Nature Stewards Program
Become a Nature Steward and learn about your local environment, meet like-minded people, and find ways to get outdoors and volunteer!
Nature Stewards is a 10-week program that will introduce you to your local and wider Victorian ecosystems and natural places, including:
- Rocks and soils
- Fungi, plants, and animals
- Climate change and seasons
- Ways to care for Country and manage private property
- Being a citizen scientist, conservation volunteer, advocate for nature, or a nature guide
- How and where you can get outdoors and volunteer in your area
Spring 2021 Applications now closed
This program is open to anyone over the age of 18, however preference is currently given to residents of the council areas.
***Please note: During the COVID-19 pandemic the Nature Stewards course might have to be delivered online at short notice, using ZOOM. All participants will need access to a desktop computer, laptop or tablet and a decent connection to the the internet.
Program places available via application for each program location.
Upcoming Autumn 2022 programs:
- City of Melbourne area
- City of Whittlesea area
- Moreland City Council area
- Shire of Yarra Ranges Council area
Applications open December 2021
Applications for Spring Closed
Questions about the program
Contact: naturestewards@outdoorsvictoria.org.au
PROGRAM INFO
- 10 x Weekly classes (3 hours)
- 4 x Field sessions (4 hrs)
Certificate of completion
Expectations
- Over the age of 18
- Best suited to those with little or no formal environmental education
- Willing to try, or continue, environmental volunteering
- Able to take part in Saturday field trips (4 during program, 4 hours in length)
Geelong Program
Spring Program:
When: 18th September – 4th December (excluding AFL grand final and Melbourne Cup long weekends)
Saturday classes, 9.30 – 12.30pm *Field Sessions to follow after some classes, approx. 1-5pm, dates TBA
Where: Community Room, level 1, Leopold Community Centre, 31 – 39 Kensington Road, Leopold
Cost: City of of Greater Geelong resident: $140 full fee and $70 concession
Non-City of Greater Geelong resident: $350 full fee and $90 concession
*Conc.: healthcare card holder, pensioner & full time student
“This has been such a wonderful experience. I’ve learnt so much and feel motivated to learn more. Somehow I missed out on learning about these things in the past. Maybe because I moved schools a few times in high school. I’m such a devotee of nature and this is giving me a much deeper appreciation. The quality of the presenters has been extraordinary. I feel privileged to have met and heard their wisdom. I find myself sharing these learnings in conversation and surprising people with information about their local environment. It’s exciting.”- Leesa, Melbourne 2019
“Thank you for the awesome opportunity presented in these field sessions and for arousing my curiosity in various aspects with regard to engaging with the nature around us.” – Chrysolyte, Melbourne 2019
It’s been a wonderful experience, and I have learned so much about nature and Victoria. There’s a lot of knowledge that will stay with me for my entire life, and many areas that I will do further research into!” – Sophie, Melbourne 2019
“The program has been very informative and all of the speakers have been excellent”– Mary-Jane, Manningham 2019
“It’s been life changing”- Louise, Melton 2019
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