NatureWatch Sunshine Coast

NatureWatch is a citizen science program to assist council in monitoring and maintaining our environment reserves through community participation.

We host fun, educational and outdoor activities, presentations, and workshops in council reserves for community members to enjoy and learn about nature. We train community members to become citizen scientists in wildlife monitoring techniques and seasonal vegetation changes.

NatureWatch activities are open to anyone who lives in the Sunshine Coast, and all activities are free! 

Simply register in the program to receive news about opportunities or check the calendar for upcoming events.  

Nest box monitoring on the Sunshine Coast

We need your help to investigate nest boxes in Council reserves and parks.

You'll gain hands-on experience with wildlife monitoring techniques and data collection.

Details

Where: At least 20 sites in council reserves.

When: Monitoring activities are seasonal. Autumn is March-May and Spring is September-November.

How long: Up to 2 hours per activity.

Who: Maximum of 5 people per activity plus 1 activity coordinator.

What: Collect data on nest boxes, record tree features, and check for animals using a camera on a pole.

What are nest boxes?

Nest boxes are artificial shelters that support over 100 species of Australian native animals for nesting and raising their young.

Why are they important? 

Tree hollows, which are natural nesting sites, only form in very old trees. Unfortunately, many of these trees have been removed faster than new hollows can form.

To support the diverse wildlife on the Sunshine Coast, we've used various nest box designs and installation methods.

How can you help? 

We need accurate and current information to determine how effective these nest boxes are. This is why we've started a citizen science project under the NatureWatch Sunshine Coast program.

Join us! Sign up for a nest box monitoring event and help us gather essential data.