Do you consider yourself a bit of a citizen scientist who has an insatiable curiosity about the world around you?
Well, Lake Macquarie Council has sifned up to an ambitious international project to identify plant and animal species across the Southern Hemisphere and you can take part!
It’s called the Great Southern Bioblitz and it was launched through the online science platform iNaturalist, with the aim to connect people with nature while creating a catalogue of scientific information.
Running from Friday 25 September to Monday 28 September, the event will span three continents – Australia, Africa and South America.
While the official event is slated for later in the month Lake Mac participants can sign up and upload their finds at any time through the Great Southern Bioblitz website.
“All residents need to do is sign up to the website and start recording the native flora and fauna that surrounds them,” Council’s senior sustainability engagement officer Margo Smith said.
“This is a COVID-safe activity. Members of the community can participate from their own backyard or head to one of our bushland reserves, beaches, the lake or state parks.
“You don’t have to travel far; you just have to enjoy nature, take time to observe the plants and critters around you and take a photo or two on your phone or camera.”
For those who would like to build their skills and learn more about Biodiversity in the Southern Hemisphere, a series of free online seminars will be held from September 3 -12. Head here to book
The Great Southern Bioblitz is on from Friday 25 September to Monday 28 September. Head here for more information.
