In 1978, an area of bushland in South Turramurra was threatened with destruction by plans to build a netball complex. Residents were galvanised into action to try to save this natural area and so STEP was formed. That particular fight was lost, but from this small beginning STEP has grown to become a vital force in conservation in northern Sydney. Click here for more information on our history, aims and achievements.
STEP questions the conventional wisdom. Urban environmentalism is much more than fighting against loss of natural areas. It is essential to look many decades ahead and to educate and inspire the community to appreciate what we have if the battle against the unthinking and destroyers is to be won. Natural areas may be maintained by regeneration and maintenance but they can only be saved if they are not lost, piece by piece, to our ever increasing need for housing, schools, roads, playing fields, hospitals and all the other developments our governments are imposing upon us.
By joining STEP you will demonstrate that you are concerned about retaining the local environment for the future. We draw our members from far and wide but we are primarily concerned with Ku-ring-gai, Hornsby and surrounding suburbs. Each year we organise walks and talks, produce newsletters, make submissions and support environmental education. We've published books and maps of walking tracks.
Latest News
STEP 2012 against funding cuts to Lane Cove National Park
Newpaper article online link - http://hornsby-advocate.whereilive.com.au/news/story/ofarrell-called-on-to-reverse-funds-cut/
2011 - STEP Matters, Issue 162
Download a copy of our latest newsletter [.pdf]
Bushland of the Lane Cove Valley: Field Guide now available ... order your copy now!
The long awaited and extensively revised full colour Field Guide to the Bushland of the Lane Cove Valley by Dr John Martyn is now available for purchase. This is the first time this iconic publication has been revamped and updated. The contents have been reviewed by experts and augmented with many new entries, making it the most authoritative publication of its kind in the region. All profits will go to our environmental conservation and education efforts read more…
STEP Current lecture 2011
Talk ‘Saving civilisation is not a spectator sport’
by Pepe Clarke - CEO of the Nature Conservation Council of New South Wales - Download the podcasts (MP3, 1, 2 & 3)
Walks
Information about various walks in 2012 will be available in mid Feb or March.
Marine Parks
Read about STEP's signed support for read more ...
Bushland Tracks and Trails
In response to the on-going community dabate about the construction of new tracks and trails in urban bushland, STEP has published a position paper read more ...