Summer by the Sea - Point Leo event series: Discover the freshwater and estuarine waterways of Point Leo – bug dipping and sun printing

Lance Lloyd, Aquatic Ecologist, and Lucy Kyriacou, Education Lead 

Australia’s freshwater and estuarine waterways are some of the most degraded ecosystems in the country. Pollution, plastics, heavy metals, land clearance, erosion, urbanisation, effluent and farm runoff, all contribute to the declining health of rivers and streams. However, through conservation efforts and excellent ecological management, Point Leo has some pristine water courses.  

Join us at East Creek to learn all about them.  

• This workshop will take you on a guided walk and talk along the bank of the river to observe its characteristics, the unique ecology, and appreciate the interconnectedness of the surrounds – the catchment. 

• Discover what lives within it – through bug dipping. 

• Become a citizen scientist and measure water quality through species analysis, pH, salinity levels and turbidity. 

• Learn about the plants in the riparian zone (the banks of the river) – critical habitat for amphibians, waterbirds, and invertebrates. 

• Embed your knowledge through nature-based art – Create sun prints using cuttings from the plants you discover – label them with scientific names.

This event series is supported by Coastcare Victoria through the Victorian Government’s Summer by the Sea program. We acknowledge the Victorian Government for providing funding to deliver this activity and thank Coastcare Victoria for their partnership and support. 

This event series has been made possible by our ongoing partnership with the Point Leo Foreshore Reserve team. We would like to thank Tony, Managing Ranger, for his continuing support and advocacy for the Biosphere Reserve and the work of the Biosphere team. 

Attendees must be accompanied by an adult if under 16 years

Bring along your hat, water bottle and closed toe shoes.