Join us for a hands-on Waterbug Survey and Water Quality Monitoring workshop in Sorell!

Landcare Tasmania, in partnership with Sorell Landcare, Simon Roberts from the Upper Huon Wildlife Monitoring Group and freshwater ecologist John Gooderham (Waterbug Blitz), is hosting a fun and educational water quality training session as part of our Rivers to Ramsar with NRM South.

Together, we’ll survey the Sorell Rivulet on local landholder, Anthony's, property, learning how to collect and identify waterbugs – important indicators of stream health. You’ll also gain skills in using turbidity tubes, pH meters, thermometers and the Waterbug App, as well as learn about the importance of riparian vegetation, so that afterwards you will be able to monitor water quality yourself, and help out a citizen science program.

The sessions are suitable for young children to adults, with participants using a mix of basic tools (hand lens, ice-cube tray and plastic spoon).

About the Rivers to Ramsar with NRM South Project

This workshop is part of a multi-year restoration project led by NRM South, in partnership with Landcare Tasmania, Sorell Landcare, Sorell Council, and the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service.

The project aims to restore riparian and saltmarsh habitats along Frogmore Creek, Orielton Rivulet, Sorell Rivulet, and the Orielton Lagoon Ramsar site, helping reduce runoff and improve habitat for threatened wetland species.

As part of this project, Landcare Tasmania and Sorell Landcare will host three community events, and we’d love for you to be part of them!

📍 Location:  -42.7658697, 147.5792532  (please copy into Google Maps)- Head north up Pawleena Road, from Sorell until you see the Landcare Tasmania signs on your left and follow the road through Anthony's paddock to reach the rivulet.  This event will be outside. 

📅 Date and time: 30 August 2025 from 10am to 2pm. Lunch will be provided.

Please register below to secure your spot and so that we can contact you in case of changes to the event due to bad weather.

It may be sunny, it may be windy, please come prepared. 

Please download the Waterbug App onto a mobile device prior to this session and register (sign in  - top left of the home screen).  If you don’t have or don’t want to use your phone/tablet, there will be paper texts and data sheets available to use. (more info under www.waterbugblitz.org.au)

Download poster here

This project is funded by the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program, with the support of NRM South, Landcare Tasmania, Sorell Landcare, Sorell Council, Tas Water and the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service.