Field Trip with Leon Costermans OAM Sunday March 22nd, 2026 (Vic)

Leon Costermans OAM Eucalypt Identification Field Trip

Sunday March 22, 2026

9:45am to 3:30pm.

Ticket sales open 2pm Monday 2 March 2026

Book at:  https://www.trybooking.com/DJXZU

Please note that tickets are in very high demand, with very limited numbers… only 20… we would like to give preference to those who didn’t get a spot on the 2022, 2023, 2024, or 2025 field trip.  Please be nice and don’t jump on tickets for people who aren’t super keen to come.  You will not be alone – you will be amongst enthusiastic new friends!

If, for any reason, you can no longer come, please call or text Linda on 0477 958 493, and we will release your ticket to someone else.

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Are you interested in deepening your knowledge of eucalypts? If so, this is a unique opportunity to take a guided walk with renowned botanist/geologist Leon Costermans OAM to get to know eucalypts in both natural bush and planted situations.

The first location will be the George Pentland Botanic Gardens at Frankston, where Leon will facilitate practice in observing and identifying eucalypts using his iconic pocket book ‘Trees of Victoria and Adjoining Areas’.

After a BYO lunch at the gardens, the group will drive to the Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve (about 5 km) for a gentle bushwalk to identify eucalypts (and possibly other plants) in their natural environment. This 214-hectare reserve is recognised as an outstanding area for conservation of indigenous flora and fauna; it also has a very significant military history.

Schedule:

Meet at 9:45 am just inside the Gardens gate at the corner of Foot St and Williams St, Frankston (Melway map 100A: H13).  Arrive in good time to secure parking in the east end of Williams St.

10:00 am to 12 pm: Gardens walk and identification practice.
12:00 pm (approx.) Have BYO picnic lunch & drinks at the George Pentland Botanic Gardens (there is a picnic area and shelter, but we will have to ‘share’ it with other visitors).
12:45 pm (approx.): Leave for Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve, to meet in the car park in McClelland Drive (Melway 103:C10).
1 pm to 3 pm: Drive and walk to identify eucalypts and other plants within the reserve.

Note that this session is intended as an introduction to eucalypt identification, though there will be some challenges for those with some experience.

The $15 cost of the ticket includes a complimentary copy of Leon’s book ‘Trees of Victoria and Adjoining Areas’. This is an invaluable resource for both beginners and more experienced bushwalkers and nature lovers. If you already have a copy you love, you are welcome to bring it, and you might consider either using it or gifting your new copy.

Please come prepared for the weather and wear shoes suitable for walking some distance.  There are facilities at the George Pentland Garden in Frankston but there is no toilet or water at Langwarrin.

This excursion is assisted by Eucalypt Australia as part of the National Eucalypt Day program.

Leon Costermans Eucalypt Identification Field Trip

Sunday, March 22, 2026

9:45 am to 3:30 pm

Ticket sales open Monday 2 March at 2:00 pm.

Book at:  https://www.trybooking.com/DJXZU