Next-gen Hills Naturalists

Native plants play a huge role in helping local wildlife. Raffa shares how the Southern Dandenongs Community Nursery grows indigenous plants that support habitat restoration and helps people learn what to plant in their own gardens.🌳 All links here - https://nextgenhillsnaturalists.org/ep-9-southern-dandenongs-community-nursery-with-raffa/-- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lyrebirds are famous for their incredible mimicry - but their role in the forest is even more amazing. Dr Alex Maisey shares how Superb Lyrebirds shape the ecosystem of Sherbrooke Forest, the sounds they can mimic, and the science behind these remarkable birds.🌳 All links here - https://nextgenhillsnaturalists.org/ep-8-superb-lyrebirds-with-alex/-- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Go inside the Australian Wildlife Health Centre and discover how injured wildlife are cared for. Zoos Victoria vet nurse Gerry Ross shares what it’s like treating animals like the Brush-tailed Possum and how the wildlife hospital works.🌳 All links here - https://nextgenhillsnaturalists.org/2026/02/26/ep-7-australian-wildlife-health-centre-with-gerry/📸 Image credit Zoos Victoria-- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Dandenong Ranges hold stories that stretch back thousands of years. Aunty Annette, Wurundjeri elder and Aboriginal archaeologist, shares Dreamtime stories like the Bunyip and Bunjil and her wisdom on caring for country.🎥 Video version - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFoJ-zmxTWI🌳 All links here - https://nextgenhillsnaturalists.org/2026/02/23/ep-6-caring-for-country-with-aunty-annette/-- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How does a passion for birds turn into real conservation action? Teenage conservationist and birdwatcher Luke shares his journey into conservation, along with birdwatching stories and ideas for helping nature around you.🌳 All links here - https://nextgenhillsnaturalists.org/2026/02/07/ep-5birdwatching-and-conservation-with-luke/-- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shannon shares the ins and outs of working as a Park Victoria ranger – teaching people about flora, fanua and the Dandenong Ranges National Park – and caring for the forests of the area.🌳 All links here - https://nextgenhillsnaturalists.org/2025/12/29/ep-4-dandenong-ranges-national-park-with-shannon/-- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Go birdwatching through the eyes of young birdwatcher. Luca shares his stories, outdoor adventures and passion for learning about birds and the natural world.🌳 All links here - https://nextgenhillsnaturalists.org/2025/12/07/3-birdwatching-adventures-with-luca/-- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if protecting a forest started with something as simple as pulling out a weed? Gary Visser works incredibly hard protecting and conserving the Dandenong Ranges - from weeding and planting with the Friends of Hughes Creek Sassafras to managing Our Mountain Home. 🌳 All links here - https://nextgenhillsnaturalists.org/2025/11/18/episode-2-caring-for-the-forest-with-gary/-- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Only 250 stunning Helmeted Honeyeaters remain in the wild - and they need help. Sue Bendel, president of the Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater, explains the story of the critically endangered Helmeted Honeyeater and the work being done to save them.🌳 All links here - https://nextgenhillsnaturalists.org/2025/10/31/episode-1-helmeted-honeyeaters-with-sue/-- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.