Get involved: Protect and enhance Ballarat’s natural environment

Join a Local Community Group

Get your hands dirty and meet like-minded people by joining a local environmental group. From tree planting to community gardening and workshops, there’s something for every interest.

Visit Ballarat Community Directory to find a local community group.

Nature Stewards

Nature Stewards is a fun and practical program that connects people to local nature and builds environmental knowledge and skills. It includes classroom learning, field trips and hands-on activities. Don’t worry, there’s no test at the end, but you get out what you put in.

Places are limited, and applications are open via the website. The program fee is just $175 for Ballarat residents and concession card holders (non-residents: $350).

Visit Victorian National Parks Association to learn more.

Citizen Science Projects

Citizen science lets anyone contribute to real scientific research. Monitor local wildlife, track climate trends or record seasonal changes, no experience needed.

Two young girls wearing school uniforms are exploring nature, using a tablet and smartphone to document their findings for a science project, promoting STEM education and outdoor learning

Programs you can contribute to

WaterWatch and EstuaryWatch
A Victorian volunteer program dedicated to investigating and monitoring estuarine and freshwater ecosystems.
Contact: sustainableenvironment@ballarat.vic.gov.au if you would like to join.

River Detectives
An exciting education initiative of Catchment Management Authorities inspiring teachers and students to understand, appreciate and care for their local waterway through engaging, cross-curricular, citizen-science activities.

iNaturalist
A tool that can be used to identify plants and animals whilst generating research quality data for science and conservation.

BioCollect
A data collection tool for biodiversity science. It is designed to collect and manage biodiversity, ecological and natural resource management (NRM) data.

DigiVol
Contribute to science by transcribing historical museum records and images.

Birdata
The program that enables people right across the country to collect scientific data that help BirdLife understand and protect Australia’s birds.

Butterflies Australia
A website and app used to record butterfly sightings in the field to contribute to butterfly conservation and research.

Feral Scan
Used to record pest animal activity in your local area to protect farms, biodiverity and communities.

Australian Platypus Conservancy
Used to report sightings of platypus or rakali in the wild (either alive or dead), contributing to understanding the status, distribution and conservation needs of these animals.

NatureMapr
A tool used to report plant or animal information anywhere in Australia and ensures the information gets to the people that need to know about it.

Frog ID
Used to record frog calls with the free FrogID app which helps gather essential information to better understand and conserve Australia’s frogs.

Resource Smart Schools

This award-winning Victorian Government program helps schools save resources, cut costs, and bring sustainability into the classroom.

Any school in Victoria can join and get support from sustainability experts.

Find out how your school can become a ResourceSmart School.

Join a Community Garden

Looking for a hands-on way to support local sustainability and connect with others? Community gardens are welcoming spaces where people grow fresh produce, share gardening knowledge, and help build stronger, more resilient neighbourhoods. Whether you’re new to gardening or a seasoned grower, getting involved is a great way to contribute to a healthier community and environment.

Visit Community gardens - Local Food Coalition to find out more.

Educational resources

Explore tools, guides, and activities that support learning about sustainability, biodiversity, and environmental stewardship in Ballarat. Whether you're a student, educator, or curious citizen scientist, these resources are designed to help you connect with nature and take meaningful action.

Mobile Apps for nature and sustainability

These free apps offer interactive ways to learn about local ecosystems, species, and sustainable practices:

Wadawurrung Language App
This app is an introduction to the Wadawurrung language of region that encompasses Geelong and Ballarat areas of Victoria, Australia.

Ballarat Waste and Recycling App
The free Ballarat Waste and Recycling app puts local waste and recycling information right at your fingertips.

Seek by iNaturalist
Helps to identify plants and animals

Waterbug App
Helps you identify waterbugs from Australia.

Vic Fishing App
The official Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide application from Fisheries Victoria (Department Of Environment and Primary Industries) has all the information you need to know to fish in Victoria.

Field Guide to Victorian Fauna App
Explore Victoria's unique and diverse wildlife at home or in the great outdoors with Museums Victoria’s free Field Guide app.

Two Bays
An app aimed at teens that combines global environmental education with local grassroots action. Its a way to transform eco anxiety into action.

Local nature guides and print resources

You can also request these resources in person at:
City of Ballarat Customer Service
The Phoenix, 25 Armstrong Street South, Ballarat

Contact Sustainable Environment Ballarat

Working with and for our Ballarat community to create a thriving natural and built Ballarat.

Phone: 5320 5500 and ask for Sustainable Environment Ballarat
Email: sustainableenvironment@ballarat.vic.gov.au
Subscribe: Want to find out about the latest Sustainability and Environment news, events, projects and services?

Subscribe to Sustainable Environment Ballarat Bulletin

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