The popular Nature Stewards program has returned for its fourth year, and its sixth course, as it continues to inspire and empower community members to care for and connect with their local environment.
Registrations are now open for the 10-week introductory environmental education program for adults, commencing this September 2025.
More than 80 people have so far completed the Ballarat program, a partnership between the City of Ballarat and the Victorian National Parks Association, which first launched in Spring 2022.
The program is designed to empower everyday people to discover more about biodiversity, climate change, land management and the rich cultural knowledge of Traditional Owners.
Meet and learn from passionate environmental experts, including Traditional Owners, City of Ballarat Sustainable Environment Officers, CSIRO staff, volunteers and industry representatives.
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves said the program is a great way to gain knowledge, learn practical skills and meet like-minded people in the community.
"Nature Stewards empowers everyday people to make a real difference in their local and broader habitats," she said.
"Whether you are a long-time nature lover or just beginning to explore your local environment, this program offers something for everyone.
"You will discover all sorts of ways to help nature at home and through local volunteering."
The program is open to anyone aged 18 years or over and is best suited to people with little or no formal environmental education, who want to learn more about their local environment, ways to support nature and explore environmental volunteering opportunities.
Sessions will be held on Saturday mornings from 6 September to 22 November, excluding the AFL Grand Final and Melbourne Cup long weekends, between 9am-1pm, with some additional field trip sessions until 4.30pm.
The program will take place at venues including Federation University sites at Gillies Street and Mount Helen, as well as the Clarkesdale Bird Sanctuary, Happy Valley.
Places are limited to 25 via an online application.
Cost: City of Ballarat residents $90, non-City of Ballarat residents $350 or $90 concession for full time students, pensioner card or healthcare card holders.
