Friends of Berowra Valley, a community group committed to protecting our precious bushland and local environment, ran the Berowra Fauna Fair on Sunday 17th March from 10am to 3pm, at the Berowra Community and Cultural Facility (Berowra Community Centre). With the support of Hornsby Shire Council we celebrated the marvelous wildlife found in our bushland shire.
The Hornsby Heights Camera Club had an amazing selection of nature photography on display. For more info on the results of the kid’s photography competition see https://www.friendsberowravalley.org.au/kids-photography-competition/.
Speakers
Many thanks to our fabulous speakers:
Petra Holland HSC Bushland Manager on iNaturalist and how to be a Citizen Scientist by recording the amazing biodiversity in the Hornsby Shire.
Dr Helen Smith from the Australian Museum who helps to look after one of the largest spider collections in the southern hemisphere. We gained some appreciation of what they do for us and how few we really need to be wary of. Hopefully we can control our negative feelings and at least take on a ‘live and let live’ philosophy.
Wendy Grimm from the Australian Plant Society “walked” us through a year with photos of the native orchids she has encountered.
Dr Ann Goeth educated us on those amazing annoying birds the Australian brush turkey.
Judy Harrington of Birdlife Australia gave us some insight into the challenges facing birds such as the White-bellied Sea-Eagle as they leave their home and try to make their way in the world through the EagleCam Project at Sydney Olympic Park.
Dave Bolton HSC Catchment Remediation talked about hunting platypus & creek critters with eDNA technology at Hornsby Shire Council.
David Booth and Gigi Beretta Marine Scientists UTS talked to us about the challenges facing Sydney’s temperate marine life as the climate warms.
Alex Sen Gupta research scientist and lecturer at the Climate Change Research Centre (CCRC) and the Centre For Marine Science and Innovation (CMSI) UNSW left us with a message of hope showing us how feasible it would be to produce Australia’s entire energy needs with solar panels alone.
Stalls and Entertainment
Also many thanks to all of our stall holders who contributed to a fun and educational fair.
- Jabiru Snake Pit with the “World’s most Venomous Snakes!” + “Remarkable Reptiles!” included a large demonstration pit with multiple presentations showcasing Australia’s most venomous snakes, including snake safety and first aid demonstrations.
- Australian Walkabout Wildlife Park and Sydney Bats brought a selection of snakes, lizards, turtles, an echidna and flying foxes.
- Australian Wildlife Displays brought a python, lizards (blue tongue/shingleback) and a tawny frog mouth.
- Brenden Moore was amazing on the didgeridoo.
- Ecopella entertained us with their beautiful singing.
- Australian Plant Society sold native plants.
- A big thanks to Apex for their BBQ and donating the proceeds to Friends of Berowra Valley.
- Berowra Garden Club sold plants.
- Berowra Men’s Shed showcased their beautiful wooden artistry.
- Berowra Sustainability Co-op brought electric cars and educated the community on their sustainability initiatives.
- Birdlife Australia were on hand to talk and educate on all things related to birds.
- Friends of Berowra Valley – fabulous tree and ran the guess the animals that belong in a National Park competition.
- Hornsby Heights Camera Club put on a beautiful nature photography display and judged the Kids Photography Competition.
- Dark Sky many thanks to Tanya and her wonderful display on creating wildlife friendly lighting around your home.
- Nature Know Australia ran some mindful moments in nature sessions where children learned to slow down and play with nature materials.
- Sydney Wildlife Rescue were on hand with information on how to become a wildlife rescuer.
- STEP a local environment group showcased their fantastic publications.
- Magical Megs – face painting fun.