The chance to immerse into the curious world of the platypus and discover some citizen science along the way is available for Yarra Ranges residents on Wednesday 27 November.
The Belgrave Community Platypus Evening will be held at the Birdsland Reserve Education Centre from 7pm to 9pm.
The free event will give residents the chance to learn from researchers and practitioners all about Belgrave’s platypus population, and discover practical ways you can support their conservation through the Tanks for Platypus – Monbulk Creek Smart Water Network initiative.
Director of Planning and Sustainable Futures, Kath McClusk said the Yarra Ranges council are encouraging community members to dive into the fascinating world of the platypus and discover how citizen scientists are using cutting-edge eDNA technology to monitor this elusive species.
“In this event, platypus ecologist, Will Webster will share the findings of an eDNA platypus monitoring program and researchers and practitioners will talk about Belgrave’s platypus population,” she said.
“Our smart water network facilitator and University of Melbourne representatives will discuss the Tanks for Platypus program which aims to safeguard the health of Monbulk Creek and consequently, the platypus that depend on it for survival, by installing rainwater tanks on private and community property that can capture and release water in times of need.”
A collaboration between Southern Dandenongs Landcare and Melbourne Water, attending the platypus evening will give people the chance to learn how to support platypus conservation and reduce their water bill by using smart rainwater tanks.
There will be a presentation by platypus ecologist, Will Webster, who will share the findings of an eDNA platypus monitoring program sustained by community volunteers.
Other presenters on the evening will include Dr Darren Bos, Senior Research Fellow, Waterway Ecosystem Research Group, The University of Melbourne , Dana Dekkers, PhD Candidate, Waterway Ecosystem Research Group, The University of Melbourne and Jess Lazarus, Smart Water Network Facilitator, Yarra Ranges Council.
The event will have light refreshments provided, presentations will commence at 7:10pm and conclude by 8:45pm.
This event is free but registration is essential and will be held at: Birdsland Reserve Education Centre, 1/271 Mt Morton Road, Belgrave Heights from 7pm to 9pm.
Tickets are available through: https://events.humanitix.com/platypus-of-belgrave-evening
