Bee brains and carnivorous plants

The science of flesh eating plants and bee behaviour will be explored at the final Science of the Local event series for 2018. Join research scientists and community members on Sunday 11 November 11 from 2:30pm at the Springwood Sports Club. Admission is free and all are welcome to this family-friendly event.

First up will be Greg Bourke from the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden at Mt Tomah who will be speaking about carnivorous plants. One of Australia’s leading experts on the topic, Bourke is passionate about conservation, plant breeding and continues to study predatory plants.

“I have a special interest in the plant families Goodeniaceae and Stylidiaceae”, he said.

Also speaking will be Associate Professor Andrew Barron from Macquarioe University who will explain how honey bees think. Dr Barron is an Australian Research Council Future Fellow whose specialty is neuroethology, the study of the neural mechanisms of natural animal behaviour.

“Most of my research focuses on insects, especially honey bees,” Barron said. “They display social structures, communication systems and cognitive abilities that rival those of many mammals and yet their brain is a tiny fraction of the size.“

Science at the Local co-organisers Kevin Joseph and Hamish Clarke are inviting all residents of the Blue Mountains to what will be the last event of 2018.

“It’s almost time to roll up the sleeves and get planning for 2019. But before then, we hope to see as many people as possible at the Bowlo on the 11th November to help us celebrate a great 2018 and to enjoy what looks like a great lineup”, Hamish said.

Where: Springwood Sports Club, 83 Macquarie Rd Springwood
When: Sunday November 11, 2:30pm – 4pm
Contact: Hamish Clarke, 0458 105 269

More information at www.facebook.com/ScienceAtTheLocal.

About Science at the Local

Science at the Local is a series of free community events that connect Blue Mountains community members with leading science researcers. Supported by Inspiring Australia NSW, Science at the Local represents the Blue Mountains Science Hub in partnership with Winmalee and Springwood Neighbourhood Centres.