23rd April 2024 |

On Sunday 13th April Landcare Tasmania hosted 60 Northwest locals at the Tasmanian Arboretum in Eugenana for a day of bug hunting, joined by expert scientists Clare Hawkins and Lynne Foster. 

Image: © Cynthia Schaap

Families ventured out across the various forests and waterways of the arboretum equipped with field guides and equipment to find various critters unique to Tasmania. With the guidance of the guest scientists, families learned techniques to identify insects and spiders, as well as some of their fascinating traits and behaviours. We had a special guest, Nicola Richardson, who brought her pet Leafy Stick Insects along to show the group that insects can make great pets too!

Images: © Cynthia Schaap

As the day unfolded, families dispersed throughout the arboretum, exploring its unique plants and waterways. Some embarked on platypus-spotting adventures, while others unleashed their creativity, immortalising the bugs they encountered through captivating artworks.

Images: © Cynthia Schaap

Participants expressed their eagerness to continue honing their bug identification skills after the event. 

A big thanks to the Bookend Trust for helping on the day, to the Tasmanian Arboretum for hosting us, to Claire and Lynne, and to everyone that came along. 

Want to join in more events like this? Check out our Know Your Local Patch school holiday program calendar to find an upcoming event. 

This event is part of Landcare Tasmania's Education Program and is funded by the Department of Premier and Cabinet's Premier's Fund for Children and Young People.