Join Bugs Ed for the Great Southern BioBlitz

The Great Southern BioBlitz returns to Moreton Bay this year, partnering with Bugs Ed and CREEC to provide a bug workshop and guided walk.

The free event will be held at CREEC on Saturday, November 25.

The Great Southern BioBlitz is an annual citizen scientist project that records a snapshot of our local biodiversity, with this year’s BioBlitz being held from November 24-27.

Last year, 49 Moreton Bay locals participated; recording 763 observations with 402 different species.

The bug workshop will be hosted by Bugs Ed, an educational organisation that has been running since 2003, who provide a range of hands-on entomology-based workshops across Queensland.

Bugs Ed Director Michelle Gleeson says the bug workshop is the perfect opportunity to learn about the wonderful world of insects and minibeasts.

“We will talk about how insects differ from other critters we may find in our gardens, what they eat, how they protect themselves from enemies and how their clever body designs allow them to live and thrive in places where many animals cannot,” Michelle says.

“We will be showing cases of preserved insects, arachnids and other minibeasts from around the world and use them to illustrate some defensive tactics such as camouflage, mimicry and eyespots.

“We will then have an up-close look at some live local insects, such as stick and leaf insects and praying mantises.

“Then the amazing crew from CREEC will guide people on a bug walk around the sites bushland to see what exciting minibeasts can be found.”

The guided walk is taking place as part of the BioBlitz, where all participants will have the opportunity to observe their natural surroundings for any wildlife to record.

“The Great Southern BioBlitz is a wonderful opportunity for everyday people to get out into nature, observe and learn more about the amazing plants and animals that call our local environment home,” Michelle says.

“Not only does this event highlight the incredible biodiversity of plants and animals in the Southern Hemisphere, but it also gives people the opportunity to become engaged and immersed in science and nature and to gain a better understanding of the natural world around them.

“It also draws attention to the fragile web of life and gets people thinking about how their actions can impact it.”

Anyone in the City of Moreton Bay can participate in the Great Southern BioBlitz by downloading the iNaturalist app and make observations between November 24-27.

Caboolture Region Environmental Education Centre is at 150 Rowley Rd, Burpengary.