Nature Conservation Margaret River Region launches an exciting new initiative aimed at caring for the Margaret River, with a packed 12-month calendar of events to inspire and educate locals about the iconic waterway.

The Friends of Wooditjup Bilya (Margaret River) March program will feature a guided vegetation wander with botanical royalty, Jane Scott. The author of the official Cape to Cape Track guidebook – as well as many titles on local orchids, flowering natives and fungi – will discuss riparian plants like sedges, rushes and reeds when she heads a river excursion on Thursday, March 7. Join us for your opportunity to immerse yourself in the riparian zone and connect to the unsung plant heroes of the Wooditjup Bilya.

Starting at the Horseford track, near Doyle place, we'll wander along the river, taking in the diverse, endemic riparian vegetation and learning about the critical role they play in regulating the ecosystem, improving water quality and providing habitat.

Ms Scott said the river held a special place in her heart and she encouraged locals to come along and learn more. “It is so beautiful and the vegetation all around the edges is just fantastic,” she said. “It’s lovely to be able to let people know about the different species that are here, help them identify the natives, and understand why they’re so important.”

Program coordinator Lauren Scanlon said this guided walk with Jane Scott is a unique opportunity to get to know the diverse vegetation that thrives in the riparian zone, and the incredible ways these plants protect the health of the Wooditjup Bilya. "Jane Scott is a well-known and much respected botanist, who has spent much of the past 35 years exploring the forests and landscapes along the Margaret River. We are delighted she will be joining us for the Friends of Wooditjup Bilya gathering this March, as she shares her passion and knowledge of the area's plants and their habitats".

The guided walk is the latest event in Nature Conservation’s Friends of Wooditjup Bilya (Margaret River) program, which features a packed 12-month calendar of events to inspire and educate locals about our iconic waterway.

After the walk, join us for the work. The Friends of Wooditjup Bilya volunteers will have a unique opportunity to chance to get their hands dirty and be part of combating erosion and restoring the banks of the Wooditjup Bilya.

Want to join us?

Registrations are essential, please ensure you secure a ticket. Meet at the start of the Horseford River Track (~100m from the Doyle Place/ Kevill West intersection) at 9:30am Thursday 7th March. Please note that children must be accompanied by a parent and 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.

Jane's book Wildflowers and Wetland Plants of the Margaret River and its Hinterland will be available for sale on the day for $20 (cash only).

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

Please note: Tickets are limited and there is a waiting list so please let us know if you can't make it!

This program is funded by the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River through the Environmental Management Fund.