Get involved in Citizen Science 

You can support our natural environment by collaborating with other citizens and scientists around Australia by recording data on our local wildlife.

Council’s Environment team is encouraging local community members to engage in Citizen Science, an initiative that helps track information about our local environment.

Council Environmental Officer Samantha Pascall said this activity is perfect for anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors.

“We need help from local community members to get active in Citizen Science,” Ms Pascall said.

“When you engage in Citizen Science, you help your environment by gathering data on local plants and animals.

“All you have to do is download one of the many apps available and when you’re out enjoying our local nature reserves, just start recording what you see.”

A popular free app is iNaturalist, which allows users to simply upload a photo or sound recording that lets researchers know when and where you identified a particular plant or animal.

“If you’re not sure you have identified your sighting correctly, don't worry, as an expert verifies this before it is uploaded,” Ms Pascall said.

“The iNaturalist app also allows you to explore other sightings that have been observed within the area which means you learn more as you go.

“By simply observing, you can help scientists track species distributions and changes to their movements.

“It also helps Council to understand where our locally native species are most active and where our problem areas are.

“This, in-turn helps when applying for grants or for deploying active measures in a timely manner.”