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Join the Biodiversity Blitz by recording species with the iNaturalist app to celebrate Baw Baw biodiversity this September

Baw Baw's largest citizen science project, the Biodiversity Blitz. By using the iNaturalist app, participants can record local plant and animal species throughout September, contributing to an educational effort to document Shire's biodiversity.

By news@gippsland - 27th August 2024 - Back to News

To celebrate Biodiversity month this September, council is inviting the community to take part in the Biodiversity Blitz and join Baw Baw's biggest citizen science project to date. To take part in the Biodiversity Blitz, residents can download the free iNaturalist app, then get out in nature and record as many plant and animal species as possible using the app during the month of September.

Residents can download or purchase Friends of Drouin's Trees books locally. Join the Biodiversity Blitz event at Uralla Nature Reserve on Saturday, 7 September, followed by a free BBQ

Citizen science competition

The project is both fun and educational, helping to identify the diversity of flora, fauna and fungi found throughout Baw Baw Shire's parklands and nature reserves. The program also features a competition. Participating residents will be flying the flag for Baw Baw and competing with other Shires in a friendly competition to see who can record the most species.

Baw Baw Shire Mayor Cr Annemarie McCabe said it's never been easier to become a citizen scientist. "With Spring on the way, this September is the perfect opportunity to get outside, get curious and get involved in discovering all the nature that our beautiful Baw Baw Shire has to offer. We hope that this interactive app will encourage our community to get inspired by nature and spot some of our local flora and fauna," the Mayor said.

To access the iNaturalist app for iOS or Android, and to register your participation in the Biodiversity Blitz for Baw Baw Shire, please go to iNaturalist website.

Friends supporting nature

The Mayor added that Baw Baw was lucky to have the Friends of Drouin's Trees helping to spread the word. "Additionally, we are fortunate to have Friends of Drouin's Trees in our community working tirelessly to create books, posters and events aimed at getting people inspired and involved in nature. We encourage local nature lovers to get a copy of their books identifying bird life, flora, fauna and fungi that call the Drouin and West Gippsland areas home."

Residents can download a printable version of each book by Friends of Drouin's Trees either online or purchase a hard copy from many local retailers. Friends of Uralla Nature Reserve are joining with Baw Baw Shire Council to run a community event for as part of the Biodiversity Blitz at Uralla Nature Reserve, 155 Giles Road, Trafalgar South on Saturday 7 September from 10.30am to midday with a free barbeque to follow.

For more information about biodiversity initiatives happening in Baw Baw Shire, go to Biodiversity page on council's website.

Pictures from Baw Baw Biodiversity website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com