An Illustrated, Experiential Field Guide to Melbourne

This paper documents the creation of a field guide designed to promote sustainability by encouraging connection and understanding of Melbourne's native environment. The guide features illustrations, distribution maps, and descriptions of their physical traits and traditional Aboriginal uses. The guide emphasizes accessibility for diverse audiences, using simple language and a balance of visuals and text to appeal to both beginners and experts in plant identification. Grounded in respect for the Traditional Owners of the land, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong/Boon Wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation, the project integrates traditional ecological knowledge to highlight Aboriginal approaches to environmental stewardship. These knowledge systems, communicated through oral traditions, art, and cultural practices, inspired the structure and content of the guide. By including Aboriginal names and uses of plants, the guide bridges cultural knowledge with ecological awareness, encouraging the development of a holistic understanding of sustainability for its users. Through its focus on localization, Aboriginal perspectives, and hands-on engagement with nature, this field guide demonstrates how creative science communication can encourage sustainable interactions with the environment. It aims to inspire users to appreciate and protect Melbourne’s unique biodiversity.