Nature forum opens at wool museum

THE Geelong Nature Forum has moved into the National Wool Museum and is running a two-month exhibition, complemented by a range of outdoor activities.

In response to the impact of COVID-19 restrictions, the City of Greater Geelong and other organisers have updated the original program.

The exhibition at the National Wool Museum includes:

• The Alphabet Bird Project, which showcases artworks by Grade 4 pupils portraying 26 threatened bird species in the Geelong region
• Local nature volunteer group and agency displays, and
• A moving visual and audio experience of the Barwon River.

Geelong deputy mayor Trent Sullivan said the exhibition, with a theme of “Where The Rivers Run”, would be on show until November 28.

“The Geelong Nature Forum celebrates our waterways and the nature volunteer groups that work to protect them, while engaging a new generation of conservationists,” Cr Sullivan said.

“Organisers have moved quickly to modify the program, while still maximising the chance for people to discover more of our natural wonders and better understand our environment.”

While plans for a series of presenters and hosted stalls have been put on hold, all scheduled outdoor nature-based activities between September 28 and October 3 were able to go ahead.

This included a guided walk along the Green Spine in Malop Street, with a discussion about how great cities are influenced by biodiversity and biophilic design.

Other outdoor activities were held across attractions such as Eastern Beach, Moorabool River, Barwon River, Brisbane Ranges and Sparrovale-Nubitj yoorree Wetlands.

Cr Jim Mason, chair of the council’s environment portfolio, said the exhibition was accessible to all ages and levels of knowledge.

“Whether it’s in the National Wool Museum, along our coastline, rivers or wetlands, or on the Green Spine, there’s many ways for people to safely connect with our animal and plant life.

“The program is for the curious, the adventurous and for those want to learn more about how to enhance our natural world.”

The completed section of the Green Spine now features decals featuring illustrations of the local waterway and wetland birds, drawn by primary school pupils.

Revitalising Central Geelong is also providing a range of material for families to collect, such as Alphabet Bird posters and activity sheets featuring indigenous plants of central Geelong.

The Geelong Nature Forum is organised by the City of Greater Geelong, Geelong Field Naturalists Club and Friends of the Barwon and Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. It is sponsored by the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority and Barwon Water.