About Our Club

The objectives of the Field Naturalists’ Club of Ballarat are to stimulate interest in natural history and to encourage the preservation and protection of the natural environment. We take a closer look at nature.

If you are interested in:

• learning what is around you
• walking in the local bushland
• identifying some native birds and plants
• listening to interesting talks
• finding out about local native plants
• learning some history and geology
• visiting local bushland areas

……then you are welcome to become a member and come along to our monthly meetings or field trips listed on the Calendar page. We do encourage visitors to join us on an excursion or at a meeting before you become financial members.

Field Naturalists Club of Ballarat was formed in 1952. The Field Naturalists have established an outstanding record of commitment to the environment. Since formation, amongst many activities, the club has made contributions to several national natural history databases, participated in tree planting projects, successfully lobbied to ensure preservation of environmentally-significant public land, assisted students in their research, conducted inventories of bush sites, serviced many requests for information about the region’s natural heritage and assisted schools with educational activities. In recognition of their achievements, the Field Naturalists Club of Ballarat was presented with a BEN Environment Award in 2002.

The Field Naturalists Club of Ballarat is part of the network of natural history groups making up the South East Australian Naturalists Association. South East Australian Naturalists’ Association organises two camps each year hosted by one of the member groups. The host organise speakers and excursions to the best local bushland areas. The camps are an excellent opportunity to meet people with an interest in the environment and visit interesting areas of south-east Australia.

 Meetings

WHERE: Federation University, cnr Gillies and Gregory Streets, Ballarat. We also email a link if you would like to join a meeting online.

WHEN: 7:30 pm on the first Friday of every month except January.

Field trips

Start from Federation University car park, cnr Gillies and Gregory Streets, Ballarat, at 9.30 am sharp, usually on the Sunday following meeting.

More information about meetings and field trips in on the calendar page.

Contact the club

Write to: Box 328W,  Ballarat West, 3350

email: ballaratfnc@gmail.com

Membership

If you are interested in becoming a member please read the Field Naturalists Club of Ballarat Constitution and complete the Application Form.  Scan or photograph the completed membership form and email it our secretary.  Membership must be approved at a committee meeting prior to payment. If approved you will be notified and the bank details on for payment of the membership fee are on the form.

Policy on ethical use of technology – FNCB Policy- Ethical use of technology on field trips

Life Membership Guidelines – FNCB Life Membership Guidelines- Approved Aug 3, 2018

Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners

The Field Naturalists’ Club Ballarat acknowledges the Dja Dja Wurrung, Wurundjeri and Wadawurrung as the traditional custodians of local lands we explore around the wider Ballarat area. We pay our respects to First Nations peoples past and present whose history and land stewardship have shaped our region.