NCSSA is a recognised peak body for biodiversity advocacy, research and education.  In these missions, NCSSA is as strong and as successful as its membership. 

Who can be a member of NCSSA?

You can.  Membership is for anyone who would like to learn more, and share their own knowledge, about the South Australian biological environment

• Participate in fieldwork and conservation based research
• Engage in environmental advocacy
• Visit places of natural beauty and interest with like-minded nature enthusiasts

What comes with your membership?

You can come along to our member's activities which include workshops, talks and fieldtrips. 

• You are invited to NCSSA's regular general meetings that involve special guests to speak on topical South Australian issues.
• You can participate in our annual biological survey, utilising standard survey methods and tools to deliver quality data to our South Australian NRM bodies and government agencies. 
• You will have opportunities to contribute to co-ordinated comment on government conservation initiatives and development proposals. 
• You can develop new skills, meet people and have a say in how we run the NCSSA by joining a committee to help coordinate our activities
• You will receive your copy of ‘Xanthopus', our newsletter that brings you the latest updates on NCSSA happenings and issues related to South Australia's biodiversity.

What are NCSSA's achievements for the biodiversity of South Australia?

From its member-driven base NCSSA has taken action on many varied environmental issues since its formation in 1963. 

A major objective of the NCSSA has been to ensure that South Australia has a comprehensive and representative reserve system. This is vital to ensure that the State's native plants and animals are conserved in their natural environment.  The Society has sought the addition of new reserves and opposed the withdrawal of existing reserves when necessary. It has been NCSSA policy to support such campaigning with objective facts, and the annual biological survey has been pivotal to NCSSA achievements in lobbying for additions to the reserve system.

The Society has played a strong role in the formation and development of environmental legislation such as the original Native Vegetation Management Act in 1985 and the Native Vegetation Act 1991. It is now obvious that conservation reserves alone will not ensure the survival of all of the State's plants and animals, and that as much native habitat as remains is needed to conserve the biological diversity of South Australia. The Society has played a major role in the promotion of biodiversity conservation on a range of land tenures including Heritage Agreements and in integrating biodiversity objectives into the whole range of land management decisions.

The Society conducts scientific research related to environmental protection and management. Studies done by, or on behalf of the Society, are published as reports and made available to the public through sale and distribution to libraries and government institutions. Grant funding supports this work, awarded on scientific merit from a number of grant sources.

The Society is also active in public education through activities such as an extension program of biodiversity understanding and management workshops for rural landholders, 25 years of the Sunday morning "Walks with Nature" series, biological skill and knowledge development for members, informative general meetings open to the public, and through its newsletter Xanthopus.

By offering your support, you can help protect the biodiversity of South Australia.  A strong membership base helps NCSSA demonstrate that the community of South Australia values its environment.  Join your voice with ours to strengthen the message of advocacy for our native plants, animals and ecosystems.

There are four types of membership

• $25  Concession
  
• $40  Single
• $50  Family
• $66  Group

You are invited to join on-line with your credit card or, if  you would prefer, download an application_form and post in to us at 260 Franklin Street, Adelaide, 5000.