I’m quite fortunate to have spent my childhood and a fair chunk of my adult years living on the Bellarine Peninsula.
We have an abundance of natural wonders to discover here, with the special coastal dune system, woodlands and wetlands that run between Ocean Grove and Point Lonsdale a standout.
While I do enjoy getting outdoors all year round, spring is the perfect time to experience the native plants and animals that call the Bellarine and the broader Greater Geelong region home.
And I believe there’s no better way to learn about the world around us than getting involved in Geelong Nature Month, which is underway across September and October.
The City is hosting a range of activities that shine a spotlight on our rivers, wetlands and nature reserves.
Coming up on Saturday October 1 from 11am at Ocean Grove’s Yellow Gum Nature Reserve, the team is hosting a community walk and talk through one of the last remaining yellow gum woodlands on the Bellarine.
Over one hour, attendees will learn about the local flora and fauna, and ecological management aims of the reserve.
On Friday October 7 from 2pm, community members will be guided by an ecologist through the nature reserves of Barwon Heads.
Meeting behind the Barwon Heads Community Garden at the Gateway Moonah Reserve,
participants will discover the value of our moonah woodlands and the biodiversity they support.
Check out the program here: geelong.link/NatureMonth
Reconnecting with nature during the pandemic has been a lifeline for many, myself included, and so I encourage you to get your boots on the ground, your hands in the soil and your eyes on our wildlife.
It will do both you and our natural environment a world of good.
Lastly, I want to pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II following her recent passing.
Queen Elizabeth represented diligence, devotion and honour during her seven-decade reign.
I’m grateful for her contributions to world peace. Vale.
