Nature Conservation Margaret River Region, artists and cultural custodians are inviting the whole community to step into an immersive celebration of art, culture and river connection this Saturday, March 14.
The Wooditchup Bilya Wongi – Margaret River Talking Land Art Trail is at the heart of the inaugural 2026 River Celebration Month. It’s an interactive trail that follows a short loop from the Old Settlement, bringing the Margaret River to life through temporary artworks created by Wardandi custodians, local artists, school groups and the community.
A free community event launching the trail will run from 1pm–5pm on Saturday, and will feature a Welcome to Country, cultural yarns, artist talks, conservation talks and stalls – all designed for families, locals and visitors to enjoy.
Guided by Wardandi culture and deep connection to Country, the trail has been shaped with the involvement of traditional custodians and artists Nan Vivian Brockman-Webb and Mitchella Hutchins, alongside land artists Elaine Clocherty, Kyllie Deltondo and Mick Hart, weaver Cynamon Aeria, and contributions from community members and students from schools throughout the Margaret River catchment.
Nature Conservation’s Hannah Weir alongside artists Mitchella Hutchins, Kyllie Deltonda, Nan Vivan Brockman Webb, Elaine Clocherty, Mick Hart and Cynamon Aeria – who are all involved with the River & Land Art Trail
“This trail is an invitation to experience the river in a completely new way,” says Nature Conservation’s Protect Wooditjup Bilya project manager Hannah Weir. “It’s a beautiful meeting of creativity, culture and environmental care, with artworks that reflect the river’s spirit and the community’s love for this special place.”
School students across the catchment have contributed art pieces to the trail
Event highlights include:
1pm – Art Trail opens
2pm – Welcome to Country and yarns with Nan Viv and Mitchella Hutchins
3-4:30pm – Short talks with local conservation experts, including:
- Obelia Walker (Nature Conservation Margaret River Region) – priority weeds, their impacts and how to get involved
- James Bennet (Owl Friendly Margaret River) – controlling rats while protecting wildlifer
- Peta Lierich (DBCA) – meet the rare river species
“Through storytelling, art and hands-on experiences, the trail encourages people to connect with the river, Country and stewardship,” Hannah says. “It’s fun, inspiring, and it helps build a legacy of care.”
The Wooditchup Bilya Wongi – Margaret River Talking Land Art Trail is one of a series of events across River Celebration Month, running from March 7–22.
Tickets are still available to the River Stewardship Sundowner and Movie Night at the Margaret River HEART next Wednesday, March 18. The evening will feature a short panel discussion exploring river stewardship, before diving into a full screening of the acclaimed documentary River, narrated by Willem Defoe. Prices are $15 for Nature Conservation members and $25 for non-members, including a free drink and canapes.
An image from the documentary to screen during the sundowner
River Celebration Month is an important part of Nature Conservation’s Protect Wooditjup Bilya project, a four-year program of research, conservation action and community stewardship.
“Healthy rivers are at the heart of thriving landscapes,” Hannah says. “By celebrating the river and bringing people together around it, we can inspire the care and action needed to protect biodiversity across the Margaret River catchment.”
The program is funded by the Ian Potter Foundation and receives support from the Shire of Augusta Margaret River, Water Corporation, and generous philanthropic donors. The River and Art Trail project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Festivals Australia program.
Grab your tickets and get involved at www.natureconservation.org.au.