MALANDA BioBlitz
8th - 9th November 2024 | Dungavel Park
Are you interested in learning more about our local wildlife?
Come and join a passionate community of scientists, students, and nature enthusiasts and take part in an intensive, all-day biological study along the North Johnstone River, Malanda. The aim is to investigate the vast array of species that inhabit the area and build on our current knowledge of local biodiversity. This citizen science project is combined with an environmental expo where you can engage with local community groups and government organisations to learn about local wildlife and join in a range of nature-based activities on the day.
What will I be doing?
Participants will be guided by local wildlife experts and take part in field surveys across the project area, looking for birds, reptiles, plants, insects, mammals, fungi and more.
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You can join survey teams to learn about different survey techniques and how to observe and identify wildlife.
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Or you could browse the stalls, take part in art and craft activities or get involved in workshop activities where survey teams will be identifying specimens and collating data and those interested can come by and assist or just observe.
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A variety of short presentations on local wildlife topics will also be held throughout the day.
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The data gathered during the BioBlitz will be uploaded to iNaturalist which is a global citizen science platform used to collect and share biodiversity data.
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On the day we will show participants how to download and use iNaturalist so they can start observing and sharing their observations to the iNaturalist community.
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To explore iNaturalist Australia before the event follow the link below.
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When is the Malanda BioBlitz 2024?
Malanda BioBlitz will be held from Friday 8th November to late Saturday evening 9th November.
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The Friday event is for local schools only and not open to the general public.
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Saturday will be open to the whole community. Most activities and stalls will be held between 9am – 4pm on Saturday, but some specialist surveys (e.g., birds, frogs, moths) will occur early morning or late afternoon.
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Please see the full event schedule <<< for details, as some activities will require booking.
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This is a free event and we encourage everyone in the community to come along and join us for a day of environmental scientific discovery.
Surveys will have limited numbers and you will need to book your places to secure a spot. If the survey you are interested in is booked out, we will have some spare spaces available on the day but it will be first in, first served.
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Please make sure you get there 10 mins before your session. Given the limited spaces, unfortunately if you are late, we may need to give away your spot.
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Note, all children must be accompanied by an adult.
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All participants are to register at the Girl Guides Hut prior to attending their activity. Registration opens at 6:45am.
For the full program of surveys, presentations and workshops visit Humanitix
Where is the Malanda BioBlitz?
Malanda BioBlitz basecamp will be located at the Malanda Girl Guides Hall, Dungavel Park, Ann Street, Malanda.
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At the basecamp we will have registration and event information, stalls, food, drink and amenities.
Workshops will be located in the Scouts Hut where people can engage with the survey teams and participate in species identification and data analysis. Presentations and talks will take place during the day at the Malanda Guide Hut and the seated area of the Malanda Tennis Courts.
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Surveys will take place in the riparian community along the North Johnstone River and the adjacent parklands.
What to expect
Contributing to citizen science by participating in field surveys to collect biodiversity data. Program includes: diurnal bird surveys, vascular plant surveys, aquatic invertebrate studies, pitfall and leaf litter trapping (invertebrates), mycology (fungi) surveys, spotlighting for frogs, turtle identification and more.
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Learn skills in how to observe and identify wildlife and attend presentations on a variety of biodiversity topics.
Getting training in the use of iNaturalist so you can help gather wildlife records through observations you do in the future.
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Connect with many of the community groups and government organisations that are passionate about the area and find out you can get involved.
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Get creative with the nature art workshops or enter the nature art and BioBlitz photography competition.
Keep an eye on updates to the program in the weeks leading up to the BioBlitz.
For the full program of surveys, presentations and workshops visit Humanitix
What should I bring?
If taking part in field surveys, please bring:
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Water bottle
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Head torch / binoculars
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Clothing suitable for working outdoors (long-sleeve pants and shirt)
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Walking/hiking boots
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Sun hat
Please note that some surveys will require a certain level of fitness as there are some steep areas near the river. Only participate in these surveys if fit and able. There are many activities available at basecamp for those not able to take part in field surveys.
Stallholders
FAQs
Can children attend?
Yes, Malanda BioBlitz is a family-friendly event and we welcome children to participate. It’s a fantastic opportunity for kids to engage with nature, learn about biodiversity, and develop an appreciation for the environment. However, parental supervision and guidance are essential, especially during outdoor activities and exploration.
Do I need to be a scientist or have specific expertise to participate?
No, anyone with an interest in nature and biodiversity is welcome to participate in Malanda BioBlitz. While having scientific knowledge can be helpful, it is not a requirement. The event is open to people of all ages and backgrounds, and there are experts and guides available to assist participants in species identification.
Will there be food and drink options available for the event?
Yes, Malanda Girl Guides will be holding a sausage sizzle with vegetarian options and there will be other food and drink options available. Malanda township is also only 5 mins walk from the event location and there are several coffee and food options available in town.
Can we go to multiple sessions?
Absolutely. Participants can select which sessions to take part in using the program above. There will be limited spaces to sessions so best to book a spot online.
What if I was too late to book a place online?
Online booking is only one way to participate, additional spaces will be available for each session on the event day. Participants can arrive onsite and register for a session if there is space available. However, it will be first in best dressed.
What happens in the case of extreme weather, will the event be rescheduled?
The Malanda BioBlitz will go ahead even in the event of rain. However, if weather forces the event to be cancelled we will do our best to reschedule at a later date.
Can I bring my dog along?
While dogs are wonderful companions, their presence is likely to interfere with surveys. Please do not bring any pets along with you.
Is the Malanda BioBlitz accessible for people with mobility challenges?
We strive to make Malanda BioBlitz as inclusive as possible. Some activities may be more accessible than others, and there may be options for participants with mobility challenges to join workshop activities or watch presentations. If you have specific accessibility requirements please get in touch: malandabioblitz@gmail.com
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the Ngadjon-Jii Traditional Owners of the land on which the Malanda BioBlitz takes place and pay our respect to elders past, present and emerging. We honour and celebrate the spiritual, cultural and customary connections of Traditional Owners to country and the biodiversity that forms part of that country.
brought to you by
Proudly supported by the Queensland Government—Engaging Science Grants.
Sponsored by Tablelands Regional Council
Supported by Wet Tropics Management Authority
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Special thanks to:
