Citizen science weekend: help us count what lives here

Saturday and Sunday  | Painkalac Valley, Aireys Inlet

Have you ever wanted to contribute to real ecological science? This month we are running our first citizen science weekend in the valley, and we need your eyes, ears and enthusiasm.

Over two days, trained volunteers and ecologists will lead small groups through different parts of the valley to record flora and fauna observations using the iNaturalist app. No scientific background is required, just curiosity and a willingness to look closely at the world around you.

Saturday will focus on birds and mammals, with an early morning session taking advantage of the best wildlife activity of the day. Sunday will shift attention to plants, fungi and invertebrates, with a particular focus on identifying areas where weed management is most urgently needed.

Participation is free. Sessions run in two-hour slots and spaces are limited to keep groups small and wildlife disturbance to a minimum. Register at [email/link] and indicate which sessions you would like to join.

All observations will be uploaded to a shared database and will directly inform the Painkalac Project’s restoration masterplan.