Environment events and workshops

Biodiversity Blitz

For the fifth year running, we are celebrating Biodiversity Month by joining several of our neighbouring councils in the Biodiversity Blitz competition.

The competition encourages residents to record local plant and animal species throughout September using iNaturalist – a free mobile App that helps you identify the plants and animals around you.

The information recorded in the App will also help scientists to better understand and protect nature. It’s a great way to learn about plants and animals and get involved in citizen science.

How to become a member of Cardinia Shire’s Biodiversity Blitz team

1. Download the free iNaturalist App or register on the iNaturalist website
2. Join the Biodiversity Blitz 2025 - Cardinia Shire project
3. From 1 September start recording your observations.

Bio-Bushwalk

Take a guided walk through RJ Chambers Reserve to explore the local flora and fauna and enjoy a photography workshop, where you’ll learn how capture the beauty of our local environment. 

Address: RJ Chambers Flora and Fauna Reserve, Bourkes Creek Rd, Pakenham Upper (entrance Matters Rd intersection)

Date: Sunday 21 September 2025

Time: 10am – 11:30am

Parking available onsite.

Register your interest

Spot, share, safeguard the Southern Brown Bandicoot

To protect and track the endangered Southern Brown Bandicoot, Council is encouraging residents to record sightings and observations through the iNaturalist platform.

This data will help track the bandicoot and its behaviours to establish better conservation practices to safeguard the southern brown bandicoots and preserve biodiversity.

Footpath stickers and signs will be installed at key locations around the shire to mark bandicoot sightings.

The initiative is part of the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and aims to reduce threats posed by domestic pets through education and engagement.

In the areas where bandicoots have been spotted, residents should:

• keep their dogs on lead
• ensure their cats remain on private property.

Bandicoots have already been spotted along the Koo Wee Rup Rail Trail and residents around Bayles, Bunyip and Garfield are encouraged to keep a look out for bandicoots.

Free iNaturalist online webinar

Join community members, volunteers, and council staff who will share their stories of being citizen scientists. You’ll learn how and why they use iNaturalist, typical or unusual observations they’ve made, if they focus on certain species, and where they like to explore. You’ll also get a chance to ask questions of the panellists. 

Registration is essential.

If you can't get to the webinar, check out this great iNaturalist video made by Yarra Ranges Council to get started!

Questions?

Contact our Environment and Heritage team 
Ph: 1300 787 624 
Email: mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au