Community Ecologies - Talks program

Join us for a day of discussion on Randwick’s Urban Forest and visit the Community Ecologies installation. Part of Randwick City Council's Town Hall Takeover.

11am-11.40am: Grow the Urban Forest

Join Urban Forest Planner Elizabeth Hannon and learn about the Randwick's changing urban forest. She shares the comprehensive approach to increase canopy cover and how residents can get involved and add free trees to their properties. In conversation with Catherine Polcz.

12-1pm: Natural History of the Urban Forest

Hear an expert panel of scientists and discover some of the hidden life history of Randwick's flora and fauna. Learn about the benefits of trees in the urban environment, clever avian adaptations and the startling diversity of pollinators in our backyard. In conversation with Catherine Polcz.

Speakers:

Dr John Martin is one of the authors of A Guide To The Creatures In Your Neighbourhood. This book combines natural history, art, and ecology and aims to inspire greater connection with nature. John has a range of environmental experience with roles at the Royal Botanic Garden, Taronga Zoo, and Ecosure environmental consultancy. One area of John’s research is the ecology of wildlife in human-dominated landscapes.

Dr Manuel Esperon-Rodriguez is an ecologist specialising in how climate change shapes urban forests and plant function. He uses spatial analysis and big data to guide climate adaptation and the conservation of urban environments. His research helps governments and communities design greener, more resilient cities for the future.

Catherine Polcz is a curator and creative producer working across museums and media. Drawing on her background as a botanist and ecologist, she has conceived and produced content for exhibitions, science festivals, podcasts, and talk series. She has worked professionally in the cultural sector at Powerhouse Museum, Botanic Gardens of Sydney, Royal Ontario Museum (Toronto) and Redpath Museum (Montreal).

Visit Community Ecologies

Community Ecologies invites an exploration and examination of Randwick’s urban forest. Comprising all the greenspaces and trees within in area – the urban forest includes parkland, street trees, private gardens and green spaces and supports diverse assemblages of cryptic and emblematic creatures we share our streets with. Through collaboration with experts and scientists, the installation shares amazing stories of adaptation, survival and cohabitation.