BioBlitz – An Opportunity for Community Connection
Capacity building - LEP_23-025_LLC04
The issue
Busy lifestyles can disconnect people from the natural environment, yet taking the time to observe nature can benefit mental health and wellbeing. Initiatives such the Great Southern BioBlitz offer a valuable opportunity to slow down and reconnect with nature. These experiences not only promote mindfulness but also foster a deeper, lasting connection to nature, counteracting the tendency to overlook or take the environment for granted amidst the demands of modern life.
The solution
The Great Southern BioBlitz is an annual, multi-national citizen science event held over one weekend each spring, utilising the iNaturalist platform to encourage collection of biodiversity observations. For the past three years, Corowa District Landcare (CDL) has been an area organiser for the Federation LGA BioBlitz, fostering both individual participation in citizen science, as well as hosting special events.
In 2024, CDL brought the BioBlitz to the ‘burbs, with an urban focus. The River Street Wetlands in Corowa served as the location for this year’s special event. Chosen for its ongoing volunteer-led maintenance and its potential to connect residents with their local environment, the wetlands also provide an opportunity to track environmental changes over time, with repeat spring surveys of the wetlands planned to build a record of biodiversity.
The impact
Hosting the event in a central location provided a valuable opportunity to bring community members together, many of whom were attending their first landcare event and had recently moved to the area. Participants gained insight into the site's ecology and embarked on self-led exploration of the wetland environment. Whilst some participants enthusiastically raced to record the highest number of species observations, others leisurely enjoyed the landscape at their own pace. An all-ages event encouraged families to attend, with children enjoying nature play, and taking part in a nature scavenger hunt.
Key facts
- CDL has organised the Federation LGA BioBlitz for three years, fostering community connection to nature.
- CDL’s 2024 BioBlitz was held at River Street Wetlands in central Corowa.
- 19 participants made 300 species observations in the Federation Council LGA in 2024.