Get your hands dirty for science: Citizen Science Month in South East Queensland
April is Citizen Science Month, and at Healthy Land & Water, we think there’s no better time to roll up your sleeves and help protect our shared backyard.
Citizen science is exactly what it sounds like: everyday people (that’s you, your family, your neighbours) collecting real data that helps scientists, land managers, and local organisations make better decisions for our environment. From your backyard to our beautiful coastline, every observation counts.
At Healthy Land & Water, we work year-round with dedicated scientists, landholders, and community groups to improve soil health, restore catchments, and protect biodiversity. But we can’t do it alone. Thanks to passionate citizen scientists armed with powerful tools, we can build richer datasets and make more informed decisions.
Looking to help foster the next generation of environmental stewards this month? Here are five citizen science projects you can join right here in South East Queensland.
1. Koala App (Queensland Government)
Spot a koala while out on a walk or driving through your suburb? Log it using the official Koala App. Your sightings help map koala populations and guide conservation efforts across South East Queensland. and provide critical information for protecting this iconic species.
2. Soils for Science (University of Queensland)
Become a real-life microbe hunter. This Australian-first program lets you collect a soil sample from your own backyard and send it off to help researchers discover new antibiotics to fight superbugs. This is a fantastic hands-on STEM activity for kids and adults alike.
3. MangroveWatch
Help protect the coast from the ground up. MangroveWatch trains community members to monitor mangrove and saltmarsh health, recording shoreline changes, erosion, and signs of pollution. Your observations help protect fish nurseries, bird habitats, and the natural coastal defences to keep our waterways healthy.
4. TurtleSAT
Turn your beach walk into turtle protection. Sea turtles nest along our sandy beaches, but their nests are under threat from predators, artificial lighting, and rising tides. TurtleSAT allows beachgoers to log turtle tracks, nests, and hatchling sightings. Your observations help volunteers and rangers protect these ancient mariners.
5. International City Nature Challenge
Turn your phone into a field guide. Simply snap a photo of any plant, animal, or fungus and upload it to iNaturalist. By participating in the City Nature Challenge, you'll not only learn more about the wildlife in your own backyard, you'll also help make your city a better place for you and for other species.
The City Nature Challenge is an annual, four-day global bioblitz held at the end of April. Cities around the world come together to see what can be accomplished when we all work toward a common goal. Your observations feed directly into biodiversity maps used by researchers across our region, helping protect the places we love.
Looking for even more ways to get involved?
Check out more citizen science projects below!
