February Meetup - Star Swamp

For the first meetup of 2024 we had a very welcome, but unusual, rainy day! On the walk, led by a volunteer from Friends of Star Swamp, we were shown many different plants and even a mushroom. A highlight for many were the tawny frogmouths. We were tasked with finding one thing during the walk that inspired awe - what was it for you? Write in the comments below!

The rain made it difficult to take notes (especially using a watercolour pencil on stone paper, not a good combo it seems). Coming soon: an example and some ideas on how to turn a nature walk into a journal page.

Star Swamp Bushland Reserve is a Bush Forever site that is nearly 100 hectares large, located in the City of Stirling near the coast. There is a semi-permanent freshwater lake with paperbark trees as well as low heath and banksia, tuart, jarrah and marri woodlands. A few walking trails run throughout the bushland, including the 1.4 km Star Swamp Heritage Trail. The area also provides a breeding site and sanctuary for both waterbirds and other bushland bird species and is an important habitat for reptiles, insects, and spiders.

Join the guided walk at 8 AM (~90 min) hosted by the Friends of Star Swamp Bushland. Bring your camera or nature journal for on the walk. Your only task is to find at least one thing on the walk that gives you a feeling of awe.* You can use the photos or field notes as inspiration for creating a nature journal page afterwards, or to complete at home. A demonstration and tips for how to create a nature journal page based on a walk will be given after.

*Awe is an overwhelming, self-transcendent sense of wonder and reverence in which you feel a part of something that is vast, larger than you, and that transcends your understanding of the world. - from What Are "Awe Walks?"

All skill levels are welcome. Children must be supervised at all times. Please register if you plan to attend.

Date: Saturday 24th February 2024

Time: 8 - 10 AM (Guided walk run by Friends of Star Swamp starts at 8 AM)

Location: Star Swamp Bushland Reserve, North Beach - meet at Henderson Environment Centre off Groat St. Toilets available at centre (if open).

What to bring: A journal and your favourite mark-making tools. Some good walking shoes, a water bottle and maybe a snack. Remember to slip-slop-slap-wrap if the sun's out, or an umbrella and raincoat if there's a chance of rain.

Cost: This is a pay-what-you-feel event. The suggested donation is $10/per individual and $20/per family, but it is up to you. Your support goes towards costs of running the nature journal club and is very much appreciated.