Nature Passport launched during Wildflower Fiesta

Aiming to encourage awareness and education around the conservation reserves in the City of Stirling, Nature Passports are now available to encourage the community to connect with the natural environment.

Organised by Friends of Trigg Bushland, Friends of Star Swamp Bushland, Urban Bushland Council WA, Wildflower Society of Western Australia and City of Stirling, the Wildflower Fiesta was held recently at Henderson Environment Centre to support and engage the community to connect with nature and improve biodiversity across the City.

Mayor Mark Irwin said the Nature Passport launched at the Fiesta would help residents to explore nature in the City of Stirling through play, creation, imagination and having some fun with friends and family.

“There’s lots to see and do outdoors for everyone in the City of Stirling,” he said.

“The City has over 1,400 hectares of reserves, parks and natural bushland areas including 45 wetlands and 7km of coastal dunes and beaches, and our Nature Passport will help residents, families and visitors explore our stunning and diverse natural space.

“The City is also home to hundreds of species of native flora and fauna, including the Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo, Snake-necked turtle and Quenda, and much like our natural environment, these animals need our help to protect and conserve their homes and habitat.

“Becoming a conservation volunteer and joining your local ‘friends of’ bush care or coast care group is incredibly important on our shared mission to support biodiversity in our natural and urban environment and maintain connected, healthy ecosystems.

“The City is so grateful for the Friends of Trigg Bushland, Friends of Star Swamp Bushland, Urban Bushland Council WA and Wildflower Society of Western Australia for bringing the Fiesta together, and we look forward to many more young people being inspired to act and volunteer through events like this and initiatives like the Nature Passport.”

The Nature Passport details eight activity locations in a City of Stirling Activity Map with corresponding activities associated with each location:

• Watermans Bay Beach’s ‘seaweed survey’
• Star Swamp Bushland’s ‘colour wonderful’
• Lake Gwelup Regional Open Space’s ‘leaf collector’
• Herdsman Lake’s ‘swamp wildlife safari’
• Princess Wallington Reserve’s ‘obstacle course’
• Dianella Regional Open Space’s ‘what’s that scent?’
• Inglewood Triangle’s ‘listen up’
• Yokine Regional Open Space’s ‘texture tag’.

Families who attended the Wildflower Fiesta event enjoyed a nature walk of the Star Swamp Bushland, exploring the various colours of flowers that have come to life this spring.

Pick up yours today from your local Stirling Library while printed stocks last. The passport is also available through the Nature Passport website that outlines the City of Stirling activities and over 100 more.

The City of Stirling appreciates the support of and collaboration with Nature Play WA, and for the support the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries provides the organisation.