Branching Out: The plants and animals of Bluetts Block walk

We warmly welcome LGBTQIA+, friends and allies in the wider community to join Diversity ACT for this free expert guided nature walk, hosted in collaboration with Diversity ACT, Conservation Council ACT, and the Friends of Bluetts Block.

Enjoy a relaxed walk through Bluetts Block Nature Reserve, Canberra’s newest nature reserve, with expert guides who will introduce the birds, plants and wildlife that call Bluetts Block home.

Bring your lunch to enjoy during a break on the walk, or join us afterwards at a local cafe for a drink, lunch and/or chat.

Date and Time: Sunday 7 June, 10:30am to approximately 1pm

Walk length: Under <5km 

Walk terrain: some hills, part bush tracks, a bit rough in parts.

We'll be walking slowly and pausing to admire and learn about plants, insects, and animals so you won't even feel the hills!

Suitable for ages: all ages with reasonable fitness 

WHAT TO BRING/WEAR

• Wear long pants, enclosed shoes, and a hat

• Depending on the weather - jacket, beanie

• Sunscreen, water, snacks

MEETING LOCATION

Drive along Uriarra Road, about 3 km north of the Stromlo Leisure Centre roundabout. Look for the “BB” sign on the gate on your right. Parking is available near the gate, or if that’s full, there’s another carpark a little ahead on the opposite side of the road.

or click on this link:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/vkRdkWEhg2YokpTA8

GUIDE BIOGRAPHIES

Alice Wells

For part of my childhood, my family lived on a farm part of which was uncleared stringy bark woodland; even in the cleared areas old growth manna gums and black wattles abounded. I wandered freely in a child’s paradise and that undoubtedly led to my passion for nature. I studied Zoology and Botany and subsequently tutored in general biology and zoology at tertiary level for 25 years. My main lesson to students has always been that an appreciation of the natural world is something you can enjoy all your life, regardless of what avenues you take, and what life throws you. And it’s a joy to spend time at Bluetts Block with its diversity of communities and species — its birds, reptiles, mammals and insects, and its plants, fungi and lichens.

Rainer Rehwinkel

I'm a retired ecologist and lifelong Canberra-region naturalist with 20 years experience in grassland and threatened species conservation with the ACT and NSW Governments, co-author of Grassland Flora and Woodland Flora, and a passionate birdwatcher and Landcarer.

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These walks are made possible with assistance from the ACT Government under the ACT Environmental Grants Program.