The Young Naturalist is a social enterprise, co-founded by Dr Fiona Benyon and Dr Aniuzka Kazandjian, who are combining their passion for Nature and education with their scientific training in botany, mycology, entomology and biodiversity.
Our mission is to “bring biodiversity to life and connect children with Nature” through hands-on, science-based, Nature discovery programs and experiences.
The Young Naturalist leads children on journeys of discovery in our Natural World through investigation of the extraordinary diversity of Australian plants, insects, and fungi, using-
–microscopic investigation
-scientific illustration
-Citizen Science
-photography
-Nature Journaling
-field sketching
-live insect displays
-educational games
-native habitat design, planting & restoration
Our programs enhance children’s well-being by stimulating their curiosity in the Natural World, nurturing their sense of wonder, and providing a sense of belonging in our world.
Our programs align with the Living World curriculum and provide scientific investigation experiences for students through school incursions, after-school programs, weekend activities and school holiday workshops.
Our vision is to “nurture the future custodians of our Natural World” by providing the skills, knowledge, and language for children to investigate, understand and connect with Nature.
Our social enterprise values are to inspire respect for Nature, provide scientific foundations for children, be role models for girls in science, enhance children’s well-being and support women in science by creating child-friendly employment opportunities.
We invite your children to join The Young Naturalist journey and make their own discoveries in Nature…
Connecting children with Nature,
Dr Fiona & Dr Aniuzka
The Young Naturalist NOTICES
–WINNERS–
2021 CANON OCEANIA SMALL BUSINESS GRANT
We are thrilled to announce that The Young Naturalist is the WINNER of the small business category of the 2021 Canon Oceania Grants.
We would like to thank our wonderful supporters and the wider community for voting for The Young Naturalist and supporting our mission “to bring biodiversity to life and connect children with Nature”.
We wish to express our sincere thanks to #CanonAustralia for providing this incredible opportunity and for sharing The Young Naturalist’s vision “to nurture the future custodians of our Natural World.”
https://www.canon.com.au/about-canon/community/grants
The Young Naturalist is in the NEWS -The Leader-
“Sutherland Shire’s The Young Naturalist has won a Canon Oceania Grant for Small Business, with cash and camera prizes to help young people document nature.”
https://www.the leader.com.au/story/74440870/kids-nature-workshop-enterprise-wins-canon-cash-and-products/?cs=12
The Young Naturalist is offering a FREE online workshop
‘Investigating Biodiversity in the Littoral Rainforest’
AVAILABLE throughout Term 4. Book via ‘Connect with us’ form.
Journey into the littoral rainforest to investigate the extraordinary diversity of plants, insects, fungi & animals that inhabit this unique ecosystem.
-Includes Ecosystem Activity Sheet-
THE YOUNG NATURALIST NAMES AN ENDANGERED WATTLE SPECIES
The Young Naturalist is delighted to share that Co-founder, Dr Fiona Benyon inspired the winning suggestion for the common name of the endangered wattle- Acacia meiantha as part of the Saving our Species ‘Name our Species’ competition. This gorgeous species will now be commonly known as
Barradam-bang or Bright Star wattle!
See: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6709097758747443200/
https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/news/we-asked-and-you-answered-these-eight-species-are-now-twice-as-nice
Image Credit- Gavin Phillips, DPIE.
Our Programs
Biodiversity Under the Microscope
Biodiversity Citizen Science with iNaturalist
Creating Biodiverse Habitats
Photo:”The excitement of a Young Naturalist as he uses different methods to magnify and view the eggs of a violet-winged stick insect, Didymuria violescens, cicada shells and the Australian Leaf Insect (Phyllium monteithi), in our ‘Biodiversity Under the Microscope’ workshop.”
Our Vision
To nurture the future custodians of our Natural World by providing the scientific skills, knowledge and language for children to investigate, understand and connect with Nature.
Our Focus
To lead children on journeys of discovery in our Natural World, through scientific investigation and Nature discovery; shaping their worldview and creating experiences that last a lifetime.
The Young Naturalist
The Young Naturalist is a social enterprise providing children’s science-based Nature education programs.
Connect with us
Dr Fiona H. L. Benyon
(+61) 423 052 692
youngnaturalist.au@gmail.com
Dr Aniuzka Kazandjian
(+61) 497 761 326
theyoungnaturalistau@gmail.com
The Young Naturalist Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land upon which we meet. We pay respect to Ancestors and Elders, past, present, and future and recognise their unique cultural and spiritual relationship with this land. We celebrate the contributions of First Nations people to Australia.
Website, Images & Content Copyright ©The Young Naturalist Australia Pty Ltd 2021.
ACN:642 376 234. All rights reserved.
The Young Naturalist 
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