Explore nature with us!

Join the Darebin Creek Management Committee team for a morning of observing the natural environment and recording our observations as part of the 2025 City Nature Challenge.

No experience needed – just bring a smartphone or camera and an interest in nature!

Learn to use iNaturalist to record and identify plants, animals and fungi
Discover CT Barling Reserve and the creatures that live there
Take part in a global challenge to improve our understanding of our natural environment

Familiar with the iNaturalist app? We’d love for you to join too. We’ll split into beginners and experienced users.

We're excited to start a new project along the Darebin Creek soon and need your help to identify the plants, animals, and fungi there! Your observations will help us support existing species and monitor the site's health over time.

Suitable for adults and children aged 7 and above. Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.

Meet at the CT Barling Reserve car park. We'll head southeast towards the Darebin Creek from there.

Please wear: sturdy closed-toe shoes, sun protection and weather-appropriate clothing.

Please bring: a smartphone or camera to make observations using the iNaturalist app.

We recommend downloading the free iNaturalist app and creating an account before the event to get ready for exploring.

Tips to help you get started

About the City Nature Challenge

The City Nature Challenge (April 25-28) is a global event where cities compete to record the most wild plants, animals, and fungi using the iNaturalist app.

By joining this challenge, the community helps build a comprehensive database of local species, supporting research and conservation.

Observations from the day will contribute to Darebin and Banyule City Councils’ projects and the Greater Melbourne City Nature Challenge collaboration project.