Learn about our natural environmental and participate in hands-on or observational activities that can help inform conservation decisions and efforts.
Environmental education
Our environmental education program delivers a range of educational, practical, and fun activities, projects and events across the Central Coast. Join us to learn more about our local environment and biodiversity and be inspired to help conserve and protect it. We have a range of hands-on activities, from guided bushwalks to planting days, rockpool rambles and whale watching experiences.
If you would like more information on how to get involved, please contact our Environmental Education Officers at: enviroed@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au
Follow us on Eventbrite for upcoming events.
Citizen science
You don’t need to be a scientist to do citizen science! Citizen science is a great opportunity for anyone in the community to participate in hands-on or observational activities that can help inform conservation decisions and efforts.
It’s also a fun and engaging way to get outdoors and learn about our natural environment and local biodiversity from your own backyard.
A friendly reminder:
- Please observe animals from a safe distance and never approach, touch, or feed them.
- Parental supervision is recommended for children participating in these activities.
iNaturalist
The iNaturalist website provides a place to record and organise your nature findings, meet other nature enthusiasts and learn about the natural world. Get busy exploring our beautiful natural areas on the Central Coast and share your observations.
Check out the Christmas beetle count project.
Birdlife Australia
You can make a difference for bird conservation by participating in different bird surveys and counts throughout the year. Collecting data at the same time each year allows experts to look at the trends in our bird communities over time. Think of birds as a barometer for nature, as their health and wellbeing are one of nature’s best indicators.
Bird Conservation Projects:
- Birdata: Welcome to Birdata!
- Swift Parrot Search: Swift Parrot Search - BirdLife Australia
- Powerful Owl Project: Powerful Owl Project - BirdLife Australia
- Aussie Bird Count: Participate in the Aussie Bird Count
- Birds in Backyards: Birds in Backyards Seasonal Surveys
- Birds in Schools: Birds in Schools Project
Frog ID
Frogs are under threat from habitat loss, disease and climate change. You can help make a difference by recording frog calls with the free FrogID app. This will help gather essential information to better understand and conserve Australia’s frogs. Record frog calls and submit them to have them identified by experts from the Australian Museum!
Get the free FrogID app here.
TurtleSAT
TurtleSAT is a citizen science mapping tool produced by 1 Million Turtles Community Conservation program. TurtleSAT allows communities to map the location of freshwater turtles in waterways and wetlands across the country. Australia’s unique freshwater turtles are under threat and their numbers are declining. You can help by recording where you see turtles in your local area.
Visit
Feral Scan
You can help protect local biodiversity, communities, and farms by recording pest animal activity in your area.
Visit FeralScan to get started.
Trees Near Me
Trees near me is a fun way to explore the native vegetation around you. It is a helpful tool to learn more about the plant community types that are in your area and what best to plant.
Visit Trees Near Me to start exploring!
Image credits
Waratah, Telopea speciosissima, Carlita Dhillon
Green and golden bell frog, Litoria aurea, Nick Carson
Eastern long-necked turtle, Chelodina longicollis, Nick Carson