The lockdown saw us accessing our local neighbourhoods at a whole new level, desperately reaching out for nature spaces for calm, escapism and exercise to name a few. We accessed the local parks, ovals, the neighbouring creek and other community open spaces to find that green piece of mind. But why do we need to access it when we could and should be living in it all the time. The Nature Strip Planting Tour will showcase the benefits of Nature Strip planting, discuss the different types of nature strips and an outline of the permit process in Moonee Valley whilst visiting a boulevard of re-naturalised nature strips.

Speakers

Kate Musconda is a life long resident of Moonee Valley who is passionate about using her outdoor spaces to grow food for her family as well as provide habitat and food for her local native species. Her early growing knowledge came from her dad and she has expanded that through connections with gardeners in her community and online and has a real love for permaculture. She currently works for a food manufacturer in Continuous Improvement and loves sharing her passion for growing with her two young boys and husband. In her spare time she administrates the @GardensforWildlifeMV Facebook page and is involved in establishing affiliation for the group. She is one of the trained garden guides and look forward to starting to share my knowledge with the local community and expect to learn much in the process.

Valerie Thiessen is a keen gardener and has been a MV resident for over 15 years. A recent graduate of the MV Sustainability Champions and the Global Climate Reality Leadership programs, Valerie is passionate about sustainable living and is spearheading the new Strips of Nature project in MV.

This event is part of the Sustainable Living Festival and run in partnership with Moonee Valley Sustainability, Strips of Nature, Moonee Valley Gardens for Wildlife and DWELL.

This session will be the first of two. The second session will be held in April in partnership with MVCC & Strips of Nature and will be a hands on design workshop for those wanting to apply for a permit.