Locals can learn about the wonders of our endemic orchids at the latest free community event as part of Nature Conservation Margaret River Region’s exciting Friends of Wooditjup Bilya program.
Tickets are free and registrations are open now by CLICKING HERE for the event from 9.30am-12.30pm on Thursday, November 7, coinciding with and celebrating Australian Pollinator Week.
It’ll feature a one hour guided walk with orchid conservationist and Wildflower Society of WA expert Brian Trainer near the Margaret River, and then participants will have the chance to get their hands dirty with valuable revegetation work to promote orchid regeneration.
Following a career in the medical field, Mr Trainer has been immersed in orchid conservation with a focus on the Capes region, working with Kings Park, the Adopt an Orchid Project and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions to protect threatened and priority orchids.
Friends of Wooditjup Bilya program coordinator Lauren Scanlon said the event would “take a deep dive into our incredible orchids, their uniqueness, their character, sexual deception for pollinators and most importantly how to promote their protection, enhancement, and create the best conditions for orchid regeneration in conservation”.
Nature Conservation’s Friends of Wooditjup Bilya program has been funded for a second year thanks to the Shire of Augusta Margaret River’s Environmental Management Fund. It’s designed to provide ongoing opportunities for locals to learn, connect and contribute to the Wooditjup Bilya or Margaret River; foster custodians to be caretakers of this special place; and help engage and educate locals on why the Wooditjup Bilya is worth protecting.
Held on the first Thursday of the month, each event includes a different guided excursion followed by hands-on conservation work so volunteers can help make a real difference in the catchment. Stay tuned for Nature Conservation’s website, social media and newsletter for more monthly events coming this year and in 2025.
“Head to www.natureconservation.org.au to reserve your free spot to our next Friends of Wooditjup Bilya event, which promises to be a fascinating one on orchids. You can also purchase copies of local author Jane Scott’s wildflower books, and one free signed book goes to the first new volunteer to sign up,” Lauren says.
Photos: Cape to Cape Explorer Tours