Wild Westernport: BioBlitz Walk
Description
🌿 Wild Westernport: BioBlitz Walk 🌿
Spot. Snap. Share. Discover the biodiversity of Warringine.
👋 This event is for young adults aged 18–35.
How well do you know the wild side of Westernport? 👀🌿
Join Mornington Peninsula Intrepid Landcare for a relaxed biodiversity adventure along the Bittern Coastal Wetlands Boardwalk at Warringine Park, starting from Salmon Street in Hastings.
As part of the 2026 Biodiversity Blitz on iNaturalist, we'll explore this incredible local wetland and see just how many species we can discover together — from birds and insects to plants, fungi and everything in between.
And there's no need to be an expert!
We'll introduce you to iNaturalist, a free citizen science app that helps you identify and record the species you encounter. You'll learn how to make observations, get species identifications and contribute your sightings to a global biodiversity database used by scientists, researchers and nature lovers around the world. 📱🔎
🌏 Discover biodiversity in the Western Port Biosphere
We'll be exploring a pretty special part of the world.
Warringine sits within the Mornington Peninsula and Western Port Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-recognised Biosphere Reserve known for its internationally significant wetlands and incredible biodiversity.
It's a chance to explore these wetlands, learn more about the species that call them home and discover why protecting places like this matters. 🌱🦆🦋
☕ Stay for lunch & good company
Once we've finished exploring, we'll head into Hastings for lunch at a local café or pub.
Our current idea is Steaming Mugs, with the final location confirmed once we know how many people are keen to stick around.
This is more than just a walk — it's an opportunity to meet other young people who love nature, share what you've discovered, swap your favourite observations and spend a Sunday connecting with your local environment and community. 💚
What to expect
🌿 Explore the Bittern Coastal Wetlands Boardwalk
🔎 Search for and identify local species
📱 Learn how to use iNaturalist
🔬 Contribute to citizen science through the 2026 Biodiversity Blitz
🌏 Discover the biodiversity of the Western Port Biosphere
☕ Grab lunch and hang out with fellow young nature lovers afterwards
No previous iNaturalist, Landcare or biodiversity experience is needed!
Whether you're already a biodiversity nerd or you're simply curious about what lives around the corner from you, come along and have a look. You never know what we'll find. 👀
📍 Meeting point: Salmon Street, Hastings — Bittern Coastal Wetlands Boardwalk, Warringine Park
📅 Sunday 13 September 2026
⏰ 11:00 am start
🥾 What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, water, weather-appropriate clothing and your phone
🧼 Good hygiene: We'll have hand sanitiser available — please use it after the walk and before lunch.
📱 iNaturalist: Download the app before arriving if you can
☕ Lunch: Optional — we'll confirm the final venue based on registrations
Come curious. Get outside. Discover something wild. 🌿
🐦 A quick wildlife health note
As we'll be exploring a wetland and looking for wildlife, we ask everyone to please avoid touching or approaching any sick or dead birds or other wildlife.
H5 avian influenza (bird flu) has recently been detected in wild birds in Victoria. While the risk to the general public is considered low, avoiding contact with sick or dead wildlife is an important precaution. If you notice sick or dead birds during the walk, please let one of the organisers know rather than approaching or handling them.
We'll keep an eye on any updated advice from relevant authorities and will let registered participants know if anything changes before the event.
FAQs
- 👋 Who is this event for?
This event is specifically for young adults aged 18–35. Whether you're already passionate about conservation, curious about local biodiversity, new to Landcare or simply looking to meet some like-minded people outdoors — you're welcome!
Please note: this event is limited to participants aged 18–35.
- What is the 2026 Biodiversity Blitz?
The Biodiversity Blitz is a citizen science event on iNaturalist where people across Australia can get outside, discover local biodiversity and record the species they find. Our observations will contribute to a bigger picture of Australia's incredible biodiversity.
- Do I need to know anything about iNaturalist?
Not at all! This event is designed to be beginner-friendly. We'll show you how to use iNaturalist and help you make observations along the way. If you're already an iNaturalist pro, we'd love to have you share your knowledge too!
- Do I need to be a Landcare or conservation volunteer?
Nope! You don't need any previous Landcare, conservation or citizen science experience. Whether you're a nature nerd, a budding environmentalist or just keen to get outside and meet some people, you're welcome.
- How long will the walk go for?
We'll start walking at 11:00 am and the length of the walk will be fairly relaxed and flexible depending on what we discover along the way. After the walk, you're welcome to join us for lunch and continue socialising. There is no set finish time for the day.
- What should I bring?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, water, weather-appropriate clothing and your phone. We recommend downloading iNaturalist before the event if you can. Binoculars and cameras are also welcome!
- What happens if the weather is bad?
We'll keep an eye on the weather and let registered participants know if the event needs to be postponed or changed. Please come prepared for Victorian weather — you never quite know what you'll get! 🌦️
- Is lunch included?
Lunch isn't included in the event registration. After the walk, we'll head to a local café/pub for anyone who would like to stick around. We're currently looking at Steaming Mugs in Hastings, with the final venue confirmed once we know numbers. Everyone will purchase their own food and drinks.
- Are there any wildlife safety considerations? 🐦
Yes. As we're exploring a wetland, please don't touch or approach sick or dead birds or other wildlife. If you see any concerning wildlife during the walk, let one of the organisers know rather than approaching it. We'll also follow any current advice from relevant authorities.
- What if I don't know anyone?
Come along anyway! 💚 This event is designed to be a relaxed opportunity to meet other young people interested in nature, conservation and the environment. You don't need to bring a friend — we'll make sure there's plenty of opportunity to chat, explore and get to know each other.
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