The Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre is holding an open day to mark World Migratory Bird Day on Saturday, October 11.
Running from 10am to 2pm at the Truganina Explosives Reserve, the open day features free art workshops, science activities, music, storytelling and guided walks.
Participants can also engage with environmental and community groups, enjoy the surrounds and even take home some freebies like Indigenous plants.
The program will begin with Welcome and Smoking Ceremony led by a Bunurong Land Council Elder followed by performances from the Hyde Street Youth Band, The Inklings, The Ricolas, The Connies and storyteller Jackie Kerin.
Gypsy Janine will be on hand to do face paintings.
All activities and stalls will highlight the roles of various community organisations in addressing climate change issues and protecting the environment.
World Migratory Bird Day coincides with the period when migratory shorebirds arrive in Australia after breeding in the Northern Hemisphere summer.
These birds travel along the East Asian Australasian Flyway, some from as far as Siberia, to feed in local coastal wetlands and estuaries such as the wetlands of Hobsons Bay.
Several migratory bird species that visit the wetlands are classified as threatened due to factors such as habitat loss and human activity and it’s hoped the open day will highlight the threats faced by these birds and also the ways in which their habitats can be protected so that they keep coming.
The event is supported by the Hobsons Bay council’s Make it Happen fund and the Ross Trust.
Details: https://hobsonsbaywetlandscentre.org.au/
