Join the festival of science in nature!

A BioBlitz is an effort by the community, working with scientists and naturalists, to discover and record as many different species as possible within our chosen site for a set period. We'll obtain new information for the site, while sharing the joy of science in general and the discovery of our local biodiversity in particular.

This year’s Extinction Matters BioBlitz is taking place on 20-21 October at Kelcey Tier Greenbelt, Devonport.

The event is a partnership between the Bookend Trust and Devonport City Council.

This will be the fifth Extinction Matters BioBlitz, run by the Bookend Trust together with the local council on a council reserve. For more information on these, see the Extinction Matters BioBlitzes website.

From Basecamp, you will be able to discover information on plant and animal species found on the site, and participate in surveys throughout the period, to help find as many species as we can. Join experts for a dawn bird survey; see what you can spot during surveys for orchids, beetles, fungi and more through the day; help search for bats, moths, owls, frogs and more through the night.

Before the day, you may like to sign-up to iNaturalist – download the iNaturalist app and register as an observer on the project 'Extinction Matters BioBlitz Kelcey Tier' so that you can help to record the discoveries.

You can book into surveys now! - via 'Get tickets', at the top of this page.

Surveys on Friday morning are for school students only and are not available through Humanitix, but from 3:00 pm all activities will be available for everyone, young and old, running into night time surveys for species such as moths and bats, through to dawn bird surveys the following day and plenty more till 4 pm in the afternoon on Saturday 21 October. Surveys can be booked through Humanitix or by phone to Devonport City Council (see below).

Everyone is welcome - from curious members of the public to expert scientists - so come and contribute to this community effort. Spare an hour at one of the events, or jump in boots and all!

More surveys are still to be added to the ticketing list! For updates, follow the Extinction Matters BioBlitzes Facebook page.

If you experience difficulties booking on Humanitix, you can call Devonport City Council on 6424 0511.

Other activities

There'll be intermittent opportunities for related activities at Basecamp which you won't need to book, including – during the daytime – species to examine under microscope, and scientists and naturalists to chat to. A moth lamp will be running on the Friday evening. On Saturday, 10 am - 2 pm Devonport Regional Gallery will be on site with art materials, while Giggly Face Painting will be busy painting Kelcey-Tier-themed artwork.

Directions

Please enter the BioBlitz from Williams Reservoir Road and head to the Basecamp to check in when you arrive.

Here are the Google map directions to Williams Reservoir Road, Kelcey Tier.

Important information for those booking an activity

We want everyone to have a safe, comfortable and inspiring time during all the surveys and activities so please take note of any clothing or equipment you should bring to an activity. Once you book into an activity you will receive information on what to bring. We recommend everyone wear sturdy footwear and bring clothing to suit changing weather conditions, plus sunscreen and a water bottle. We're working in groups – so if you are sick, please stay at home; and we warmly support you to wash hands regularly and wear a mask as necessary.

We are excited to be promoting a child friendly event, but all children must be accompanied by a supervising adult and follow the instructions of the team leader at all times.

Please note - when on an activity participants are advised NOT to bring dogs or any other pet.

Frequently asked questions

What is a BioBlitz?

A BioBlitz is a festival of science in nature - an effort by the community, working with scientists and naturalists, to discover and record as many living things as possible within each site for a set period (30 hours in this case). We'll obtain new information for each site, while sharing the joy of science in general and the discovery of our local biodiversity in particular.

Where is the 2023 Extinction Matters BioBlitz?

Kelcey Tier Greenbelt, Devonport.

Park and sign in at BioBlitz BaseCamp - on Williams Reservoir Road.

I’ve booked into a survey, what happens next?

In the week leading up to the BioBlitz, detailed information will be emailed out to all participants who have booked to attend a survey. On the day you will be attending the BioBlitz, please arrive at least 10 minutes before the start of the activity to sign in at the allocated meeting point. Please allow plenty of time to get to the allocated meeting point.

What do I have to do to book into an activity?

Surveys can be booked through Humanitix (see the 'Get Tickets' button at the top of this page). If you experience difficulties registering on Humanitix, you can call Devonport City Council on 6424 0511.

All participants need to sign in and out of the activity at the Basecamp - Williams Reservoir Road (or another allocated meeting point if specified by email) prior to participating in any surveys.

Do I have to register for activities before the day?

We recommend participants register for surveys before the day to ensure you get a spot; however, there will be a range of additional activities at Basecamp. Bookings are not required to take part in any of the activities at Basecamp. At Basecamp you may get the chance to see live animals and plants, help with identification, use microscopes and talk to local experts.

How do I get to the BioBlitz?

You can walk, bike ride or drive to Williams Reservoir Road. See above for directions to Basecamp. Please note that access is via private road, so pay careful attention and obey signage.

During the BioBlitz, parking will be available at Williams Reservoir Road.

Is there a charge for activities?

No, all activities are free!

How many surveys can I register for?

You can register for as many surveys as you like. (Just take care not to book one person to do several surveys at once!)

What if it’s wet, cold and windy?

The BioBlitz will go ahead as long as it's safe to do so. Many surveys can go ahead when weather conditions are not favourable. If the BioBlitz cannot go ahead, participants will be informed by email and via our Facebook page.

What facilities are there?

There are toilets and drinking water available at the site.

At Basecamp, a food van will be selling hot food and drinks from 7.30 am till early afternoon on Saturday, and hot drinks will be available on the Friday evening (bring a keep cup if you can).

BYO food is also welcome.

Where can I contact the organiser with any questions?

For questions, or if you experience difficulties booking on Humanitix, you can call Devonport City Council on 6424 0511.

What if I cannot make an activity I booked into?

If you are no longer able to attend an activity or you made a mistake, please follow the prompts to cancel your ticket. If you have any issues please email council@devonport.tas.gov.au or call Devonport City Council on 6424 0511.