National Science Week is approaching and SOLN has received funding from the Australian Government to put together a brilliant week-long programme of activities to engage the public in the wonder and excitement of science!

Which plants are right for my home?

What are ecological vegetation classes & which one(s) best describes my property?

Join SOLN’s plant specialist Oliver Kerr for a hands-on workshop learning about plant species native to the Southern Otways, how to grow them from seed and cutting, and why diversity of vegetation is important.

Invertebrates in Your Backyard

SUNDAY 14 Aug 2022, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Apollo Bay P-12 College library, Pengilley Ave, Apollo Bay, 3233

The rich soils and wet forests of the Otways are crawling, creeping and flying with invertebrate life. Come & learn about land snails, butterflies and other native invertebrates of the region with threatened species ecologist Georgie Custance. This workshop consists of an indoor presentation, followed by a visit to the Apollo Bay Community Garden to identify different specimens, as well as the opportunity to learn about how you can contribute to citizen science & conservation projects in the region.

Dress to be out in the weather, & please bring along a torch and magnifying glass if you have one.

What Cloud is That?

MONDAY 15 Aug 2022, 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

The Project Space, 2-4 NOEL STREET, APOLLO BAY, 3233

Are you a keen cloud-spotter? Do you commonly photograph clouds or wonder at their shape and breathtaking beauty? If yes, this workshop is for you! Join us as we look at different cloud types & the conditions that cause them with Phoebe de Wilt from the Bureau of Meteorology. Part lecture, part sharing of favourite atmospheric suspensions & amazing weather events, and part outdoor viewing of the sky and oceanscape to discuss what causes the different phenomena we see; this is a workshop not to be missed!

Participants are invited to submit photos of clouds that they’d like to know about (prior to the workshop if possible) and should bring warm waterproof clothing for the outdoor component. Light supper provided.

Freshwater Crayfish... what are they, where are they, & how do we protect them?

TUESDAY 16 Aug 2022, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Apollo Bay Community Hall, 4 Whelan Street, APOLLO BAY, 3233

Australia is home to over 20% of the world’s freshwater crayfish, including the largest and smallest species in the world, and the Southern Otways are fortunate to have several unique species. 

If you’re not sure how Apollo Bay’s famous Southern Rock Lobster differs from crayfish found in the region, this workshop is for you!

Aquatic ecologist, Ryan Francis (Pinion Advisory), brings our attention to the humble freshwater crayfish: looking at their place on the taxonomic tree, their lifecycle & and the ecosystems they’re found in, as well as how to study endangered species and help conservation efforts.

This workshop is composed of an indoor presentation, hopefully with locally collected specimens (& if not, lots of wonderful photographs!), as well as an outdoor component to view these fascinating crustaceans in situ (weather-permitting).

Light supper provided; please bring suitable clothing for the outdoor component & a torch if you have one.

Geology of the Otways Coastline

FRIDAY 19 Aug 2022, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM and Saturday 20th at 10am

Apollo Bay Community Hall, 4 WHELAN STREET, APOLLO BAY, 3233

The Otway Ranges and coast has an incredible geological history. Fossilised remains of marine and terrestrial life found along the coastline reveal how our continent and landscape has changed over time. 

Join geologist & palaeontologist, Mike Cleeland, as he explores some of this history with an indoor presentation on Friday night (light supper provided) and a beach walk on Saturday morning to view geological features, dinosaur footprints and fossilised remains along our spectacular coastline.

Please wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the outdoor component, some rock surfaces are very slippery.

What Makes a Gum Tree?

SUNDAY 21 Aug 2022, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Apollo Bay Community Hall, 4 WHELAN STREET, APOLLO BAY, 3233

Eucalypts are Australia’s most iconic trees, but many people cannot tell different species apart. 

And what’s the difference between Eucalyptus, Corymbia and Angophora? 

Come along to this workshop with botanist Ian Clarke (Name that Flower: The Identification of Flowering Plants, Name Those Grasses) for a botanical exploration of Eucalypts. Ian will share his knowledge of floral structure, features of the plant to use for identification, and take you through some of the species found our region.

Bring along a pencil for annotating your handouts and magnifying glass if you have one. 

Morning tea will be provided at 11am, so please let us know if you have any particular dietary requirements.

These events are all an Inspiring Australia initiative, supported by the Australian Government as part of National Science Week.