Now in its sixteenth year, Bush Blitz has firmly established itself as Australia’s leading species discovery program. With over 50 scientific expeditions conducted across the country, the program has contributed to the identification of more than 2,000 species new to science. In 2024, Bush Blitz reached a pivotal milestone with a renewed commitment from Earthwatch, the Australian Government, and BHP. This cross-sector partnership will now continue for at least another five years, ensuring further exploration and conservation of Australia’s rich biodiversity.
A Groundbreaking Expedition on Nanda Country
The first expedition under the renewed partnership took place on Nanda Country, in Kalbarri National Park (Western Australia)—a biologically rich and culturally significant landscape. The multidisciplinary team included taxonomic experts, Earthwatch staff, representatives from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), Nanda Traditional Owners, and BHP volunteer fellows. Together, they worked to document the region’s biodiversity and contribute valuable data to national conservation efforts.
This expedition exemplifies the unique strength of Bush Blitz: pairing scientific research with community and corporate engagement to generate meaningful conservation outcomes—impactful citizen science in action . Among the many findings, a new species of trapdoor spider was identified—thanks in part to the keen observation skills of Kayla Baillie, a BHP volunteer participant.
Kayla reflected on her experience as both transformative and educational:
This experience was one I will never forget and, to be honest, was quite life-changing.
Not only was it amazing to see the stunning Kalbarri National Park up close, but learning about the incredible diversity of flies, wasps, bugs, spiders, and flowers was eye-opening.
The scientists were so passionate about their work and took the time to teach and explain their research to us—conversations I will probably never have again with anyone.
It was a reminder to connect with nature and view the world with awe and wonder. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to take part in this expedition and would recommend it to anyone who wants to step outside their comfort zone and see nature from an entirely new perspective.
Get Involved in Conservation Science
As Bush Blitz enters its next chapter, it remains committed to discovering Australia’s hidden biodiversity and supporting national conservation goals. The program not only fills critical knowledge gaps in taxonomy and distribution but also fosters meaningful engagement between scientists, Traditional Owners, educators, volunteers, and the broader community.
To learn more about how you can get involved in future Bush Blitz expeditions and contribute to real-world scientific discovery, visit www.earthwatch.org.au
