On World Environment Day today, two city-based naturalists separated by half a century share their experiences, and hopes for a greener Mumbai
An Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher in Panvel
Renee Vyas, senior naturalist, 70
My first spark: I was pursuing a field Botany course at the Bombay Natural History Society in the 2000s, for which I would spend time in the Aarey Forest, Sanjay Gandhi National Park and the coasts of Mumbai. Morning walkers at these spots would often ask us to identify their favourite trees and plants in the area. I realised that many Mumbaikars are unaware of the city’s green wealth, which sparked my journey in science communication.
Renee Vyas conducts a nature education session
My ideal green weekend: A walkthrough of the Mumbai Zoo followed by the Heritage Garden in Powai.
Message for the new generation: Get yourself out there and learn about the diverse flora and fauna of Mumbai. Discuss and ask questions to everyone around you and then make it your mission to spread the knowledge as far as you can.
Must reads: Trees of Mumbai by Marselin Almeida and Naresh Chaturvedi, Butterflies of Mumbai by Nelson Rodrigues, The Book of Indian Birds by Dr Salim Ali.
The 70-year-old naturalist climbs a tree. PICS COURTESY/RENEE VYAS
What keeps me going: At 70, I am just as excited when I come across a pretty butterfly, a spider or a familiar tree. Thanks to the field work, I’m still physically capable of climbing a few trees in Aarey Forest and at Maharashtra Nature Park.
A flower basket from Vyas’s recent nature trail
Ishaan Prabhudesai, BSc student and trail leader, 19
My first spark: I grew up watching wildlife from around the world on Animal Planet. The question of what Mumbai was hiding was always simmering in my mind. When I headed to a marine walk in Juhu, I spotted my first marine creatures — baby eels, hermit crabs, and horseshoe limpets — I was blown away. I soon started interning with a naturalist collective and now I lead trails to spread the joy among Mumbaikars.
Indian pitta. PICS COURTESY/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
My ideal green weekend: Two visually striking birds — the Indian Pitta known for its nine-coloured plumage, and the Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher aka Khandya — can be sighted this season. While the former can be spotted on trails in Karjat, the Khandya is common in the Karnala Bird Sanctuary.
Message for the older generation: Please stop building vacation homes in areas with lush green covers and taking pride in it. These areas are home to thriving ecosystems that the next generation might never get to see.
The White Rumped Shama, common sighting at Matheran Hill. PICs COURTESY/ISHAAN PRABHUDESAI
Must reads: Birds of the Indian Subcontinent by Richard Grimmet, A Naturalist’s Guide to the Reptiles of India by Indraneil Das and Abhijit Das.
What keeps me going: Each trek entails a 4-km walk on an average. It keeps me fit, and inculcates a sense of discipline that a lot of young individuals struggle with.
Ishaan Prabhudesai at TS Chanakya wetlands in Navi Mumbai
Play your part
>> Gift green
Get your hands on the Bombay Natural History Society’s ceramic mugs, water bottles and tote bags sporting Mumbai’s avian icon, William the hornbill. The memorabilia combo is on a special discount this week.
TILL June 7
AVAILABLE shop.bnhs.org
COST Rs 699 (three-piece combo)
>> Walk the talk
A timely talk by Lubaina Rangwala, associate director of the World Resources Institute will reveal the complexities of framing a climate action plan for the Maximum City.
ON Today; 11.20 am
AT Valecha Hall, Vidyanidhi Marg, Sainath Nagar, Juhu.
LOG ON TO @k.r.v.i.a
ENTRY RSVP mandatory
>> Plant a change
Begin your gardening journey by planting your first microgreens (below) at this workshop.
ON Today; 9 am
AT Maharashtra Nature Park, Sion.
CALL 8976451433
ENTRY Revealed on request
>> Clean sweep
The Sanjay Gandhi National Park is in for a squeaky-clean scrubbing. Join hands with volunteers for a productive morning.
ON Today; 7 am to 9 am
MEETING POINT NIC Amphitheatre, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali East.
>> Get hands-on
Join a series of workshops that will guide you in making DIY planters and shaping clay animal models, followed by a nature-themed treasure hunt.
ON Today; 10.30 am onwards
AT Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Fort.
LOG ON TO @csmvs
ENTRY RSVP mandatory
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