Citizen Science on the Sunshine Coast
How to get involved with citizen science activities within the Sunshine Coast.
So what’s citizen science? It’s when people volunteer their time to partner with researchers to increase scientific knowledge and collect data about their natural environment.
Citizen science gives people a chance to explore a passion outside of their day job, expand on an interest, learn a new skill, meet like-minded people and provide valuable knowledge about our local environment.
Council leads, partners and supports other organisations to deliver citizen science programs you can get involved with. Click here to find out more about what activities Sunshine Coast Council facilitate.
Programs
Big Butterfly Count - Sunshine Coast
Big Butterfly Count - Sunshine Coast
Lead Organisation(s): Sunshine Coast Council
About:
Join us in counting the Sunshine Coast’s butterflies.
- Friday 8 March 2024 - Hardie Buzacott Wildflower Reserve
- Tuesday 19 March 2024 - Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary
- Wednesday 20 March 2024 - Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens
- Friday 22 March 2024 - Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve
- Tuesday 26 March 2024 - Point Cartwright Reserve
Bird in Backyards
Bird in Backyards
Lead Organisation(s): Birdlife Australia
About:
A research, education and conservation program focused on the birds that live where people live. Get involved by becoming a member and taking part in online surveys. For more information.
ClimateWatch Trails
ClimateWatch Trails
Lead Organisation(s): Sunshine Coast Council & Earthwatch
About:
Collect and record data on the seasonal behaviour of plants and animals along three popular walking trails. For more information.
CoastSnap
CoastSnap
Lead Organisation(s): Sunshine Coast Council
About:
CoastSnap monitors/maps the way the coast changes over time by taking photos of our local beaches over time. Download the free CoastSnap app and visit a CoastSnap station at Coolum, Alexandra Headland, Buddina or Moffat Beach and start snapping. For more information.
ECOllaboration citizen science
ECOllaboration citizen science
Lead Organisation(s): ECOllaboration
About:
Offer activities including water quality, frog and platypus monitoring. For more information.
Find a frog in February
Find a frog in February
Lead Organisation(s): Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee
About:
A citizen science program that enables the community to help close the knowledge gaps that exist for our local frogs. It covers the Mary, Noosa and Burrum River catchments and coastal areas from Peregian to Burrum Heads, including Fraser Island. For more information.
Glossy Black Cockatoo monitoring
Glossy Black Cockatoo monitoring
Lead Organisation(s): Glossy Black Conservancy
About:
Annual birding day in May or October in alternating years. For more information.
iNaturalist Australia
iNaturalist Australia
Lead Organisation(s): California Academy of Sciences & National Geographic Society
About:
Provides a place to record and organise nature findings, meet other nature enthusiasts, and learn about the natural world. Observations submitted are added to the global iNaturalist database and shared with the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility to help scientists find and use your data. For more information.
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve citizen science
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve citizen science
Lead Organisation(s): Sunshine Coast Council
About:
Get involved in seasonal activities such as butterfly counts, bird and pademelon surveys. For more information.
Sunshine Coast Marine BioBlitz 2024
Sunshine Coast Marine BioBlitz 2024
Lead Organisation(s): Sunshine Coast Council
An exciting and educational event that celebrates the marine biodiversity of the recently declared UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It showcases:
- citizen science
- scientific exploration
- arts and culture for nature.
We welcome enthusiasts of all ages.
- Friday 30 – Saturday 31 August 2024.
TurtleCare
TurtleCare
Lead Organisation(s): Sunshine Coast Council
About:
A marine turtle monitoring program for nesting activity on the Coast’s beaches. For more information.