NGV Exhibition: When wildlife moves in
Native animals can make for excellent neighbours – blue-banded bees pollinate our vegetable gardens; microbats eat up to 1200 mosquitoes per night; powerful owls keep rodents at bay. But could we go one step further and design our homes so that we could have native animals as housemates? Bethany Kiss’ design piece ‘When wildlife moves […]
ICON member live on 3RRR: The value of informal green spaces
Dr Hugh Stanford was recently invited to talk about his research on a local Melbourne radio show called ‘Einstein A Go-Go’ on the 3RRR station. Hosted by Dr Shane Huntington, the aim of the show is “Exploring the wonders of science and its impact on the world. Dissection and discussion of science and science issues […]
Golf courses as safe havens for wildlife and biodiversity
Golf courses are often perceived to be detrimental to nature. Last week, Dr Jacinta Humphrey, RMIT University, published an article in The Conversation offering a different point of view. Dr Humphrey explains that the pockets of vegetation between the main grassy areas of golf courses — also known as the “rough” — are often home […]
Ecology insights for the property sector
ICON Science recently partnered with Nature Collective to organise the first session of their ‘Nature Insights Series’ entitled ‘Ecology Insights for the Property Sector.’ The Nature Insights Series is led by Nature Collective, a design & consulting practice dedicated to nature-based solutions in the built environment. The intent of the series is to connect nature, […]
The vast majority of Melburnians want more nature in their city, despite a puzzling north-south divide
When we were asked to survey people in Melbourne about their relationship with nature, little did we know our findings would reinforce a well-known cultural divide between those living north and south of the Yarra River. Residents of neighbourhoods to the south were overall less connected to nature. But perhaps a more important finding was that people in Melbourne […]
How Alone Australia can help us understand and appreciate our place in nature
More than a million Australians have tuned in to Alone Australia, SBS’s highest-rating series for 2023 to date. What is it about this program that’s got us so hooked? And what can it tell us about our own relationships with nature? The series started with ten contestants dropped off in a remote area of lutruwita/Tasmania. The aim is […]
If the budget ditched the Stage 3 tax cuts, Australia could save every threatened species – and lots more
The Albanese government has made bold environmental promises over the last year. Given the parlous state of nature in Australia, these commitments are important. The promises include ending new extinctions, fixing national nature laws and protecting 30% of our land and waters. Achieving these goals requires a lot of money. So how does last night’s federal budget stack up? […]
Outreach: Nature is in crisis. Here are 10 easy ways you can make a difference
Australia’s rarest butterfly, the Australian fritillary. Garry Sankowsky, Author provided Last month, Sir David Attenborough called on United Kingdom residents to “go wild once per week”. By this, he meant taking actions which help rather than harm the natural world, such as planting wildflowers for bees and eating more plant-based foods. Australia should follow suit. We love our […]
Outreach: Why we should shatter Melbourne’s concrete creeks
Cities like Melbourne are increasingly looking to tear up their concrete drains and restore natural waterways. Why is this and how can it best be done to create more natural, healthy and biodiverse cities? Click here
Outreach: I want my vote to count for nature: how do the major parties stack up?
Sarah Bekessy, RMIT University and Brendan Wintle, The University of Melbourne The animals and plants at risk of extinction finally made it onto the political agenda last week, as Labor and the Greens launched biodiversity policies ahead of the federal election. Labor’s policies included new funding for the Great Barrier Reef and long-term commitments for […]