Call goes out for Nature Stewards

Geelong's Relay for Life is back in October. (Rebecca Hosking) 206504_01

Greater Geelong residents with an interest in their local environment and great outdoors are encouraged to apply for the Nature Stewards program.

The annual program allows people to discover more about their local native plants and animals and learn a variety of ways to care for the natural places where our wildlife lives.

Presented by Outdoors Victoria, in conjunction with the City of Greater Geelong and the Geelong Field Naturalists Club, the program covers topics such as geology, climate, plants, water, animals and conservation land management.

Councillor Jim Mason, Chair, Environment portfolio said Nature Stewards aimed to educate the next generation of environmental volunteers and activists.

“Greater Geelong has such a rich and diverse natural environment, and there are many local groups doing great work on the ground,” Cr Mason said.

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

The 10-week course begins on Saturday 23 July and runs until Saturday 1 October, with three-hour classes at Leopold Community Hub.

Councillor Belinda Moloney, Deputy Chair, Environment portfolio encouraged people to seek more information and to lodge their applications at outdoorsvictoria.org.au/nature-stewards

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

The program is open to anyone over the age of 18, however preference will be given to those who live in Greater Geelong.

It is best suited to people with little or no formal environmental education, who want to explore environmental volunteering opportunities.