BioBlitz coming up

THIS Saturday the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee (GORCC) is inviting people to explore coastlines and bushland to help find the various plants and animals in the region.

This is happening as part of Biodiversity month, which aims to promote protecting and improving biodiversity both nationally and globally.

The Surf Coast BioBlitz has been a big success in recent times.

Last year over 560 observations of approximately 250 species were made. This included 123 species of plant, 47 of bird, five of mammals, and 10 of fungi.

There are all manner of creatures and plants for people to try, as among last year’s findings were lamprey, seastars and jumping spiders.

To take part in this process participants simply photograph their observations and upload them to inaturalist.org.

INaturalist has over 26 million observations from around the globe recorded on its database.

Many of these have been recorded in the BioBlitzs they partner with organisations like GORCC to run.

People who take part in the event not only get to explore the many different species that live in the area, but are also able to contribute meaningful data that provides scientists and resource managers with important information.

At 10.30am on September 7 the BioBlitz will be exploring the rock pools at Rocky Point. The group will meet at the rotunda at the end of Surf Beach Drive, next to Spring Creek.

Then at 5pm on Friday 13 the BioBlitz will move inland to Moggs Creek picnic ground. Participants will search for spiders, bats, moths and perhaps even gliders.

It is important for both occasions that people remember to bring suitable footwear and clothing.

To RSVP phone Possum Pete on 0412 044 127.

For more information visit gorcc.org/2019/08/29/surf-coast-bioblitz.