Discover the world of bugs, slugs, fungi and more this June with ‘Life in the Deadwood’ events
June is environment month at the Mount Gambier library, and Nature Glenelg Trust, Natural Resources SE and partners are bringing “Life in the Deadwood” to you with a number of FREE activities, as a part of the 2013 Biodiversity ‘Up Close’ events. Click here for a low resolution poster of the Life in the Deadwood program.
It’s a great opportunity to learn just how important dead wood, either standing or fallen, is in providing food, shelter and breeding conditions for a large number of species: saproxylic (deadwood associated) insects, invertebrates, lichens, bryophytes, fungi, birds and mammals, including many that are rare and threatened.
And insects are another thing that are pretty important too. In fact without invertebrates, us humans simply just wouldn’t survive (pollination, food, natural and biological control, resources, etc). Deadwood, fungus and insects also play a significant role in nutrient cycles, food webs and carbon budgeting.
The events kick off looking at the Wonderful World of Fungi with Pam Catcheside and the Adelaide Fungal Studies Group:
What: Wonderful World of Fungi- Public Talk (no registrations required)
When: Wed 5 June
Time: 11:00 am – 12:00 noon (SA time)
Where: Multifunction room, Mount Gambier library
What: Fungi Workshop Includes what is fungi; fungi ID; types and basic collecting and preserving techniques.
When: Wed 5 June
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm (SA time)
Where: Multifunction room, Mount Gambier library
Lunch included for those who register. Bring your own fungi in to identify. LIMITED SPACES! Maximum 15 people.
To register: contact the library either in person; ph: (08) 8721 2540 or online: www.mountgambier.sa.gov.au/library
What: Morning Fungi Foray: Penola Conservation Park
When: Thurs 6 June
Time: Meet at 10:00 am in front of the Mt Gambier library, and drive to Penola CP.
Finished by lunchtime. BYO snacks, lunch, water, hand lens, appropriate clothing and footwear. LIMITED SPACES! Maximum 20 people.
To register: contact Becky McCann (details on poster)
The events continue later in June with family friendly Bugs ‘n’ Slugs events at the library!
When: Sun 23 June
Session 1: Nature’s recyclers, beetles, what lives in hollows and sustainable firewood options with Kris Messenger, Bugs ‘n’ Slugs; Oisin Sweeney, Natural Resources SE & Peter Feast, Mimosa Farm Trees
Time: 11:30 am (SA time) – duration 45 min
Session 2: Minibeast, Bugs, Beetles and more with Kris Messenger and the Bugs ‘n’ Slugs team
Time: 1:30 pm (SA time) – duration 45 min
Bookings required for both sessions! LIMITED SPACES
To register: contact the library either in person; ph: (08) 8721 2540 or online: www.mountgambier.sa.gov.au/library
- Kris and her Bugs n Slugs minibeasts will be on display throughout the day at various times between 11am – 3pm.
- Peter Feast from Mimosa Farm Trees will be hand with local native plants for sale, and to talk firewood.
Local South East kindys, preschools and schools (lower year levels to Year 2) will have the opportunity to see Kris and the Bugs n Slugs team from the 17 – 21 June to spread the word about the often forgotten world of minibeasts and life in the deadwood.
Sessions at Bordertown, Naracoorte and Millicent are already fully booked, and details will be sent directly to local schools in the next week regarding the sessions at the Mount Gambier library on 20 -21 June.