Lake Mac to participate in the Great Southern Bioblitz
Lake Macquarie City Council has signed up to an international project aiming to identify animal and plant species throughout the Southern Hemisphere.
Senior Sustainability Engagement Officer Margo Smith said the Great Southern Bioblitz was the perfect platform for anyone, of any age, to become citizen scientists and learn about the vast number of species found across Lake Mac.
Lake Mac participants can sign up and upload their finds at any time through the Great Southern Bioblitz website however the Bioblitz will officially take place from Friday 25 September to Monday 28th September.
The event will span three continents: Australia, Africa and South America.
“All residents need to do is sign up to the website and start recording the native flora and fauna that surrounds them,” Ms Smith said.
“Experts are on hand to assist with identification, and your observations will provide valuable data for scientific research.”
“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,” Ms Smith said.
The Great Southern Bioblitz was launched through the online science platform iNaturalist, with the aim to connect people with nature while creating a catalogue of scientific information.
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 3-12 September.
Go to eventbrite.com.au to book.
