BECOME A SCIENTIST
Ever wondered what lives just beyond the walking tracks and mangroves of Ludmilla Creek?
WORDS BROOKE GIBBS
IMAGE EMMA LUPIN
THIS UPCOMING CITIZEN Science BioBlitz invites you to swap curiosity for discovery, offering a rare opportunity to explore one of Darwin’s vibrant natural spaces alongside scientists and researchers.
Participants survey everything from birds and reptiles to frogs, insects, ants, and native plants, contributing valuable data that helps researchers better understand and protect the local environment.
Ludmilla Creek is one of Darwin’s most biologically rich urban waterways because it sits where ecosystems meet.
“It is a special ecosystem as it has big stretches of mangroves. It has a really interesting ecosystem for birds and fish breeding which helps us better understand biodiversity,” says scientist Sam Woods.
Participants have the chance to survey five different mammal species including brushtail possums, which is a threatened species.
Citizen science allows everyday people to contribute to real scientific knowledge. During a BioBlitz, community members work alongside scientists to observe and record plants, animals, and insects across a defined area.
Beyond the data itself, citizen science plays an important role in building community awareness and care for local environments.
“When people spend time learning directly from scientists and observing species in their local creek, it often deepens their connection to the place and their interest in protecting it,” says Landcare Community Engagement and Development Officer Britt Guy.
It’s a robust way to measure and record on online databases.
“Citizen science helps people on the ground to understand what is there and how to measure.
Scientists like me have access and work with the data,” Woods says.
“The more data on where the species are and why they are there, helps us to better protect them, particularly the vulnerable and threatened species. Surveying vegetation helps us to identify solutions such as weed management."
For those eager to connect with nature, learn from scientists, and uncover the wildlife of Ludmilla Creek, this event promises a fascinating day of discovery.
Ludmilla Citizen Science BioBlitz
WHEN SAT 11 & SUN 12 APR | 6.30AM-6PM
AT LUDMILLA PRIMARY
COST $5
INFO creekconnections.org
