Spring is here, and it’s an exciting time for Streamwatch as we welcome new groups, connect with communities and get out into Greater Sydney’s waterways to collect valuable citizen science data.
We extend a very warm welcome to Friends of Mason Park Wetlands, who have incorporated Streamwatch into their impressive efforts to restore and care for Mason Park Wetlands. Their work includes science-based restoration and ongoing monitoring to protect shorebird habitat, improving tidal flushing through upgraded and automated wetland entry and exit points. They also work to deliver free bird identification tours and contribute to habitat restoration.
With the Greater Sydney Landcare office now located at Sydney Olympic Park we are developing new opportunities for Streamwatch training and activities in the area. These include Wetland Eco-Tours, Streamwatch training activities and drop-in days where volunteers can collect supplies, refresh their knowledge or revisit sampling methods.
Streamwatch has been busy taking citizen science into the community.
During National Science Week, we presented Science in the Swamp activities at Centennial Park and spent two days at Sydney Zoo engaging visitors in water quality monitoring with the Streamwatch Kit and Waterbugs.
There are plenty of opportunities to get involved this spring.
More details to come regarding Streamwatch supporting events which include the Cooks River Symposium on World Water Monitoring Day 18th September, the Lugarno Fair on 20th and World Rivers Day on the 27th September.
Let’s all get out and do what we do best – sample at your sites, upload your data and in doing so you will be recognising these important environmental dates. Grab a snack and meet up at your favourite waterway and post on your group socials tagging us at @streamwatchgsl or email your photos to us to post.
Looking further ahead, Catchment Crawl Waterbugs will be part of National Water Week, 19–25 October. If you would like a visit from Streamwatch staff, let us know
Let’s double the data! More than 250 sets of Streamwatch data have already been uploaded this year and now over 1000 sets from 2023 to 2026 are freely available through the Atlas of Living Australia. If you need a tailored short video guide on how to upload data to the Atlas of Living Australia or you are having any login issues please ask for assistance.
Every dataset helps build a valuable long-term picture of waterway health.
Got a friend whose got they greys, and might be feeling a bit down?
Ask them to join! Volunteering can help combat the ill health effects of social isolation.
Streamwatch and Greater Sydney Landcare offer a wide range of volunteering opportunities. If you or someone you know is passionate about the environment or just wants to be a part of a likeminded team and bring or learn new skills, ask them to consider joining one of our programs. We’d love to hear from them.
Streamwatch is also helping organisations connect with communities through citizen science and waterway monitoring and now offers fee-for-service, sponsorship, partnership and project support opportunities.
Join the Streamwatch Program
If you are interested in joining a streamwatch group or hosting an event, please contact us at streamwatch@greatersydneylandcare.org or enquire below. No experience is necessary as training is provided.
