Biodiversity Blitz 2026

Next date: Tuesday, 01 September 2026 | 12:01 AM to Wednesday, 30 September 2026 | 11:59 PM

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 include Baw Baw, Casey, Hobsons Bay, Kingston, Knox, Manningham,  Latrobe,  Mornington Peninsula, Nillumbik, Whitehorse, Yarra Ranges. You can keep track of who is leading the blitz at the Melbourne Biodiversity Blitz 2026 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 2026 Project
3. Venture 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.
4. Check the leaderboard to see how Yarra Ranges is going against other Melbourne Councils. 

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

From quick start guides to interviews with local citizen scientists, the following videos will help you get to know iNaturalist and the joys of discovering and document local flora and fauna.

 

H5 Bird Flu 

If you notice sick or dead birds or other animals showing signs of bird flu, you should not touch them or get too close. Record your location and report multiple sick or dead birds or other animals to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

 

 

When

Location

Yarra Ranges Shire