What is ClimateWatch? How can you be involved in this program?
Dr Lisa Ryan, an Environmental Education Officer with Sunshine Coast Council and an Adjunct Research Fellow with the Sustainability Research Centre at the University of the Sunshine Coast, will present an overview of the ambitious ClimateWatch program.
ClimateWatch is a citizen science program that aims to understand phenology – the seasonal behaviour of Australia’s plants and animals and how this is affected by changes in temperature and rainfall (eg. flowering, fruiting, breeding, migration and hibernation). Shifts in phenology are simple indicators for climate change responses in the natural world. As one of the first continent-wide phenology projects, ClimateWatch is an ambitious program that enables every Australian to be involved in collecting and recording data that will help shape the country’s scientific response to climate change.
Dr Ryan’s experience in the local area is extensive. At Sunshine Coast Council she coordinates Environmental Education Programs across council’s three Environmental Education Centres including the award-winning Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve and school-based Kids in Action Program. She recently assisted the Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary Support Group establish a ClimateWatch Trail, with funding from the Australian Government’s Community Environment Program.
Come along to learn from Dr Lisa Ryan about how you can get involved in ClimateWatch either through established ClimateWatch trails or in your own backyard.
The Friday Environment Forum will be held on 9 April at the NPA Environment Centre, 5 Wallace Drive, Noosaville with coffee, tea and biscuits available from 10am and the program starting at 10:30am. Entry is $5 by ‘tap & go’ only.
All COVID-19 protocols will be followed.
Registration is essential via link found on www.noosaparks.org.au/friday-environment-forum/.
