Documenting Diversity
City Nature Challenge - Annually in April/May
Great Southern Bioblitz -Annually in October
HBWC promotes and participates in two annual four day events that encourage local residents to document local biodiversity using the iNaturalist app. iNaturalist is a free app that can help you identify the plants and animals around you while generating data for science and conservation.
By spotting and recording Hobson Bay’s wild plants, animals, and insects, participants can assist in council conservation efforts. In addition, data, once verified, can find its way into Atlas of Living Australia.
City Nature Challenge - Annually in April/May
The City Nature Challenge is a global urban-focussed bioblitz that encourages friendly competition between cities. Hobson Bay residents contribute to this event as part of a Greater Melbourne collaboration.
Great Southern Bioblitz - Annually in October
The Great Southern Bioblitz is a southern hemisphere specific event timed for the southern spring.
HBWC Citizen Science has a presence at specific Hobson Bay sites during each event. These will be promoted in advance on HBWC’s social pages.
If you would like learn how to use iNaturalist, either for these events or to document local biodiversity throughout the year, Hobsons Bay Council’s rangers have provided a helpful guide and video on how to use the app:
