A fun new citizen science campaign is underway that Hume and Whittlesea children and families can join to play their part protecting Victoria’s precious environment and agriculture.
Biosecurity Victoria executive director Katherine Clift said the Great Biosecurity Quest is about protecting what we value most by preventing and managing harm caused by pests and diseases.
“In Victoria, we have a beautiful natural environment and a thriving agriculture industry, and we all have a responsibility to protect them,” she said.
“Play your part in the Great Biosecurity Quest by joining via the Agriculture Victoria website. You can become a Watchout Warrior by keeping an eye out for potential risks during October and
together, we can work to reduce the threat of diseases and pests in Victoria.”
Participants can download or print Agriculture Victoria’s new citizen science toolkit and keep an eye out for some of the state’s highest plant and pest risks.
“Grab a magnifying glass, take your toolkit and see what you can find,” Dr Clift said.
“This is a great way for children and families to get outside – whether it be in a backyard, park or garden.
“If you find an unusual plant, pest or disease you think we should know about, you can make a report via our website.”
And as well as the benefits of getting out in nature, two lucky Watchout Warriors will take home an iPad Mini – one for answering a citizen science question and the other for naming Agriculture Victoria’s new mascot.
The Great Biosecurity Quest runs October 9 to 22 – learn how to join via the Agriculture Victorian website.
Details: agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurityquest .
