Two experts on Eucalyptus trees will be presenting a transcontinental, 3-day webinar (15-17 July) on the world’s commonly grown eucalypts. Dr. Matt Ritter, from San Luis Obispo, California, and Dr. Dean Nicolle, from Adelaide, Australia, will give a comprehensive overview of this fascinating genus of over 800 species. The course will meet for two hours a day for three days and cover all aspects of Eucalyptus biology.

Black Mountain: a natural history of a Canberra icon, written by Ian Fraser and Rosemary Purdie with Friends of Black Mountain is a new publication to celebrate 50 years since Black Mountain became a conservation reserve. Pre-order now and get $10 off the Recommended Retail Price!

There were even more than these flowering plants to showcase in the STEP Forest this month, so it was a case of choosing which photos came out best - the blues and indigos are this month's 'colour'! Have a look at the images linked below and then go and spot them for yourself in the STEP Forest.

The Friends' AGM was held today, 30 June 2020. Thank you to all who attended. The Agenda, draft minutes of the 2019 AGM, audited Financial Statements for 2019 and Treasurer's Report are available elsewhere on the website. Here is the Chair's Report for the 2019 year and beyond.

Here it is! The Winter issue of the Friends' colourful Newsletter. Curl up in a warm corner and enjoy!

This is likely to be the last Interesting Article from FACTT - Steve Thomas's expertise is needed elsewhere, now that lock-down is over and life is opening up. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Steve for his online learning sessions for us and increasing our knowledge of so many different types of trees!

Friends congratulate Scott Saddler AM, Senior Director, National Arboretum Canberra, for his award of Member of the Order of Australia, specifically for significant service to public administration, and as a supporter and mentor of Indigenous youth. A very well deserved honour!

This week's article, courtesy of Steve Thomas from Friends of ACT Trees, is about two Australians who have contributed much to our systemising of the tree species in the families. Come and meet Lawrence Johnson and Helen Hewson below!

This Saturday, 6 June 2020: The Village Centre will be open; Volunteer Guides will meet and greet visitors; Arboretum-related questions welcome! Ginger Catering will be serving take-away and also providing seated service for to up to 20 people in three separate areas: the north deck, the south deck and inside the Village Centre; and the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection will reopen. There will be maximum of 20 people at a time (excluding staff) and one-way traffic has been implemented to facilitate social distancing. Wonderful news!

This week's article, courtesy of Steve Thomas at FACTT, is about Nothofagaceae (which translates to beech trees). The Arboretum's Forest 80 is planted with Fagus Sylvatica, European Beech. Read all about these trees below.