• Charles Sturt is hosting multiple interactive events across campuses throughout September to support Biodiversity Month
• Staff, students and the wider community can learn how to contribute to biodiversity protection and enhancement.
• An event was held in Port Macquarie in August and events will be held in Orange, Dubbo, Bathurst, Albury-Wodonga and Wagga Wagga in September

Charles Sturt University is lending its regional campuses to provide education and examples of how staff, students and communities can contribute to biodiversity protection and enhancement.

The University is hosting multiple events across its regional campuses in September as part of Biodiversity Month.

Manager of Sustainability at Charles Sturt Mr Ed Maher said the University has a variety of initiatives in place to contribute to improving the biodiversity of its campus footprints and the broader Australian landscape, such as the events for biodiversity month

“Regional Australia is not immune from the impacts of biodiversity loss,” he said.

“In many instances, regional locations have experienced greater land use change and habitat loss than metropolitan areas.

“According to the international Taskforce for Nature Related Financial-Disclosures, nature is deteriorating globally, and biodiversity is declining faster than at any time in human history.

“Charles Sturt is well-positioned through our research and campus footprint to make a positive impact.”

Sustainability at Charles Sturt has events planned across its regional campuses through September to recognise Biodiversity Month, including:

• Orange, tree planting on Wednesday 11 September from 10am to 12pm
• Dubbo, tree planting on Thursday 12 September from 11am to 12.30pm
• Bathurst, tree planting on Wednesday 18 September from 10am to 12pm
• Albury-Wodonga, tree planting on Wednesday 18 September from 12pm to 2pm
• Wagga Wagga, nocturnal spotlighting on Friday 27 September from 6.30pm to 8pm

International Gulan (Bat) Night was celebrated on Sunday 25 August with a free public event at Charles Sturt in Port Macquarie.

Lecturer in Environmental Science and Management with the Charles Sturt School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences Dr Catherine Pohlman said the University’s Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management is providing students with a solid foundation in environmental science and ecology.

Dr Pohlman said students have the chance to take part in real environmental research in several third-year subjects obtaining hands-on experience in surveying plants and animals.

“One of the big strengths of Charles Sturt's Environmental Science and Management degree is providing the link between the physical sciences and the social sciences and teaching students the skills they will need to successfully involve the wider community and businesses in conservation and restoration,” she said.

Charles Sturt is committed to promoting the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals, incorporating Goal 14 (Life Below Water) and Goal 15 (Life on Land) into its world-leading research through the Gulbali Institute for Agriculture, Water and Environment.

The University’s regional campuses also provide vital habitats to recognised threatened species, such as koalas, swift parrots, Sloane’s froglet and Button Wrinklewort, as well as Box Gum Grassy Woodland vegetation.