For almost 50 years, the Orange Field Naturalists and Conservation Society, has been fostering a love of learning about the natural beauty that surrounds us. 

It’s knowledge that’s vital for the conservation of many local native wilderness areas, but it also enhances our enjoyment of life, says enthusiastic recent-recruit to the “Field Nats”, Sandra Chrystall.

“It adds a new dimension to any walk even, or any time outside, even,” says Sandra. 

With a love of canoeing and caving, Sandra was no stranger to the great outdoors but, since joining the Field Nats, she’s discovered that there’s so much more to enjoy. 

“The depths of knowledge in the membership, it's amazing what is spotted… once you notice a certain native orchid, it's very hard not to see them in an area, but it's that noticing them, and getting the eye tuned in to what you're looking for… It adds more colour, more depth, and enjoyment to life!” says Sandra.

“I had a young gentleman once who said, ‘gum trees are just so boring, they're all the same.’ No, once you know what to look for, you see the individuality of plants and what they have to offer, and of our bird life… so it actually broadens our lives.”

Founded in 1974, the Field Nats have been instrumental in surveying and documenting our vulnerable native flora and fauna and in striving to protect and conserve what’s left for future generations.

“What we have here; a lot of it's very unique,” says long-time member Helmut Berndt. “There are a lot of species that are either rare, endangered, endemic — and just a vast number.

“And it's all that we have left, because the area’s heavy with agriculture, with forestry activity, mining down south at Cadia and so on… we need to value what's left and it needs to be looked after.”

From the unique ecosystem of Mount Canobolas to the Mullion Ranges, Nangar National Park, and numerous other conservation areas and reserves; the Field Nats organise monthly field trips to study and — more importantly — just to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of our region.

“There are lots of conservation areas and crown lands and so on, within  90–100 kilometres that we periodically visit,” says Helmut.

“We tend to follow the seasons with the wildflowers — and certainly, there's a lot of birding that goes on within the group.”

The excursions are usually held on the Sunday following their monthly meet, which is held on the second Thursday of each month at the Senior Citizens Centre.

“I'm finding it so rewarding, just increasing my awareness of what’s about,” adds Sandra.

Contacting Orange City Life recently, the Orange Field Naturalists and Conservation Society have offered to share with our readers a little about the native flora and fauna you can find in and around Orange, and will be contributing a quiz (like the one found on this page) in future editions.

Anyone interested in joining the Field Nats, should visit: www.orangefieldnats.com, where you will find an application form and back issues of their monthly newsletter. You will also find them on Facebook.