Nature Havens program

What is the Nature Havens program?

Nature Havens is a Council program that supports Maroondah residents to make their gardens more wildlife friendly by creating habitat stepping stones for native animals such as birds, insects, lizards and small mammals.

We’ll come to your garden and discuss ways you can provide more food, shelter and water for wildlife. We’ll provide you with on-site advice and a follow-up report with specific recommendations on how to make your backyard more wildlife friendly.

How to book

Nature Havens dates from August through to November are now available to book.

Book online

If you don’t see a date that works for you, please email nature@maroondah.vic.gov.au to be placed on a cancellation waitlist. If a spot becomes available, everyone on the waitlist will be emailed at the same time and it will be first-in first-served. For more information call the Bushland team on 0492 147 948 or email nature@maroondah.vic.gov.au.

How does it work?

As part of the program, the Bushland Team will attend your property and assess your outdoor area, from acreage to balconies and everything in between!

The one-hour session is hosted by knowledgeable and experienced Council staff who will provide on-site advice and guidance, plus provide a detailed report following the visit.

The report contains recommendations specific to your outdoor space and details which plants will make your space more wildlife friendly. You’ll receive a list of specific indigenous plants that will suit your space and attract the wildlife you’d like to encourage.

Additional resources are available in the Wildlife Gardens Maroondah booklet.

Wildlife Gardens Booklet(PDF, 24MB)

You can also sign up to the Nature News email newsletter to stay informed about upcoming Council and volunteer-run environmental events, learn about Maroondah’s unique biodiversity, see photos of local flora and fauna, and so much more.

Other helpful information about making your garden more wildlife friendly

Indigenous plants vs Australian native plants - what’s the difference?

Indigenous plants are also known as ‘locally native’. They are plants that occur naturally in your local area and are adapted to the local conditions. Indigenous plants and animals depend on one another in often complex ways - some plant species have specific pollinators, and some insects have specific food plants.

Indigenous plant list of Maroondah

Native Australian plants can come from anywhere in Australia. Some can cross-pollinate with the indigenous species, creating hybrids, while others can become environmental weeds outside their natural range, such as Sallow wattle (Acacia longifolia) and Sweet pittosporum (Pittosporum undulatum).

Benefits of creating a wildlife stepping stone in your garden

• Help preserve the diversity of indigenous plants and animals and prevent species loss.
• More opportunities for adults and children to connect with nature.
• Help make our neighbourhoods cooler, more liveable, and more adaptable to a changing climate.
• More connection with nature means happier, healthier humans - connecting with nature reduces stress and anxiety and enhances mental and physical well-being.
• Help the natural environment at a time that suits you.
• Planting local species in your garden reflects the natural character of Maroondah and creates a haven for local birds, mammals, lizards, insects, frogs, fungi and microorganisms.
• Indigenous plants generally require less maintenance and water.
• Help kids learn about nature and develop new skills.

Creating a habitat stepping stone in your garden is easy and fun. Start small with a few plants, a bird bath or a bee hotel, and build on your efforts over time. You'll be amazed at the variety of wildlife that will be attracted to your garden. You’ll also get to experience the joy of watching native birds and butterflies visit your garden and knowing that you'll be doing your part to help protect the environment for future generations.

For any enquiries about naturestrip planting, please refer to the information on Council's website.

Further information

If you have any queries or would like to talk to someone from the Bushland team before booking your appointment you can contact us via email at nature@maroondah.vic.gov.au or call us on 0418 992 167.

Local nurseries