There is plenty of colour at STEP this month! Take a look at these stunning photos and then go and see for yourself!

What a wonderful way to spend a weekend in spring at any of these garden festivals. 17-20 October - BERRY GARDENS FESTIVAL - 8 gardens 26-27 October - BUNDANOON GARDEN RAMBLE – 8 gardens 26-27 October - BATHURST SPRING SPECTACULAR – 10 gardens

The Australian Federation of Friends of Museums (AFFM) has just published its latest biannual Review. Includes articles on The World Federation of Friends of Museums, Gold Museum photographic collection, Tamworth Regional Gallery centenary, Brooke Museums and other news.

Friends of the National Arboretum Canberra are proud to support two upcoming Snake Awareness workshops. These workshops feature three local, licensed snake catchers, and will raise awareness about our local venomous snake species and their ecological contribution. Snake Awareness and Safety for Young People (ages 8-16) Wednesday 2 October from 10.00am - 12.00 noon. AND LEARN TO APPRECIATE SNAKES (ages 16+) Wednesday 23 October from 5.30pm - 7.30pm. Discounted tickets available for Friends. Bookings on Sticky Tickets - see below

The colourful scarves that brightened up the forests at the National Arboretum Canberra for Warm Trees this past July are being repurposed for several charities. Scarves have been donated to the Smith Family for people to enjoy. It is a real thrill for our volunteer knitters to see one of their scarves being worn around town! Scarves have also been donated to the RSPCA as Comfort Blankets for the animals. Each scarf will go with the animal - when it is adopted - to their new home. Jack the Cat is enjoying his new 'blanket'. The Friends are pleased to support the wonderful work of the RSPCA. Work by our volunteers continues to join scarves into larger blankets. These blankets will be donated to the Wrapped-With-Love charity which sends rugs to disaster and emergency areas in Australian and around the world.

Yes, it's published - the September issue of our Newsletter with plenty of news in and around the Arboretum! Find it here.

At the National Arboretum Canberra the new Friends sponsored garden in the Central Valley is planted with salt bushes (Rhagodia spinescens). Amalie Shawcross, operations manager at the Arboretum, says the plants were purchased from Yarralumla Nursery which propagates the majority of the saltbush it supplies as it is highly successful and is grown to Canberra conditions.

Friends of the National Arboretum are seeking members for a new organising committee to prepare for WARM TREES 2020. This has been a very successful event over the years. It is based around hand crafts and is an important way to involve so many people in the Arboretum, even if they are not tree savvy. If you are interested in joining this new group, read on ...

Rate the National Arboretum Canberra (NAC) and help it win! Your feedback through a quick survey will tell us what you love and how we can improve. The NAC strives to ensure that the visitor experience is a positive and memorable one, whether it be discovering the forest trails, a guided walk, a family visit to the Pod Playground, a coffee with friends or an evening function. The Friends and volunteers are NAC partners in delivering exceptional services to all visitors. Simply visit www.outrate.com.au and select Events and Attractions.

NCA would like Friends of the National Arboretum to fill out a survey about our national green spaces.