Blitz calls citizen scientists

The Harvey community is invited to take part in the National Waterbug Blitz project early next month.

The National Waterbug Blitz is Australia’s first nationwide waterway monitoring event and will provide a snapshot of Australian river health. The Harvey River Restoration Taskforce will take part in this year’s project.

The project empowers the community to become “citizen scientists” for a day, allowing them to explore their freshwater creeks, rivers and wetlands and learn about the world of waterbugs.

Taskforce chairwoman Jennifer Stringer stressed the importance of understanding the types of creatures living in community wetlands.

“This project will help us appreciate the importance of, and benefits derived from, improving habitat in these freshwater environments,” Ms Stringer said.

“The sessions are hands-on and involve everyone by getting them to collect bugs and use the latest technology to identify and record what they have found using the Waterbug app.”

Funding from the Royalties for Regions, Regional Community Services Fund has helped the Harvey River Restoration Taskforce host the free event at Gibbs Pool in Harvey on Saturday, September 7.

To book your place visit hrrt.support@peel-harvey.org.au.