Event Type
When
-
Event Location
Yass Community Centre
Landcare Region
BCT Region
Event Description
Citizen Science and community
Event Topics
Event Flyer

Event Photos




Event Outcomes
Number of Attendees
34
Number of Landowners
28
Growth in learning measure (Scale 1 - 100)
A survey is completed by each attendee The below fields are extracted from this survey. To access the full feedback survey please refer to the attachments section below.
Attendee Level of Knowledge before event (Average)
42
Attendee Level of Knowledge after event (Average)
60
Event Outcome
A great blog post from Yass Area Network about the event with lots of pictures
https://birdata.birdlife.org.au/
With thanks to NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust & Landcare NSW, our recent workshop, A Bird in the Hand, Data in the App, gave locals hands-on experience with citizen science! Using apps like NatureMapr and Birdata, participants learned how to contribute valuable data on local plants and wildlife. Dr. Michael Mulvaney shared fascinating updates on local discoveries and the role citizen scientists play in tracking the endangered Gang-gang cockatoo, helping map its breeding sites and favourite food sources. This data is also helping Landcare groups and councils identify and control weed spread early, saving resources and protecting native plants.
Bird expert Dr. Margot Oorebeek led a bird ID session, guiding us through common regional species like the Rufous Whistler, whose "falling leaf" call marks its arrival at Yass Gorge. After a picnic lunch, we took our new skills out into the Gorge, learning to identify plants, insects, and birds in their natural habitat. Pam Bell added depth to the experience, sharing the Ngunnawal history of the Gorge, known locally as “the Cliffs,” and its connection to other cultural sites across Country.
Want to help care for Yass Gorge? Join Friends of Yass Gorge and be part of this community project! Message us for more 

1. What Participants Liked
Informative Content & Presenters
- Presentations were informative, practical, and engaging.
- Positive feedback on knowledgeable speakers and relatable local information.
- Appreciation for learning how to identify birds and use citizen science apps.
Hands-on & Practical Learning
- Participants valued the mixed-format delivery and practical walk.
- Enjoyed the hands-on element, especially with bird ID and using applications.
Community & Atmosphere
- The social and community aspect was appreciated.
- Attendees enjoyed meeting like-minded individuals and connecting with local experts.
Local Relevance
- Information was seen as locally relevant and directly applicable.
2. What Participants Want to Learn Next
Flora and Fauna Identification
- Greater knowledge of bird and plant ID.
- Interest in understanding associations between flora and fauna.
Citizen Science & Apps
- Desire for further familiarity and practice with citizen science applications.
Biodiversity & Land Management
- Topics of interest include:
- Supporting biodiversity on private land.
- Integrating biodiversity with fire safety and farming.
- Control of invasive species like St John’s wort.
Waterway Ecology
- Specific interest in learning about aquatic life such as frogs, rakali, and platypus.
3. Suggestions for Improvement
Event Format
- Some asked for:
- Less socialising time.
- More time for questions.
- More hands-on practice using apps.
General Satisfaction
- Majority had no suggestions; many noted the event was well run and enjoyable.