Have you ever wondered just how salty the water in the Swan Canning Riverpark is, how many dolphins inhabit its waters, or why some birds travel hundreds of kilometres to visit the Riverpark every year? Then come and celebrate this year’s World Rivers Day by connecting with local scientists to learn about the research, monitoring and conservation efforts occurring in our very own Swan Canning Riverpark. Through interactive sessions with scientists from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Murdoch University, BirdLife and the WA Fairy Tern Network, participants will gain insight into three different fields of work related to the Riverpark. 

The event will take place on the foreshore of the beautiful Dyoondalup Point Walter, where participants will hear about the importance of this location to the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation, before engaging in hands-on learning in the natural environment. Participants will rotate through the interactive sessions, then group for a provided lunch and an opportunity to ask the scientists any burning questions. 

This event is a great opportunity for those who have an interest in the environment and a curiosity for science, and would be well suited to people aged 16+. Children under 16 years of age are welcome to attend, however the content and activities are not considered suitable for children under 12 years of age. Tickets may be purchased for participants aged 12-16, but these children must have an accompanying adult (with a ticket) at all times. A light lunch will be provided with ticket purchase.

The event has two separate booking options. Each booking option contains three interactive sessions on a river-related topic. Read the descriptions below to see which booking option most aligns with your interests.  

BOOKING OPTION 1: Fish, Water Quality, Habitats. 

When booking option 1 choose date: Thurs - 26/09/24 9:00AM 

Fish session: Do you know how many different fish species have been recorded in the Swan Canning Riverpark? Join ichthyologists on site to find this out, and see how the fish community is monitored. Learn how different fish use the Riverpark and find out what fish are living in the shallows at Dyoondalup Point Walter.  

Water Quality session: Meet with Riverpark Rangers and aquatic scientists to learn how water quality is monitored in the Riverpark. Find out about the drastic seasonal changes the Swan Canning goes through and why water quality is so crucial to the health of the Riverpark. Get your hands on some monitoring equipment and discover what the conditions are on site. 

Habitat session:  Ever wondered what grows below in the Riverpark? Join marine scientists for a ‘virtual dive’ into the depths to explore the habitats of the Riverpark. Learn about seagrass and other habitats in the system and see first-hand how they are studied. 

BOOKING OPTION 2: Dolphins, Pollutants, Birds. 

When booking option 2 choose date: Thurs - 26/09/24 9:01AM

Dolphin session:  Discover the facts about the resident dolphins of the Swan Canning Riverpark. Learn from a local cetacean scientist about how to identify individual dolphins and their behaviours, and how the citizen science project, Dolphin Watch, contributes to the conservation of these lovable and iconic mammals.  

Pollutant session: Connect with aquatic ecologists investigating plastic and pollution entering the Riverpark. Learn about how different pollutants can impact birds and dolphins and the broader ecosystem. Take part in a survey of pollutants on the Dyoondalup Point Walter shoreline. 

Bird session: Meet an expert ornithologist on site to discover the importance of Dyoondalup Point Walter to vulnerable Fairy Terns. Find out what other birds rely on the Riverpark, how these birds are monitored and how, as citizens, you can contribute to their conservation. Please wear water suitable shoes as you may be ankle deep in water. 

If you have any questions about this activity, please email Nearer to Nature n2n@dbca.wa.gov.au