It’s time to dig out the waders – the Waterbug Bioblitz spring round is fast approaching for Eastern Hills and Alexandrina Plains residents. 

A popular citizen-science opportunity, the Waterbug Bioblitz includes two separate events in both the Angas-Finniss and Bremer catchments and will see pools at over 25 sites tested for water quality and macroinvertebrate (waterbug) activity.

Held in November, the events encourage the community to get involved in caring for their patch, joined by volunteer groups and Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu aquatic ecologists.

Senior Stewardship Officer Dana Miles says the family-friendly events are open to all interested in getting their hands dirty in the name of conservation.

“We’re really pleased to be working with Second Nature Conservancy once again to host these two events, on Peramangk and Ngarrindjeri Country,” she says.

“The help of the volunteers makes the events efficient and exciting. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the health of the waterways and catchment and help inform decision making around water planning. Plus, you never know what we might find!”

In recent years, the Waterbug Bioblitz has yielded some great insights into the two catchments. Several rare species have been located, which informs ecologists of where their

work can make an impact.

“We generally meet up at the base in the morning, have a quick training, then split up in groups to monitor different sites, before meeting back at the lab to get a close-up look at what we have found and take records,” Dana Miles says. 

“It’s a great learning experience and an opportunity to be a real scientist for the day. We supply all the equipment and lunch; all we need are keen volunteers with a love for nature.”

Registrations are essential.

Bremer Waterbug Bioblitz – Friday 7 November (Wistow).  

Angas Finniss Waterbug Bioblitz - Friday 14 November (Strathalbyn).

The Waterbug Bioblitz program is delivered in South Australia by the Hills and Fleurieu, Northern and Yorke and Murraylands and Riverland landscape boards, and partners.

The Angas-Finniss and Bremer Waterbug Bioblitz events are delivered by Second Nature Conservancy, with support from Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu and the Department for Environment and Water’s Flows for the Future program. 

These events are funded by Landscape Levy and the state government’s Citizen Science Grants program.