What's on this July in the Bend!

We are still in Waring Wombat Season. The days are short and cold and the nights are long and even colder! But never fear, we have now passed the marker of the Solstice and that means we can breathe a frosty breath of relief knowing the Guling Season, the season of orchids and wattle bloom, is fast approaching. In fact, some orchids may even be up. Have you seen any at your place? Please email us.

Come and help the good folk with their year round dedicated quest to contribute to the extensive Bird Survey, identification and number data in the Bend. This initiative has run for many years and meets monthly now at 8.30am at the top of Catani Boulevard – this month on Sunday 12 July. Bring your ID books, eagle eyes and your binoculars. Seasoned regulars will be happy to include you if you feel lost – there is no better way to learn birding than on the ground.

Cafe Benders will be bouncing along with joyful regularity on Saturday 18 July. As always, bring all your kids, and their piggy bank to enjoy the boon of great cakes, coffee and conversation. A real joy in these chilling winter months, our Benders never fail to warm our hearts. Make use of your community because it is strong and beautiful and resilient and will help make living in the Bend a true environmental joy. This is, of course, a CFA fundraiser, so enjoy it liberally!

We really hope you can make it to this special Landcare event - the whole of the Bend of Islands will be joining forces to tackle some serious environmental problems. It will run on Sunday 19 July and will be the combined forces of the Co-op and the Bend at large. If you’ve never been to a Landcare, this is a great entry point to get you hooked. Make sure to bring your gloves and weeding tools.

Unfortunately last month the sky did not play ball with our stargazing organiser Jessie Stewart. But never fear Benders, it has been rescheduled to Saturday 25 July. Join us at Christmas Hills Hall at 5.30pm for 6pm start. As the sky darkens, we'll turn our eyes (and telescope) upward to explore the night sky together. Jessie will guide us through the stars, moon and deep sky objects, and you'll get the chance to peer through her telescope at some of the universe's sights up close. Come along and remember just how vast and ancient the sky above us is.

For tickets please hit the following link: https://events.humanitix.com/bica-winter-solstice-stargazing-event . Unless you bought them last month!

Keep in mind that the Trivia night will be postponed for now. But look out for it in the next month or two.

The Art event next month is in need of a place to exhibit. If you are interested in showcasing the art of the Bend please reach out to Emma, who will be available to help organise the event, via BICA Secretary email.

In conclusion, we from BICA really hope you can get the most out of these events and we look forward to connecting on all things environmental soon.

The BICA Committee Team.

Artwork by local artist Jess Jarvie.