What do Naturalists do?
Naturalists make observations of nature. They see, hear, photograph and record the world around them.
All fields of natural science are of interest, from Astronomy to Zoology. They enjoy being in the bush,
on the mountains, in marshes, or in their own garden, as long as they can study nature. They may use cameras,
tape recorders, video, microscopes, or just plain notebooks to record their observations. The Bendigo Field
Naturalists Club functions to encourage the exchange of information and ideas, and to stimulate naturalist
activities and encourage the protection of the environment.
What public function does The Bendigo Field Naturalists Club serve?
In addition to keeping its members enthusiastic and informed, the members serve on several Local and State
Government bodies where their knowledge is important in making decisions. We also submit reports and appear
at environment and planning tribunals as expert witnesses.
Books published by the Club:
- The Eucalypts of the Bendigo District:
A guide to identification and distribution. D. Franklin, J. Lindner, and J. Robinson. 1991. Notes and identification are given for all known species. Illustrations and maps are from L. F. Costermans' book" Native Trees and Shrubs of South-Eastern Australia. 1981. The introduction includes notes about the history, geology and climate of the Bendigo area. Local natural history information is given for each species. 56 pages: $10.00
- The Orchids of Bendigo:
Rodney Orr. 1995. Original colour and line illustrations of the orchid species in the Bendigo area, with notes on their natural history. 94 pages. $15.00
- Birds of the Bendigo District:
Ann Bridley and others. 1991. Only 12 colour photographs, but extensive field notes and records of birds in the district. It is not a field guide to bird identification. 83 pages. $12.00
- Spiders of Bendigo and Victoria's Box-Ironbark Country:
Jennifer M. Shield. 2001. Colour illustrations to most of the spider species, with notes on their natural histroy. 64 pages. $15.00.
- Wildflowers of Bendigo:
Jane Cleary, Evelyn Leamon. 1988.
(Now out of print)
For each mail order add $3.00 postage and packaging.
The Bendigo Field Naturalists Club Inc. together with the Castlemaine and Maryborough FNCs commissioned Viridans Biological Databases,
Bentleigh East, to prepare a CD-ROM "Plants and Animals of the Box-Ironbark Area of Central Victoria. The CD can only by used on PC's,
not Macs, and is available from the Clubs for $50.00 (plus $5.00 postage and packaging if needed).
The CD-ROM contains 83,000 distribution records, 3,500 photographs, 2000 written descriptions and
eight map layers. The data can be filtered to locate plants or animals with special characteristics,
such as flower colour, koori food sources, conservation status, or related species. Pictures,
distribution maps and written descriptions can be downloaded and printed for school
assignments.
We also sell other Viridans products.
For information on membership, books, or CD's, please contact the secretary.