Citizen Science morning - Flora and Frog survey. 40ha site, track 10 YNCA

Registrations are closed

Thank you for registering for a Citizen Science Flora, Frog and Fauna survey. We are looking forward to seeing you. If you find you can't attend, please contact Sue (email: friendsvolunteer1989@gmail.com or text 0490 747 665) so someone on the waiting list can be invited. With thanks, Sue

Citizen Science morning - Flora and Frog survey. 40ha site, track 10 YNCA

We'll record the flora, frogs and fauna we observe in a newly added 40 hectares of the Yellingbo Nature Conservation Area

By Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater

Date and time

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 9:00 AM - Wed, 1 Nov 2023 1:00 PM AEDT

Location

Meeting point: near cnr Giles & Taylors Roads, Yellingbo (off Macclesfield Road). Parking on road verge

Giles Road Yellingbo, VIC 3139 Australia

About this event

This is one of very few sites in Yellingbo Nature Conservation Area that we carpool to (around 3 kms) for our surveys.

We'll be systematic about where we walk, recording the species we see, under the dappled shade of a beautiful expanse of Eucalyptus trees. We'll walk a section of the Conservation Area that visitors rarely see.

This morning is all about learning from each other, with a focus on enjoying being out in the bush together. No experience is needed, just a willingness to participate.

THE DAY'S PLAN

Note. There are no facilities at this site (eg there are no buildings, toilets, seats etc), so BYO everything you need for a field based (bush walk) activity.

At 9.30am meet Sue in the off-street parking area. Sign in, grab your water/lunch and gear and be ready to join the team.

We'll be carpooling using 4WDs or AWDs with a high clearance (participant numbers will be limited to 3 vehicles) to access our survey site. Note: participants under 17 years of age must be transported in their parents car.

It helps if you can bring a fluoro vest for this survey, so we can easily keep an eye on each other, however I will have some to loan.

This is an easy paced walk of 5-6 km. There are some formed tracks, but we will also be venturing carefully into the bush. The terrain is fairly flat, but it is uneven and can be wet and muddy after rain. Gumboots might be needed.

At 12.30pm we'll be having lunch before jumping back in the cars to drive out. Please BYO cuppa, lunch and chair to join others at our survey site. Pack light though so everyone's gear fits.

At 1.00pm we will be back at our original meeting place, where most people's cars will be, ready to head home.

Some finer detail - about the surveys

We believe that everyone can contribute to what's known about the species living in, or visiting, YNCA. We use Birdata for our bird surveys, Frog ID for frog surveys and iNaturalist for other species. Our regular participants will show you how to do these survey types on the day.

We also use FeralScan to record any pest animal species eg deer and fox. At times, we also stop to record weed species to assist Parks Victoria, the land manager, in coordinating management works with their contractors.

Frequently asked questions

What COVID-19, colds and flu precautions are being taken?

To join in on the fun you’ll need to be prepared to follow current health advice, as well as guidelines on hygiene and social distancing. To help keep our volunteers, community and staff well, we encourage all participants at our events to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

If I feel unwell on the day, can I come?

We ask that you don't attend. To contact the event organisers on the day, please text or call, Sue Tardif (0490 747 665).

Can I bring someone else with me?

Family and friends are welcome. We ask that everyone who attends registers. Registrations can be made up to 24 hours before an event. We acknowledge that not everyone will have their own transport. Drivers who attend with you must also join the event. NB the venue is not suitable to drop people off.

Is there a minimum number for an activity to proceed?

Yes. We rarely need to postpone an event, but at the discretion of the activity leader we may do so. In the event of a postponement, you will be advised with at least 24 hours notice.

I don't have any special gear. Will I need it?

All activities are planned so that very little 'special' equipment is needed, and you can replicate the techniques we use elsewhere. Coming prepared for the outdoors is the key requirement. Check out your registration confirmation for items to bring, or apps to download beforehand.

Can I take and share photos?

Yes and no. We always ask parents/care-givers permission to use photos of children (and adults), and ask everyone to respect the same principles. We'd love you to share with us your photos of the plants and animals you see via our iNaturalist project 'Yellingbo and surrounds'.

Will toilets be available?

Not for most events. Unless stated otherwise in details of the day's event, expect that it will be a 'bush toilet' event, and come prepared.

Do we carpool?

Rarely. Our on-ground events are planned so that we rarely need to do this. Whilst COVID-19 is still part of our lives, facemasks will be required in the rare situations where we carpool short distances. NB children cannot be transported by anyone other than their own family/guardian.

Under what circumstances would you cancel an activity?

Our extreme weather cancellation policy applies - all activities are automatically cancelled on days of Total Fire Ban or if winds are expected to be 50 km/h or more. In addition, there's no prizes for toughing it out. If it's too wet or local conditions unsuitable, we will text you.

Are events child and all-ability friendly?

For many events, yes. Our events operate within a gated and locked Conservation Area, that is primarily managed for plants and animals, hence not all areas are suitable for children or those who have difficulty with uneven, rocky tracks. The event details give further information.

Can I ask another question?

Absolutely! At any time, please text Sue your question. Please be aware that Sue works 1 day p/wk. Her phone will be turned on the day prior to an event, but turned off after 5pm.

Organised by

Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater

Part-time paid employees of the Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater work with and alongside the community in practical, on-ground activities that progress recovery objectives for the Critically Endangered Helmeted Honeyeater. Paid and unpaid (volunteers) staff are supported by a volunteer Committee of Management.

No species can exist in isolation. Through our activities, we aim to understand, protect, conserve and enhance a special part of the natural world in and surrounding Yellingbo Nature Conservation Area (YNCA) Victoria. An amazing array of unique, and more common, plants, animals and fungi share, and need, this ecosystem into the future.

Individuals can make a difference to threatened species, but a team of people working together achieve the best long-term outcomes. We welcome and value your involvement.

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