Last chance to become a Nature Steward this spring

Do you want to connect with nature, support your local environment and meet others in your community? 

Applications are now being received until Wednesday 21 September for the City of Ballarat’s new Nature Stewards program. 

For the first time, the City of Ballarat is partnering with Outdoors Victoria to deliver the 10-week introductory environmental education program for adults.  

The program is designed to enable everyday people to discover more about their local environment, connect with others in the community, and learn how to support nature at home and through local volunteering. 

Participants will learn about the local and wider Victorian ecosystems and natural places with sessions on topics such as rocks and soils, fungi, plants and animals, climate change and seasons as well as ways to look after nature and help it thrive. 

Meet and learn from passionate environmental experts, including Traditional Owners, industry and tertiary sector experts, participate in class and field sessions in a friendly group setting, and explore new interests and career opportunities in the environmental sector. 

City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Daniel Moloney said the Nature Stewards program is a fantastic opportunity for those who want to learn more about the local environment. 

“This spring is the perfect time to discover more about our local parks, gardens and waterways,” he said. 

“This is your chance to meet like-minded people interested in the environment and learn how and where to volunteer for nature.” 

The program is open to anyone aged 18 years or over and is best suited to people with little or no formal environmental education, who want to explore environmental volunteering opportunities.  

The program features 10 x weekly 3-hour class sessions plus four or five 4-hour field trips after some of the classes (dates TBC). 

Sessions will be held at the Lucas Community Hub on Saturday mornings from 1 October to 10 December, excluding Saturday 29 October, generally between 9.30am–12.30pm, with additional field trips held on Saturday afternoons. 

Places are limited and bookings are essential. Cost: City of Ballarat residents $90, non-City of Ballarat residents $350 or $90 concession for full time students, healthcare card or pension card holders.  

Applications close Wednesday 21 September. For more information and to apply visit www.naturestewards.org.au.