Barwon Platypus Detectives: A Citizen Science Adventure
Join in the fun!
Join Corangamite CMA, Barwon Water and the Upper Barwon Landcare Network for a hands-on citizen science event helping to monitor one of Australia's most iconic and elusive species, the platypus.
Using environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling techniques, participants will help collect valuable data from waterways across the Barwon River Catchment. The information gathered will contribute to a growing dataset that helps scientists and land managers better understand platypus distribution and habitat use, while informing future waterway restoration, environmental water management and infrastructure planning.
No previous experience is required. Training and equipment will be provided on the day.
This is a great opportunity to learn about platypus monitoring, contribute to real scientific research and connect with others who care about the health of our local waterways.
Why attend?
By taking part, you'll help:
Monitor platypus populations across key waterways in the Barwon River Catchment.
Contribute to long-term environmental datasets, building on surveys conducted in 2018, 2020, 2021 and 2024.
Support waterway restoration and habitat improvement projects.
Inform future environmental water delivery and infrastructure planning.
Learn about environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring techniques.
Connect with local conservation groups, Landcare volunteers and waterway managers.
Make a meaningful contribution to citizen science and waterway stewardship.
Who should attend?
This event is suitable for:
Community members interested in local conservation
Landcare volunteers and members
Citizen scientists
Nature enthusiasts
Students and environmental volunteers
Anyone interested in platypus conservation and waterway health
No prior scientific experience is necessary.
Agenda
- 9:45 am
Registrations open
- 10:00 am
Welcome and Acknowledgement of Country
Safety briefing
Platypus eDNA sampling training
Training and equipment provided
Allocation of monitoring sites and survey teams
All attendees will be allocated a specific site on the Barwon River to conduct their sampling. For safety reasons, no participant will monitor a site individually.
- 11:00 am
Field sampling at waterways throughout the catchment
From 11am attendees will travel to their allocated testing sites and start sampling. Please note - attendees will need to provide their own transport to sites and carpooling may be involved.
Collection of eDNA samples and simple habitat observations
Refreshments and event wrap-up
Attendees can return to Birregurra to drop off their samples and have some light refreshments.
What to bring
Please wear and bring:
Your own transportation - field surveys will involve driving to assigned locations (no further than 30 mins)
Enclosed footwear
Weather-appropriate clothing
Hat
Water bottle
Sunscreen
A sense of adventure!
All sampling equipment and safety gear will be provided.
Please Note
Accessibility and Safety
A safety induction will be provided before the field component of the event.
Participants will be travelling to various monitoring locations and may encounter uneven ground near waterways.
Please contact the organisers if you have any accessibility requirements.
Carpooling - For safety reasons, participants are required to attend monitoring sites with at least one other person. Because of this, carpooling may be involved.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
