Sydney Science Trail Community Day: Species Survival at Australian Botanic Garden

Inspired by our theme ‘Species Survival’, join us for a full day in recognition and celebration of diverse conservation efforts across South West Sydney. Discover the unique Australian flora and fauna we share our communities with. Go behind-the-scenes and discover the world-leading conservation efforts of Botanic Gardens of Sydney scientists in the PlantBank. Meet our scientists and learn about the work of Herbarium scientists in understanding the evolution and diversity of NSW Flora. Be inspired by community-led conservation initiatives and join expert tours of the endangered Cumberland Plain Woodland and our living collection of Australian flora. 

Activities:  

• Pollination Hub – meet plant scientist Dr Trevor Wilson and learn about the co-evolution of plants and pollinators and more about conserving these critical relationships 
• Plant Identification – discover the tips and tricks of botanical identification and learn about plant traits, form and function with Peter Jobson and Andrew Orme from our Botanical Identification Service 
• Join Australian Botanic Garden's First Nations educators to learn about the importance of fire through land management, travel and trade! While connecting, kids will have the opportunity to practice their fire making skills
• Story Corner – meet children’s authors, join a storytelling session and discover the suite of books published by CSIRO 
• Koalatown – Discover local and community led conservation efforts by Campbelltown City Council. Learn about local populations of endangered Koala’s, efforts to create artificial hollows for Gang-gang cockatoo and other community initiatives 
• Cumberland Plain Woodland Walk – join expert led walks of the Cumberland Plain Woodland and discover the significance of this at-risk local ecosystem 
• Frog ID – Join the Australian Museum’s Frog ID team, join a frog walk and learn how you can contribute to this award-winning citizen science initiative 
• Rare and at-risk orchids – discover the mysteries and diversity of NSW’s native orchids with botanist Zoe-Joy Newby and the Macarthur Australian Orchid Society 
• NSW National Herbarium – meet curators Hannah Mcpherson and Anuizka Kazandjian Salazar and learn how the Herbarium is engaged in active research on Australia floral diversity. Build a plant press and start your own plant collection! 
• Living collections – meet Living Collection Curator Mike Elgey and supervising horticulturalists Chris Cole and Ryan Newett and learn how the garden plantings and nursery contribute to active conservation and restoration projects of endangered plants across NSW. Learn basic propagation techniques and take home a native germling! 
• Conservation in Conversation – join our MC and author Lee Constable in a series of conversations with scientists about NSW biodiversity and conservation 
• Discover conservation efforts led by our partner organisations at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), the University of New England, CSIRO, Campbelltown City Council and the Greater Sydney Parklands!
• Stage music and dance performances by local artists

Bring a picnic, or purchase food and drink on site. 

Free, All Ages