Calendar of Free Activities

Unless otherwise stated, these activities are free for everyone thanks to the generosity of our funders, volunteers, partners & friends.
Please share our events on Facebook. Also, please consider becoming a member of MEHG for only $10 a year. Active members can seek reimbursement for personal equipment, training, expenses and Working with Children cards, subject to funding.
Do you have a free environmental activity that you would like posted here? Or are you interested in becoming a volunteer to help us at our events? All enquiries to info@mehg.org.au


Friday 26th April 2024 at 8.30am
BIRD WATCHING OUTING
The next Mandurah Bird Observers Group outing will be to Wellard Wetlands (note change of location).
👉 BYO: Chair, morning tea, binoculars, camera, drinking water, insect repellent and suitable footwear.
👉 Meeting Point: The entrance to Wellard Wetlands which is in Bertenshaw Road, Baldivis 6171.
👉 Ride Share: If you wish to car pool, meet at Eastlake Church carpark in Greenfields for an 8.00am departure.
👉 RSVP: Let Bill King know if you will be going direct, or meeting at the church car park, on 9534 9913 or at newbill1338@outlook.com
This group visits the beautiful waterways and bush areas in and around Mandurah to observe what species of birds are in the area. They record the species identified and report their findings to Birdlife Australia.
They have been bringing bird lovers together for over 30 years and normally have outings on the 4th Friday of each month.
This is a great opportunity to learn more about our wonderful bird life and how to identify birds.
There are over 120 species of birds in the Peel Region, and numbers increase during the migratory season.
View the Mandurah Bird Observers Group program for 2024 (subject to change).


Saturday 27th April 2024 · 9.00am – 4.00pm
FREE NEST BOX BUILDING WORKSHOP
There are a few places left for this workshop featuring Simon Cherriman from Re-Cyc-Ology.
Advance bookings essential: info@mehg.org.au
Many species of birds are threatened here in the southwest because their habitat is being destroyed. They rely on hollow cavities in native trees to meet their nesting or roosting requirements.
Even if every destroyed tree is replaced with a sapling, the birds preferred hollows take hundreds of years to form naturally.
What can we do to help? Here’s an opportunity to design and construct long-lasting, bee-resistant artificial tree-hollows (‘nest-boxes’) that cater for a wide range of hollow-dependent wildlife.
👉 Optional: Nest box building kits are available at $90 each. To reserve a nest box of your choice (small bat, small bird, medium bird, parrot, possum, large black cockatoo) RSVP by Monday 22 April so your kit can be prepared in time: info@mehg.org.au
👉 Venue: PHCC Shed behind 58 Sutton Street, Mandurah 6210
👉 View: Full timetable and logistics.
Simon is an ornithologist and has featured on Gardening Australia.
Watch: abc.net.au/gardening/how-to/bird-box/13599442 (8 minutes)
Watch: abc.net.au/gardening/how-to/my-garden-path-simon-cherriman/102193870 (9 minutes)


Sunday 28th April 2024 · 9.00am – 10.00am
FRIENDS OF SAMPHIRE COVE NATURE RESERVE
The Friends of Samphire Cove meet on the last Sunday of each month and mid-month as well to carry out flora and fauna rehabilitation and to tidy up this special waterside A Class reserve on the corner of Wedgetail Retreat and Egret Point Road, Halls Head.
Jobs for April include watering, weeding, sweeping paths and picking up rubbish.
If you would like to join in, please bring gloves, drinking water, insect repellent, hand sanitiser and your favourite tools/equipment, e.g. weeding tool, leaf rake, watering can.
The Friends will stop for an earlier-than-usual BYO morning tea at 9.45am at the Information Shelter to greet those who have registered for the special event below.
Visit the Friends of Samphire Cove on Facebook for all the latest news.


Sunday 28th April 2024 · 10.00am – 11.00am
WALK & TALK AT SAMPHIRE COVE with WESTERN AUSTRALIAN SEABIRD RESCUE
This free event is brought to you by the Friends of Samphire Cove Nature Reserve in partnership with Western Australian Seabird Rescue who are dedicated bird lovers and hands-on carers.
Listen to the inside stories about what it’s like to carry out the rescues and rehabilitation of all different types of birds.
👉 Everyone welcome. Children must be closely supervised. Limited numbers.
👉 Bookings essential: Email bjsdoongin@gmail.com putting Walk and Talk in the subject line.


Until Sunday 5th May 2024
WA TREE FESTIVAL
Events, tree trails, free trees, competitions and other activities. Watch this space for what’s happening locally, including Significant Tree Walking Trail tours organised by the City of Mandurah.
Find out more.


Sunday 12th May 2024 · 9.00am – 11.00am
FRIENDS OF SAMPHIRE COVE NATURE RESERVE
The Friends of Samphire Cove meet on the last Sunday of each month and mid-month as well to carry out flora and fauna rehabilitation and to tidy up this special waterside A Class reserve on the corner of Wedgetail Retreat and Egret Point Road, Halls Head.
Jobs for May include weeding, sweeping paths and picking up rubbish. Possibly watering as well if it hasn’t rained much.
If you would like to join in, please bring gloves, drinking water, insect repellent, hand sanitiser and your favourite tools/equipment, e.g. weeding tool, leaf rake, watering can.
The Friends will stop for BYO morning tea and a catch-up at the Information Shelter at 10.30am.
Visit the Friends of Samphire Cove on Facebook for all the latest news.


Thursday 16th May 2024 · 5.00pm – 7.00pm
MANDURAH ENVIRONMENT & HERITAGE GROUP COMMITTEE MEETING

MEHG members and supporters are invited to our monthly meetings which are held on the third Thursday of the month at 5.00pm. Enormous thanks to Peel-Harvey Catchment Council for allowing us to meet in their state-of-the art shed at the rear of their premises at 58 Sutton Street, Mandurah.
Not a member yet? Join MEHG or renew your membership here.


Saturday 18th May 2024 · 10.00am – 12.00pm   
WATERWISE VERGE WORKSHOP  
At the Halls Head Community and Sports Facility (Old Yacht Club).
Learn how to successfully transform your verge into a bird-friendly waterwise garden and save water, money and time!
This environmentally-friendly Waterwise Verge Makeover Incentive Program is run by the City of Mandurah and is free for local residents wishing to nurture a waterwise garden on their verge. The plants chosen for waterwise gardens require less water and maintenance, help cool the local area, and are great for supporting other plants and wildlife around the City.
To receive free plants, vouchers, seeds, mulch etc. towards your verge transformation, find out more and book your free place.
Other date available: Saturday 15th June 2024, 10am-12pm at Bortolo Pavilion, Greenfields.   


Until Tuesday 21st May 2024
FOOD FOR THOUGHT WORKSHOPS and GUIDED RIVER WALKS
The City of Mandurah is providing these activities free of charge, but registration is essential.
Find out more about the workshops: Food for Thought – Be a GREAT Sort
Find out more about the Joseph and Dulcie Nannup Trail Guided Bush Walks.


Wednesday 22nd May 2024 · 11.30am – 2.00pm
CELEBRATORY LUNCH for HERITAGE VOLUNTEERS
During National Volunteer Week we will be having a special event at Mandurah Museum to:
👉 Honour and acknowledge the MEHG volunteers, museum volunteers, members and volunteers at Mandurah Historical Society, and other heritage volunteers.
👉 Recognise and thank everyone who contributed to the Australian Heritage Festival 18 April – 19 May.
👉 Celebrate the rich and diverse stories of Mandurah, strengthen cultural and historical ties and forge new bonds.
👉 Celebrate our link to people, places and the past, and the enduring connections that will shape the future of heritage in Mandurah.
As well as a buffet lunch, there will be tours of the museum, a Putt Putt Motor exhibition, a slideshow in the school room, speeches, awards, Q&A and entertainment.
Anyone wishing to volunteer in the heritage sector is welcome to attend. (Mandurah Museum is a Centrelink-approved voluntary work organisation.)
Email info@mehg.org.au to reserve a ticket.
Prior to the event there will be a small group guided Heritage Tour of Mandurah at 10.00am by museum volunteer David Austin. Bookings essential.
This event is supported by the City of Mandurah, Volunteering WA and Lotterywest.


Wednesday 29th May – Saturday 1st June 2024
COLLECT PLANT LOPPINGS
Help the Bouvard Coast Care Group with brush collection and delivery to the planting site. Time and location TBC.
👉 For more info please email: brushing@bouvardcoastcare.org


Sunday 2nd June 2024 · 9.00am
BOUVARD COAST CARE GROUP’S MEGA PLANTING EVENT
Help the BCCG members to plant 1200 plants to restore the dunes. Meet at Tims Thicket beach carpark.
Participants will be ferried to the site by 4WD. Wear long trousers, closed in shoes and gloves, and bring a trowel. Some stick planters are available for those with rum backs! Mega sausage sizzle to finish.
👉 For more info please email Alex Pinkster at planting@bouvardcoastcare.org


Now until 7th June 2024
HAVE YOUR SAY on URBAN GREENING
The Western Australian Planning Commission’s Perth and Peel Urban Greening Strategy aims to enhance existing tree canopy and create additional green spaces throughout our urban areas.
This strategy will include the following measures:
• Increasing support for planting programs
• Reporting on tree canopy data
• Education and awareness programs on the importance of urban greening
• Increasing awareness of the urban heat island effect, with emphasis on identification and mitigation
• Establishing green linkages and investigating greening opportunities on State Government land that has not been used effectively
• Utilising urban greening grant programs
Have your say and help inform the strategy by 7th June.


Saturday 15th June 2024 · 10.00am – 12.00pm   
WATERWISE VERGE WORKSHOP  
At Bortolo Pavilion, Greenfields.
Learn how to successfully transform your verge into a bird-friendly waterwise garden and save water, money and time!
This environmentally-friendly Waterwise Verge Makeover Incentive Program is run by the City of Mandurah and is free for local residents wishing to nurture a waterwise garden on their verge. The plants chosen for waterwise gardens require less water and maintenance, help cool the local area, and are great for supporting other plants and wildlife around the City.
To receive free plants, vouchers, seeds, mulch etc. towards your verge transformation, find out more and book your free place.


Sunday 21st July 2024 · 5.00pm
SUNDOWNER WITH BOUVARD COAST CARE GROUP
Come along to Café Coast and enjoy an informal drink and chat with the BCCG members.
👉 Discussion Topic: Green Waste – Forthcoming Verge Raid!
👉 For more info please email brushing@bouvardcoastcare.org


Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th August 2024 · 10.00am 
BRUSH COLLECTION & DELIVERY
The Bouvard Coast Care Group is looking for strong and fit participants for this event which takes place over 2 mornings over a weekend. Participants welcome for either or both days. Wear long trousers, closed in shoes and gloves. Sausage sizzle at lunchtime on both days. What is brushing?
👉 Meeting point – Melros Beach Carpark
👉 For more info please email brushing@bouvardcoastcare.org


Every Friday · 10.00am – 10.45am
NATURE PLAY TIME at LAKELANDS LIBRARY
Fun for kids with activities, games and story-time designed to inspire wonder and curiosity about the natural world and introduce young minds to nature’s beauty and diversity, nurturing a deep love for the great outdoors.
Enjoy craft activities using resources from the natural environment, encouraging creativity while connecting with nature’s elements.
Learn about the importance of protecting and preserving our world, instilling a sense of appreciation and responsibility towards cherishing our planet’s wellbeing.
Find out more.


Fridays & Saturdays · 11.00am – 12.00pm · Summer months only
GUIDED HERITAGE WALK OF MANDURAH
Discover the City’s history with a free foreshore heritage walking tour. This leisurely one hour walk starts and finishes at Mandurah Museum.
The Foreshore Heritage Tour provides information on the history of Mandurah’s pioneer settlers and an accurate portrayal of life as it once was. The informative narration showcases the past, the present, Mandurah’s indigenous cultural history, places of interest, pioneer families, their homes and their stories, community art installations and much more.
Bookings are required. Phone (08) 9550 3682.
Find out more.


PADDLING UP THE RIVER
We will be combining paddling with wildlife observation and learning about riverine habitat in conjunction with Canoe Trail Friends of Mandurah & Pinjarra and Friends of Rivers, Peel.
Suitable for beginners. Free hire of life jackets available (available in various sizes).
Register your interest by emailing info@mehg.org.au


BIRD WATCHING FOR BEGINNERS with ROBYN DEVENISH
Coming soon to a nature reserve near you. Small-group activity.
Binoculars provided courtesy of City of Mandurah community grants.
These tailor-made walks are free of charge, but you are welcome to tip your guide at the end if you enjoyed it.
Register your interest by emailing info@mehg.org.au


MAKE A FAIRY TERN CHICK SHELTER
In conjunction with your local Men’s Shed. Register your interest as a participant or a partner: info@mehg.org.au
Download this PDF for more information about fairy terns.


MORE FREE ACTIVITIES including STUFF FOR KIDS
👉 Free Eco Events between Mandurah & Perth with Switch Your Thinking
👉 More Free Events on the Sustainable Mandurah Facebook page
👉 Visit Nature Link’s Backyard Biodiversity Blitz
👉 Bring Nature Home and Rewild Your Garden 
👉 Visit Mandurah Community Gardens on Sat mornings & Tues afternoons
👉 Report a Bat Roost near you.
👉 Use the MyPestGuide to report pests and diseases.
👉 Record pest animal activity in your local area.
👉 Learn how to properly Recycle in Mandurah
👉 Learn 10 Easy Ways to save water in the home
👉 Adopt a Spot to keep it litter free
👉 Form or join an Embrace A Space group at your local reserve or park
👉 Free Online Training for Volunteers @ Volunteering WA
👉 Read the latest Bushland News from Parks and Wildlife
👉 Read the latest news from the WA Landcare Network


ON HOLD
The interactive citizen science workshop about the Black Bream Project in the Peel-Harvey Waterways is on hold. In the meantime, here is a condensed version for you, including an eleven-minute video: recfishwest.org.au/news/filling-the-peel-harvey-estuary-to-the-bream-with-the-important-fish-species


ABOUT
This webpage was created upon the receipt of a Restart Mandurah Grant from the City of Mandurah to provide free or very low-cost Covid-safe activities after the lockdown. Our 14-month activity program was entitled (Re)Connect With Nature and Learn Something New.


THANK YOU to our partners and sponsors.
MEHG is a member of the Mandurah Environmental Volunteer Alliance which supports many projects in our community and enhances volunteer capacity.
MEHG welcomes Polly Hammond who is the new Environment Engagement Officer.