Native Bees with Lynda Wilson

Lynda grew up with a passion for the natural world. As a child, before the days of the incredible David Attenborough nature shows, her heroes were the likes of Joy Adamson, and for those who can remember, the Lleyland Brothers. She undertook studies in applied science with post-graduate studies in environmental science at Monash University. With a generalist rather than specialist background, Lynda spent her career working within industry, always with the aim of trying to improve the environmental performance of the industries that support our demands. Only in retirement has she found the time and space to explore her real passion, a closer connection to the natural world.

A couple of years ago, Lynda admits she could barely tell the difference between a native blue-banded bee (Amegilla species) and the introduced European honeybee (Apis mellifera). Since a small black and white bee and few holes in a leaf of a raspberry bush sparked her curiosity, Lynda has photographed over 50 species of native bees in her garden in central Victoria. In this presentation, Lynda will share her journey of discovery into the captivating world of Australian native bees, including her encounters with bees taking up residence in a humble plastic hose reel and several species of ground-nesting diggers.

This is a FREE event to help celebrate the Great Southern Bioblitz 2025