About the volunteer role:

During a visit, conversations are had about the wildlife the person wishes to attract and the various habitat elements in their garden, so that appropriate advice is offered. After a visit, Garden Guides prepare a personalised report with some recommendations about plant selection and the habitat features ( e.g. nest boxes, bird baths, frog bogs, insect hotels, etc) that could be installed. The report also outlines what other resources are available for program participants (e.g. free seedlings, workshop calendar).

*Tasks that will not be carried out by Garden Guides:**

• Designing gardens for people.
• Gardening duties like planting, weeding, mowing, pruning, etc.
• Installing or maintaining habitat features.***

Why become a garden Guide:

• Help other people to create more wildlife-friendly gardens in Hume.
• Enhance connection with other people and with nature.
• Build on and share your knowledge and passion about gardening, plants, animals, and Hume's natural environments.
• Learn new skills and knowledge
• Assist people to become better informed and engaged on biodiversity issues
• Encouraging people to experience beauty in their own gardens.
• Be part of the Gardens for Wildlife Network operating throughout greater Melbourne and regional Victoria. Skills or experiences needed:
• Interest in gardening, native wildlife and/or sustainability.
• Ability to actively listen and communicate openly with others, particularly with a diverse range of people and those from a non-English speaking background.
• Demonstrated good organisational and time management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word to prepare documents and using the internet.