Be a Citizen Scientist
Citizen science allows everyday people to contribute to important environmental research by recording observations of plants and animals through photos, videos and sound recordings.
Whether you enjoy taking photos of wildlife, counting birds, monitoring local waterways, or are looking for an activity for your Landcare, Scout, school or community group, there's a citizen science project for you!
Learn about upcoming citizen science events, activities and projects by subscribing to our environment e-news.
Why be a citizen scientist?
It's a fun and rewarding way to learn more about nature while helping scientists and land managers better understand and protect Nillumbik's natural environment.
Citizen science also brings people together, helping build community connections while supporting health, wellbeing and social resilience.
How to be a citizen scientist
- Observe nature. Take a photo, sound recording, or note of a plant or animal.
- Share your observation. Upload it to a citizen science app or platform. See our tips in "Where to record your observations' below.
- Get involved (optional). Join a local citizen science project, workshop, event or community group to learn more and connect with others.
Every observation tells a story. From your backyard to the bush, the information you collect helps build a better understanding of Nillumbik's native and pest plants, and animals, supporting conservation efforts now and into the future.
Where to record sightings
These are common free platforms you can use to record your sightings and learn how to ID species.
| Platform |
Purpose |
About |
| iNaturalist |
Record sightings and learn to ID native animals and plants |
Use the app to upload your observations, share with fellow naturalists, and discuss your findings. The app uses image recognition to help you ID species, which is then verified later by experts. |
| Melbourne Water's Frog Census |
Record sightings |
Use the app to collect sound recordings to help manage frog populations and the health of our local waterways. |
| Birdlife Birdata |
Record sightings |
Use to the app to submit your sightings to BirdLife Australia's national bird monitoring program. |
| Feral Scan |
Report pest activity |
Use the apps to report pest animal activity in your local area to protect biodiversity, farms and communities. |
| Museum Victoria’s Field Guide to Victorian Fauna |
Learn to ID native animals |
Use the app to learn about over 950 Victoria species, with stunning photos, animal calls, distributions maps and more. |
| Flora of Victoria's VICFLORA |
Learn to ID native plants |
Use this comprehensive guide to learn about the wild plants of Victoria. It has plant profiles, identification tools and rich illustrations and Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria provides this resource free for land managers, scientists, students and anyone with an interest with Victorian plants.
|
| Atlas of Living Australia |
Learn to ID native plants and animals |
Use this online repository of information about Australian plants, animals and fungi. |
Tip: If you're unsure of what you've found, start with iNaturalist. It is one of the easiest ways to identify and record plants, animals and fungi while contributing to citizen science projects around the world.
Watch this webinar to hear from Council's Environment Officers about how you can get involved in citizen science, why it is important for decision-making, and how to choose the right platform for sharing your observations.
Join a local citizen science project
Participate in a local citizen science event! Council and others host a range of citizen science initiatives that community can join in for free.
Join a Bioblitz
A BioBlitz is a data collection drive where experts and members of the community work together to record as many species as possible within a specific location and time.
Every year, Council hosts:
Council often runs free activities before and during BioBlitzes for community.
Come back to this page to see what citizen science events are on, and/or sign up to our environment e-newsletter to hear about upcoming BioBlitz events.
Join the Aussie Backyard Birdcount
Held across the entire country every year in October by Birdlife Australia, this survey helps us track bird populations which also provides valuable information the health of our environment.
Join the birdcount
Join an environment event
Council hosts a range of environmental workshops, nature walks, planting days and community activities throughout the year.
Learn from experts, build your skills, connect with people who share your interest in nature and learn how to be a citizen scientist.
See upcoming environment events.
Borrow a Biodiversity in Backyards Kit
You can borrow a free Biodiversity in Backyards kit from Council and survey the wildlife in your backyard with a fauna monitoring camera and songmeter.
Borrow the Biodiversity in Backyards kit.
Upcoming citizen science events