Summer is a great time to get outside and explore nature. From the bushlands to the sea there are plenty of Citizen Science programs to get involved in. These programs generate valuable datasets that scientist can use to make a biodiversity snapshot.
Citizen science projects are a great way to engage in scientific research and environmental monitoring. Across NSW, there are several projects that you can participate in this summer.
Great Cicada Blitz
This project aims to record cicada observations and the plants they are found on in the greater Sydney Region to better understand some of the ecological preferences of cicadas.
The project is being hosted on the iNaturalist website, and anyone can download the free iNaturalist smartphone app to record observations. Photos of specimens and even audio files for recording cicada calls can be attached to observations to identify. It’s all free!
1 Million Turtles is a national community conservation citizen science program. This program promotes a strong collaboration between scientists and the community to support initiatives aimed at conserving threatened Australian freshwater turtle species.
The program creates opportunities for the community to actively learn, participate and contribute to freshwater turtle research and conservation. This is achieved through a variety of activities suitable for different interests and skill levels.
FrogID is a project by the Australian Museum that involves recording and identifying frog calls. Our frogs are under threat from habitat loss, disease and climate change. The FrogID data helps researchers monitor frog populations and biodiversity.
Record frog calls with the FrogID app for our scientists to listen and identify and help provide valuable data for the protection and conservation of frogs.
Take part in Australia’s biggest frog count! Every call counts! Download the free app and register now.
I Spy Koala is available for free on iPhones and Android devices. The app should update automatically for most users. If you’re not sure, check your app store and see if you need to update.
I Spy Koala links directly to the NSW Government wildlife databases. By using the NSW I Spy Koala app, you make sure the data is available quickly and where it is needed for koala conservation decisions.
The National Waterbug Blitz is a nationwide waterway monitoring event. Australians are encouraged to become ‘citizen scientists’ and investigate how healthy their local waterways and wetlands are, simply by exploring and identifying what waterbugs they contain.
C) Waterbug Watch
The type and number of waterbugs found in a waterway can tell us a lot about how healthy that waterway is.
Find out how to get involved, as anyone can participate.
The East Coast Dolphin Watch is a Citizen Science Program providing a platform for the community to assist in understanding and monitoring of coastal dolphins whilst providing opportunities for education and environmental awareness.
Citizen scientists can contribute by reporting information about their dolphin sightings. Dolphin sighting reports received from Dolphin Watchers contribute to understanding the long-term status, ecology and protection of local dolphin populations.
Find out how to get involved, as anyone can participate.
AUSMAP is a coalition of students, environment groups, universities and educators gathering critical new data about microplastic on Australian shorelines.
The data is collected by the network of citizen scientists and researchers, creating vivid maps of microplastic pollution.
You need a bit of training for this Citizen science project, where you collect, sort, and identify microplastics in your local area. This work enables communities and government to implement behaviour change, regulate industry, and develop better waste management systems. Solutions come fast when you can actually see the problem!
Birds in Backyards is a great way to discover the birds that live near you. Find out what bird is making that noise, flying over head or eating the dogs food! The Birds in Backyards bird finder is great for beginners to learn all about the birds in their backyards. Head to Birds in Backyards now to take part in a bird survey.
Eastern bristlebird C: Leo Berzins/DPE
Here are some great ways that you can get involved with us at Birds in Backyards – and with birding in general. The citizen science surveys below form an important part of our research into the birds that live where people live and allow anyone with a backyard – large or small – to take part.
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.
Summer is a great time to get outside and explore nature. From the bushlands to the sea there are plenty of Citizen Science programs to get involved in. These programs generate valuable datasets that scientist can use to make a biodiversity snapshot.
Citizen science projects are a great way to engage in scientific research and environmental monitoring. Across NSW, there are several projects that you can participate in this summer.
Great Cicada Blitz
This project aims to record cicada observations and the plants they are found on in the greater Sydney Region to better understand some of the ecological preferences of cicadas.
The project is being hosted on the iNaturalist website, and anyone can download the free iNaturalist smartphone app to record observations. Photos of specimens and even audio files for recording cicada calls can be attached to observations to identify. It’s all free!
1 Million Turtles Community Conservation Program
1 Million Turtles is a national community conservation citizen science program. This program promotes a strong collaboration between scientists and the community to support initiatives aimed at conserving threatened Australian freshwater turtle species.
The program creates opportunities for the community to actively learn, participate and contribute to freshwater turtle research and conservation. This is achieved through a variety of activities suitable for different interests and skill levels.
Find out how to get involved
FrogID
FrogID is a project by the Australian Museum that involves recording and identifying frog calls. Our frogs are under threat from habitat loss, disease and climate change. The FrogID data helps researchers monitor frog populations and biodiversity.
Record frog calls with the FrogID app for our scientists to listen and identify and help provide valuable data for the protection and conservation of frogs.
Take part in Australia’s biggest frog count! Every call counts! Download the free app and register now.
I Spy Koala
I Spy Koala is available for free on iPhones and Android devices. The app should update automatically for most users. If you’re not sure, check your app store and see if you need to update.
I Spy Koala links directly to the NSW Government wildlife databases. By using the NSW I Spy Koala app, you make sure the data is available quickly and where it is needed for koala conservation decisions.
Waterbug Blitz
The National Waterbug Blitz is a nationwide waterway monitoring event. Australians are encouraged to become ‘citizen scientists’ and investigate how healthy their local waterways and wetlands are, simply by exploring and identifying what waterbugs they contain.
The type and number of waterbugs found in a waterway can tell us a lot about how healthy that waterway is.
Find out how to get involved, as anyone can participate.
East Coast Dolphin Watch
The East Coast Dolphin Watch is a Citizen Science Program providing a platform for the community to assist in understanding and monitoring of coastal dolphins whilst providing opportunities for education and environmental awareness.
Citizen scientists can contribute by reporting information about their dolphin sightings. Dolphin sighting reports received from Dolphin Watchers contribute to understanding the long-term status, ecology and protection of local dolphin populations.
Find out how to get involved, as anyone can participate.
AUSMAP
AUSMAP is a coalition of students, environment groups, universities and educators gathering critical new data about microplastic on Australian shorelines.
The data is collected by the network of citizen scientists and researchers, creating vivid maps of microplastic pollution.
You need a bit of training for this Citizen science project, where you collect, sort, and identify microplastics in your local area. This work enables communities and government to implement behaviour change, regulate industry, and develop better waste management systems. Solutions come fast when you can actually see the problem!
Find out how to get involved
Birds in Backyards
Birds in Backyards is a great way to discover the birds that live near you. Find out what bird is making that noise, flying over head or eating the dogs food! The Birds in Backyards bird finder is great for beginners to learn all about the birds in their backyards. Head to Birds in Backyards now to take part in a bird survey.
Here are some great ways that you can get involved with us at Birds in Backyards – and with birding in general. The citizen science surveys below form an important part of our research into the birds that live where people live and allow anyone with a backyard – large or small – to take part.
Find out how to get involved
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
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