Earthwatch Australia

Last Friday we were thrilled to announce a further 5 years for Earthwatch's Bush Blitz TeachLive program! A true cross sector partnership, with funding from the Federal Government and big business, the Earthwatch team will continue to upskill science teachers across Australia, embedding outdoor learning and citizen science into their curriculum.

Taking teachers out into remote Australia on our Bush Blitz Species Discovery expeditions, Earthwatch TeachLive Fellows act as Research Assistants to leading scientists to enhance their skills and passion to bring real-world science into the classroom, engaging thousands of students in the process.

“The next phase of Bush Blitz TeachLive will focus on expanding our impact, offering new opportunities for collaboration, and further embedding environmental education into school curriculum. True cross-sector collaboration allows us to work together and inspire the next generation of scientists, environmental stewards, and educators to care for nature and tackle the challenges facing our biosphere.”

- Fiona Sutton Wilson, Earthwatch CEO

We are now looking forward to the next 5 years of exciting biodiversity projects, new discoveries and local environmental partnerships that connect students with nature and inspire a lifelong love for science and biodiversity in the next generation.

The Fraser Street Tiny Forest was planted in May 2024 on the sacred lands of the Bunurong people with endemic species from the threatened ecological communities, Grassy Woodlands and Valley Heathy Forest.

The Tiny Forest is being cared for by incredible local volunteers called Tree Keepers who visit the site regularly to water the forest, monitor the health of the plants, and maintain the area by keeping those pesky weeds at bay! Earthwatch will be facilitating the Biodiversity Monitoring Day on the 13th of October for the 6-month anniversary of the forest being planted.

If you are in the Glen Waverley area or would like to get involved with the Tiny Forest program you can register your interest and contribute to citizen science through attending the monitoring day. Learn more here: https://buff.ly/3B2O5N0

If you would like to be involved in the forest on an on-going basis, you are also welcome to sign up as a volunteer! If you are a nature enthusiast and want to connect with your local community, you can register as a volunteer by getting in touch with Earthwatch at [email protected].

Last Chance to Book for 2024! Save $250 and End the Year with an Epic Adventure! 🌊

Explore the Great Barrier Reef region and make a real difference by helping to restore its coral reefs. Dive into Magnetic Island, QLD, and put your scuba skills to good use while working alongside a team of passionate scientists.

Limited spots are still available for our October team—secure yours now: https://buff.ly/3APrSii

Check eligibility requirements on our website.

Image credit: Victor Huertas

September is National ! We have some exciting Tiny Forest updates to share with you. 🌿🍃

Inspired by their success with Pakapakanthi 1 Tiny Forest, the members of SECRA decided to create a biodiversity corridor and plant another forest on the banks of the wetland at Victoria Park, Adelaide. On Sunday the 8th of September, the SECRA crew and Tree Keeper volunteers got their hands dirty and planted 420 species within the new forest and the control plot using the Miyawaki Method. Earthwatch Australia has partnered with SECRA in the biodiversity and citizen science monitoring of both Pakapakanthi 1 and 2.

We are thrilled to be celebrating our continued partnership with Bush Blitz 🐾🔎

Click here to read about the program: https://earthwatch.org.au/programs/bush-blitz

Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and BHP have renewed their partnership to support Bush Blitz 💚 This will bring the total commitment to the Bush Blitz program to a staggering 19 years making it the largest program of its kind in the world. This funding will allow us to continue working in collaboration with research institutions, Traditional Custodians and land managers, to uncover the 75% of Australia’s biodiversity still unknown 🕷️🪲🦗🪳🌿 🦎 🐸

Earthwatch Australia Parks Australia Museums Victoria Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

Exciting News from Townsville!

Monitoring is officially underway! The MangroveWatch team, in collaboration with NQ Dry Tropics and the Gudjuda Rangers Community Group, recently conducted a Shoreline Video Assessment Method (S-VAM) along the beautiful Haughton River, just south of Townsville.

Our dedicated team gathered valuable data on the health of the mangrove ecosystem—and even spotted a crocodile along the way! 🐊

We're thrilled about the progress we're making and can't wait for you to join us in our future events. Stay tuned for more details on how you can get involved and help make a real difference for our mangroves and waterways. Together, we can protect these vital ecosystems! 🌿 💚

The Townsville MangroveWatch program is part of Earthwatch Australia’s ‘Climate Resilience Champions’ Program, supported by the partnerships between the Australian Government , Great Barrier Reef Foundation and Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

Healthy Waters Partnership for the Dry Tropics NQ Dry Tropics NRM

Last Chance to Book! Save $250 and End 2024 with an Unforgettable Adventure! 🌊

Explore the Great Barrier Reef region and help restore its coral reefs. Dive into Magnetic Island, QLD, and use your scuba skills for good alongside dedicated scientists. Secure your spot now with code REEF250 and save $250!

Limited spots are still available for our October team—don’t miss out: https://buff.ly/3APrSii

Check eligibility requirements on our website.

Image credit: Victor Huertas

September is National ! We have some exciting Tiny Forest updates to share with you. 🌿 🍃

On the 17th of August 2024, the Pakapakanthi 1 Tiny Forest celebrated it’s 12-month anniversary! For this milestone, Earthwatch Australia and Tree Keeper volunteers visited the forest to conduct important biodiversity monitoring surveys.

The Pakapakanthi 1 Tiny Forest is thriving on the banks of a wetland with Riparian Scrub species in the heart of Adelaide at Victoria Park. The Tiny Forest is an oasis for native wildlife and helps to control flooding during severe weather events in winter. The forest was planted by the amazing members of the South-East City Residents Association (SECRA) and Earthwatch Australia in August 2023.

Save $250 and Finish 2024 with an Adventure!

Join us on Magnetic Island, QLD, to help restore the Great Barrier Reef alongside scientists. For a limited time, use code REEF250 at checkout to save $250! 🌊

Spots are still open for our October team—secure yours now: https://buff.ly/3APrSii

Be sure to check eligibility requirements on our website.

Image credit: Victor Huertas, Miranda Fittock

September is National Biodiversity Month! We have some exciting Tiny Forest updates to share with you 🌿 🍃

Last month Earthwatch CEO Fiona Sutton-Wilson and the Climate & Biodiversity team joined Brother executive staff, including CEO Kaz Nagaya at the Fraser Street Tiny Forest in Glen Waverley for a fun afternoon of biodiversity monitoring! The group put their science hats on and surveyed the height and health of the plants, tested the soil compaction and water infiltration rates, measured the temperature inside the forest and recorded any biodiversity that was observed.

The data collected goes towards international research being conducted by Earthwatch UK into Tiny Forests and their impact on climate mitigation in urban areas. Earthwatch will continue to monitor the forest over the next two years with the help of local volunteers.

Back in the field with our Agents of Change team! 🌍 See what they’ve been up to 👉

🌿 Hands-on learning in the mangroves and conducting saltmarsh surveys
🐋 Spotting dolphins, whales, and seals at Hyams Beach!
🚤 A boat tour to discover the unique hydrology of the bay
🐌 Diving into research with Dr. Scott, observing the impact of chemicals on snail reproductive systems under the microscope

Agents of Change for the Environment is a one-of-a-kind, fully funded program combining citizen science with immersive learning in nature, both online and in person. Sounds like your kind of adventure? Applications are open for Team Three!

Head to our website to learn more and apply: https://buff.ly/3vcbfhd

A big week of hands-on environmental action with our Agents of Change for the Environment team! See what the team have been up to 👉

🧪 Water testing at M***a M***a Creek, alongside four incredible volunteers from Bay and Basin Citizen Science group
🌊 AUSMAP survey to check microplastic pollution on the beach
🏖️ Conducted a Dune Health survey in disturbed and undisturbed areas
🐌 Snail research!

Our Agents of Change youth development team are out in the field! Yesterday, we gathered at Booderee National Park where Matt from Djiriba Waagura introduced us to the country. We spent the rest of the day guided by him through the breathtaking landscape, learning about the rich history and unique ecology of Jervis Bay.

This group of fellows are an incredibly bubbly and eager bunch - soaking up every moment of this immersive citizen science experience. We had a full day, meeting with three local experts who shared their invaluable knowledge with us! Stay tuned for more updates from the field.

🌍 Our ACE (Agents of Change for the Environment) Team 2 is out in the field in Jervis Bay for an immersive, hands-on expedition as part of our fully-funded environmental education program!

📅 This Wednesday, they’re taking over the Instagram account to share their journey, insights, and adventures. Don’t miss it—follow us on Instagram to follow along: https://buff.ly/3ATWr9M

Our Swarovski Foundation Waterschool students have been busy working on creating their workshops that they will present at our Flagship Event at Georges River Environmental Education Centre in October. Students have engaged in the global water literacy curriculum and are now transferring that knowledge into a peer teaching workshop for other schools to learn from.

Through the Swarovski Foundation Waterschool Australia program, students are given voice, agency and leadership opportunities that will help them grow into educated, global citizens and active citizen scientists.

For more information go to: https://buff.ly/43rR2j8

Save $250 and finish 2024 with an unforgettable adventure! 🐠

Ready to make a difference in marine conservation? Join us on Magnetic Island, QLD, in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, and work alongside scientists to help restore coral reefs.

For a limited time, you can save $250 on the Earthwatch Recovery of the Great Barrier Reef expedition! Just apply the code REEF250 at checkout to claim your discount. 🌊

Don’t miss out—our October team still has spots available. Reserve your place now to be part of this incredible volunteer experience: https://buff.ly/3APrSii

Check our website to see if you meet the eligibility criteria.

This , we’re celebrating the rich variety of life that makes our planet so unique and resilient. At Earthwatch Australia, our mission is to protect this incredible biodiversity by bringing people together through citizen science and nature conservation - working to understand the declines and how we might all take part in reversing them. Together, we are working together to create a society that lives in balance with nature.

With the help of passionate volunteers like you, we’ve been able to:
👥 Hosted over 24,000 participants in our peer learning programs
🕒 Over 27,000 hours of citizen science through data collection and education
🌏 More than 80% of our projects were conducted in marginalised, regional, and remote areas of Australia
📊 Over 81,000 species observations by citizen scientists

Join us in recognising the power of citizen science to protect and preserve biodiversity for future generations.

Learn more about our biodiversity projects at earthwatch.org.au
Read more about our impact throughout 2023 here: https://buff.ly/3B0BR7v

Image credit: Carolina Soto

🌿 The breathtaking Amazonian forests of northeastern Peru are home to an incredible variety of wildlife, but this amazing biodiversity is under threat due to recent intense climate fluctuations that have caused floods and droughts.

This , join us aboard the Amazon Riverboat with Earthwatch! Explore, survey wildlife, and gather crucial data to protect this precious environment and support sustainable local practices.

📅 Book your spot now and make a difference: https://buff.ly/3TK0RFR

Save $250 on Your Next Adventure!

Make a difference this World Beach Day and join us on Magnetic Island, QLD, at the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, to collaborate with scientists on vital coral restoration efforts and help protect our beaches and reefs.

Secure your spot on the Earthwatch Recovery of the Great Barrier Reef expedition and enjoy a $250 discount! Use the code REEF250 at checkout. Don't wait—this offer is for a limited time only! 🌊

Our October team has openings available, book your place now: https://buff.ly/3PNEE9e
Remember to check our website to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.

Now Recruiting: FREE FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITY

Are you 18-24 years old and passionate about the environment? This is your chance to make a difference! We're looking for:

Who We Need:
- Young individuals aged 18-24
- A strong commitment to environmental causes 🌱
- A change-making attitude to shape a sustainable future
- Availability to join an in-person expedition from 9-13th September 2024 in Jervis Bay

Eligibility: Open to residents of Victoria and South Coast NSW.
Interested? Apply now: https://buff.ly/46pH2Ji

🌱 Free Environmental Training Program! 🌱

Are you aged 18-24 and passionate about the environment? Join us for a unique upskilling opportunity—no experience needed!

Know someone who would be perfect for this opportunity? Tag them below! 👇

Applications are now open for South Coast New South Wales. Apply now: https://buff.ly/3vcbfhd

Visit our website for eligibility requirements.

World Water Week 2024 focuses on water cooperation to promote peace and security globally.

To support this vital mission, the Swarovski Foundation Waterschool and Earthwatch Australia work together to inspire current and future generations to practice sustainable water use. By promoting responsible water management, we aim to safeguard health, wellbeing, and the availability of clean water.

Our initiatives in NSW schools are part of the global Swarovski Foundation Waterschool program, which empowers students globally to tackle local water challenges. By educating young people on sustainable water practices, we contribute to a more secure and peaceful future. Learn more about the program on our website: https://buff.ly/43rR2j8

Last week, Earthwatch Australia's mangrove man, Jock, together with CANOE Projects Inc., facilitated the first Yunbenun (Magnetic Island) Mangrove & Saltmarsh Local Action Plan (LAP) workshop.

This workshop brought together 20 local stakeholders, including Wulgurukaba Traditional Owners, local community representatives, youth representatives, tourism operators, Townsville Ports Port of Townsville Limited, and Townsville City Council. Their goal was to combine scientific, local, and traditional knowledge to identify community mangrove and saltmarsh ecosystem values, threats, and management action priorities.

The outcome was a list of community-led on-ground project concepts aimed at improving local mangrove and saltmarsh management and conservation on the island. These concepts are now being considered by the broader community. The workshop outcomes were informed by 18 months of mangrove and saltmarsh citizen science data collection by the Maggie Mangroovers on Yunbenun (Magnetic Island), along with the increased knowledge and awareness of the citizen scientists. The Local Action Plan process is designed to foster and empower local stewardship of Great Barrier Reef tidal wetland ecosystems through citizen science. Mission accomplished!

The Yunbenun Mangrove & Saltmarsh Local Action Plan workshop is part of Earthwatch Australia's 'Building a Tidal Wetland Baseline for Yunbenun-Magnetic Island' Program. This program is in collaboration with Canoe Projects and Wulgurukaba Traditional Owners, supported by the partnerships between the Australian Government , Great Barrier Reef Foundation, and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water .

Travel with Earthwatch and save $250!

Join us on Magnetic Island, QLD, in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, to help scientists refine coral restoration techniques and save $250!

Use code: REEF250 when booking to receive $250 off Earthwatch Recovery of the Great Barrier Reef expedition. Be quick, this is a limited time offer!

🌊 Book now via the link: https://buff.ly/3APrSii

Visit our website to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements.

Image: Greg Torda

Exciting News for Innovators in NSW!

The Backing the Future Program is open and offering $50,000 grants to support early-stage projects in NSW that benefit young people in rural and regional communities. Whether it's creating job opportunities for youth, promoting environmental care, or supporting young people to contribute to society, your idea could be the next big thing!

Know someone with a brilliant idea? Spread the word and encourage them to apply!

🔗 Learn more & apply: https://buff.ly/3X6oKdI

Dive into Conservation & Save $250!

Take your scuba and snorkel skills to the next level by helping scientists restore the Great Barrier Reef! Book now for our Earthwatch expedition on Magnetic Island, QLD, and use code REEF250 for $250 off. This is a limited-time offer, so act fast!

To join our October team and find out more, visit: https://buff.ly/3APrSii
Be sure to visit our website to check if you meet the eligibility criteria.

“It has given me a better understanding of what I want to pursue in my future”

The Earthwatch Agents of Change program is designed to inspire and equip participants with the tools needed to create positive change within their community. This program offers a unique opportunity to explore career pathways, receive mentorship from leaders in the environmental sector, and secure internship opportunities—an experience not to be missed!

This program is a fully funded opportunity, open to 18-26 year olds and combines citizen science, nature learning, an in-person expedition, and online educational sessions.

Know a young person who would love to participate? Tag them below! Applications are now OPEN for South Coast New South Wales. Visit our website to apply and for eligibility requirements: https://buff.ly/3vcbfhd

We had an amazing turnout for our MangroveWatch Shoreline Video Assessment Methodology (S-VAM) training in Townsville this weekend!

With 21 enthusiastic participants, including 2 Earthwatch Student Challenge Alumni from The George Alexander Foundation, we explored the Ross River and made 81 observations of over 30 species. We even spotted a 2.5m saltwater crocodile! 🐊

Thank you to Gudjuda Rangers, Dry Tropics NRM, Envite Townsville, Reef Ecologic and Healthy Waters Partnership for the Dry Tropics for your involvement.

The Townsville MangroveWatch program is part of Earthwatch Australia's 'Climate Resilience Champions' Program, supported by the partnerships between the Australian Government , Great Barrier Reef Foundation and Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water