Steve van Leeuwen ‘A Wildflower Journey’

As part of Wildflower Society Perth Branch’s theme for 2018 speakers are asked to talk about how they became involved with wildflowers. Stephen van Leeuwen is now an assistant Director leading the Science Program in the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions. At the Branch meeting on Tuesday July 10, Stephen will talk about his journey from the bush to the City, then back to the bush, and finally back to the city.

Stephen grew up in rural Western Australia, attending agricultural colleges, before completing a doctorate on the very rare Mount Lesueur Banksia at Curtin University. In 1989 he joined the Department of Conservation and Land Management and was involved in the many publications identifying and summarising the outstanding landscape, vegetation and flora values of the Mount Lesueur area. This work was part of the many actions that contributed to the formation of the Lesueur National Park in 1992.

Based in the Pilbara for more than 20 years Stephen worked in many widely dispersed arid areas including the Barlee Range, Burrup Peninsula and Little Sandy Desert. After coordinating the Pilbara Biological Survey, Stephen returned to Perth and continued in the Biological Survey Group, including leading the group until taking on his current role. Stephen has a very strong interest in the wise management of the lands of Western Australia and is on many advisory boards and groups.

Meetings of the Perth Branch of the Society are held on the second Tuesday of each month in the Subiaco Community Centre across the road from Crossways Shopping centre in Bagot Road. Doors open at 7.45pm and the meeting begins at 8pm. Supper is served after the talk and everyone is eligible for the night’s door prize. You do not need to be a member of the Society to attend, entry requiring a $2 door donation.

Photo: The Mount Lesueur Banksia (Banksia tricuspis) confined to the Mount Lesueur (background) area. Protographer: Bronwen Keighery