Oberon’s growing reputation for community-based science was on display when the Oberon Citizen Science Network (OCSN) hosted Science in Oberon: More Than You Imagine at the beautiful Malachi Gilmore Hall on Saturday 15 August.
The free National Science Week event was very well attended, bringing together local residents, citizen scientists, researchers, families and young people for a day exploring the remarkable biodiversity and scientific activity taking place in and around the Oberon district.
Oberon High School participated with a great display, while children and young people were encouraged to engage with the many exhibits. A number of the displays were interactive and fun, while remaining firmly grounded in science, giving visitors the opportunity to learn by seeing, touching and experimenting.
The presentation on bird strike at wind farms highlighted the significant work being undertaken by researchers working with the renewable energy sector to better understand the issue and minimise impacts on bird populations. It also placed those impacts in a broader ecological context, noting that while every avoidable bird death matters, the number associated with wind turbines is very small compared with the enormous toll taken by other threats, particularly feral cats.
There was strong interest in an update on biodiversity at Jenolan Caves, accompanied by the welcome news that the caves are expected to reopen next year. Adding to the good news, local platypuses appear to be enjoying the newly renovated Blue Lake and the improved habitat it provides.
A fascinating presentation on greater gliders and other tree-dwelling marsupials also captured the audience’s attention, highlighting both the extraordinary ecology of these native animals and the challenges involved in protecting vulnerable species.
Throughout the day, speakers acknowledged the important contribution made by citizen scientists — members of the community who voluntarily give their time, knowledge and resources to help researchers build a better understanding of the local environment.
Their work can include monitoring wildlife, recording species, collecting environmental data and supporting long-term research projects. The value of this contribution, and the strong partnership between professional researchers and local people, was noted and appreciated by speakers throughout the event.
Held in the beautifully restored Malachi Gilmore Hall, the event demonstrated that science can be rigorous, accessible and enjoyable. The strong turnout reflected both the community’s interest in its natural environment and the increasingly important role citizen science plays in helping to understand and protect the unique ecology of the Oberon region.
