City on the lookout for next round of nature stewards

GREATER Geelong’s Nature Stewards program is back and residents from across the region are being encouraged to utilise their environmental interests and be part of this year’s program.

Chair of the City of Greater Geelong’s (COGG) environment portfolio Jim Mason said the region is the perfect location for people to discover more about local native plants and animals as well as learning to responsibly maintain their habitats.

“Nature Stewards aims to educate the next generation of environmental volunteers and activists,” Cr Mason said. “Greater Geelong has such a rich and diverse natural environment, and there are many local groups doing great work on the ground.

“Nature Stewards is all about arming residents with the knowledge and connections to join and lead grassroot conservation movements.”

COGG will partner with non-profit environmental advocacy group Outdoors Victoria and the Geelong Field Naturalists Club to deliver program topics relating to geology, climate, plants, water, animals, and conservation land management.

The Nature Stewards in Geelong program, set to run for 10 weeks, will commence from July 23 with three-hour class to take place at Leopold Community Hub. The program will conclude on October 1.
Field trips to biodiversity hotspots across Greater Geelong are also included in the program.

People with little to no formal environmental education, who are seeking out environmental volunteering opportunities, are best suited to the program which is available only to those aged 18 years or older.
Availability of spots will be preferenced to participants residing in Greater Geelong.

Cr Mason’s environment portfolio deputy Cr Belinda Moloney said getting involved with the Nature Stewards was a terrific way to start caring for the local environment and meet volunteer groups across the region.

“Nature Stewards is a great stepping stone for people who want to further their skills and interest in the great outdoors,” Cr Moloney said.

Greater Geelong was the first regional municipality to offer the program in Victoria back in 2020.

Applicants can book their spots at outdoorsvictoria.org.au/nature-stewards.