Around Town: May Edition
Pretty Canberra with the many things to explore and do!
2 May (9am-11am) Branching Out: Beginner Bird Watching
This is a free guided nature walk designed for people new to birdwatching.
Where: Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve
Participants will learn how to use binoculars, identify common (and less common) bird species, and recognise birds by both sight and sound while exploring the reserve
2 May (1pm-3pm) Autumn Seed Swap (Canberra Seed Savers) 🌱
On the same day, enjoy a community-focused event celebrating gardening, sustainability, and local food resilience.
Where: Canberra City Farm
The event encourages sharing knowledge as much as seeds—creating space for conversations about growing food, preserving biodiversity, and building a more self-sufficient community. It’s open to all experience levels, from seasoned gardeners to beginners curious about getting started.
3 May (11am-1pm) Pedal & Play: A Tree Week Family Ride
This event is a free, family-friendly cycling event designed to get people outdoors, active, and connected with their community. Pedal Power invites participants of all ages to enjoy a relaxed bike ride as part of Tree Week celebrations.
3 May (10.30am-12.30pm) Branching Out: The Plants, Animals and History of Pinnacle Nature Reserve
If guided nature walks are your jam, check this event out! It explores the ecology and history of one of Canberra’s local reserves. Led by the Friends of the Pinnacle, the walk focuses on observing native plants and wildlife while also learning about the area’s historical background. The pace is slow and accessible, with plenty of time to stop, ask questions, and connect with others
3 May (4pm-5.30pm) Shape the Future - Kickstarting our search for an independent candidate
On the same day (wow, so much happening!), Voices of Canberra warmly invites to hear from Senator David Pocock, Jessie Price (independent candidate for Bean) and your Voices of Canberra team.
Where: Capital Brewing Co, 1 Dairy Rd, Fyshwick
Across Australia we’ve seen a rise of Community Independent MPs – backed by a grassroots community movement to represent the diversity of their electorates rather than party politicians who toe the party line. Here in the ACT, this is how Senator David Pocock was elected and Jessie Price nearly was.
9 May SEEDY SATURDAY
Seedy Saturdays are a fun, relaxed and social session of seed saving, chats and snacks! It’s a great time to drop off/ pick up seeds and to learn about or share your knowledge of seed saving and of course to chat with other local gardeners!
WHERE: Canberra City Farm, LESS Building (the small building near the tool sheds and community garden)
12 May Premier Screening: On the Edge🎬
Canberra is at a turning point-how do we grow sustainably while protecting nature and community? Join the premiere of On the Edge, a powerful new film exploring the future of Canberra and the choices shaping its landscape. Stick around after the screening for a panel discussion with the filmmaker and special guests, diving into sustainable development, what’s at stake, and how we can create change together.
Where: National Film and Sound Archive
23 May World Bee Day Tour🐝🌼
This tour is a unique, hands-on event celebrating the importance of bees and pollinators.
Where: Australian Parliament House in Canberra
Participants will explore the Parliament House beehives, learn about the vital role bees play in maintaining ecosystems and landscapes, and gain insights into creating bee-friendly environments at home. The event also includes a honey tasting experience featuring honey produced on-site.
Designed for gardeners, beekeepers, and anyone curious about pollinators, the session combines education, sustainability, and a behind-the-scenes look at urban beekeeping in a unique location.
26 May 2026 Conservation Finance Intensive
This is a cross-sector professional event focused on bridging the gap between conservation and finance with in-person and virtual options. It brings together people from the conservation, finance, corporate, and public sectors.
The intensive explores how climate frameworks, disclosure standards, and sustainable finance tools can be used to unlock investment in nature-based projects. Participants gain practical insights into making conservation initiatives “investment-ready,” understanding investor expectations, and connecting real-world environmental outcomes with financial systems.
The program includes expert-led sessions, case studies, and interactive workshops, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, real-world application, and integrating First Nations perspectives in conservation finance.
The Canberra Environment Centre encourages everyone to take part, learn new skills, and contribute to protecting the ecosystems we all depend on.
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