Evening nature trail highlights Aarey Milk Colony’s rich biodiversity

Coppersmith Barbet; (right) Jumping Spider. Pics Courtesy/Naturalist Explorers

Aarey Milk Colony remains one of Mumbai's few green zones. Eco-tour agency Naturalist Explorers will conduct an immersive evening nature walk, offering some weekend respite from urban chaos.

Priyal Soni

"We want to change the general perception that nature trails are best suited for mornings; they can be apt for dusk as well," shares Priyal Soni, the platform's chief event curator. Participants will be taken around by a naturalist, and through interactive storytelling sessions, will be introduced to Aarey's ecology, its landscape, and its wildlife, including how it co-exists with humans and tribal communities residing there. "Currently, the season is ideal to spot fauna, ranging from Jumping and Signature Spiders to various butterflies. If lucky, participants can catch a glimpse of the Spotted Owlet," Soni reveals.

Flycatcher; (right) Ashy Drongo

A birdwatcher enthusiast herself, the curator points out some interesting species to keep an eye out for: "Examples include the Ashy Drongo, the Coppersmith Barbet, and the Indian Paradise Flycatcher." She mentions that many of these wildlife species are not exclusive to Aarey, but can be found around the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, including in Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivli. "We want attendees to connect with Aarey's biodiversity and understand how it contributes to climate change regulation in its own way. Only if people fall in love with it, will they come forward to protect it and adapt to more environmentally-friendly behaviour," Soni signs off.

An expert introduces participants to different natural elements during a previous walk in Aarey Milk Colony

ON January 17; 3.45 pm to 5.45 pm
MEETING POINT New Zealand Hostel, Aarey Colony, Goregaon.
MESSAGE 8976451433 (on WhatsApp)
ENTRY Rs 450 onwards