Next-gen Hills Naturalists

Dr Mark Norman is a chief scientist and conservationist with Parks Victoria. He has

worked at Museums Victoria and is now working at the Wilsons Prom Sanctuary. Dr

Mark has made his own documentaries and runs podcasts. He has discovered over

150 octopus species!

In this episode I talk to Dr Mark about climate change, pollution, and the many

endangered animals he is helping. Mark shares stories and facts about all sorts of

animals that are funny, interesting and thought provoking.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Native plants play a huge role in helping local wildlife. Raffa shares how the Southern Dandenongs Community Nursery grows indigenous plants that support habitat restoration and helps people learn what to plant in their own gardens.

🌳 All links here - https://nextgenhillsnaturalists.org/boobook-wildlife-shelter-with-nalini/

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Lyrebirds are famous for their incredible mimicry - but their role in the forest is even more amazing. Dr Alex Maisey shares how Superb Lyrebirds shape the ecosystem of Sherbrooke Forest, the sounds they can mimic, and the science behind these remarkable birds.

🌳 All links here - https://nextgenhillsnaturalists.org/ep-8-superb-lyrebirds-with-alex/

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Go inside the Australian Wildlife Health Centre and discover how injured wildlife are cared for. Zoos Victoria vet nurse Gerry Ross shares what it’s like treating animals like the Brush-tailed Possum and how the wildlife hospital works.

🌳 All links here - https://nextgenhillsnaturalists.org/2026/02/26/ep-7-australian-wildlife-health-centre-with-gerry/

📸 Image credit Zoos Victoria

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The Dandenong Ranges hold stories that stretch back thousands of years. Aunty Annette, Wurundjeri elder and Aboriginal archaeologist, shares Dreamtime stories like the Bunyip and Bunjil and her wisdom on caring for country.

🎥 Video version - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFoJ-zmxTWI

🌳 All links here - https://nextgenhillsnaturalists.org/2026/02/23/ep-6-caring-for-country-with-aunty-annette/

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How does a passion for birds turn into real conservation action? Teenage conservationist and birdwatcher Luke shares his journey into conservation, along with birdwatching stories and ideas for helping nature around you.

🌳 All links here - https://nextgenhillsnaturalists.org/2026/02/07/ep-5birdwatching-and-conservation-with-luke/

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Shannon shares the ins and outs of working as a Park Victoria ranger – teaching people about flora, fanua and the Dandenong Ranges National Park – and caring for the forests of the area.

🌳 All links here - https://nextgenhillsnaturalists.org/2025/12/29/ep-4-dandenong-ranges-national-park-with-shannon/

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Go birdwatching through the eyes of young birdwatcher. Luca shares his stories, outdoor adventures and passion for learning about birds and the natural world.

🌳 All links here - https://nextgenhillsnaturalists.org/2025/12/07/3-birdwatching-adventures-with-luca/

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What if protecting a forest started with something as simple as pulling out a weed? Gary Visser works incredibly hard protecting and conserving the Dandenong Ranges - from weeding and planting with the Friends of Hughes Creek Sassafras to managing Our Mountain Home. 

🌳 All links here - https://nextgenhillsnaturalists.org/2025/11/18/episode-2-caring-for-the-forest-with-gary/

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.