About Us
About Us
Who are we?
Sometimes known as the Tas Field Nats, we are comprised of both amateurs and professionals who share a common interest in the natural world.
Experts in a particular topic not only pass on their knowledge to others, but find themselves learning about related aspects of their particular interest. The only requirement of members is an active interest in the natural world.
The club was formed in 1904, and we are associated with other Field Naturalist Clubs throughout Tasmania and beyond.
What are our aims?
We encourage the study of all aspects of natural history and advocate the conservation of our natural heritage.
Our journal, The Tasmanian Naturalist, is published annually and our quarterly information Bulletin covers forthcoming activities.
When do we meet?
Our monthly meetings usually include a guest speaker who provides an illustrated talk on a topic of their expertise or particular interest. Question time usually follows, and the line of inquiry usually extends to the excursion on the following Saturday or Sunday at a site relevant to the topic of the previous talk. Members’ observations of significant sightings are raised and discussed. A report of the previous excursions is also provided.
A Members’ night is held annually at which members are encouraged to participate in ‘show-and-tell’ or to give short Powerpoint presentations.
An annual excursion to an area of the state of particular natural-history interest, held over a full weekend, allows more extensive and varied activities.
We meet on the first Thursday of each month (except January) at 7.15pm for 7.30pm.
Meetings are held at UTAS Sandy Bay Campus in the Law Building Seminar Room (Room 132) located off Grosvenor Crescent near the University sports grounds. Being held after university open hours, meetings use the back entrance to the building, located off the laneway on the northern side of the building.
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Excursions are held on the following Saturday or Sunday.
Excursions
Excursions are held on the following Saturday or Sunday. Final arrangements for excursions are arranged at the meeting and are listed on the Excursions page of this website.
An annual excursion to an area of the state of particular natural-history interest, held over a full weekend, allows more extensive and varied activities.
Since June 2021, observations from TFNC excursions have been recorded as projects on iNaturalist.
More observations made on excursions can be added at any time, so it is never too late. If you are familiar with any of the species observed, we would appreciate if you could either agree with the species ID or suggest the possible ID so the observation can become “research quality” and available to other users.
You may also become a member of the TFNC umbrella project to receive notifications from iNaturalist when excursions are updated.
We acknowledge and pay our respects to the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we study natural history.