Locals can learn about the wonders of our endemic orchids at the latest free community event as part of Nature Conservation Margaret River Region’s exciting Friends of Wooditjup Bilya program.

Tickets are free and registrations are open now for the event from 9.30am-12.30pm on Thursday, November 7, coinciding with and celebrating Australian Pollinator Week.

It’ll feature a one hour guided walk with orchid conservationist and Wildflower Society of WA expert Brian Trainer near the Margaret River, and then participants will have the chance to get their hands dirty with valuable revegetation work to promote orchid regeneration.

Following a career in the medical field, Mr. Trainer has been immersed in orchid conservation with a focus on the Capes region, working with Kings Park, the Adopt an Orchid Project and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions to protect threatened and priority orchids.

Friends of Wooditjup Bilya program coordinator Lauren Scanlon said the event would “take a deep dive into our incredible orchids, their uniqueness, their character, sexual deception for pollinators and most importantly how to promote their protection, enhancement, and create the best conditions for orchid regeneration in conservation”.

Nature Conservation’s Friends of Wooditjup Bilya program has been funded for a second year thanks to the Shire of Augusta Margaret River's Environmental Management Fund. It’s designed to provide ongoing opportunities for locals to learn, connect and contribute to the Wooditjup Bilya or Margaret River; foster custodians to be caretakers of this special place; and help engage and educate locals on why the Wooditjup Bilya is worth protecting.

Held on the first Thursday of the month, each event includes a different guided excursion followed by hands-on conservation work so volunteers can help make a real difference in the catchment. Stay tuned for Nature Conservation’s website, social media and newsletter for more monthly events coming this year and in 2025.

“Head to www.natureconservation.org.au to reserve your free spot to our next Friends of Wooditjup Bilya event, which promises to be a fascinating one on orchids. You can also purchase copies of local author Jane Scott’s wildflower books, and one free signed book goes to first new volunteer to sign up. A small donation from each book sale will go directly to restoring the Margaret River,” Lauren says.

Nature Conservation’s Friends of Wooditjup Bilya (Margaret River) program features a packed 12-month calendar of events to inspire and educate locals about our iconic waterway. Each monthly event, held on the first Thursday of the month from 9.30am-12.30pm, includes a different guided excursion followed by hands-on conservation work so volunteers can help make a real difference in the catchment.

After the guided excursion, please ensure you are willing and able to support our efforts by staying on for the hands-on conservation component, volunteering your time to care for Wooditjup Bilya. Added bonus is you'll receive a cracking morning tea, thanks IGA RiverFresh.

This event is free, but numbers are limited, and registrations are essential. Children must be accompanied by a parent and must be over the age of eight.

Friends of Wooditjup Bilya program coordinator Lauren Scanlon said Mr Trainers passion for orchids and his longing to share awareness so that they may be conserved is deeply inspiring, a talk not to be missed. "Brian is a knowledgeable orchid buff, and like many self-taught experts his excitement and delight in discovering something new is palpable. It's also infectious. Fall in love with orchids with Brian, and learn how we can all be orchid custodians, how we can all ensure our biodiverse beauties not only are protected but are enhanced and their recovery supported throughout all of country (Wadandi Boodja)".

Want to join us?

Registrations are essential, please ensure you secure a ticket. The event will be held along the Margaret River, and precise location and map will be sent to all registered participants prior to the event. Participants must have sturdy shoes, hat and water bottle. Tickets are free, and donations are most welcome. Every donation dollar goes back into restoring the Margaret River.

Please note before you book a ticket: In the spirit of mutual giving and receiving, these events are designed to both educate and to inspire a culture of stewardship for the Wooditjup Bilya (Margaret River). They are also designed to get local hands together to benefit the Wooditjup Bilya. They are very popular and sell out quickly, with lengthy waitlists every month. To ensure as many people as possible can have these opportunities, please only book a ticket if you are confident that you are able to attend. Please ensure each ticket has a different name allocated to it. After the guided excursion, please be prepared to support our efforts by participating in the hands-on conservation work, volunteering your time to care for Wooditjup Bilya. Tickets are limited and there is a waiting list so please let us know if you can't make it!

For more information contact: Lauren Scanlon, Friends of Wooditjup Bilya coordinator, at lauren.scanlon@natureconservation.org.au

This program is funded by the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River through the Environmental Management Fund, with thanks to RiverFresh IGA for sponsoring the event.

For more information about the Wildflower Society, visit:
Wildflower Society of Western Australia – Helping you to know, grow, enjoy and conserve Western Australia's wildflowers

To become a member, and support the work of the Wildflower Society, visit:
https://linktr.ee/sw.capes.wil...

For more information about the Western Australian Native Orchid Study and Conservation Group (Inc) visit:
Western Australian Native Orchid Study & Conservation Group (Inc) » Western Australian Native Orchid Study and Conservation Group Inc.

For more information about the Friends of Wooditjup Bilya Program, visit:
Conserving the Margaret River - Nature Conservation Margaret River Regio

With grateful thanks to the Shire of Augusta Margaret River's Environmental Management Fund:
Environmental Management Fund (EMF) Grants | Shire of Augusta Margaret River