Residents called to join in Baw Baw’s Biodiversity Blitz

September is Biodiversity month. To celebrate Baw Baw Shire residents are invited to join the Biodiversity Blitz, a friendly challenge to help the community learn more about the diverse species living in their own backyard.  

The Biodiversity Blitz is a citizen science challenge that will see scientists, volunteers and community members in Baw Baw survey and record as many natural species as possible living in their neighbourhoods.  

To take part, all you have to do is download the iNaturalist app, register with Team Baw Baw, and get snapping! The figures will be tallied up and compared against neighbouring participating municipalities to see which communities can scan the most species.  

“We’re excited to join the Biodiversity Blitz this year for the first time” says Baw Baw Shire Mayor Annemarie McCabe. “This challenge is a fantastic initiative that not only encourages our residents to get out in nature and learn more about our local flora and fauna, but it also supports positive habits for a healthy, thriving and sustainable Shire.” 

“Come on Baw Baw, let’s get involved with the Biodiversity Blitz and show our neighbours what we’re made of!” 

How residents can take part in the challenge 

The first step is to download the iNaturalist App from iOS or Android and register to be part of Team Baw Baw. Once the app is set up, participants will be ready to take part in the challenge starting 1 September by snapping and uploading geo-tagged pictures to the app.  

To help residents become more familiar with the functions of the app, an online Introduction to iNaturalist webinar session presented by Dr. Luis Mata will take place on Monday 21 August from 7 - 8pm. 

All residents interested in taking part in the Biodiversity Blitz are encouraged to register for the free event via the Eventbrite page.