What exactly is a citizen science project?
Citizen Science is an opportunity for non-scientists and everyday people to participate in scientific research. It can involve data collection, analysis or crowdsourcing. It’s a great way for scientists to collect more widespread data, and use observations in the community to generate greater knowledge and understanding. It’s also an engaging way to connect with nature, to learn more about your local ecosystems and to participate in a fun community activity.
Why is BGCS hosting a citizen science project?
Native bees play a vital role in maintaining diverse ecosystems and sustaining the health of the native plants in the area. We can actively improve the health, diversity and numbers of pollinators in our region, which has flow-on effects to the surrounding grasslands and waterways. Our nearby neighbouring wetlands at Jacana are the perfect place to do this.
This project has been designed so that community members (citizen scientists!) can monitor the wildlife in these precious, local natural spaces. Participants will create bee hotels, install them at specific locations in the Jacana Wetlands and visit these sites to make observations and record data about native pollinators (or any other birds, frogs and insects) they notice.
Get involved!
Become a citizen scientist:
Participate by making nature observations and record them using a standardised mobile app (iNaturalist).
Bee hotel builders:
Build, install and monitor bee hotels to promote pollination and a healthier native environment.
Walk the walk:
We are also designing a walk so you can come back in your own time and observe and monitor the installed bee hotels. Not only can you observe pollinators, but all sorts of frogs, birds and insects – you can collect data about them all!
How do I record the data?
Using the citizen science app “iNaturalist”. This app is available for both iPhone and Android.
Observe the bee hotel for 15 minutes and record how many bees can you see in that time. Try to take a clear photograph of with your phone and share the data over the Whatsapp group or to our email: taryn.d@banksiagardens.org.au
Join us for a Community Citizen Science Day at Jacana Wetlands!
We will be installing our bee hotels in Jacana Wetlands, come and join us!
Day: Wednesday 25 November
Time: 11am
Location: Jacana Wetlands
Cost: FREE
For more event info and to register: Get tickets here through Humanitix.
To make this event COVID safe, we are capping the number of participants involved, so please only register if you’re committed to coming.
For more info, please contact Taryn:
