Join us for our August Gecko Talk with Jessica Lovegrove-Walsh, Founder of Friends of Parks Queensland, as we explore the fascinating world of threatened butterflies and the habitats they depend on.

From Australia’s largest subtropical butterfly, the Richmond birdwing, to the elusive and cryptic Illidge’s ant-blue, which has not been reliably recorded on the Gold Coast for over 50 years, this talk will reveal the remarkable stories behind two of our most threatened local species.

Through the Fluttering Wings citizen science project, volunteers are helping scientists uncover vital information about these butterflies and the habitats they rely on. Jessica will share how everyday people are contributing to exciting discoveries and supporting conservation efforts right here on the Gold Coast.

Along the way, you’ll learn how one butterfly species has convinced ants to perform full-time childcare, why insects are often the missing link in conservation, and how you can play a key role in protecting the Gold Coast’s unique natural environment.

Jessica Lovegrove-Walsh is the Founder of Friends of Parks Queensland, established in 2022 to strengthen and connect community-led conservation groups across the state. She also founded Friends of Nerang National Park in 2020. Jess is passionate about connecting communities with nature and science, and fostering collaboration to address today’s environmental challenges. Her work with Friends of Nerang National Park and other local environmental initiatives has earned her multiple awards across the Gold Coast, and in 2024–25, she was selected as one of Queensland’s inaugural Biosecurity Ambassadors.

Whether you are a seasoned nature enthusiast, curious about backyard wildlife, or simply love beautiful butterflies, this engaging presentation will leave you looking at butterflies, insects and the surrounding bushland in a whole new way.

Gecko Talks is a series of free community talks designed to connect people with environmental issues, expert knowledge and great conservation stories.

The series is proudly supported by Currumbin RSL.