Small Team, Big Discovery at Junee Reefs
Junee Regenerative Landcare is trying to focus on more hands-on activities to reconnect people with the local landscape. At the Junee Reefs Bioblitz participants recorded 78 observations and 52 species—including one never recorded in the shire. A great result from a small start!
Capacity building - LEP23_036_LLC2_8
The issue
Junee Regenerative Landcare, a relatively new Landcare group, has been working to move beyond meetings and get more people involved in hands-on activities that connect them with the local environment. The Great Southern Bioblitz was a chance to do just that—getting out on Country to observe, record and celebrate local biodiversity.
The solution
Running inclusive events like the Great Southern Bioblitz allows people to actively participate in observing and recording local biodiversity. Led by the group’s iNaturalist enthusiast, this activity provided a hands-on learning experience and made it easier for new people to get involved with Landcare. Participants explored the area, identified and recorded plants and wildlife using the iNaturalist app, and contributed valuable data to local and national biodiversity records.
The impact
Despite the weekend clashing with another local event and threatening weather, the Bioblitz at Junee Reefs went ahead. The small team recorded 78 observations across 52 species, including a plant not previously recorded in Junee Shire—Spur Goodenia (Goodenia paradoxa). Importantly, the event also welcomed a new Landcare participant, helping grow the local community. The event showed that even small gatherings can build local biodiversity knowledge and give people meaningful experiences on the ground.
Key facts
- 78 observations
- 52 species
- 1 plant not previously recorded in Junee Shire - Spur Goodenia (Goodenia paradoxa).