Charlie Blumer and Jon Darvill explore the identities and ecology of some of the 200-odd native bees and other pollinators in the ACT. They identify why they matter, the threats to them, and how we can help them.

Heidi, from Australian National Herbarium, will give an overview of taxonomic and nomenclatural principles, provide a gentle introduction to modern methods used in orchid taxonomy and discuss some interesting orchid case studies.

Rosemary, a retired plant ecologist, will talk about her trip to the floodplains of the Cooper Creek and associated areas in SW Queensland, chasing the post-flooding rains surge in flowers.

Fiona, Threatened Species Commissioner, will talk about recent developments with the implementation of the Threatened Species Action Plan 2022-2032, and awareness raising events in the community.

Gina will discuss the first ever listing of an Australian river system, the River Murray—Darling to Sea, as a threatened ecosystem under national environmental law. (Photo: Ben Good)

Rod, from ANU, will discuss how orchids use specific floral volatiles to attract pollinators, highlight new insights on the evolution of Australia terrestrial orchids and outline his ongoing project on the pollination of the mysterious NSW underground orchids.