About

Unlock the Secrets of the Natural World with Embrace Ecology!

Embark on an exciting journey of discovery with Embrace Ecology, where a passion for the Australian bush and a career in environmental sciences converged to bring you the best in hands-on ecological investigation resources.

I have always had a facination of nature and this matured with Studies at Southern Cross University, life in our mud brick home set in the forest of the NSW Northern Rivers, and forest activism. I then gained years of professional experience in environmental research and management with State governments from Hobart to Cairns. I bring this background to my passion project - Embrace Ecology.

I have taken my experience from programs such as the:

Tasmanian Environmental Flows in Tasmania
Upper Murrumbidgee Waterwatch in the ACT
Streamwatch Program at the Australian Museum, Sydney
Ecosystem Health Monitoring Program in Brisbane
Paddock to Reef program across Eastern Queensland
Ecological Risk Analysis -Outcomes for Water Resource Plans and TRACK in Far North Queensland

And distilled that experience into a range of resources designed to help you explore and discover the organisms, processes, and interactions found within the natural world.

From specially crafted investigation kits to repurposed equipment and field guides, I have everything you need to take your understanding of ecology to the next level. And, your satisfaction is always my top priority, so I welcome any feedback, suggestions or requests you may have.

So, why wait? Visit my Waterbug shop, Terrestrial shop, or Bookstore today, and immerse yourself in the world of ecology where science meets adventure!

Organisations recommended by me

Australian Environmental Education

Australian Environmental Education, run by Karen Player, is an excellent resource for anyone looking to enhance their knowledge of the natural world and promote environmental sustainability. Karen's passion for hands-on learning and her extensive experience in developing and delivering quality Environmental Education programs make Australian Environmental Education an ideal choice for schools, early childhood centers, and vacation care centers. Her programs, including Science Made Easy, are designed to increase scientific literacy through investigations and experiments, empowering children with the knowledge and skills to continue their learning. Karen's background in marine environments also makes her an expert in sharing knowledge and raising awareness about Australia's unique natural environment. Whether in-person or online, through incursions, virtual excursions, or sustainability-based craftanoons, Australian Environmental Education is an engaging and interactive way to learn about sustainability and environmental science.

The Waterbug Company

The Waterbug Company offers a wide range of services related to freshwater ecology, including field surveys, ecological research, waterbug identification, teaching services, data analysis, project management, report writing, and more. One interesting development by The Waterbug Company is the Agreed Level Taxonomy (ALT) method, which allows for the assessment of river health using visible features of macroinvertebrates instead of relying on microscopes and laboratories. This innovative method could provide community groups and others without access to specialised equipment, with the ability to produce reasonably accurate data sets on the health of freshwater ecosystems. Talk to John about The Waterbug Workshop. It provides a great opportunity for participants to learn how to identify aquatic macroinvertebrates using taxonomic keys and high-tech lab equipment. The Waterbug Company's services are very comprehensive, innovative, and highly valuable for understanding and protecting freshwater ecosystems.

Coffs Critters

If you work or live in the Coffs Coast region I highly recommend getting in touch with "Coffs Critters". The owners, Lachlan and Laura Manning, have extensive experience in both small animal and small human care, as well as a deep knowledge of Australia's natural history. Their focus on invertebrates, such as insects, spiders, and snails, highlights the importance of these often-overlooked creatures in the ecosystem. Coffs Critters offers a variety of services, including school incursions, parties, and presentations, as well as expert advice for creating and maintaining educational, living displays. Their goal is to share their interest and knowledge with as many people as possible to create a safe future for both the wildlife and humans. If you want an educational and entertaining encounter with these incredible critters, contact Coffs Critters for an unforgettable experience.

National Waterbug Blitz

Embrace Ecology is proud to promote the National Waterbug Blitz Australia’s first nationwide freshwater monitoring event. I am most impressed with the Waterbug App and how it not only helps you identify Australian waterbugs but you can also then compare your own results to local historical data via their Data Portal

Each year, Australians are encouraged to become ‘citizen scientists’ and investigate how healthy their local waterways and wetlands are, simply by exploring and identifying what waterbugs they contain. The type and number of waterbugs found in a waterway can tell you a lot about how healthy that waterway is.