Discover five things you can do to bring native bees into your garden, as native bee taxonomist, Michael Batley and pollinator ecologist, Amelie Vanderstock discuss their importance, beauty and diversity.
Date:
Saturday 4 February, 2023: 10.30am-11.30am (followed by morning tea until 12.30pm)
Cost:
$28 Adult Members, $25.50 Child Members, $35 Adult non-Members, $31.50 Child non-Members, $31.50 Concession
Location:
UG, Theatre, Australian Museum
Ages: Recommended for 14+
Five Things is a series of talks by Australian ecology experts that offers real-world steps you can take to boost biodiversity and to make your community a haven for native plants and wildlife. In our third talk, leading native bee taxonomist, the AM's Michael Batley, will teach you five things about the gentle art of watching bees, sharing practical tips on how to identify native bees and encourage bee populations in your garden and local area.
There over 1600 named native bees in Australia, and possibly another 1000 that are yet to be discovered. They live among us, in near silence, undertaking the crucial work of pollinating wildflowers, native plants and crops. One of the greatest concerns of taxonomists like Michael Batley is that species will go extinct invisibly – that a bee will disappear before being known to science. Michael is working hard to document the bees and chart new discoveries so that we may find ways to halt their decline.
Join us as Michael sits down with native bee ecologist and science communicator Amelie Vanderstock to chat about the importance, beauty and diversity of Australia's wonderful native bees, and discover ways to bring them to your garden. Plus, enjoy a honey tasting. After the talk, Devonshire Tea will be served in Hintze Hall.
Devonshire Tea is included in the price of your ticket.
Michael Batley
Michael Batley is one of only four Australian Bee taxonomists. Described as one of the “map makers of nature”, he has named over 40 new species of Native Bee.
For the last 20 years, following retirement from Macquarie University, Michael has volunteered at the Australian Museum, assisting with the curation of the Native Bee collection.
Amelie Vanderstock
Amelie Vanderstock is a native bee ecologist, educator and musical performer. As a PhD candidate at the University of Sydney and Hokkaido University, Amelie researches the role of urban greenspaces for promoting pollinating insect biodiversity. She also researches how we can use garden-based education to grow ecological literacy amongst urban populations. Cross-pollinating music and science, Amelie creates original educational music on native bees and gardening for biodiversity as ‘Amelie Ecology’.
She has facilitated over 100 workshops and performances in Australia and Japan including with local councils, schools and festivals such as Woodford Folk Festival and National Science Week. For her creative science communications, Amelie was awarded the Ecological Society of Australia and NSW OEH award for Outstanding Outreach in 2019, and USYD Dean's Award for Citizenship and Outreach in 2020.