Surf Coast BioBlitz

Welcome to the Surf Coast BioBlitz! 🌿🦋🐸

Join us for a day of biodiversity discovery, citizen science and community connection as we explore and document the incredible plants, animals and fungi that make the Surf Coast such a special place.

The Surf Coast BioBlitz is a free community event funded through the Surf Coast Shire Council Climate Emergency Grants Program, designed to bring together scientists, naturalists and community members to record local biodiversity while building awareness of climate resilience, conservation and environmental stewardship.

What is a BioBlitz?

A BioBlitz is an intensive biodiversity survey where experts and community members work together to find, identify and record as many species as possible within a single day. Using the citizen science platform iNaturalist, participants will contribute valuable biodiversity records that can support future conservation and environmental management.

No prior experience is required. Whether you're a seasoned naturalist or simply curious about the wildlife in your backyard, there's a place for you at the BioBlitz.

What to expect

• Guided survey groups led by professional ecologists, researchers and life scientists

• Learn how to use iNaturalist to record biodiversity observations

• Explore the Surf Coast alongside experts in birds, plants, insects, mammals, reptiles, frogs and ecology

• Connect with other nature enthusiasts and environmental organisations

• Contribute to real scientific data collection

• Hear from Field Experts during our end-of-day wrap-up session

• Catered lunch (vegan & vegetarian), provided by Mana Soul (please note that allergies cannot be catered for).

Event schedule

• 8:40am – Meet at shuttle bus at the Lorne Information Centre, 15 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne

• 9:00am – Arrival at BioBlitz site

• 9:00am - 9:20am – Participant check-in, iNaturalist support, group allocations and networking

• 9:20am - 9:30am – Event welcome, safety briefing and housekeeping

• 9:30am – Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony

• 10:00am – Morning survey session commences*

• 12:30pm – Lunch break and networking

• 1:30pm – Afternoon survey session

• 4:00pm – Species verification and summary of findings

• 4:15pm – Short presentations from selected Field Experts

• 4:45pm – Event wrap-up and close

*Timing may be adjusted slightly depending on the duration of the Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony and event logistics on the day.

Who can attend?

Everyone is welcome!

This event has been designed to be beginner-friendly and accessible to community members of all ages and experience levels. Families, students, photographers, birdwatchers, citizen scientists and anyone with an interest in nature are encouraged to attend.

Please note: this is an outdoor field-based event taking place in a natural environment. Participants should be comfortable walking on uneven ground and may encounter varying weather conditions, insects, snakes, and other wildlife. Appropriate clothing, footwear, sun protection and water are essential.

Location

The BioBlitz will be hosted at a biodiversity-rich site in the hinterland of Lorne. The site has amenities/facilities and a variety of habitats to explore. Please meet at the shuttle bus at the Lorne Information Centre, 15 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne.

What should I bring?

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Weather-appropriate clothing (including rain jacket)

• Water bottle

• Lunch (if special dietary needs) and extra snacks

• Lunch (vegan & vegetarian) has been provided by Mana Soul (please note that allergies cannot be catered for).

• Smartphone (recommended for iNaturalist)

• Curiosity and a sense of adventure!

Why participate?

The Surf Coast is home to an extraordinary diversity of native wildlife and ecosystems that face increasing pressures from climate change, habitat loss and invasive species. By participating in the Surf Coast BioBlitz, you'll help create a valuable snapshot of local biodiversity while learning from some of Victoria's leading ecologists and naturalists.

Come discover the hidden biodiversity of the Surf Coast and help us record as many species as possible in a single day!

Places are limited. Register early to secure your spot. 🌱🦎🦋🐦🍄

Acknowledgement of Country

The Surf Coast BioBlitz acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which this event will take place and pays respect to Elders past and present.

We acknowledge the Eastern Maar People as the Traditional Custodians of Country across much of south-western Victoria and recognise their enduring connection to land, waters, culture and community.

We recognise that caring for Country has occurred for tens of thousands of years and that Traditional Ecological Knowledge continues to play an important role in understanding, protecting and restoring our natural environment.

We extend our respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who join us for this event.