Residents to become citizen scientists

Local residents housebound due to the coronavirus pandemic can put their spare time to good use by joining the Wild Pollinator Count from the comfort of their own backyards.The Wild Pollinator Count is an opportunity to contribute to a national database helping scientists to understand pollinator species' behaviour.RiverConnect, Greater Shepparton City Council and the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority has encouraged all residents to take part in the Wild Pollinator Count from Sunday, April 12 to Sunday, April 19.The project aims to help discover which insects share our local backyards, while highlighting the importance of wild insects in pollinating crops, forests and gardens across Australia.RiverConnect project officer Meg Pethybridge said the project was perfect for social isolation, as no special gear or expertise was required.