Spend some time in the company of some of South Australia's most passionate and knowledgeable 'nature buffs' and find out what it's really like to work with nature.
Bevvies with Biologists is a chance to hear from some of the people who made their love of nature a career.
If you're an aspiring ecologist, a scientist inspired by your peers, a wildlife warrior or a curious someone who loves to know more about the lives and adventures of others - this event is for you.
The main event is a panel discussion with some of the State's leading conservation biologists, across different fields and cohorts, to talk about their plans, passions and pains.
There will be stories from the field and lots of time for hard and interesting questions from our host and audience, all skillfully juggled by MC and biologist herself, Dr Wendy Telfer.
It's a rare opportunity to see behind the scenes and swap stories with other nature lovers, from students to seniors.
What better backdrop than the Wheatsheaf Hotel and we'd love to pack it full of people keen on the environment and of course, there will be plenty of time before and after (and good bevvies) to share.
Our 2026 Biologists
Jason van Weenen
Jason van Weenen is an ecologist and Urban Biodiversity Team Leader with Green Adelaide, within South Australia’s Department for Environment and Water. He has more than 25 years’ experience in threatened species conservation, native species management and urban biodiversity. Jason has worked extensively on conservation projects across South Australia, including threatened species recovery, habitat restoration and the management of wildlife in urban environments. He has a particular expertise in grey-headed flying foxes and has been involved in their conservation and management since they first established in South Australia in 2010.
His work also spans native fish, birds, reptiles and other urban wildlife, with a strong focus on finding practical ways for people and nature to thrive together in Adelaide. Outside his professional role, Jason is involved in bushland restoration and volunteering for wildlife conservation projects and leading biodiversity conservation activities on one of SA’s offshore islands.
Dr Julie Schofield
Dr Julie Schofield is a Senior Landscape Officer with Green Adelaide, bringing a strong background in ecology, threatened species conservation and science communication. Julie has worked across a range of environmental roles, and her work has taken her from Australia to Madagascar, where she led research into reptile and amphibian responses to vegetation regrowth and mentored local students in ecological research. Julie is passionate about helping people discover and understand nature, from threatened species and diverse habitats to the fascinating quirks of individual plants and animals. She believes clear and engaging communication is essential to achieving meaningful environmental outcomes and protecting nature so that future generations can experience the same sense of wonder.
Julie is a self-described ecology generalist with a particular interest in threatened species and the ‘cool little things’ that make nature so remarkable. She is also a woman with a range of interesting hobbies.
Mitchell Livingston
Mitchell Livingston is the Seedbank Manager at Trees For Life, where he plays a key role in collecting, preserving and managing native South Australian seed. Passionate about native plants, conservation and the landscapes they call home, Mitchell enjoys the hands-on nature of his work and the opportunity to contribute to the protection and restoration of South Australia’s unique biodiversity. His seed-collecting experience spans a wide range of environments, particularly semi-arid areas, and now takes him across South Australia.
Mitchell is particularly inspired by the idea that the seeds collected today can help shape healthier, more resilient landscapes for generations to come. Mitchell is one of the 2026 Nature Festival Seed Stewards.
