Get Involved
Citizen Science
Perry Lakes is a working, changing ecosystem — and some of the most valuable observations come from the people who know it best. Our citizen scientists collect real ecological data at the reserve: water levels, water quality, wildlife surveys, and opportunistic sightings. No prior experience required. Just curiosity and a willingness to learn.
Photo: Ian Stewart
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What you’d actually do
Four kinds of monitoring
Citizen science at Perry Lakes is hands-on and grounded. Here’s what the work looks like — pick the kind that fits how you like to spend time at the reserve.
Hydrology
Water levels
Tracking water levels in both lakes, Herdsman Main Drain pumping activity, daily rainfall and evaporation. This data helps us understand how the lakes respond to seasonal conditions over time.
Water chemistry
Water quality
Using equipment supplied by the Town of Cambridge, our citizen scientists measure key aspects of water chemistry — building a picture of lake health that would be impossible without regular, consistent observation.
Fauna
Animal surveys
Recording the presence, numbers, and locations of fauna across the reserve. Animal data helps us understand how changes in water levels and quality flow through to the wildlife that depends on the lakes.
Open to everyone
Spot It · Share It
Spotted something at the reserve? A bird you haven’t seen before, a reptile, a flower in bloom? Log it. Every sighting adds to our understanding of what lives here and when. Submit anytime via the QR code at the reserve car park or through the link below.
What you get out of it
Real skills, good company, work that counts
Real skills
You’ll be trained in ecological monitoring methods — how to use the Hanna HI9829 water quality instrument, standardised survey protocols, and data recording practices. Skills you can apply beyond Perry Lakes.
A small, skilled community
Citizen scientists at FoPL work alongside researchers and practitioners with decades of experience. It’s a genuinely collegial group — people who are serious about the work and good company in the field.
Work that matters
The data you collect feeds directly into conservation decisions at the reserve. It’s not busywork — it’s the real thing. Your records become part of a long-term dataset that outlasts any single season or person.
Meet your mentors
You’ll be in good hands
FoPL’s citizen science program is supported by genuine scientific expertise — people who will train you, work beside you, and answer your questions in the field.
Dr Don McFarlane
Water science
Hydrogeologist and Adjunct Professor at UWA with a career spanning managed aquifer recharge, climate change impacts on hydrology, and remote sensing. Leads FoPL’s water monitoring program.
Dr Andrew Burbidge
Wildlife
Conservation biologist with 45 years dedicated to biodiversity conservation in Western Australia. Coordinates FoPL’s wildlife surveys and our strategy to preserve wildlife diversity at the reserve.
Tony Harding
Field ecology
Leads FoPL’s monthly field work activities and liaises with the Town of Cambridge on reserve management priorities. Your first point of contact in the field.
Interested in becoming a citizen scientist?
Register your interest and we’ll be in touch with details on training and how to get started.
For the citizen science team
Already part of the team? Your monitoring documents are below.
These documents will move to the member portal once it’s live.