Citizen science is a collaborative approach to scientific research that invites everyday individuals to participate in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data.
It harnesses the collective power of the public, enabling people from all walks of life to contribute to real scientific projects, ranging from environmental monitoring to wildlife tracking and astronomical observations.
By involving non-experts in the research process, citizen science opens up new avenues for discovery, and helps solve complex problems. It also allows participants to deepen their understanding of science while making tangible contributions to knowledge that benefits society.
Whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned enthusiast, there are countless opportunities to get involved in citizen science, including the City Nature Challenge, the world’s biggest citizen science event.
City Nature Challenge 2025
Brimbank City Council is teaming up once again with over 20 Councils across metropolitan Melbourne to represent Greater Melbourne on the global stage in the City Nature Challenge and we need your help to do it!
Why participate?
There is nature all around us! Knowing what species are in our city and where they are helps us study and protect them, but the only way to do that is by all of us – scientists, land managers, and the community – working together to find and document the nature in our area.
By participating in the City Nature Challenge, not only do you learn more about your local nature, but you can also contribute to making your city a better place – for you and other species!
In 2024 our Brimbank Citizen Scientists made 152 observations of 93 different species from 23 observers over the four days in April.
How does it work?
To get involved all you have to do is download the iNaturalist app and from 25-28 April 2025 find wild plants, animals and fungi in your local park or reserve, take a picture and upload it to the app. That’s all. Super easy.
You can download the app to your phone and upload your observations as you go, or use your camera and upload on your computer at home, just make sure that your location services are turned on.
Your observations will automatically be pooled, but if you would like to see how we are tracking across the event, you can join the City Nature Challenge 2025: Brimbank.
Keep an eye out for our City Nature Challenge events on our Brimbank Events webpage.