Malanda Landcare is hosting the Malanda BioBlitz on Saturday 9th November 2024 at Dungavel Park, Malanda.

Are you interested in learning more about our local wildlife?

Come and join a passionate community of scientists, students, and nature enthusiasts and take part in an intensive all-day biological study along the North Johnstone River, Malanda. The study aims to investigate the vast array of wildlife that inhabits our local area and build on our current knowledge of local biodiversity. This citizen science event is combined with an environmental expo where you can engage with local community groups and government organisations to learn about local wildlife and join in a range of nature-based activities on the day.

What is involved?

Participants and experts will conduct field surveys in the riparian community along the river and adjacent parkland to look for plants, birds, mammals, reptiles, insects, fungi and more.You can join in on surveys with local experts and learn about different survey techniques and how to observe and identify plants and animals.

Surveys will have limited numbers and are expected to fill up fast, so we are creating an online booking system through the Humanitix platform. If you want to secure a place look out for the booking link in an upcoming post. Other activities will not be as limited as the surveys and there will be plenty to see and do on the day. You can browse the stalls, take part in art and craft activities, get involved in workshop areas where experts and field participants will be identifying specimens and collating data where anyone interested can come by and assist or observe.

The data gathered during the BioBlitz will be uploaded to iNaturalist which is a global citizen science platform used to collect and share biodiversity data. Volunteers will be available on the day to help you navigate iNaturalist if needed. If you want to know more about how iNaturalist works, visit https://inaturalist.ala.org.au/

The BioBlitz program will include morning and afternoon bird surveys, vascular plant surveys with experienced botanists, aquatic invertebrate studies, investigating pitfall and leaf litter traps with local entomologists, mycology (fungi) field surveys, nature art with local botanical artists, turtle species identification and more.

A variety of short presentations will also be held on local wildlife topics.

There will be food and drink available for purchase on the day.

All ages are welcome, though children must be accompanied by an adult.

This is a free event and we encourage everyone in the community to come along and join us for a day of environmental scientific discovery.