Join us to appreciate the beautiful sights and sounds of the Pakapakanthi/ Victoria Park wetland at dawn, while measuring and recording key indicators of the wetland’s ecological heath. And learn how new technologies can deepen our understanding of this new wetland habitat.

You will take part in an early morning citizens’ “Snapshot” (survey) of the Pakapapakanthi wetland’s biodiversity – help count the total number, and identify the species of water birds in the wetland at dawn, and on your phone upload, to the iNaturalist App, photos and sound recordings of the birds, insects, frogs and plants you see and hear.

Dr Jake Robinson, a Flinders University ecologist, who is dedicated to making ecological sciences understandable and fun, will then take us on a journey of discovery showing how specialist sound recordings - underground, in the water and the air – can provide new insights into the rich and complex world of soil invertebrates, aquatic creatures and bats. In order to join us, Jake will be taking a short break amidst a 10-day 2000km bike ride to help save SA’s biodiversity! You can read more about Jake and support his quest here.

The event is open and free, but to satisfy our insurance obligations, all those intending to come (including children) must be be registered individually.

Please keep an eye on the weather forecast for the 27th and be sure to bring warm clothes and a waterproof coat if required. Wear sturdy shoes (no sandals please), long sleeve shirt and long pants as you may need to get amongst the bushes.

Please download and familiarise yourself with the free iNaturalist App before you come. You can get helpful introductory information on the App at the SA Conservation Council's City Nature Challenge webinar(April 16) and from these short tutorials on how to take and optimise photos. Tim Mares, a Green Pakapakanthi volunteer, wetland nature photographer and iNaturalist exponent will also be available to provide assistance on the day. Apart from an iPhone or Android phone and some familiarity with the iNaturalist App, no special equipment or skill is needed. However, bring binoculars, if you have them- they could assist with species identification during the water bird survey.