Surf Coast Guides turn citizen scientists with grant

LANDCARE Australia has awarded Surf Coast Guides a 2025 Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity grant to develop the group into mini citizen scientists.

The local group is one of 111 schools and youth organisations to receive the grant, providing young people the opportunity to engage in outdoor, hands-on biodiversity-focused projects or learning activities.

Surf Coast Guides leader Sue Wilson said it is important young people engage with the natural world.

“Having this grant has enabled our Guides and their families to begin to understand biodiversity, have a part in discovering, recording and protecting many of the species on and around the property.

Using the $2,500 grant, Surf Coast Guides purchased equipment and conducted surveys to discover the biodiversity of the natural environment at the Tullawalla Guide Campsite.

Through the program, the guides are recording findings and adding to science databases, using the binoculars, magnifying glasses and remote cameras to record creatures on the property.

 

Geelong Field Naturalist Club also joined in on the development, becoming partners with the guides and sharing their knowledge and expertise at a campsite Bioblitz.

During the Bioblitz, guides used their new equipment as they searched for interesting plants and animals with the remote cameras placed around the property and the guides are eagerly waiting to find out what they captured.

“Thanks to the Landcare grant and the generous help of the Geelong Field Naturalists, the Surf Coast has a group of enthusiastic, curious and engaged guides, enjoying the outdoors, exploring the natural environment and having fun with a great group of girls,” Ms Wilson said.

The guides will continue to monitor the site and use the data to inform future projects to help preserve and protect the natural environment.

The grants are delivered through Landcare Australia’s Junior Landcare program and funded by the Victorian government.