Helping to preserve a world-renowned collection of more than one million plant specimens for future generations sounds like the ultimate volunteer job.
Well, as it happens, the Australian Institute of Botanical Science is seeking local volunteers from the South Western Sydney region to do just that by joining the team at the National Herbarium of NSW in vital roles.
Previously located at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney for nearly 170 years, the new Herbarium has now opened at the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan, where volunteers will drive crucial preservation work which underpins ground-breaking scientific research.
Volunteers will have the opportunity to carefully and creatively mount dried plant specimens onto card, resulting in beautiful botanical layouts.
These will then be stored within the six protective Herbarium vaults with precisely controlled conditions to protect the priceless collection for hundreds of years to come.
Lynden White has been volunteering with the National Herbarium of New South Wales for six years at the previous site in Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and will now be joining the team in Mount Annan to continue her work on the mounting program.
“I feel honoured to be a part of such a rewarding and interesting volunteering program,’’ says Ms White.
“To work with specimens that date as far back as the 1700s is astonishing; you truly learn so much about plants whilst mounting them as well as working alongside Australia’s leading botanists, it’s really fascinating.
“The role is very diverse, involving science, history, nature, creativity and community – every day is unique, opening each specimen reveals a new treasure or unexpected surprise that involves different thinking.
“It’s so special to know my signature will live on with the specimens I carefully mounted,’’ she says.
“I’m really excited to be back with the group, in the brand new facility, to see the specimens showcased and beautifully preserved in their new home.”
Chief executive of Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust, Denise Ora, says volunteering has been one of the life bloods of the organisation for more than 40 years.
“The mounting and preservation work of our Herbarium volunteers is essential in helping to inform decisions about the conservation of our natural environment,” Ms Ora said.
“It’s certainly not your average volunteer role and as we enter an exciting stage at the new National Herbarium of NSW this team truly is at the forefront of a new era in pioneering plant science research, which is more imperative than ever during such a critical time of climate change.
“More than a quarter of a million Herbarium specimens are set to be mounted, along with 8,000 new plant specimens being added each year. We are thrilled to welcome more volunteers to continue this vital work at the Australian Institute of Botanical Science.”
The Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan is also recruiting volunteer guides to lead walks for visitors through horticulture displays and the Australian PlantBank.
For more information on the volunteer program please visit the website here.
