1RPH interview with artist Jo Hollier
2025-08-28 00:00 - 23:59 (Australia/Canberra) | ACT
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 (Australia/Canberra) | ACT
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 (Australia/Canberra) | ACT
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 (Australia/Canberra) | ACT
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 (Australia/Canberra) | ACT
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 (Australia/Canberra) | ACT
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

Stephen Utick ‘Camellia Flower God, the sacred camellias of Asia’
2025-09-11 12:30 - 13:30 (Australia/Canberra) | ACT
Stephen, a Visiting Curator Theaceae at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney, will embark on a fabulous journey to sacred and other places of China and Japan to discover ethnobotanical stories of the Family Theaceae Genus Camellia.
Abstract
Embark on a fabulous journey across the shrines, temples and other sacred places of China and Japan to discover one of the most remarkable ethnobotanical stories of the Family Theaceae Genus Camellia. From the southern silk road of ancient Yunnan to the famous Buddhist Todaiji Temple of Canberra’s Sister City Nara, Dr Utick will reveal the full extent of the understanding of the ethnobotany of sacred camellia trees. Be prepared for sacred inner spaces, lost and forgotten kingdoms, and the Temple of the Mishi or flower god. This presentation will be a global first, based on research material sourced over a decade through the International Camellia Society.
Biography
Stephen Utick is a global camellia expert, a Visiting Curator Theaceae at the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney and the secretary of Camellia Ark Australia, an organisation that saves and propagates rare and endangered camellias from all over Australia.
Booking Link: https://www.trybooking.com/DDEFH
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/DDEFH
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.

Book launch: The Man Who Planted Canberra [SOLD OUT but waitlist available]
2025-09-12 10:30 - 11:30 (Australia/Canberra) | ACT
Join Robert Macklin, Max Bourke, Lenore Coltheart and Steve Thomas in conversation, to celebrate the release of Robert’s book The Man Who Planted Canberra: Charles Weston and His Three Million Trees.
Insights into the history, design and future of the National Capital’s landscaping, horticulture and reforestation will be shared, including the use of both native and exotic plant species throughout our region.
This special launch event will take place in the Margaret Whitlam Pavillion at the National Arboretum, combining fascinating discussion with breathtaking views of Canberra and the Arboretum’s living collections of rare, endangered and significant trees.
The presentation will be followed by book sales and signing.
Entry to this event is free, however places are strictly limited, and early booking is recommended.
Further information available here: https://www.library.gov.au/whats-on/events/book-launch-man-who-planted-canberra
Tickets available here: https://www.stickytickets.com.au/sjjny/book_launch_the_man_who_planted_canberra.aspx
PLEASE NOTE: This event is SOLD OUT but a waitlist is available

Exploring STEP at the Arboretum
2025-09-13 14:00 - 15:00 (Australia/Canberra) | ACT
The Southern Tablelands Ecosystems Park (STEP) is a regional botanic garden, education and conservation centre demonstrating southern tablelands species of eucalypt trees and understorey plants. It is located within the National Arboretum, Canberra. (https://step.asn.au)
Experienced STEP volunteers will take us on a one hour guided walk. Come and admire this beautiful garden of local southern tablelands species.
Meet at the STEP entrance flag down on lowest level carpark opposite the Visitor Centre at the Arboretum 10 minutes before the tour.
Bookings essential: https://www.trybooking.com/DDKBD
Cost: $5 (proceeds will be shared between the Friends of ANBG and STEP)
Wear comfortable shoes, and be prepared for some uneven ground.

Professor Andy Whiteley ‘Bioplastics’
2025-09-18 12:30 - 13:30 (Australia/Canberra) | ACT
Andy, from CSIRO, and the BioPlastics Innovaton Hub aim to remove Australia’s dependence on fossil fuel derived polymers in plastic packaging and replace them with fully compostable and sustainable alternatives.
Biography
Professor Andy Whiteley is the Research Director for CSIRO’s Industry Environments (IE) Program based in Western Australia. The IE Program seeks to innovate and mitigate Australia’s wastes to build a sustainable future, especially in the key areas of Plastics and PFAS, two of Australia’s major pollutant and waste issues.
Professor Whiteley originally obtained a degree and Ph.D. in marine biology and spent 20 years in the UK as a research scientist and leader, developing a new generation of molecular biology, genomic and biotechnological solutions for the natural environment, including environmental monitoring, protection and cleanup. He moved to Australia in 2012 to become the tenth Premier’s Fellow and Winthrop Professor at the University of Western Australia, focussing on developing new technologies for mine-site rehabilitation. During the COVID pandemic, he moved to CSIRO, where his team was initially responsible for developing and monitoring COVID emergence in wastewater treatment systems for early warning population protection. Post COVID he resumed the core work in chemical and biological risks associated with Australia’s pollution and waste issues.
In 2022, Andy was the key representative for CSIRO in setting up the partnership with Murdoch University for what is now known as the ‘BioPlastics Innovation Hub’ (BiH). An 8 million dollar investment, launched in 2024, the BiH represents a unique collaborative effort that unites scientific research, industry expertise and the impact focus of Australia’s National Science agency, the CSIRO.
The aim of the BiH is to revolutionise plastic packaging and waste systems in order to remove Australia’s dependence on fossil fuel derived polymers and move us toward fully compostable and sustainable BioPlastics and BioPolymers.
Booking Link: https://www.trybooking.com/DDEFI
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/DDEFI
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.

Plant Recognition Group Workshop – the amazing world of Australian conifers
2025-09-18 14:00 - 16:30 (Australia/Canberra) | ACT
The next Plant Recognition Group workshop will provide an overview of the 44 species of Australian conifers including their distribution and some of the factors contributing to this spatial outcome.
The workshop will provide guidance on the use of an identification key based on vegetative characteristics: mainly leaves, cones and buds. About 80% of native conifers can be seen at the ANBG and you will be guided through use of the key to distinguish example species from the gardens.
The workshop will be led by Malcolm Watson who has a degree in environmental management (majoring in botany) and has spent the last few years studying and photographing plants at the ANBG.
When: Thursday 18 September 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.

Wake up with the Birds
2025-09-20 08:30 - 10:30 (Australia/Canberra) | ACT
8.30 am start (gates open at 8.15 am)
Observe amazing birdlife in the beautiful surrounds of the Australian National Botanic Gardens. In a small group, experience the Gardens early on a spring morning when the birds are nesting and at their most active. The walk of 1½ to 2 hours with expert bird guides includes plenty of time to stop and look!
Bookings essential: https://www.trybooking.com/DDJYZ
Cost: Friends’ members $15; non-members $20 (all proceeds go to projects in the Gardens)
Some binoculars will be provided, but bring your own if you have them.
Wear comfortable footwear and warm clothes.
(Please note: event not suitable for small children)

Questacon Mangroves Felting Workshop
2025-09-20 09:00 - 15:00 (Australia/Canberra) | ACT
If you attended the Questacon Mangroves exhibition, you will be excited learn that Questacon is now offering a Questacon Mangroves Felting Workshop with Melanie Tribe!
Please see exclusive link below for discounted early bird tickets. This price is valid until 29 August, after which time tickets will be full price.
Get your ticket here!
(or https://shop.questacon.edu.au/products/ and search for Mangroves felting workshop.)
Event: Questacon Mangroves Felting Workshop with Melanie Tribe
Date: Saturday 20th, Friday 26th or Saturday 27th September
Time: 9am – 3pm
Location: The Ian Potter Foundation Technology Learning Centre, 60 Denison Street DEAKIN
Cost: $190 (early bird price only)
Open to ages 16+
This Biodiversity month, learn how to make your own needle-felted mudskippers with Questacon!
You will be guided by Darwin-based and nationally renowned textile artist Melanie Tribe, who specialises in vibrant 3D needle felted sculptures. Melanie is also an experienced educator and has taught beginners the art of transforming wool fibres into textured, lifelike creations.
What you can expect

Enjoy 6 hours of expert instruction from textile artist Melanie Tribe in a small group of 14 participants
You will receive a kit with all the materials and tools, which you can take home and continue creating after the workshop
Take home your own felted mudskipper at the end of the workshop
Enjoy morning tea pastry, tea and coffee

We look forward to seeing you there!
Questacon Events Team
E: events@questacon.edu.au

Hannah Gerke ‘Life on the edge: personality and movement behaviour of urban brown snakes in Canberra’
2025-09-25 12:30 - 13:30 (Australia/Canberra) | ACT
Hannah, a PhD candidate at ANU, will talk about the hundreds of Eastern brown snakes being translocated around the ACT each year. However, recent work has shown that moving reptiles long distances may have harmful impacts on brown snake behaviour and survival.
Abstract
Eastern brown snakes are the most common snake in urban Canberra, leading to hundreds translocated around the ACT each year. However, recent work has shown that moving reptiles long distances can have harmful impacts, and we don’t really know how translocation affects brown snake behaviour for survival. This research (as part of The Canberra Snake Tracking Project) seeks to understand if snakes have “personalities” and if personality influences how individual snakes respond to translocation.
Biography
Hannah is a PhD Candidate at the Australian National University. Her research focuses on human-wildlife conflict and the impacts of human activities on wildlife, particularly brown snakes.
Booking Link: https://www.trybooking.com/DDEFK
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/DDEFK
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.

Friends of ANBG Photographic Group Monthly Meeting
2025-09-26 00:00 - 23:59 (Australia/Canberra) | ACT
The meeting, which takes place at 10 am in the Theatrette, will feature presentations by Cristy Froehlich and Julia Landford from NatureArt Lab.
NatureArt Lab unites communities through art inspired by nature and provides short art courses, photography courses and workshops. They also offers immersive nature tours in Australia and around the world.
Cristy is a highly respected photographer and artist who shares her love of nature and art through teaching and nature tours. Julia, the Founding Director of NatureArt Lab, is an artist, educator and environmentalist, leading art, citizen science and environmental collaboration in Australia.
The meeting will also include our regular show and tell segment in which participants share their photographic works and the stories behind them.
Bring up to six images on a USB thumb drive if you wish to participate.

After Dark Walk in the Gardens (SOLD OUT)
2025-09-26 18:30 - 19:45 (Australia/Canberra) | ACT
SOLD OUT
Fun for young and old, explore the Gardens as it gets dark, observe the birds as they go to bed, discover animals that come out at night. Visiting the Gardens by torch and moonlight gives such a different feeling and perspective to visiting during the day.
This special family friendly event is for everyone aged 6 and over. Enjoy a one hour walk with the ANBG’s friendly Education Rangers who will take you into the Gardens and help you spot the night life.
Bookings essential: https://www.trybooking.com/DDKAR
Cost: $20 Friends members and their family members; $24 for non members.

Annabel Ellis ‘Bandicoots and the great truffle heist’
2025-10-02 12:30 - 13:30 (Australia/Canberra) | ACT
Bandicoots usually forage for grubs, roots or fungi. However, the little diggers have developed a taste for expensive French black truffles, costing farmers up to $20k a year. Annabel, a PhD student at the University of Sydney, uses marsupial friendly strategies to discourage their gourmet tastes.
Biography
Annabel is a PhD student at the University of Sydney. She is researching non-injurious ways of deterring bandicoots from digging farmed truffles, her research is based at a truffle farm near Braidwood.
Booking Link: https://www.trybooking.com/DDEFM
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/DDEFM
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
2025-10-04 09:00 - 12:00 (Australia/Canberra) | ACT
Details of the next weeding work party (including the booking link) are:
Date: Saturday, 4 October 2025, 9:00 to 12 noon
We plan to remove lots of non-local acacia and other woody weeds
Meet: Caswell Drive entry on the mountain side.
Drive from Belconnen Way southwards along Caswell Drive towards Glenloch Interchange, Woden, or Tuggeranong. Note the yellow diamond shape advisory sign showing access road on left (mountain side) and the blue and white “P” sign for parking. Pull into the carpark carefully. Look for banners.
Bring: more of your friends if you wish, as everyone is welcome.
Wear: hat, sunscreen, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves, stout shoes.
We shall break for delicious morning tea at about 10:30 am
Please book: if you are planning to come, please let us know by booking using this booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/CYPVM
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 email friendsofblackmountain@gmail.com or phone 0437 298 711.
We look forward to seeing you at our next weeding work party.
Linda Beveridge
Convenor, Friends of Black Mountain

Orchid Walks on Black Mountain [FULLY BOOKED]
2025-10-05 09:30 - 12:00 (Australia/Canberra) | ACT
Choose your time to book and to discover some spring flowering native terrestrial orchids and learn something more of this fascinating group of plants with Matt Mullaney, Shoko Okado, and Tobias Hayashi
DATE Sunday 5 October,
9:30am-12 noon & repeated 1:30 pm to 4:00pm
Yes, daylight saving starts that very day.
MEET at the car park on the mountain side of Caswell Drive. Look for FOBM banners; (from Belconnen Way drive south towards Glenloch Interchange)
BYO enthusiasm, hat, sunblock, water, stout shoes, & hand lens if you have one, and snacks of you wish.
BOOK Limited numbers for each walk. Choose the time you would like for the walk
Booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/DEZQX [FULLY BOOKED]

Bill Waterhouse ‘Wombat rescue at Major’s Creek’
2025-10-09 12:30 - 13:30 (Australia/Canberra) | ACT
Bill and his wife rescue injured wombats, especially pouch pinkies, in facilities that they developed at Major’s Creek especially for growing and rewilding them.
Biography
Bill is a retired Deputy Principal and bush band musician who continues to teaches music to primary school students. He is also Queanbeyan/Palerang Councillor.
Booking Link: https://www.trybooking.com/DDEFO
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/DDEFO
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.

Bill Waterhouse – ‘Wombat rescue at Major’s Creek’
2025-10-09 12:30 - 13:30 (Australia/Sydney) | ANBG Theatrette, Clunies Ross Street Acton ACT 2601, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
Bill and his wife rescue injured wombats, especially pouch pinkies, in facilities that they developed at Major’s Creek especially for growing and rewilding them.
Biography
Bill is a retired Deputy Principal and bush band musician who continues to teaches music to primary school students. He is also Queanbeyan/Palerang Councillor.
Bookings open on 5 September at https://www.trybooking.com/DDEFO
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.
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.

54th Black Mountain spring wildflower ramble [FULLY BOOKED]
2025-10-11 09:30 - 12:00 (Australia/Canberra) | ACT
Celebrate the spring flowering on beautiful Black Mountain with a social ramble appreciating wildflowers in the tradition established by Nancy Burbidge, continued by George Chippendale, and then Jean Geue. Discover the surprising diversity of tiny orchids, bush peas, wattles and billy buttons on easy bush tracks with experienced guides and good company. All springs are not the same. The pattern remains but timing and abundance vary with the weather; after the weather we have had this year we are anticipating a special display of flowers. Friends of Black Mountain welcomes everyone, be they experts or those who have never slowed down to see the somewhat cryptic diversity. We plan several guides, with helpers, who will take different directions.
Please allow time to park and walk to the meeting point.
There will be some books for cash sale, including Black Mountain a natural history of a Canberra icon by Ian Fraser and Rosemary Purdie.
Meet at Belconnen Way entry just before Caswell Drive turnoff – watch for balloons or banners
BYO morning tea, water, hat, sunblock and stout shoes.
BOOKING ESSENTIAL to ensure we have enough guides. Please use this booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/DEWYB [FULLY BOOKED]
This will help us to contact you if changes are needed at short notice (e.g. bad weather).
If you have problems with that link, email names, addresses, and mobile phone numbers of each person you book to friendsofblackmountain@gmail.com
Linda Beveridge
Convenor, Friends of Black Mountain

54th Black Mountain spring wildflower ramble
2025-10-11 09:30 - 12:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Belconnen Way entry just before Caswell Drive turnoff – watch for balloons or banners, Belconnen Way entry just before Caswell Drive turnoff, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
Celebrate the spring flowering on beautiful Black Mountain with a social ramble appreciating wildflowers in the tradition established by Nancy Burbidge, continued by George Chippendale, and then Jean Geue. Discover the surprising diversity of tiny orchids, bush peas, wattles and billy buttons on easy bush tracks with experienced guides and good company. All springs are not the same. The pattern remains but timing and abundance vary with the weather; after the weather we have had this year we are anticipating a special display of flowers. Friends of Black Mountain welcomes everyone, be they experts or those who have never slowed down to see the somewhat cryptic diversity. We plan several guides, with helpers, who will take different directions.
Please allow time to park and walk to the meeting point.
There will be some books for cash sale, including Black Mountain a natural history of a Canberra icon by Ian Fraser and Rosemary Purdie.
Meet at Belconnen Way entry just before Caswell Drive turnoff – watch for balloons or banners
BYO morning tea, water, hat, sunblock and stout shoes.
BOOKING ESSENTIAL to ensure we have enough guides. Please use this booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/DEWYB
This will help us to contact you if changes are needed at short notice (e.g. bad weather).
If you have problems with that link, email names, addresses, and mobile phone numbers of each person you book to friendsofblackmountain@gmail.com
Linda Beveridge
Convenor, Friends of Black Mountain

Photography Group Macro Photography Workshop
2025-10-11 10:00 - 16:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Celia Rosser Room, Banksia Centre, Australian National Botanical Gardens, Canberra, Australia
Graham Gall will lead a macro photography workshop on Saturday 11 October. It will cover both theory and practice and will run from around 10.00 am until 4.00 pm in the Celia Rosser room and surrounding gardens.
Graham is a highly professional photographer who has extensive experience in capturing stunning images of native Australian fauna and flora.
Participation is free for Photography Group members. No booking required.

Plant Recognition Group Workshop – Visit to the STEP garden
2025-10-13 13:30 - 15:30 (Australia/Sydney) | STEP entrance
The next Plant Recognition Group workshop will be a bit different as we will visit the Southern Tablelands Ecosystems Park (Forest 20) at the National Arboretum, which grows different species of eucalypt trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses typically found in the Southern Tablelands region of New South Wales and the ACT. We will be looking in particular at the Fabaceae or pea species that have been planted here.
We are fortunate that Bill Handke, Committee Member of STEP and Member of the Pea Flower Study Group of the Australian Native Plant Society (or PeaNuts) has kindly agreed to show us around.
Hand lenses will be available but please bring your own if you have one.
When: Monday 13 October 13.30 – 15.30.
Where: Meet at the entrance to the STEP Garden at the bottom of the main carpark at the Arboretum at 13.25.
Bookings ESSENTIAL: Please send your name and phone number to plantname@friendsanbg.org.au We will be able to accommodate a slightly larger group for this visit but need to know who will be attending.
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.

Don Beer Memorial Talk: Tasha James ‘Endemics on the Edge: The Challenges of Conserving Mt Imlay Species’
2025-10-16 12:30 - 13:30 (Australia/Canberra) | ACT
Tasha, a PhD student at University of Canberra and a holder of a Friends ANBG scholarship, is asking will Hibbertia circinata, Boronia imlayensis, and Eucalyptus imlayensis provide different insights into threatened species conservation on Mt Imlay and more broadly for threatened-species conservation?
Abstract
Mt Imlay (NSW) is home to several endangered endemic species which are limited to a small area on the summit and are subject to a combination of threatening processes including climate change, fire, and Phytophthora dieback.
This project has focused on three species: Hibbertia circinata, Boronia imlayensis, and Eucalyptus imlayensis. Tasha is researching each species to establish whether it would persist in situ, or require and/or rely upon ex situ efforts and populations to continue.
We used multiple data sources and methods to understand the species dynamics. Almost all the data for this project has been collected, and results are beginning to come together. However, as is often the case with ecological work, they are leading to more questions!
Biography
Tasha James is the holder of the Don Beer Memorial scholarship from the Friends of the ANBG and a PhD student at the University of Canberra. She researches endangered plant ecology and genetics with a focus on rare and endangered species. She collects data and samples from field surveys, drone surveying, Herbarium records and living collections to incorporate into a variety of analyses across population genetics, disease dynamics, and the influence of biophysical factors. Tasha collaborates with the Australian National Botanic Gardens and several Herbaria, with the aim to provide more insight into the unique dynamics of isolated endemic plants to increase the ability for conserving these often-fragile communities.
Booking Link: https://www.trybooking.com/DDEFP
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/DDEFP
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

Tasha James – ‘Endemics on the Edge: The Challenges of Conserving Mt Imlay Species’ (Don Beer Memorial Talk)
2025-10-16 12:30 - 13:30 (Australia/Sydney) | ANBG Theatrette, Clunies Ross Street Acton ACT 2601, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
Tasha, a PhD student at University of Canberra and a holder of a Friends ANBG scholarship, is asking will Hibbertia circinata, Boronia imlayensis, and Eucalyptus imlayensis provide different insights into threatened species conservation on Mt Imlay and more broadly for threatened-species conservation?
Abstract
Mt Imlay (NSW) is home to several endangered endemic species which are limited to a small area on the summit and are subject to a combination of threatening processes including climate change, fire, and Phytophthora dieback.
This project has focused on three species: Hibbertia circinata, Boronia imlayensis, and Eucalyptus imlayensis. Tasha is researching each species to establish whether it would persist in situ, or require and/or rely upon ex situ efforts and populations to continue.
We used multiple data sources and methods to understand the species dynamics. Almost all the data for this project has been collected, and results are beginning to come together. However, as is often the case with ecological work, they are leading to more questions!
Biography
Tasha James is the holder of the Don Beer Memorial scholarship from the Friends of the ANBG and a PhD student at the University of Canberra. She researches endangered plant ecology and genetics with a focus on rare and endangered species. She collects data and samples from field surveys, drone surveying, Herbarium records and living collections to incorporate into a variety of analyses across population genetics, disease dynamics, and the influence of biophysical factors. Tasha collaborates with the Australian National Botanic Gardens and several Herbaria, with the aim to provide more insight into the unique dynamics of isolated endemic plants to increase the ability for conserving these often-fragile communities.
Bookings open on 12 September at https://www.trybooking.com/DDEFP
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.
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.

Friends 2025 Annual General Meeting
2025-10-16 15:00 - 17:00 (Australia/Sydney) | ANBG Theatrette, Clunies Ross Street Acton ACT 2601, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
The 37th Annual General Meeting of the Friends of the ANBG will be held on Thursday 16 October at 3pm in the Gardens Theatrette followed by light refreshments in the Dickson Room.
On the agenda will be the election for Secretary, Treasurer and four ordinary members of Council. If a current member of Council nominates for and is elected to another vacant position, there will be an additional vacancy for an Ordinary Member.
The agenda will also include reports from Dr Matthew Parker, Director ANBG, Science and ANBG, Parks Australia, Linda Beveridge, President and Rod King, Treasurer.
The AGM documents and information about how to nominate for the vacant positions:

Provisional Agenda for the 37th AGM (PDF, 171 KB)
Draft Minutes for the 36th Annual General Meeting (PDF, 208 KB)
Nomination Form (Word format) (DOCX, 2.9 MB)
Nomination Form (PDF format) (PDF, 79 KB)
Signed FANBG Financial Statements (PDF format) (PDF, 3.5 MB)

If you have any questions, please email secretary@friendsanbg.org.au
Apologies for the AGM
Please send apologies for the AGM to secretary@friendsanbg.org.au

Shelley Rowntree – ‘Unpicking the complexity of Chrysocephalum (Gnaphalieae, Asteraceae)’
2025-10-23 12:30 - 13:30 (Australia/Sydney) | ANBG Theatrette, Clunies Ross Street Acton ACT 2601, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
Shelley, PhD candidate at the UNE and a holder of a Friends ANBG scholarship, will discuss the species limits and the dominant processes affecting the breeding and conservation of the Chrysocephalum genus.
Abstract
Shelley will look at questions about the Chrysocephalum genus, the limits of its species, and dominant processes affecting the breeding and conservation of Chrysocephalum.
The Gnaphalieae (paper daisy tribe, Asteraceae) are the largest tribe of Asteraceae in Australia, with c. 500 species. Relationships within clades remain unresolved, and generic concepts are often based on few morphological characters rather than demonstrated relatedness and inference of synapomorphies.
Chrysocephalum Walp is a medium-sized genus in the Australian Gnaphalieae occurring across all states of Australia. The project aims to answer the questions: (1) Does Chrysocephalum represent a cohesive genus? What is its relationship with other genera? (2) What are the limits of species within Chrysocephalum? What evolutionary processes explain the morphological complexity of the genus in eastern Australia? (3) What are the dominant processes affecting the breeding and conservation of Chrysocephalum?
Biography
Shelley Rowntree is a holder of a Friends ANBG scholarship and is now doing a PhD at the University of New England, Armidale, in collaboration with Centre of Australian National Botanic Research (CANBR).
Shelley left behind a career in IT to pursue her passion for plants. Her interests include the systematics and evolution of flowering plants, especially Asteraceae (daisy family) and Cyperaceae (sedges). She is passionate about documenting biodiversity and uses DNA sequence data and morphology to help make sense of diverse plant groups and evolutionary processes.
Bookings open on 19 September at https://www.trybooking.com/DDEFQ
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.
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.

Growing Friends Spring 2025 Native Plant Sale – Exclusive Event for Friends, Staff and Volunteers
2025-10-25 09:00 - 23:30 (Australia/Sydney) | Banksia Centre Car Park, Australian National Botanic Gardens, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Friends, Staff and Volunteers of the ANBG will have exclusive access to hundreds of plants from a large variety of groundcovers to familiar or unusual large and small shrubs. A limited number of ferns will also be for sale.
All plants are propagated from cuttings or seeds sourced from within the Gardens, and a full list of plants is available HERE.
Plants will cost $6 a pot. All proceeds go to the Friends to support the Gardens. Sales by card only.
The sale will take place in the Growing Friends Area, off the Banksia Centre carpark.
