Melbourne Waterbug Blitz
Want to know what critters you can find in our wetlands? We're joining the National Waterbug Blitz to see what creatures live in our ponds and lakes. Register to join in.
Are you interested in creating a greener Melbourne? Volunteering as a citizen forester is a fantastic opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills and build knowledge about green space in our city.
Citizen Science is a growing discipline around the world that allows citizens to participate in the collection and analysis of scientific data. Catering for different levels of ability and interest, the Citizen Forester Program has a variety of activities that allow volunteers to participate in a meaningful, fun and rewarding environmental work. To learn more about the program, take a look at the past activity pages below.
If you are interested in becoming a citizen forester, complete the registration form and we will be in touch with you.
Since 2011, the City of Melbourne has worked closely with the community to develop the Urban Forest Strategy and the subsequent Urban Forest Precinct Plans for each of the city’s 10 precincts. This collaborative process has fostered high levels of interest and participation in creating a greener Melbourne.
The Citizen Forester Program has been established to facilitate ongoing and meaningful partnership with the community to grow and enhance one of Melbourne's most important assets: our urban forest.
To learn more about Melbourne's urban forests head to the Urban Forest Visual map. You can download our urban forest data from the Open Data Portal.
To become a citizen forester, you must:
- Register your interest by completing the form.
- You will then be contacted by City of Melbourne to finalise your enrolment.
- Complete your volunteer profile with the City of Melbourne's HR team
- Complete your police check and working with children check, in line with City of Melbourne volunteer protocol (free of charge for volunteers)
- Accept the volunteer code of conduct
If you have any questions, contact the Urban Forest and Ecology team.
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Citizen Forester activities
The Citizen Forester Program operates as a series of activities that are carried out as needed. Registered volunteers have the opportunity to participate in any activities that suit their interest or commitment level.
Current activities
Past activities
Mapping habitat trees
Trees provide important habitat for wildlife in our cities. Help us to find the trees that have high habitat value in the city of Melbourne.
Mistletoe surveys
Help us to discover biodiversity hidden in the city's exotic trees as part of the mistletoe survey
Habitat planting day
help us to create habitat for wildlife on the banks of the Maribyrnong River.
Pollinator observation project
Join us in Westgate Park and to identify the many wonderful pollinators living there.
A night's watch: Treasury Gardens
Join us for a special event to survey rakali, owls and frogs, to help us better understand what animals live and forage in our parks after dark.
Elm genetics sampling
Melbourne has the most significant mature elm population in the world. Understanding the genetic diversity of our elms will help us to improve resilience to pests, diseases and climate change.
i-Tree Eco urban forest assessment
Help us to assess and understand the ecosystem benefits provided by Melbourne's urban forest.
Learning and networking event
Citizen Forester volunteers are invited to join us for a series of engaging talks to celebrate the end of the year.
Join the Citizen Forester Program
Complete the form below to express your in becoming a Citizen Forester.
A city of sustainability
Document library
Links
FAQs
Contact us
Have questions or want to learn more about the project, contact us:
Name
Urban Forest and Ecology Team
Phone
(03) 9658 9658