Shellharbour City Council is inviting everyone to take part in the third annual BioBlitz. This fun, hands on event will be held over two days on Friday 7 and 8 Saturday November at Croom Reserve, Albion Park Rail.
Caption: Citizen Scientist recording a plant at BioBlitz. Image courtesy of Shellharbour City Council.
BioBlitz is all about exploring the outdoors, spotting plants and animals, and learning more about the amazing biodiversity of our local area. You don't need to be a scientist, just bring your curiosity and love for nature.
This year, experts from the University of Wollongong, Council staff and local ecologists will be there to guide participants through different sessions across the two days. The BioBlitz kicks off on the Friday night with the Guided Spotlight Walk, in search of nocturnal wildlife like Sugar Gliders and Tawny Frogmouths.
On Saturday, a full day of events starts in the morning with the Bird Blitz guided by experts from the Illawarra Birders, who will help you learn more about local birds and identify and record as many species as we can.
Wildlife Watch rounds out the morning discovering the diversity of the nearby woodlands, seeking to find species like Eastern Dwarf Tree Frogs, Blue Bearded Bees and Jacky Dragons.
The afternoon focuses on plant life with Croom Blooms, before the BioBlitz wraps up with another Guided Spotlight Walk.
Mayor Chris Homer said BioBlitz is a wonderful opportunity for the community to connect and discover more about our local environment.
"BioBlitz is a fun and active way to learn about our local ecosystem while contributing to real science," Mayor Homer said.
"If you're looking for something new to try, or just want to enjoy the spring season, now's your chance. Who knows, you might even discover a new hobby?"
Participating in BioBlitz helps contribute to the scientific community's understanding of the local ecosystem, while offering hands-on experience in biodiversity identification and data collection.
In 2024, 83 people joined in and recorded 556 observations and identified 217 different species using the iNaturalist app.
As we'll be exploring the local bushland, please remember your protective clothing, shoes, sunscreen and hat. Spaces are limited, click here to book your free spot now(Opens in a new window).
