Biodiversity Blitz 2024

Yarra Ranges Council is partnering with other Melbourne councils to see who can record the most species in iNaturalist during Biodiversity month. By participating you’ll learn about local plants and animals, be contributing to citizen science, creating real data that scientists and researchers can access and you'll also show the world the amazing flora and fauna found in the Yarra Ranges.

Councils taking part are Baw Baw, Bayside, Cardinia, Casey, Greater Dandenong, Frankston, Knox, Latrobe, Maroondah, Mornington, Nillumbik, Kingston and City of Yarra. You can keep track of who is leading the blitz at the Biodiversity Blitz 2024 Melbourne project page.

How to Participate

1. Download the iNaturalist app on your phone or create an account at iNaturalist.ala.org.au
2. Join the Yarra Ranges Biodiversity Blitz 2024 Project
3. Head outdoors between 1st and 30th September and take photos of flora (only naturally occurring plants should be contributed, not those that have been purchased/planted) and fauna and upload them to iNaturalist. Your observations will automatically be added to the Yarra Ranges project.

Respect the Environment

Take care when moving around in bushland areas:

• use designated paths so you don't step on plants or snakes
• never pick plants, this includes orchids
• never disturb nesting birds or chase wildlife

If you see young birds on the ground they are likely to be fledglings so please leave them. If you see an animal in need of assistance contact wildlifevictoria.org.au

How to use iNaturalist

If you’ve never used iNaturalist you can watch a short video (below) or a full webinar (scroll down).

The iNaturalist for Beginners webinar below was filmed for the 2022 Biodiversity Blitz. Ignore references to the 2022 blitz. You can join this year's blitz at inaturalist.ala.org.au/projects/biodiversity-blitz-2024-yarra-ranges

 

 

iNaturalist Community Champions 

Each year we hold an iNaturalist Community Champions webinar where community members and council staff across various areas talk about how they use iNaturalist.

Watch iNaturalist Community Champions 2022

Watch iNaturalist Community Champions 2023

Watch iNaturalist Community Champions 2024

 

When

Location

Yarra Ranges Shire