Residents across the region are being invited to Gunbower Island at the end of this month to experience the magic of the local floodplain’s wildlife.
Across November 25 and 26, five events will showcase the five different types of animals that rely on the health of the forest to thrive.
North Central Catchment Management Authority (NCCMA) Ramsar wetlands project manager Amy Russell said the Bioblitz was packed full of fun learning for all ages.
“The woodlands bird event will take people on a guided tour of Reedy Lagoon, showcasing the birds living among the iconic river red gums that surround it,” she said.
“If you’re up early on Sunday morning you can help SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium staff release once locally extinct southern purple-spotted gudgeon, also known as the zombie fish, into Cameron’s Creek, and have a light breakfast on us.
“Later that day you can take a guided tour of the forest floor to look for friendly reptiles or enjoy frog spotting at one of the floodplain’s wetlands.”
NCCMA citizen science co-ordinator Tania Mcleod said she expected the Bats of Gunbower Forest event would also be a popular drawcard.
“A team of young people has been interning with us under a program delivered by the Campaspe Cohuna Local Learning and Employment Network, and the bat showcase is part of their Youth Take Over,” she said.
“They’ll be joining experienced ecologists from the Arthur Rylah Institute, and anyone else who wants to come, to locate bats with handheld detectors, record bat calls, and check traps.”
The Gunbower Bioblitz is being held at the same time as the Great Southern Bioblitz, which spans across the Southern Hemisphere and attempts to identify as many species across the area as possible.
Ms Mcleod encouraged all attendees to “download download the iNaturalist App and record what they see over the weekend”.
“We work with local communities, other government agencies, and the Victorian and Australian governments to deliver water for the environment and protect the plants and animals of Gunbower Forest,” she said.
“The Gunbower Bioblitz is a great way to see that work, connect with communities across the globe, and highlight how magical Gunbower is.”
The events are funded by the Victorian Government’s $248 million investment over four years (2020-2024) to improve catchment and waterway health across regional Victoria, and the Federal Government’s The Living Murray project.
Bookings are essential. Go to www.bit.ly/CMAbioblitz or the Events section at www.nccma.vic.gov.au to book your spot and find out more about each event.
