Residents across the region can learn more about their waterways and make a contribution to scientific knowledge with a series of innovative workshops to be delivered by Central Coast Council throughout summer.

Citizen Science programs are an opportunity for the broader community to help scientists understand the local environment by providing valuable data and insights. Professional scientists have been invited to lead the workshops and will teach locals about the unique flora and fauna found around waterways throughout the region.

Council Section Manager, Learning Community, Danielle Hargreaves said the program is an exciting opportunity for participants to learn about their local environment.

“The workshops are suitable for ages 8 years and up but especially students studying science at high school or university level,” Ms Hargreaves said.

“It’s an exciting opportunity to provide lifelong learning experiences which can change people’s understanding and values of waterways. We hope that all participants will get something out of the program and be able to share their new-found knowledge and skills with peers.”

Mayor Lisa Matthews said the program reflects Council’s commitment to preserving the region’s local environment.

“We take great pride in educating the community on the value and importance of the Coast’s unique biodiversity, and one of our key aims is to encourage greater community involvement in caring for our local environment,” Mayor Matthews said.

“These workshops will enable participants to make a direct contribution to Citizen Science research and increase their scientific understanding of environmental issues, and I would encourage anyone wanting to learn more and make a real contribution to science to get involved.”

Topics covered at the initial workshops include examining and recording local frogs, learning new skills in bird identification and exploring the value of waterways, scientific observations and citizen science tools.

In the new year, workshops will examine woodland and wetland birds, waterbugs, as well as bees and insects.

The data collected will tell us more about our waterways and the creatures that call them home.

Citizen Science Workshops

• Night Stalk & Talk – Saturday 7 December – 7.30-9pm - Bouddi National Park
• Frog ID – Tuesday 10 December – 7-9pm - Ourimbah
• Hollows as homes - Friday 10 January 2020 - 10am-12pm - Pearl Beach
• Birds of Woodlands and Wetlands - Tuesday 14 January 2020 - 10am-12pm - Tuggerah
• Waterbug Blitz - Saturday 18 January 2020 - 10am-12pm - Holgate (Postponed - new date TBC)
• Native Bees and Insects - Tuesday 21 January 2020 - 10:00am to 12:00pm - Bateau Bay

Visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/citizenscience for further information.