Nature Festival is heading to Mitcham from September 25 to October 11, with plenty of ways to get outside, explore our natural environment and enjoy spring across the community.
From family nature play and garden tours to workshops, live music and interactive storytelling, there’s something for all ages to discover.
Germinal Sculptures Tour
In Pasadena, join the Pasadena and St Marys Action Group for a Germinal Sculptures Tour on Saturday 10 October from 10am to 2pm. Explore seed-inspired sculptures while learning about nurturing Grey Box Grassy Woodland in public spaces and home gardens.
Magic Serpent Adventure
Younger nature lovers can head to Pasadena Community Centre for Magic Serpent Adventure, an interactive storytelling performance for young families by Kaleidoskope Arts. The session runs on Saturday 3 October from 11am to 12:15pm.
Carrick Hill
At Carrick Hill, enjoy a range of performances, tours and creative workshops throughout the festival. See Peter Combe and the Juicy Juicy Green Grass Band, The Bowerbird Collective and Nancy Bates, explore the garden with a Carrick Hill gardener, or get creative with botanical drawing and card making.
Belair National Park
There’s plenty happening at Belair National Park, too. Join Play Naturally for Seeds of Wonder: Family Nature Play on Tuesday 29 September from 10am to 12pm, with a morning of nature-based play guided by an occupational therapist.
The following week, Seeds of Wonder: Create and Play with Art in Nature will invite families to get creative outdoors on Wednesday 7 October from 10am to 12pm.
You can also join Nature Play SA for a Family Bird Appreciation Walk, meeting at Karka Pavilion at 4pm on Wednesday 7 October or 4:30pm on Thursday 8 October.
For those wanting to learn more about connecting with and caring for nature, Ferox Australis will host How to Connect with Nature: Evidence, Practice and Reflection at the Belair National Park Volunteer Centre on Saturday 10 October from 9:30am to 1:30pm. The workshop will be followed by hands-on bush care with Friends of Belair National Park and is supported by a City of Mitcham grant.
Old Government House
There are more springtime experiences to discover nearby, including Spring at Old Government House. Wander through the garden and enjoy the spring blooms with Friends of Old Government House on Saturday 26 September, Saturday 3 October or Sunday 11 October from 2pm to 4pm.
Waite Conservation Park
At Waite Conservation Park, join Friends of Waite Conservation Reserve for a free one-hour Sculpting with Nature workshop in Wild Dog Glen on Saturday 26 September from 10:30am to 11:30am.
State Flora Nursery
State Flora Nursery is also celebrating 140 years on Saturday 3 October from 10am to 1pm, with a historical display, free children’s activities and a native plant giveaway.
Waite Arboretum
And at Urrbrae House, explore the Waite Arboretum, the historic gardens of Urrbrae House and a gallery of South Australian botanical art from the Botanic Art Collective. Botanic Beauty in Urrbrae House is open Sunday 27 September from 11:30am to 3pm, Monday 28 and Tuesday 29 September from 10am to 4pm, and Wednesday 30 September from 10am to 3pm.