Love of nature keeps Field Naturalists busy in region for 70 years
GOANNAS fighting in Redwood Park, snakes entwined next to tents, rare birds, insects and plants – all these and more have been sighted by members of the Toowoomba Field
Naturalists Club, which has just celebrated its 70th anniversary.
At the club’s well-attended celebration event, the invited speaker and past president Mary Ann Law talked about interesting and amusing events in the life of the club.
IT WASN’T LONG BEFORE THE CLUB ADDED ANOTHER OBJECTIVE: HELP PRESERVE SPECIES.
In 1951, a group of amateur naturalists held a meeting to form a club to advance their study and love of the natural world.
Soon, the club began bringing in speakers on topics such as the breeding and feeding habits of local birds.
Then members would go out to places such as Paradise Creek or Broadwater Sanctuary in Dalby and see if they could spot the birds and other animals, and identify unusual native plants.
It wasn’t long before the club added another objective: help preserve species.
Since then, the club members have worked to both enjoy and safeguard Australia’s native species.
Shortly after its founding, the group started producing a journal – the Darling Downs Naturalist – which has continued to this day. The latest issue is number 767.
From its initial 38 members, the club now has more than 100 – some of whom have been members for three decades.
“Interest had spiked recently, as Toowoomba residents look for local hobbies during the pandemic,” Dr Mangubhai, the current president said.
“Nnew members are always welcome.”
Information about the club is available on Facebook and in the club’s blog: toowoombafieldnaturalists.blogspot.com.