As the weather warms up there are some amzing citizen science programs to get you outside exploring your local area and beyond. Step outside, get curious, and contribute to real research that helps protect our environment. Across Australia, people of all ages are invited to join national programs that explore the insects, animals and ecosystems right in our own backyards.
Citizen Science programs are invaluable for advancing our understanding of biodiversity, as they engage people from all walks of life in data collection and monitoring activities. Through these programs, everyday citizens contribute vital observations and information that significantly expand the available datasets on local wildlife, ecosystems, and environmental changes. This widespread data collection effort provides a more comprehensive view of biodiversity patterns, species distribution, and ecological health, often covering vast areas and longer timeframes that scientists alone don’t have the resources to monitor.
Citizen Science infographic: Australian Environmental Edution
The insights gathered through citizen science initiatives are instrumental for researchers, enabling more informed decisions in conservation and environmental management. Additionally, these programs foster public awareness and engagement with nature, as participants gain hands-on experience with scientific methods and develop a deeper understanding of the natural world around them.
This month, there are plenty of ways to take part:
FrogID Week
FrogID Week (7 – 16 November) invites Australians to help map the distribution and health of frog populations. Using the free FrogID app, you can record frog calls from your local area and contribute valuable data that supports conservation efforts across the country.
Australia has over 250 known species of frog, almost all of which are found nowhere else in the world. Some species are flourishing, like the Striped Marsh Frog and Peron’s Tree Frog. But others have declined dramatically since the 1980s, and at least four have become extinct.
Peron’s Tree FrogStriped Marsh Frog
FrogID is hosted by the Australian Museum and is Australia’s biggest frog count. This Citizen Science program means anyone with a smartphone can use the free FrogID app to record frog calls. The results help generate a measurement of frog health and distribution around the country.
Take part in Australia’s biggest frog count! Every call counts! Download the free app and register now.
Australian Pollinator Week (8–16 November) celebrates the vital role bees, butterflies, flies, beetles and other pollinators play in sustaining our ecosystems. Take part in local events or spend time in your garden observing and recording pollinator activity — every sighting helps researchers understand how these essential species are faring.
The Australian Pollinator Count is taking place during Australian Pollinator Week, from 8 – 16November. Taking part is quick and easy. You simply need to observe some flowers for 10 minutes, record the pollinators you see and register your results.
Bugs in My Backyard Week (17–23 November) is a brand new addition to the citizen science calendar! Join in the Bug Hunt, a national photographic census of Australia’s native insects. By snapping and uploading photos of bugs you spot, you’ll help scientists monitor biodiversity and detect emerging pest species.
During Bugs in My Backyard Week on November 17-23, we’re encouraging families, schools and nature lovers across Australia to head outside and uncover the wild, wonderful minibeasts that keep our world humming.
Join the fun with bug-spotting challenges, live expert events, quirky competitions and more! Every photo you share helps protect native wildlife and spot invasive species early – one bug at a time.
Citizen science is an easy, fun, and meaningful way to connect with nature while contributing to genuine research. Whether you’re capturing a frog’s croak, photographing a pollinator, or identifying insects in your garden, your observations make a difference.
Together, we can help protect Australia’s remarkable biodiversity — one observation at a time.
As the weather warms up there are some amzing citizen science programs to get you outside exploring your local area and beyond. Step outside, get curious, and contribute to real research that helps protect our environment. Across Australia, people of all ages are invited to join national programs that explore the insects, animals and ecosystems right in our own backyards.
Citizen Science programs are invaluable for advancing our understanding of biodiversity, as they engage people from all walks of life in data collection and monitoring activities. Through these programs, everyday citizens contribute vital observations and information that significantly expand the available datasets on local wildlife, ecosystems, and environmental changes. This widespread data collection effort provides a more comprehensive view of biodiversity patterns, species distribution, and ecological health, often covering vast areas and longer timeframes that scientists alone don’t have the resources to monitor.
The insights gathered through citizen science initiatives are instrumental for researchers, enabling more informed decisions in conservation and environmental management. Additionally, these programs foster public awareness and engagement with nature, as participants gain hands-on experience with scientific methods and develop a deeper understanding of the natural world around them.
Find a Citizen Project near you
This month, there are plenty of ways to take part:
FrogID Week
FrogID Week (7 – 16 November) invites Australians to help map the distribution and health of frog populations. Using the free FrogID app, you can record frog calls from your local area and contribute valuable data that supports conservation efforts across the country.
Australia has over 250 known species of frog, almost all of which are found nowhere else in the world. Some species are flourishing, like the Striped Marsh Frog and Peron’s Tree Frog. But others have declined dramatically since the 1980s, and at least four have become extinct.
FrogID is hosted by the Australian Museum and is Australia’s biggest frog count. This Citizen Science program means anyone with a smartphone can use the free FrogID app to record frog calls. The results help generate a measurement of frog health and distribution around the country.
Take part in Australia’s biggest frog count! Every call counts! Download the free app and register now.
Australian Pollinator Week (8–16 November) celebrates the vital role bees, butterflies, flies, beetles and other pollinators play in sustaining our ecosystems. Take part in local events or spend time in your garden observing and recording pollinator activity — every sighting helps researchers understand how these essential species are faring.
The Australian Pollinator Count is taking place during Australian Pollinator Week, from 8 – 16 November. Taking part is quick and easy. You simply need to observe some flowers for 10 minutes, record the pollinators you see and register your results.
Bugs in My Backyard Week (17–23 November) is a brand new addition to the citizen science calendar! Join in the Bug Hunt, a national photographic census of Australia’s native insects. By snapping and uploading photos of bugs you spot, you’ll help scientists monitor biodiversity and detect emerging pest species.
During Bugs in My Backyard Week on November 17-23, we’re encouraging families, schools and nature lovers across Australia to head outside and uncover the wild, wonderful minibeasts that keep our world humming.
Join the fun with bug-spotting challenges, live expert events, quirky competitions and more! Every photo you share helps protect native wildlife and spot invasive species early – one bug at a time.
Get Involved
Citizen science is an easy, fun, and meaningful way to connect with nature while contributing to genuine research. Whether you’re capturing a frog’s croak, photographing a pollinator, or identifying insects in your garden, your observations make a difference.
Together, we can help protect Australia’s remarkable biodiversity — one observation at a time.
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