Friends of the Box-Ironbark Forests

Brendan Sydes “The importance of community groups and citizen science for protecting and restoring our natural environment”

Posted on 9 March, 2026 by fobif

The Castlemaine Field Naturalists AGM & talk

Brendan is an environmental lawyer and former Executive Director of Environmental Justice Australia. He is the National Biodiversity Policy Adviser to the Australian Conservation Foundation, and a Board of Management member for several environmental not-for-profit organisations. Brendan is a regular contributor to iNaturalist and passionate about biodiversity conservation at landscape scale.

Meeting papers are available from the following links:

For more information, please contact the Secretary. Completed forms should reach the Secretary (castlemainefnc@hotmail.com) before the AGM.

The evening will conclude with a birthday cake to celebrate the CFN 50^th anniversary!

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First walk for the year, Spring Gully

Posted on 9 March, 2026 by fobif

15 March A backyard view of Spring Gully Carolyn Crowther 0407 214 049

This walk with a Spring Gully local, is an invitation to ask: what do we owe the place now? Find out the answers on this walk. We will follow kangaroo tracks through Box–ironbark forest, moving quietly and slowly to notice what’s living and growing here: the thin range of plants that persist, what’s being eaten, and the signs of animals passing through. We’ll also act on what we see – picking up any rubbish that can harm wildlife. Talking frankly about what protection looks like in practice. It’s a walk for people who love this place enough to protect it: to recognise harm, call it out, and help stop it. The walk takes a 5 km loop from Spring Gully Road that includes relatively untouched vegetation but still holds the detritus of generations.

Meet at Community House, Templeton St Castlemaine at 9.30am or Spring Gully Mine carpark, Old Coach Road at 9.45am carpark

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Bibron’s Toadlet Field Trip Soon

Posted on 2 March, 2026 by fobif

Karl gave us a great insight into this ‘Fascinating little critter’. We learnt how we can use citizen science to protect its habitat which will give this endangered species a greater chance of survival.

Today’s rainy day was the perfect day to contemplate this little toadlet, which only breeds after autumn rain. They aren’t calling yet, but if we get some follow up rains, the Bibron’s toadlet will begin to call in the lead up to breeding. Then we will head out into the field to hear some in real life.

If you are interested and didn’t make it to this session, you can still be involved by emailing us at info@fobif.org.au.

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A new book from Alison Pouliot

Posted on 24 February, 2026 by fobif

This free event will feature Alison Pouliot in conversation with Paradise Bookshop’s own

Devon Taylor, delving into the adventures and scientific discoveries that shaped the

creation of her new book, Mushroom Day. Attendees will be treated to tales from the

fungal kingdom, exploring the vital and often overlooked role of fungi in our ecosystems.

“A feast of fungal wonders and superb drawing… A delight!” praises Giuliana Furci, founding director of The Fungi Foundation.

Anders Dahlberg of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences calls it “popular science at its very best—knowledge spiced with passion for the fungal kingdom.”

Following the discussion, there will be an audience Q&A and an opportunity to have

copies of Mushroom Day and Alison’s other books personally signed. All books will be

available for purchase at the event.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, 26 March 2026

Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Venue: Paradise Bookshop, 46 Vincent Street, Daylesford

Cost: Free. All welcome.

About the Author:

Alison Pouliot is an ecologist and professional environmental photographer with a deep

focus on fungi. Her work spans both hemispheres, where she is actively involved in

fungal research, education, and conservation. Her writing and imagery feature in both