BioBlitz is on!

Published 17th November 2023. Written by Maddison O’Brien

Get ready for a day of adventure in the forest! On Saturday the 25^th of November we’re gathering to participate in The Great Southern Bioblitz and do a Clean Up Day at Drayton’s Valley Reserve near Rylstone. Watershed Landcare has teamed up with North East Wiradjuri Co & Capertee Valley Landcare to bring you an exciting event in the heart of nature. We invite you to join us for a fun-filled day out in the bush, where you can immerse yourself in a breathtaking location, lend a helping hand in cleaning up, and participate in citizen science!

A BioBlitz is not just an event; it’s a snapshot study of the incredible biodiversity of a specific location. It’s a collaborative effort between scientists and the community to survey and record as many species of flora, fauna, fungi, as possible within a set timeframe. This unique event allows us to explore and appreciate the rich tapestry of life that surrounds us.

On this exciting day, we will spend an hour or so documenting the diverse species that call this location home. Recent wildlife cameras have already captured glimpses of Koalas, Lizards, and a wide variety of birdlife. But what we discover is up to you – there are countless interesting plants, bugs, and spiders waiting to be recorded and documented. We’re excited to be hosting a group of students from the Canberra Institute of Technology for the day and we invite our community of Landcarers to come along and show these bright young people what Landcare is all about. We would love for you to join us, let’s see how many species we can find!

In addition to the Bio Blitz, the North East Wiradjuri co will lead us on an exploration of the reserve and a rubbish clean-up day. Drayton’s reserve has a rich natural history, but unfortunately, it has also been a victim of illegal rubbish dumping. Hidden deep in the forest lies a trove of discarded items, creating a unique and unexpected challenge. It’s like a trash treasure hunt! Old glass bottles, vintage household items, rusted lamps, car parts, and other intriguing artifacts are waiting to be uncovered.

By participating in the cleanup, you not only help preserve the natural beauty of the area but also contribute to the healing of the bush. It’s a chance to make a tangible difference while having a blast exploring the hidden gems within the wilderness.

Bryan & Emma from NEWco at Drayton’s Valley Reserve

So gather your rubbish bags and mark your calender, why not invite your friends and family!

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to connect with nature and Indigenous culture, make new friends, and contribute to a healthier, happier habitat. See you at the Great Southern BioBlitz – go to watershedlandcare.com.au/events to RSVP and get all the info.