Government, the Australian National Botanic Gardens (ANBG) and Telstra.
Dr Michael Doherty, a local plant ecologist, and ANBG Guides, will talk about winter colour among the plants down the north-eastern slope from the Summit of Black Mountain to the ANBG Visitor Centre. Michael will talk about the interesting variety of mechanisms through which the local flora copes with fire and drought and he will also be pointing out the characteristics of the different eucalypts found along the way, including some very old veteran scribbly gums with lumpy bumpy ‘elephants feet’!
** As we are walking down the track, it may be a good idea to arrange with a friend to take you back to your car at the top.
The Summit Walk has steep sections, so it is suitable for fit walkers (including children over the age of 12).
Meet at the Summit Terrace, slightly up from the Tower on Black Mountain.
Bring Friends, water, and snacks, if you wish.
Wear sturdy shoes, hat, and sun cream …and remember to dress for walk in winter weather if it is cold.
Bookings essential Places are limited on these very popular rambles, so please use the booking link to register for the walk
Booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/DDCZO
It helps so that you can be contacted in case arrangements need to change (e.g. adverse weather).
Tickets are limited, please notify us if you have booked but find you are unable to come, by email to friendsofblackmountain@gmail.com or phone 0437 298 711
Happy walking,
Linda Beveridge
Convenor, Friends of Black Mountain

Cameras and Café Walk
2025-08-17 08:40 - 10:30
The next Friends of ANBG Photographic Group Cameras and Café Walk will be held on Sunday 17 August. Meet at the bus stop at 8.40 am. After introductions we head off, either individually or in groups, in search of beautiful images from around the Gardens. Participants regroup for a sociable gathering 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.
As we approach the end of winter the wattles are stirring, and fogs and frosts add to the atmosphere of the gardens.

Dr Michael Mulvaney - ‘Gang-gangs: what have we discovered and how does that help better protect them’
2025-08-21 00:00 - 23:59
Michael, a former Government ecologist, will update eight years of citizen science research and cover new discoveries since 2022 into Gang-gang nesting ecology and behaviour.
Abstract
Michael will provide an update of the eight years of citizen science research into Gang-gang nesting ecology and behaviour which is now nearing its conclusion. The talk will cover new discoveries since a 2022 presentation by Michael and Chris Davey. The talk will describe;

where Gang-gangs are known to nest across Australia;
what guides their selection of nest trees in the Canberra area;
whether Gang-gang pairs return to the same nest hollow
what are the greatest threats to nesting chicks
what are potential consequences of climate change; and
what can be done to best protect nesting Gang-gang and their chicks

Biography
Michael Mulvaney is a former Government ecologist. Red Hill is the centre of Michael’s universe and he became involved in Gang-gang citizen research when a nest site was discovered on Red Hill in 2017 and he wanted to know how important this nesting site might be. Since then he has been a supervisor of many hundreds of fellow Gang-gang lovers across their south-eastern Australia range, who between them have documented most of what is known about Gang-gang nesting ecology and diet.
Bookings open on 18 July at https://www.trybooking.com/DANCU

Art in Miniature Exhibition
2025-08-27 09:30 - 2025-09-21 16:30
AIM (Art in Miniature) Canberra is delighted to be holding its 25th exhibition as a group at the Australian National Botanic Gardens.
We are a friendship group of artists living in Canberra and its regions who enjoy working and exhibiting miniatures together.
In this exhibition we are taking inspiration directly from the beautiful ANBG. Its flora, fauna, herpetology, entomology, buildings, visitors and views have all inspired our group to create over 100 miniatures by 22 members.

Emeritus Professor Patrick De Deckker - ‘Marine heat waves, the “secret killer” in our oceans’
2025-08-28 00:00 - 23:59
Patrick, from the ANU, will discuss alarming temperature increases near the surfaces of oceans, that affect entire ecosystems; such as the vanishing kelp forests offshore Tasmania and the many organisms that thrive in among kelp. This change is not only in Australia, but world-wide.
Abstract
As a result of significant changes in the oceans bordering Australia, and in particular the alarming temperature increases near the surface, entire ecosystems have already been affected. These will be discussed.
Patrick will also detail the findings over the last decade of the vanishing kelp forests offshore Tasmania, and how this has also affected many organisms that normally thrive in among kelp. This change is not restricted to the Australian oceans, it is a worldwide phenomenon!
Biography
Emeritus Professor Patrick De Deckker is at the Research School of Earth Sciences, The Australian National University. Patrick is also a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science.
Originally from Belgium, Patrick arrived in Australia about 50 years ago where he continued his university education in geology, micro-palaeontology and zoology at several institutions. He has been at ANU since 1981 except for 2 years at Monash and has worked on salt lakes, their biota and geological history, plus on the evolution of the oceans in our region related to climate changes and on airborne dust (a topic which he presented to the Friends of the ANBG a couple of years ago).
Bookings open on 25 July at https://www.trybooking.com/DANDC

1RPH interview with artist Jo Hollier
2025-08-28 00:00 - 23:59
After viewing Jo Hollier’s Botanical Art Exhibition at the ANBG, Christine Stewart contacted her & interviewed her for 1RPH Canberra public radio.
The interview goes to air on 1RPH / 1125AM this Thursday 28 August at 10am & repeated at 4.30pm. It will also be available as a podcast on website.
Jo’s enthusiasm for the ANBG and her love of our birds & plants is evident.
Her new exhibition Creek Walks opens Friday 29 August at the Belconnen Arts Centre.

Friends of ANBG Photographic Group Monthly Meeting
2025-08-29 10:00 - 12:00
The meeting, which takes place in the Theatrette, will feature a presentation from Dr Yi-Kai Tea of the Moths and Butterflies Association. The Association is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to encourage interest in the scientific study, research and conservation of moths and butterflies (Lepidoptera) in the Australian Region. The society has a broad appeal to a wide range of interest groups, including amateur naturalists, photographers, conservationists and citizen scientists who are passionate about observing, collecting, and studying moths and butterflies.
Dr Yi-Kai Tea has published several papers on the ecology and behaviour of tropical Lepidoptera in the Asia-Pacific. He is also an avid butterfly photographer.
The meeting will also include our regular show and tell segment in which participants share their photographic works and the stories behind them.

Guided Walks - What is it about Wattles?
2025-09-01 11:00 - 2025-09-07 14:00
What is it about Wattles?
1 – 7 September, 11am & 2pm daily, Free
We welcome wattles as spring approaches but are you aware how very many species there are and how widespread they are? Why their foliage differs so much? How those golden ‘balls’ are formed? Take a free guided one-hour walk to get some answers to these and other questions and see a wealth of wattles in flower at this time of year.
Meet at the flag near the Café 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 Rod Griffin ‘Uses of Acacia from Perfumery to Pulpwood … and some things we don’t yet know about their Reproductive Biology’
2025-09-04 12:30 - 13:30
Little has been invested into research into the benefits of Australian species of Acacia, compared to Australian eucalypts. Rod, a Research Associate at University of Tasmania, will share current research into the pollination ecology of some temperate acacia species.
Abstract
Acacias provide many economic benefits around the world, but little has been invested into research into the benefits of Australian species, especially compared to Eucalypts. Rod, a Research Associate at University of Tasmania, will share current research into the pollination ecology of some temperate acacia species.
Biography
Rod is a Research Associate at the School of Natural Sciences, at University of Tasmania, with a Ph.D. in forest genetics. He supports tree breeding programs in SE Asia, South America and Africa and focuses on genetic diversity and seed production of Eucalyptus and Acacia.
Booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/DDEFF
Booking
Lunchtime talks are held at 12.30 pm every Thursday from February to November. Talks last for 1 hour. We welcome donations by gold coins, notes, or electronically. The Friends use donations received at each talk to support Gardens’ programs and development and we thank all those who have donated.
Unless otherwise indicated, talks are held in the ANBG Theatrette.
It is a good idea to reserve a seat at the talks that you wish to attend; talks may be booked out very quickly. Bookings can be made from about 30 days in advance until the night before the talk or until seating limits are reached.
Booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/DDEFF
The Friends of the ANBG thank the speakers who volunteer their time and talents to further the knowledge of all attending events in the Gardens. Many summaries or PowerPoint presentations of Thursday talks are available to Friends at the ANBG library. Please direct queries about the talks to the Thursday Talks Team: email talks@friendsanbg.org.au.

M16 Artspace Exhibitions - 'Rendezvous: Notes from the Botanic Gardens' and 'See What I See'
2025-09-05 12:00 - 2025-09-28 17:00
Two of the exhibitions currently on show at the M16 ArtSpace are ‘Rendezvous: Notes from the Botanic Gardens’ and ‘See What I See’.
‘Rendezvous’ includes a terrific and fun wall mural of the water dragons by Bryn Jones and other interesting artworks inspired by the Gardens.
‘See What I See’ is the annual NatureArt Lab tutor exhibition, showcasing the creative work and immense talent of their teaching team.
Both are well worth checking out.
You can find more about the M16 Artspace HERE.

Black Mountain Weeding Work Party
2025-09-06 09:00 - 12:00
A big thank you, to our work party volunteers who removed approximately 850 woody weeds in a difficult area at our August work party.
Details of the next weeding work party (including the booking link) are:
Date: Saturday, 6 September 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/CYPVL
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
