Despite the rain, our community showed up for a hands-on workshop at Spring Mountain Reserve on the 29th of March. Led by OCCA’s Partnerships Officer, Tam, twelve enthusiastic participants braved the soggy weather to learn about the power of environmental DNA (eDNA) and how a single water sample can reveal a wealth of biodiversity information.
This exciting project is focused on sampling 11 sites across upper Oxley Creek to uncover which aquatic vertebrates like fish, frogs, turtles, and hopefully rakali that call these waters home.
Umbrellas in hand and gumboots on, the group gathered lakeside as Tam demonstrated the simple eDNA sampling method using a 5-micron filter. These filters capture traces of DNA left behind by animals in the water (skin cells, scats), which are then sent to EnviroDNA in Melbourne for analysis.
While the wet weather prevented participants from heading out to collect additional samples that day, they were encouraged to join future fieldwork sessions once conditions improve. Results from the project will be shared in an online webinar scheduled for late May or early June. Keep an eye out for email updates and announcements on our social media channels!
This project is proudly supported by the Logan City Council EnviroGrant 2024.
