Friday 4th March 2022 www.canberraenvironment.org View this email in your browser

Few mushrooms on display from ast week's Growing Fungi s a Building Product workshop taught by Peter Wenzel. Dear Canberra, We hope this rainy week is treating you well. We hosted a mix of online and in-person workshops in the past two weeks. With the easing of restrictions in the ACT, we are looking forward to see a lot more of you here! We will still continue to host most our workshops under our beautiful new marquee. The Gardening Working Bees have been using the space to work, relax, cook and eat. The ripe harvest of zucchinis from our garden this week turned out to be a great ingredient for muffins. We look forward to having more Working Bees in our garden this month. We hosted a Seed Saving Workshop last Tuesday evening, focusing on collecting seeds from summer vegetables. The Fungi Workshop on Saturday morning was a truly insightful experience. Peter from Fungico taught us how to grow building bricks with mushrooms. We got our hands dirty with mycelium and played around with nutrients. We are now waiting for the mushroom material to grow and we look forward to seeing the final product. This Saturday morning  we've got another working bee in the garden that will go ahead rain or shine! (we promise that you will stay dry). Stay tuned for our Repair Cafe this month on the 12th of March. A little birdie told us that last time was a great hit! We hope to see you there. CEC

We are on Instagram! Follow us for snaps around the Centre. @canberraenvirocentre Workshops Brewing Kombucha Tuesday 15th March, 6pm-8pm Canberra Environment Centre $35+ booking fee Have you got a taste for the tangy drink kombucha and want to learn more? Healthy, fun, simple and inexpensive to make, a batch of home-brewed kombucha is a fantastic way to introduce beneficial gut bacteria to your body. Join us for an evening of discussing all things kombucha. Learn about gut health, and the interactions between probiotics, lacto fermentation and a healthy gut. Participants will leave with the recipes and knowledge they need to start brewing their own kombucha at home.   Garden Tour: Ainslie Urban Farm Saturday 19th March 11:30am-1pm  Location provided to ticket holders $35+ booking fee Take a tour of this productive and sustainable garden to learn more about growing urban food.   Sustainable Fashion: Intro to Embroidery Saturday 26th March 10am-12:30pm Canberra Environment Centre $90+ booking fee Join us to learn the basics of embroidery and design a map of your daily walk or your favourite spot in nature.   Intro to Solar Panels and Batteries Tuesday 29th March 6-8pm Canberra Environment Centre $90+ booking fee Learn all about how solar and battery home power systems work, how they can create savings, and the ways they can help to reduce emissions.   Take me to more workshops Environmental Heroes Podcast Check out our podcast here STAY TUNED FOR OUR NEXT SEASON Regular events at CEC Garden Volunteering: Community Working Bee Saturday 5th March, 10am-12pm Canberra Environment Centre free Everyone is welcome to volunteer at the Acton Community Garden. Both experienced and new gardeners are encouraged to attend! We'll be pulling out weeds, sowing seeds, and doing garden maintenance. Repair Cafe Saturday 12th March, 10am-1pm  Canberra Environment Centre free Bring along your broken household items and volunteer repairers will help to fix them. To help us manage numbers please register for your preferred timeslot.    ANU Kitchen Garden: Wednesday Gardening Bees Wednesdays 10am-12pm In person, Canberra Environment Centre free Together we will grow, harvest, cook, and share fresh, delicious food. You don't need to be a green thumb, just come along and join in and learn as you grow! Cycle Jam Saturdays 11am-1pm, Wednesdays 4-6pm. In person, The Recyclery free Cycle Jam is a weekly meetup for anyone who wants to fix or maintain a bicycle. Bring along a bike to fix, or just come along to watch and learn. Cycle Jam is run by volunteers who will work with you to give you the skills to fix your bike. Other Events Panel for International Women's Day Tuesday 8th March, 12pm-2pm Canberra Innovation Centre A panel discussion for on the UN theme of Gender Equality today for a Sustainable Tomorrow, then followed by a Lean Innovation Workshop for participants.     Community Toolbox Canberra March 5th Saturday, 3pm 76 Federal Highway Watson The Toolbox quietly opened its doors in November 2021, but our launch event was foiled by COVID. Now it is time to officially celebrate this fabulous community resource - the first tool and equipment library in Canberra!     Electronic Vehicle Event 12th Saturday March, 10am-3pm Lake Jindabyne Come for this electronic vehicle event that focuses on renewable energy, the exhibit is located at the beautiful Snowy Mountains! Resource  Zero Waste March Challenge   What does Zero Waste mean?   Zero Waste living refers to a lifestyle where one consciously reduces their consumption of single use goods in order to reduce their waste on a daily basis. This lifestyle aims to decrease the load on landfills and subsequently recycle and compost at the household level.   Try this zero waste challenge    Say no to single use items! -Try to carry a water bottle and a set of cutlery next time you go out and carry your own bags for shopping. Every tote bag counts. Get creative with storage - recycle your old jars and old wine bottles to store food and water. Go second hand. - Spend weekends at your favourite second hand shop with your mates, there is often a wide range of goodies and at low prices. Check out the nearest farmer’s market, you will find a range of fresh produce for your kitchen. Make homemade gifts for family and friends and wrap them in newspaper.   The Canberra Environment Centre is supported by some fantastic community and environment groups across Canberra. Find out what they do by clicking on the links. Canberra City Farm - The Australia Institute - Canberra Organic Grower's Society - SEE-Change - The Conservation Council - Lyneham Commons - Permablitz ACT - Slow Food Canberra - Southern ACT Catchment Group - Molonglo Catchment Group - Frogwatch (Gininnderra Catchment Group) - Food Coop Shop & Cafe - National Parks Association of the ACT - The Australian Youth Climate Coalition (Canberra) - Pedal Power - Friends of Grasslands. The Editorial Team  Canberra Environment Centre www.canberraenvironment.org Ph. 02 6248 0885 Monday to Thursday - 10.00am to 5.00pm Saturday 9.00am to 12.00pm Like us Follow us Find us  Copyright © 2021 Canberra Environment Centre, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: info@canberraenvironment.org unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences

Landcare Events March 2022 UPDATED Come along for Landcare events in the Ginninderra Catchment throughout March 2022.  Our groups are hosting events for Clean Up Australia Day, native planting events and Nature connection and Wellbeing events across Belconnen and Gungahlin. March Events in Ginninderra Please see current planned dates for events in March.  The new dates for RESCHEDULED events are shown in this list. Clean-Up @ Lawson Grasslands Sunday 6th March, 8.30am - 12.30pm https://www.facebook.com/events/660659704987877/ Clean-Up @ Ginninderra Creek, Macgregor Sunday 6th March, 8.30am - 11am https://www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au/fundraisers/LynJenkins/1643083032 Clean-Up @ Croke Place Wetlands, Evatt Sunday 6th March, 10am - 12pm https://www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au/fundraisers/michaelbrice/lions-croke-place-wetlands--evatt-act Wellbeing through Nature - Guided Walk @ The Pinnacle Nature Reserve Wednesday 9th March, 10am - 12pm https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/wellbeing-through-nature-guided-walk-the-pinnacle-tickets-273961063917 RESCHEDULED  Clean-Up Mission Possible @ Yerrabi Pond, Gungahlin Sunday 13th March, 10am - 1pm https://www.facebook.com/events/688094725894546/ RESCHEDULED  Planting Event @ Harrison Wetlands Sunday 13th March, 9am - 12pm https://www.facebook.com/events/921824805168498/ RESCHEDULED Working Bee @ Emu Creek, Belconnen Sunday 13th March, 10am - 12pm https://m.facebook.com/Emu-Creek-Landcare-106621627602855/ RESCHEDULED Clean-Up @ North Mitchell Grasslands, Mitchell Sunday 13th March, 10am - 2.30pm https://www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au/fundraisers/suzanneorr/north-mitchel-grasslands Wellbeing through Nature - Rewildling @ Emu Creek, Belconnen Sunday 20th March, 9.30am - 12.30pm https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/wellbeing-through-nature-wellbeing-working-party-rewilding-emu-creek-tickets-271442571037 RESCHEDULED  Clean-Up @ Crace Recreation Park Sunday 20th March, 9.30am - 12.30pm https://www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au/fundraisers/jenniedella/crace-recreation-park-2022 RESCHEDULED Clean-Up Mission Possible @ Lake Ginninderra Lake, Belconnen Sunday 27th March, 10am - 1pm https://www.facebook.com/events/4863715373709336/ Find Out More

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Term One- Water Teacher professional learning

Water in the  ACT professional learning opportunities for Primary and Secondary teachers opportunities.

 Actsmart Schools have partnered with Jerrabomberra Wetlands, Waterwatch, Icon Water and H2OK for four engaging online 1 hour virtual teacher professional learning sessions.

PL sessions are at 3:30-4:30 pm on the following dates. For more information and to book your spot, click on the links below.

1. March 16:Jerrabomberra Wetlands for Primary Teachers https://bit.ly/Water16March

   
   

2. March 17:Jerrabomberra Wetlands Secondary Teachers https://bit.ly/Water17March

   
   

3. March 22:Icon Water/H2OK  for Secondary Teachers https://bit.ly/Water22March

4. March 24:Icon Water/H2OK  for  Primary  Teachers  https://bit.ly/Water24March

AAEE ACT Green Links kick off event for 2022

Hello  Friends,

Autumn Picnic Get together- kick off for 2022

The Australian Association for Environmental Education ACT would like to invite all members, friends of members, and other environmental organisations and like minded individuals to join us for a relaxed picnic get together .

Date: Sunday 27 March 2022

Time: at 12:00pm (Lunch time)

Location: at the Eucalyptus Lawns Australian National Botanic Gardens, near Ducrou Pavilion

https://www.anbg.gov.au/gardens/about/maps/ANBG_VisitorMap2013_WEB_140227.pdf

Paid Parking at main entrance off Clunies Ross Street, Acton ACT 2601

This casual setting will create a wonderful opportunity to chat with like-minded people to discuss important environmental issues such as education, caring for country and climate change to name a few.

We have been thinking that as we all work hard within our different silos in the endeavour of looking after the Environment and fostering Sustainability, that it would be a good idea to periodically get together in an informal way to exchange ideas. Come find out more about AAEE ACT.

Everyone will need to bring their own food and drinks. Bring along your picnic blanket and a cushion to sit on. friends ,families Wecome!

Please register all attending names, best contact number and email.

RSVP date: Friday 25 March to aaeeact@gmail.com

This event is subject COVID-19 event protocols.

We look forward to you joining us.

Bat Night !

  NatureArt Lab is proud to present an event in partnership with the Australasian Bat Society Inc. This presentation will provide an informative evening all about Australia’s amazing flying mammals – the flying foxes! Our fund-raising talk hosted by Julia Landford (Director of NatureArt Lab) is designed for citizen scientists and artists who would like to learn more about our lesser understood bat friends.

Date: Monday 7 March
Time: 6.00 - 7.30pm
Format: Online via Zoom. This is a COVID-SAFE event

Cost: NatureArt Lab members $10.00; non-members $20.00 (fundraiser to support flying fox wildlife rescue).

Bookings at: https://natureartlab.com.au/collections/events/products/australasian-bat-night-2022-online-event-6-00-7-30pm-monday-7-march-2022

 - a link for the event will be sent once your booking details are received.

Our Presenters

Associate Professor Michelle Power (Macquarie University) will provide an overview of Australia’s mega and micro fauna, their ecological importance and some insights into health and disease issues.

Michelle is a parasitologist who investigates disease ecology and co-infection within Australian wildlife. Michelle is particularly interested in reverse zoonoses or the transmission of disease agents from humans to wildlife species. Her work spans wildlife species from the land to the sea including Flying fox, possum, koala, Tasmanian devil, and the Australian sea lion. Michelle’s research outcomes are significant for wildlife health and human health and the growing global issue of emerging infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance. Michelle is passionate about science education and facilitates this in-part through a citizen science project Scoop a Poop – citizens tackle antibiotic resistance in the wild that enables active participation in a research project.

Charmian Gradwell (Sydney Wildlife Rescue) will talk about “Working in Close Up" - a phrase taken from her professional life working in film and television. Hear Charmian’s story of what she has learned and witnessed through rehabilitating orphaned and injured flying foxes over many years. Consider what might be useful strategies for us all to consider as artists and citizen scientists when we are attempting to change the sometimes negative public narratives that abound surrounding these particular animals.

Charmian is a member of Sydney Wildlife Rescue which is a volunteer charity working throughout the Sydney Basin. She cares for her charges until they are robust enough both physically and psychologically to be returned to the wild. Charmian was one of the wildlife carers on the consultation panel during the latest NSW redraft of the code of practice for injured, sick and orphaned flying foxes and is also a qualified veterinary nurse.

·Belinda Wilson (PhD candidate, ANU) will present the story of flying-foxes in Canberra - from their relationship with First Nations peoples lasting many millennia, to the recent events impacting the Commonwealth Park colony, and ending with what the future may hold for the camp.

Belinda is an ecologist, conservation biologist, and science communicator. With experiences meandering from frog ecology to leopard seal migrations, zookeeping, environmental regulation, birds and banding them, flying-fox ecology and advocacy, and an eastern quoll reintroduction - she is passionate about inspiring the agency people need to take care of our natural world. For the last five years, Belinda has coordinated flying-fox monitoring at Commonwealth Park (in the middle of Canberra) as a member of the Australasian Bat Society and aims to give a balanced platform to our only true flying mammals.

What is Australasian Bat Night?

Australasian Bat Night is a public awareness program aiming to educate people about bats, to raise the profile of bats and debunk the myths and fears, to achieve better conservation outcomes and assist people to live with bats.

In 2022, Australasian Bat Night is celebrating its tenth year! By 2018 there were over 100 events being held throughout Australia and New Zealand as bat specialists teamed up with community and local government groups to raise awareness of bats, with some events attracting up to 500+ participants!

All funds raised through this event will be donated to support flying fox wildlife rescue.

Image credit: Andrew Mercer

Congratulations NatureArt lab

NatureArt Lab Wins 

ACT'S Telstra Best of Business Award for Promoting Sustainability!

Congratulations to Julia Landford, NatureArt Lab’s founder and AAEEACT Vice- President and Executive member since 2018, on your recent award. In 2019 Julia won the ‘ACT Environmental Educator for excellence in environmental education and sustainability’ Award. Her influence, supported by AAEEACT Executive, has been pivotal in raising the profile and the importance of the Arts in the study of Nature amongst AAEE educators and the broader community. While environmental science gives us important information on the how and why of environmental matters, the Arts speak to the community and are an important mechanism for educating young and old and those from diverse backgrounds. Art is a universal language and effective way to study nature.

NatureArt Lab has been judged the ACT’s state winner in the 2022 Telstra Best of Business Awards in the category of sustainability. The Telstra Best of Business awards are regarded as one of the most prestigious business awards in Australia, with a gruelling judging process and over 24,000 nominations this year. 

NatureArt Lab reached state finalist in not one, but an astounding four out of eight categories. Recognised as leading the field in: Accelerating Women, Building Communities, Championing Health and Promoting Sustainability. 

Winning the category for promoting sustainability is special for Julia. She is overjoyed to be recognised as a business that strives to promote sustainable change in the world around us. Julia’s goal of engaging with nature through art is to drive environmental education through citizen science and environmental custodianship within Australia. 

“NatureArt Lab has developed in leaps and bounds since it was established in 2017, and we’ve learnt so much and met so many wonderful people over this time. The award process has been incredibly rigorous, and it’s allowed me to reflect on what we’ve achieved with our wonderful team. I’m really excited about the opportunity this recognition presents to share the important benefits of nature connections with our community.”   Julia Landford, NatureArt Lab Founder

 

Julia has been an active contributor to all aspects of AAEE programs including provision of art-science workshops, education displays at key events in Canberra including National Science Week at the Academy of Science, Early Childhood sector Learning events and providing artwork for the Conservation Council’s 2021 campaign to retain threatened grasslands in ACT. Julia in 2021 presented for a national AAEE Learning Circle about the importance of Nature Journaling and attracted enormous interest from teachers and educators nationally.

 

NatureArt Lab has made a substantial contribution to building understanding about the importance of nature and environmental education as an engaging way to study our natural environment and increase knowledge and understanding around biodiversity and its critical importance to the wellbeing of all societies inhabiting our planet. 

 State Winners will go on to represent their state on the national stage where they will pitch their businesses to a new panel of Judging luminaries. This award journey has given Julia the platform to acknowledge that this privately run social enterprise is far more than meets the eye. Not just a family run art school - the health, wellness, and community benefits of coming together to connect to nature through art are well documented. The exceptional team of tutors with shared values in nature provide students with the positive effects of immersing themselves in art and nature through an inclusive and supportive community. Benefits that have been unarguably brought to light as essential to wellbeing throughout the past two years of dealing with COVID19. 

 AAEE wishes Julia and NatureArt Lab success at the national awards.

For more information about NatureArt Lab, please visit: www.natureartlab.com.au  and follow @natureart_lab on instagram.