Darwin in the Botanical Gardens 2009

http://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/darwin

Darwin Exhibitions and Public Programs 2009

2009 will commemorate two significant anniversaries of Charles Darwin’s life and work - the bicentenary of his birth and 150 years since the publication of On the Origin of Species - his controversial theory outlining the evolution of life-forms through the process of natural selection.
Darwin collected and studied plants throughout his life, and he spent his last forty years experimenting with plants in his home garden. His life’s work continues to inform our scientific research and inspire our education programs.
Hopefully our collective legacy will be to inspire a passion and appreciation for nature, fostering budding naturalists and the next generation of scientists.

11 February

Dining with Darwin: Evolution and extinction, adaptation and climate change

Join compere Jennifer Byrne and a panel of experts for an evening of lively discussion and debate. This event is a partnership between the Botanic Gardens Trust and the Australian Museum.
When: 11 February, 6.30 – 10.30 pm
Where: The Pavilion, 1 Art Gallery Road
Cost: $150 pp incl three course dinner + wine
Bookings: 9320 6389

12 February

Happy Birthday Charles Darwin

Join Dr Tim Entwisle and scientists of the Botanic Gardens Trust for birthday cupcakes in celebration of the 200th anniversary of Darwin’s birth.
This event will also launch the Trust's new landscape installation reflecting Darwin’s contribution to our current understanding of biodiversity and the evolution of life.
When: 12 February 10.30 am
Where: Myrtales Bed, Royal Botanic Gardens (Click here to view map)
RSVP: 9231 8134

12 February - 24 November

DARWIN installation

Visit the spectacular garden display reflecting Charles Darwin’s contribution to our current understanding of the diversity and evolution of life.
When: 12 February to 24 November, 7 am to sunset every day
Where: Lawn 44, Map ref L7

24 March

Darwin's Greenhouse: soot, steam and passion flowers

Author and lecturer Dr Jim Endersby explores Charles Darwin’s botanical research and its relation to industrialisation and empire.
When: 24 March 6-7.30 pm
Where: Maiden Theatre
Cost: $15 pp incl light refreshments
Bookings: 9231 8134

14-17 and 20-24 April

Charlie D and the Great Seed Mystery

Children aged 6-12 explore the gardens to solve the mystery of seed dispersal, create seed transporters and play games with seeds in motion, guided by our experienced educators.
When: 14-17 and 20-24 April, 10.30 am-12 noon & 1.00-2.30 pm
Where: Community Education, via Woolloomooloo Gate
Cost: $15 pp
Bookings: 9231 8134

21 May

Musings on Mr Darwin’s Shooter

Join acclaimed author Roger McDonald for discussion and readings from his award-winning book. A Sydney Writers Festival event.
When: 21 May, 6-7.30 pm
Where: Maiden Theatre
Cost: $15 pp incl light refreshments
Bookings: 9231 8134

1 August-24 November

Darwin and the Trees of Life

An exhibition showcasing Trust Scientists’ work in the field and the lab.
When: 1 August to 24 November, 10 am-4 pm weekdays
Where: Red Box Gallery, National Herbarium of NSW
Enquiries: 9231 8111

16 August

Darwin’s Legacy at the Royal Botanic Gardens: Open Day

Meet Botanic Gardens Trust scientists and come behind the scenes with herbarium, plant pathology and DNA lab tours, demonstration, guided tours of the Gardens and more.
When: 16 August 10 am-4 pm
Where: Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney
Enquiries: 9231 8331

10 September, 10 October and 3 November

Darwin - Special interest walk

Plants have evolved to thrive in diverse and extreme environments. Explore some of their fascinating adaptations and cooperative evolutionary partnerships with animals and insects.
When: 10 September, 10 October and 3 November, 10-11.30 am
Where: Leaves from the Palm Grove Centre
Cost: $28 pp
Bookings: 9231 8134

Public lecture by Trust Scientist Dr Peter Weston

Folow this link to listen to Trust Scientist Peter Weston’s talk published on the Australian Academy of Science website: http://www.science.org.au/events/publiclectures/os/weston.htm

Originally posted by Ian Woolf