Citizen science

Citizen science is all about everyday people contributing to scientific research by observing and recording nature.

Whether you're exploring a creek, walking through a park, or gardening at home, your observations will help us better understand Darebin’s biodiversity and guide how we protect it. You don’t need to be an expert, just curious and willing to look closely at the natural world around you.

We use the information you gather to:

• track changes in local biodiversity over time
• guide habitat restoration and conservation efforts
• rediscover species not recorded in Darebin for many years
• spot newly emerging weeds before they spread
• celebrate and raise awareness of Darebin’s wonderful biodiversity.

How to get involved

One of the easiest ways to get started on your citizen science journey is by using the iNaturalist App:

1. Download the iNaturalist App and create a free account.
2. Head outdoors and take photos of plants, animals, and fungi.
3. Upload your observations – the app helps you identify species and shares them with a global community of nature lovers.
4. Contribute to science – your observations are shared with the Atlas of Living Australia, supporting biodiversity research across the country.
5. Explore the iNaturalist map to see what others have observed in your area!

Upcoming citizen science events

Bugs in My Backyard Week 2026

Join Darebin in taking part in Bugs in My Backyard Week, Bug Hunt's national citizen science event led by the Invasive Species Council and Invertebrates Australia.

Net Swap pop-up at Preston Library for Darebin residents

Bring your illegal fruit tree netting for recycling and receive a free wildlife-safe replacement product.

Moth Discovery Night at Bundoora Park

Join us for a fun evening discovering the incredible diversity of moths that call Darebin home as part of the Great Southern Bioblitz!

Draw Plants Together Workshop as part of Australian Pollinator Week

Join this friendly and inclusive nature drawing workshop as part of Australian Pollinator Week. No experience needed!

Great Southern Bioblitz 2026

Join us for another exciting year of the Great Southern BioBlitz, where Darebin teams up with more than 25 metropolitan Melbourne councils and a network of environmental partners to share Greater Melbourne’s biodiversity with the world.

Get inspired

Our webinars, created in collaboration with other councils, can help you confidently explore nature using iNaturalist:

• Leaves, Feathers and Scales: the Macro World – learn from experts about plants, birds, frogs, and reptiles.
• The Small and Mighty Micro World – learn from experts about fungi and invertebrates.

More apps to explore

Expand your citizen science toolkit with these apps:

• FrogID and Frog Census App – Record frog calls and sightings
• Moth Tracker – Help monitor the endangered Bogong Moth
• eBird and Birdata – Record bird sightings
• platypusSPOT – Report platypus sightings
• fungimap – Document fungi species
• Butterflies Australia – Record butterfly observations