Conservation and Science

Discover our work in plant conservation and research, from the National Herbarium of Victoria to our work with rare and threatened orchids.

Botanical Time Capsules: Documenting Biodiversity Through Time

Alison Vaughan, Manager Collections at Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, deep dives into the history of the 1.5 million preserved specimens housed in the National Herbarium of Victoria.

Documenting the presence of a plant, algae or fungus at a particular place and time, each specimen is a botanical time capsule that helps us understand past and present biodiversity. They allow us to track how plants, algae and fungi respond to environmental changes, helping inform the conservation work that supports species survival.

This talk was presented by Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria as part of the 'Survive & Thrive' program for National Science Week 2024, supported by the Inspiring Victoria program.

A Virtual Walk on the Wild Side

Join in on a virtual conversation with John Arnott, Manager Horticulture and Russell Larke, Team Leader Horticulture on this special forum to discover how Cranbourne Gardens grows and protects our threatened flora.

The Future of Fungi

Join Tom May, Principal Research Scientist (Mycology) in a virtual discussion with writer and climate activist Sophie Cunningham (author of Melbourne and City of Trees) about the future of fungi.

Fungi are megadiverse, estimated at several million species globally. Discover the role of fungi in ecosystems and how they will fare in future climates; and learn how fungi experts tackle the challenge of documenting the numerous "dark fungi".

The Botanic Garden that Thought it Could Change the World

Join acclaimed writer and climate activist Sophie Cunningham (author of Melbourne and City of Trees) in virtual conversation with Charlie Carroll, Manager Arboriculture, and Clare Hart, Manager Horticulture, about the Gardens’ Landscape Succession Strategy and the international Climate Change Alliance of Botanic Gardens.

Collaboration between botanic gardens across the globe is essential in understanding how plants will grow and survive in a warming climate. Sophie, Charlie and Clare will discuss how the Climate Change Alliance was formed right here in Melbourne, and how botanic gardens can harness their expertise to share and exchange skills and information on a global platform.

Orchids Unveiled

Take a virtual deep dive into the world of these precious plants with Cranbourne Gardens orchid expert Dr Noushka Reiter and the Orchid Conservation Program team.

Episode 1: Botanic Gardens Climate Change Summit Talks 2018

Dr Paul Smith, Secretary General of Botanic Gardens Conservation International discusses how Botanic Gardens are essential for humanity's survival in an ever-changing world. Introduction from Prof Tim Entwisle, Director and Chief Executive at Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. Find out more about the inaugural Botanic Gardens Climate Change Summit here: https://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/initiatives/climate-change-alliance/inaugural-summit/

Episode 2: Botanic Gardens Climate Change Summit Talks 2018

David Harland, Chief Executive of Eden Project International discusses how Botanic Gardens may be the answer and how they offer solutions for a warming world. Find out more about the inaugural Botanic Gardens Climate Change Summit here: https://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/initiatives/climate-change-alliance/inaugural-summit/

 

Episode 3: Botanic Gardens Climate Change Summit Talks 2018

A public Q&A with Dr Paul Smith, Secretary General of Botanic Gardens Conservation International, Prof Tim Entwisle, Director and Chief Executive at Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria and David Harland, Chief Executive of Eden Project International. Find out more about the inaugural Botanic Gardens Climate Change Summit here: https://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/initiatives/climate-change-alliance/inaugural-summit/

 

Melbourne Observatory Virtual Solar Tour

Discover the magic of the Melbourne Observatory at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.

Hunters and Collectors


Explore the Australian Forest Walk, one of the treasured Living Collections at Melbourne Gardens. Meet its curators and go behind-the-scenes on one of their collecting trips to discover why it's so important to gather species in the wild.