Waterbug Open Day stall at Bello markets

OzGREEN is partnering with Inspiring Australia to host a National Science Week ‘Waterbug Open Day’ stall at the Bellingen Growers Market on Saturday 12 August. This interactive event is an opportunity for people to learn about the role waterbugs play in helping scientists and the community understand the health of the Bellinger River. Activities involve waterbug challenges and prizes.

Bellingen Riverwatch co-coordinator Sam Daykin told News Of The Area, “OzGREEN’s Macro Open Day is so important for our community as we are aiming to foster curiosity amongst all ages and make science fun and accessible to everyone. “This event is part of a bigger citizen-science program, Bellingen Riverwatch, which has more than 60 volunteers come together across two programs to gather data, educate the community, and help protect our river systems.

“Participating in initiatives like these offers vital opportunities to proactively care for and preserve our natural environment, ensuring the protection of our rivers and ecosystems for generations to come,” he said. “We invite people of all ages to the stall and embark on a captivating adventure into the realm of macro invertebrates. We are aiming to foster curiosity amongst all ages with this event and make science accessible to everyone… and fun.”

Amy Denshire, Bellingen Riverwatch program manager said the rivers of the Belliunger and Kaling catchments were unique and some of the healthiest rivers in Australia. “All residents and tourists need to work together to protect what we have,” she said.

“Events like these help raise awareness about river health, the role that waterbugs play in the ecosystem, and the threatened species that rely on these rivers,” she said.

Bellingen Riverwatch began following a sever mortality event of the Bellinger River Snapping Turtle in 2015. This turtle is now listed as critically endangered and scientists estimate there are less than 200 turtles left in the river. Sam and Amy urged people to go along and hear more about this and numerous other projects and find out how to participate in future citizen-science activities.

Visit the market stall anytime between 8am and 11am, or if you would like an event reminder emailed to you, register at www.ozgreen.org/waterbug-open-day. Any questions, email Sam at sam@ozgreen.org.au

This National Science Week project is an OzGREEN initiative supported by the Australian Government. Part funded by the Bellingen Shire Council, it is supported by the Department of Planning and Environment’s Saving our Species Program.