David arrived in an old Holden, and from the moment we set off, I knew this was going to be a special day.

We spent hours walking around Professor's Hill, and even after editing this episode down to 46 minutes, there are so many stories I wish I could have included. David has an encyclopedic knowledge of Victoria's native flora, but what struck me most wasn't just what he knew. It was the way he looked at the landscape. Every few steps he'd stop, point something out, and another piece of the puzzle would fall into place.

I've looked up to David throughout my career. As a young conservationist, I remember lying in bed reading through the threatened plant lists he'd helped develop, cross-referencing species to try and understand Victoria's flora. His work on the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas, rainforest ecology and the conservation status of native plants has shaped the way many of us understand and protect the state's biodiversity.

When we first arrived at Professor's Hill, I thought it was just another patch of bush. By the time we'd finished our walk, I realised it was one of the most remarkable urban reserves I'd ever visited. David didn't just explain the plants growing there; he explained why the whole landscape mattered, and how that understanding helped protect it.

One of the things I admire most about David is that, despite everything he knows, he's an exceptional listener. As much as I've learned from him over the years, he's always genuinely interested in hearing other people's ideas. I think that's one of the marks of a great scientist and a great teacher.

I feel incredibly fortunate to know David, and I hope this episode gives you a sense of why he's so highly regarded by so many people working in conservation across Victoria.

https://www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/Explore/Parks-reserves-and-playgrounds/Professors-Hill-Reserve