ClimateWatch trails
Assist scientists to collect and record data on the seasonal behaviour of plants and animals along popular walking trails.
How Does Climate Change Affect Plants and Animals?
Climate change is changing the seasons, and this affects how plants and animals behave. You can help scientists learn more by becoming a citizen scientist!
ClimateWatch was created by Earthwatch Australia, the Bureau of Meteorology, and the University of Melbourne. They want to understand how changes in temperature and rainfall are affecting plants and animals in Australia.
How You Can Help:
- Record Observations: Note what you see on four popular walking trails in Environment Reserves on the Sunshine Coast (see trails below).
- Join Guided Walks: During school holidays, join guided walks to learn more and share your findings.
- Self-Guided Trails: Follow the steps here to do a self-guided ClimateWatch trail.
All recordings are made on the ClimateWatch App. Here is how to get started:
- Download the app
Download and install the free app on your smart device via your app store
Google Play | Apple Store - Register
Register your own user account with your email address - Start
Walk one of our local trails and start recording your observations.
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| Doonan Creek Environment Reserve Nature Trail | Kawana Forest Nature Trail |
| The 3.12km trail leads you through revegetated bushland, old remnant forest and swampland. To participate in upcoming guided ClimateWatch trail walks register your interest here. | The Trail leads you through the southern portion of Kawana Forest Bushland Reserve located to the west of Kawana Way in Meridan Plains. To participate in upcoming guided ClimateWatch trail walks register your interest here. |
| Find out more | Find out more |
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| Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary | Currimundi Lake 'Loop the Lake' |
The trail runs along the boardwalk through wet and dry eucalypt forests, rainforest, melaleuca forest, casuarina woodland, salt marsh and mangroves. | The 4 km loop starts on the banks of Lake Currimundi leading to a beautiful open beach and looping back into unique coastal bushland. To participate in upcoming guided ClimateWatch trail walks register your interest here. |
| Find out more | Find out more |
Free education resources
ClimateWatch trails can be incorporated into a school excursion. Taking part in citizen science by monitoring and recording plant and animal behaviour aligns to the science stream of the national curriculum.
Earthwatch and Cool Australia have developed free teacher and lesson resources that are mapped to the Australian curriculum. View them on the ClimateWatch website.
Image credit: Eastern yellow robin by David Cooke Wildlife Photography (left), orchard swallowtail female by Lisa Ryan (centre) and broad-leaved paperbark by Lisa Ryan (right)