Nature Stewards: Discover Local Wonders

Always wanted to know more about the environment? Everything from rocks, soils and fungi to climate change, seasons and Caring for Country? Then now is the time to join Nature Stewards. 

This is a multi-week, hands-on course designed to introduce community members to the plants, animals, geology and ecosystems that make up their local environment. Co-delivered by Merri-Bek, Hume and Moonee Valley this program will be hosted across these Council areas. Moonee Valley local field trips include geologically and ecologically significant visits to areas including Afton Street Conservation Park, the Maribyrnong River and the bedrock along the Moonee Ponds Creek.  

Led by conservation experts and supported by councils across Victoria, the program blends practical skills with big-picture understanding. 

We caught up with two former Nature Stewards to hear about their experiences, what stood out most, and how the course has changed the way they see the natural world around them. 

Brigitte 

Brigitte is a deputy principal and a recent Nature Stewards participant. We spoke to her about her experiences.  

Why did you sign up for Nature Stewards?

I wanted more than theory or inspiration. I was looking for practical ways to live differently and lead differently in response to the ecological crisis. Nature Stewards offered a grounded approach that connected reflection with simple, tangible practices I could embed into my daily life, my work, and my leadership.

What surprised you the most about the course?

I was surprised by how practical and accessible it was. The course didn’t ask for dramatic lifestyle change, but instead modelled small, intentional practices, slowing down, noticing, listening, and making conscious choices that gently but profoundly reshaped how I relate to nature each day.

How did your work change during and after Nature Stewards?

Nature Stewards helped me move from ideas to action. I began embedding practical rhythms into my work, spending time outdoors reflecting, incorporating place-based learning, and making decisions through an ecological lens. Sustainability became part of everyday practice rather than an “extra” or standalone initiative.

How did the course help you develop professionally or personally?

The course gave me language, confidence, and practical tools to live and lead to alignment with my values. Personally, it encouraged habits of attentiveness and gratitude; professionally, it helped me model ecological responsibility in realistic, sustainable ways that others could also adopt.

What excites you the most about your nature stewardship future?

What excites me most is continuing to model and share practical stewardship — showing students, colleagues, and communities that caring for nature doesn’t require perfection, but presence. Small, consistent practices can shape culture, hope, and long-term change. 

Trish 

Trish is a senior high school fashion and textiles teacher, and part of the growing Nature Stewards alumni network. 

What surprised you the most about the course? 

The myriad of ways that we can adopt an ecological mindset of taking care of the environment, beginning with small steps as growing wildflowers for pollinators. 

How did your work change during and after Nature Stewards? 

I have always been environmentally conscious, but the knowledge from understanding the impact of growing endemic Australian plants was powerful. This encouraged me to bring local plants to the gardens at my local kindergarten and also around my home. Now, when looking at purchasing plants I like to find growers that specialise in native plants endemic to the region. 

How did the course help you develop professionally and personally? 

Professionally, the Nature Stewards course helped me bring sustainability into the classroom by looking at ethical ways to produce garments such as upcycling and learning about ethical production of garments. Personally, the Nature Stewards course introduced me to seeing the environment around me in my local area in a new light. I really enjoy wandering my neighbourhood and identifying the plants and animals I encounter using the iNaturalist app. So, becoming a Nature Steward is a part of my being. 

Is there a particular memory from the Nature Stewards course that you would like to share? 

The memory I enjoyed most was the native grassland excursion at Bababi Djinanang Native Grassland reserve with Uncle Dave Wandin. We were wandering through the grasses and listening to Uncle Dave yarn about the importance of this land we inhabit. To find ways of understanding the importance of Country listening to Indigenous elders is the best education possible for all of us. 

How do you feel about nature now? How has that changed over time? 

I feel a connection that I adopt in my life every day from spending time outside admiring the mama currawong feeding her babies in the tree nest up high, to the importance of where I get my produce from. Over time I have learned that supporting local growers, farms and sustainable businesses can go a long way and sharing this philosophy with educating others is where it all begins. 

What excites you the most about your nature stewardship future? 

The feeling of being able to have a community of like-minded humans to interact with, who care about nature and its surrounds. I am excited as I find these humans in the clay studio where I go to relax and it inspires mushrooms in my designs. Or in my professional life, I enjoy sharing ethical and sustainable design ideas with the next generation in my teaching. 

Who would you recommend Nature Stewards to? 

Anyone who wants to connect deeply to their surrounds and create a connection with the local flora and fauna. If you want to learn more about your environment and meet amazing people, be a part of this course, as you can learn so much by connecting with like-minded folk. 

 

When  

Saturdays, 21 March to 13 June 2026 excluding Anzac & King’s Birthday long weekends  

10 x Classes: 9.30 am – 12.30 pm  

4–6 Field Sessions: 1:30 – 4:30 pm   

Cost  

Moonee Valley residents:  $175 full / $87.50 concession*  

Applications close Sunday, 8 March 2026.   

For more information and to apply visit the Victorian National Parks Association website.