Karen Player, Author at Australian Environmental Education

January 9, 2026January 9, 2026

Water for Wildlife

Australia is renowned for its beautiful, sunny summers but with that comes the reality of heatwaves. We can retreat indoors or cool off in a pool, our incredible native wildlife isn’t always so fortunate. Extreme temperatures can be devastating, leading to dehydration, heat stress, and even death for many animals.

Just like humans, animals need consistent access to water to regulate their body temperature and maintain essential bodily functions. During a heatwave natural water sources can dry up quickly, leaving animals vulnerable. They might have to travel long distances in extreme heat to find water, expending precious energy and increasing their risk of heat stress. Providing accessible water points can significantly reduce this struggle.

You Can Help Our Wildlife This Summer:

Provide water stations:

Refresh daily: Always use fresh, clean water. Stagnant water can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mosquitoes.
Clean regularly: Scrub dishes thoroughly to prevent algae and pathogen build up.
Place in multiple spots: Offer several water sources in different locations. This helps reduce competition and caters to animals with varying preferences or territorial ranges. Consider placing some in shaded areas and some in more open spots, ensuring visibility.

Use shallow dishes & rocks:

Safety first: Opt for shallow dishes or bowls to prevent smaller birds and mammals from drowning. A ceramic plant saucer is often ideal.
Add rocks or pebbles: Place a few rocks or stones in the dish. This provides a safe perch for birds to drink without getting fully submerged and offers an escape route for insects and small creatures if they fall in.
Avoid deep containers: Buckets or deep pet bowls can be dangerous drowning hazards for smaller animals.

Offer shade:

Natural cover: Plant native trees and shrubs in your garden to provide natural shade and cooler resting spots.
Artificial shade: If you don’t have ample tree cover, consider positioning a large umbrella, a piece of old tin, or even a shade cloth near your water station. This allows animals to drink and rest in cooler conditions, away from direct sunlight.

We all can make a difference by taking these simple steps in our backyard and local area. you can provide vital support and help our wildlife survive the scorching summer months. Remember, every drop of water and every patch of shade can make a world of difference to an animal fighting for survival.

January 5, 2026January 5, 2026

2026 Vision: My Hopes for a greener, wilder Australia

As I look ahead into 2026, I feel a sense of renewed energy for the future of Environmental Education in Australia. I’ve been thinking a lot about where we are headed. We are moving past the era of just talking about the environment and we are entering an era of deep, hands-on connection.

Here are my personal hopes for what we can achieve together in 2026:

Making Citizen Science a daily habit

In 2026, I want to see Citizen Science become as common as checking the weather. I’m hoping to see more people using tools like FrogID and iNaturalist not just once a year, but every time we step outside.

My Vision: I imagine thousands of classrooms contributing real-time data to national research. There is something incredibly empowering about knowing that a photo you took of a beetle in your playground is helping scientists understand Australia’s changing biodiversity.

Exploring my local habitats; from soil to the sea

I want us to get our hands dirty and our feet wet. Australia is a megadiverse continent and so much of that magic is right under our noses.

My Vision: Whether I’m leading a coastal walk or exploring the leaf litter in a local park, I want 2026 to be the year we all reconnect with our immediate surroundings. I’m committed to highlighting the importance of the connection between land and sea. What I do in my own backyard can impact the health of our waterways and marine environments.

Celebrating Our “Hidden” Biodiversity

I love Koalas and Kangaroos as much as anyone, but I have a massive soft spot for the “underdogs” of the Australian bush.

My Vision: I’m aiming to shift the spotlight onto our fascinating invertebrates, fungi and unique marine life. In 2026, I hope to educate more people about the pollinators and decomposers that keep our ecosystems thriving. When we understand the tiny things, we learn to respect the whole system.

Turning my spaces into wildlife sanctuaries

I’ve always believed that you don’t need a massive bushland block to save a species. My hope for 2026 is that we stop seeing our gardens and schoolyards as “lawns” and start seeing them as vital wildlife corridors.

My Vision: I want to see a Frog Hotel or an Insect Resort in every backyard. By creating these small pockets of habitat, I know we can provide a lifeline for the native bees, lizards, and birds that call our local areas home.

Moving from “Learning” to “Doing”

The most important shift I’m pushing for is moving from passive learning to active stewardship.

My Vision: I want every one of my lessons and blog posts to spark a “What can I do?” moment. Whether it’s joining a local Coastcare or Bushcare group or simply choosing to plant one native shrub, I want every Australian to feel like a capable protector of our unique natural heritage.

Are you ready to join me in making 2026 a year of action? I’ve put together heaps of hands-on science activities and citizen science guides to help get you started. Just look under the Activities tab. There are also lots of free learning resources under the Education Resources tab.

December 29, 2025December 29, 2025

Kickstart 2026 with Citizen Science!

Ready to make 2026 a year of discovery, connection and impact? Dive into Citizen Science and explore real research programs happening across NSW and beyond! From backyard bird watching to coastal microplastic mapping, there’s something for everyone. Every observation helps scientists protect our amazing environment.

water colour graphic depicting the animals of some citizen science projects

Join the Great Cicada Blitz by recording insect sightings via iNaturalist.
Support freshwater turtle conservation with 1 Million Turtles.
Use the FrogID app to record frog calls — Australia’s biggest frog count!
Spot and report koalas using I Spy Koala.
Share dolphin sightings with East Coast Dolphin Watch.
Dive into waterway health with Waterbug Blitz
Help map shore microplastics with AUSMAP.
Love birds? Birds in Backyards helps track birds big and small right where you live.

Citizen Science programs help it builds huge datasets that researchers use to understand biodiversity, monitor environmental change and make better conservation decisions.

Whether you’re a seasoned nature lover or just curious, 2026 is the perfect year to step outside, start observing and become part of science in action!

December 4, 2025December 4, 2025

Where are all the Christmas beetles?

Christmas beetles Anoplognathus spp are a group of iconic Australian insects that emerge in early spring and are associated with Christmas. In the past, millions of these large, colourful beetles used to fly around in December and January.

You can become a citizen scientist and help us track Australia’s Christmas beetle population! Beetles start emerging in November and will continue to fly until late January. If you see a suspected Christmas beetle, take a photo and upload to iNaturalist.

Christmas Beetles have vibrant colours and the adults emerge close to the Christmas period. Christmas Beetles come from surrounding bush and feed on eucalyptus leaves. The larvae are white and C-shaped, similar to those of flower chafers and stag beetles and feed on grass roots.

Tips for identifying Christmas Beetle can be found on the Australian Museum website. You can also download the Xmas Beetles ID Guide mobile app.

Australian Museum

November 14, 2025November 14, 2025

Dive in and care for our coasts

There’s nothing quite like that first moment you dive beneath the surface of the water on the Great Barrier Reef. The world above dissolves into a shimmering haze, replaced by a vibrant underwater seascape alive with colour, movement. Every dive feels like entering a space where nature reveals its most intricate stories.

Recently, I had the chance to revisit this incredible living system, and as always, I was struck by the reef’s resilience and fragility. Forests of branching corals, enormous bommies shaped over centuries, curious fish weaving between them. I saw Trigger Fish fiercely protecting their nests, a Parrot Fish chasing it’d prey and a turtle cruising above the coral.

Each moment is a reminder of what’s at stake when it comes to protecting our marine environments. With Coastcare Week coming up this December, it feels like the perfect time to reflect on the role we all play in caring for the coastlines and oceans that define Australia’s identity. The Great Barrier Reef isn’t just a world-renowned natural wonder; it’s a living classroom showing us how interconnected coastal ecosystems truly are.

What Diving Teaches Us About Coastal Care

Scuba diving offers a unique window into the health of marine ecosystems. You see the effects of warming seas on coral colouration. You notice when sediment clouds visibility. You understand how critical seagrass meadows are when you watch juvenile fish sheltering among their blades.

These underwater ideas connect directly to the themes of Coastcare Week:

Every Action Ripples Outward

What happens on land eventually finds its way to the sea. Whether it’s litter, stormwater runoff or land degradation. Divers see the impact of land-based pollution first hand. Coastcare Week reminds us that coastal stewardship doesn’t start at the shoreline; it starts at home.

Local Communities Make a Difference

On the reef, you encounter countless species living together; entire community thriving on balance and cooperation. The same is true for us. Coastcare groups, citizen scientists, Indigenous ranger programs, schools, and volunteers all contribute to healthier coastlines. Every hands-on dune restoration, mangrove planting, or beach clean-up strengthens the wider system.

Education Inspires Action

Understanding leads to caring. The more people experience marine ecosystems; through diving, snorkelling, virtual excursions or classroom learning — the more empowered they become to protect them. Coastcare Week celebrates education as a key to long-term change.

Celebrating Coastcare Week on (and Beyond) the Reef

This December, Coastcare Week encourages all Australians to get involved in protecting the places we love. You don’t need fins or a tank to make a difference—you simply need curiosity, care, and a willingness to act.

Here are a few ideas inspired by my latest dive:

Join a local Coastcare event—plant native dune species, remove rubbish, or repair coastal erosion areas.
Learn about your local marine habitats—reefs, seagrasses, mangroves, and rocky shores all play a role in coastal health.
Support reef-friendly practices—choose sustainable seafood, minimise single-use plastics, and reduce chemical runoff from gardens.
Engage students and families—share resources, participate in citizen science, or explore marine themes through virtual excursions.

The Great Barrier Reef is an underwater mosaic of connection—each creature, coral colony, and current influencing the next. Coastcare Week is our chance to honour that same sense of connection above the waterline.

When we care for the coast, we care for the reef. And when we care for the reef, we care for our future.

November 7, 2025November 7, 2025

Celebrate FrogID Week 2025: Tune into Nature’s Chorus

From 7–16 November, join me and tune into the sounds of your local wetlands, gardens, and bushland to help record Australia’s incredible frog diversity. This is one of my favourite citizen science events of the year. It is simple, fun and so valuable for understanding about frog biodiversity and the health of our environment.

FrogID Week is a national event coordinated by the Australian Museum that encourages everyone to record frog calls using the free FrogID app. Each frog species has its own distinctive call, so your recording helps scientists accurately identify species and monitor where frogs are thriving — and where they might be in trouble.

By sharing your recordings, you’re contributing to a long-term database that tracks changes in frog populations across Australia. It’s an easy way to make a real difference for science and conservation — all from your backyard or local park.

How to Get Involved

You don’t need any special equipment or experience — just your ears, your curiosity, and a smartphone.

Download the FrogID app (it’s free!).
- Listen for frog calls after rain, at dusk, or at night.
- Record what you hear — the app automatically tags your location and sends your recording to experts at the Australian Museum.
- Check your results — you’ll get feedback identifying which frog species you heard!

You can record from anywhere: a bushwalk, a local pond, your backyard, or even a roadside ditch after rain. Every single call helps build a clearer picture of Australia’s frogs.

Create a frog friendly Backyard

You can encourage frogs to come to live and breed in your backyard by creating a frog friendly garden. Create a small shallow pond in an area that is partly shaded or install a Frog Hotel. You can create these habitat that supports them year-round.

Add a small pond or water dish with shallow edges.
Provide shelter with rocks, logs, or native plants.
Avoid using chemicals or pesticides — frogs are very sensitive to pollutants.
Create moist, shaded areas where frogs can hide during the day.
Keep your garden lights low at night to reduce disturbance.

Even small changes can make a big difference. Frogs will find your garden naturally once they know it’s a safe and welcoming place.

Frog Friendly Garden

Whether you live in the city, by the coast, or in the bush, there’s a good chance you’ll find a few frog friends nearby. So, step outside and tune into nature’s chorus. Record the sounds of your local frogs and be part of Australia’s biggest frog count!

September 8, 2025September 8, 2025

Celebrating 7 Years of Australian Environmental Education

This month marks a very special milestone, it’s 7 years since I started Australian Environmental Education. What started as a small idea to share my love of nature and create meaningful learning opportunities has grown into something I’m incredibly proud of.

Over the past seven years, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with schools, community groups, and families all across Australia. From backyard biodiversity to coastal habitats, from frogs and insects to oysters and bees, we’ve explored the wonders of the natural world together. Each program, excursion, and resource has been driven by a simple goal: to inspire curiosity, connection, and care for our environment.

Some highlights along the way have included:

Bringing virtual excursions to classrooms across the country, making environmental learning accessible no matter where students live.
Developing hands-on programs like Fabulous Frogs and Noises in the Night, encouraging everyone to look closely at the wildlife around them.
Sharing stories about our incredible ecosystems through blogs, talks, and workshops that invite everyone to see themselves as part of nature.
Partnering with amazing organisations and communities who share a passion for protecting and restoring our environment.

I’m also grateful for the growing community of teachers, students, parents, and citizen scientists who engage with Australian Environmental Education. Your enthusiasm and curiosity remind me why this work matters. Every conversation, every question from a curious mind, and every shared success story fuels the next step forward.

As I celebrate this 7 year milestone, I’m excited about what’s to come. There are so many more stories to tell, habitats to explore, and opportunities to empower the next generation of environmental stewards.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you’ve joined a program, read a blog, or shared a passion for nature, you’ve helped make Australian Environmental Education what it is today. Here’s to the next seven years of learning, discovery, and connection with the amazing natural world around us.

— Karen Player
Founder, Australian Environmental Education

August 12, 2025August 12, 2025

Spark Curiosity: Environmental Science made easy!

National Science Week is the perfect time to immerse students, families, and curious minds of all ages in nature-based science adventures. I’ve got some ideas below to spark your curiosity!

Dive Into Virtual Excursions & Online Classes

Even if your students can’t head outdoors, they can still journey into compelling environments:

Science trivia: 1pm on Wednesday 13 August: Test your knowledge of the ologies – a subject of study. 1pm on Thursday 14 August: Test your knowledge on the Animal Kingdom.
My Journey Beneath the Waves: Explore Sydney’s rocky reefs, kelp forests, and sponge gardens through live virtual excursions. Perfect for discovering marine biodiversity and fragile coastal ecosystems.
What’s in Your Backyard: Turn your own backyard into a science lab. Investigate local wildlife by observing animal signs and traces—learn about the creatures that call your neighbourhood home.
Life on Earth: Travel back 4.6 billion years and explore Earth’s geological history through fossils and ancient Australian animals.

Hands-On Science: Experiments at Home or School

Ignite wonder with DIY experiments using everyday materials:

Eruption Volcano: Create a mini volcano using baking soda and vinegar to simulate eruptions—scientifically fun and visually exciting.
Stra wberry DNA: Have science fun by extracting DNA from a strawberry. DNA is in the cells of every living thing and is found in structures cell called chromosomes. Discover these building blocks of life in your kitchen.

Check out these fun and educational science experiments. Create some amazing experiments using some simple household ingredients. Make sure you have an adult helping too.

Find out more

Citizen Science: contribute to real research

Empower young learners by letting them contribute to meaningful science projects. Students can engage in wildlife monitoring and environmental data collection. Many projects are supported by the Bureau of Meteorology and local institutions—perfect for hands-on learning and scientific discovery.

Find out more

CSIRO Wild Watch

CSIRO Wild Watch calls curious minds – young and young-at-heart – to connect with nature and form a nationwide team of citizen scientists. Young people, schools, community groups and families can head outdoors, observe local flora and fauna, and contribute valuable biodiversity data for Australian research.

Help track Australia’s biodiversity and add your observations to the iNaturalist app.

CSIRO Wild Watch calls curious minds

Themed Explorations: Deepen the Learning

Frame your activities around key environmental themes and integrate discussion, reflection, and action:

Biodiversity & Habitats: Activities like “Create a Frog Hotel,” “Make an Insect Hotel,” or building a wildlife garden are both science-rich and creative. Australian Environmental Education
Water & Rivers: Celebrate World Rivers Day by exploring river ecosystems and discussing river conservation. Australian Environmental Education
Threatened Species Awareness: Commemorate Threatened Species Day (September 7) by learning about endangered Australian species and brainstorming ways to protect them— perhaps even creating wildlife-friendly backyards. Australian Environmental Education

Tips for Educators, Families, and Science Champions

Blend formats: Mix hands-on experiments, virtual experiences, and video storytelling for varied and inclusive learning.
Localise the science: Use backyard observations or citizen science tied to your region to make content personally relevant.
Extend into cross-curriculum links: These activities align beautifully with environmental studies, Earth science, literacy, and creative arts.
Share the excitement: Encourage students to present findings via posters, presentations, or online platforms like blogs or class socials.

National Science Week is a celebration of curiosity, discovery, and environmental stewardship. With these dynamic resources you can inspire a love of science, empower learners of all ages, and nurture the next generation of environmental explorers.

July 30, 2025August 1, 2025

The Forgotten Reefs: Teacher professional development session

The NSW Oyster Reef Restoration and Research Project is learning more about the ecology of oyster reefs and restoring these unique marine habitats so they can do their job again – naturally. I have had the pleasure to work with the team to develop a series of education resources highlighting shellfish reefs and the restoration project.

Shellfish Reefs:

Graphic on how shellfish reef benefit the environment

The three learning packages explore shellfish reefs across NSW, their ecological importance, and efforts to restore them. The learning packages not only include information a wealth of information focused on oyster reefs, but also provide opportunities to engage students with interactive learning experiences through excursions, fieldwork, hands-on activities, and extension tasks.

Some activities are designed to complement an excursion to the travelling ‘Bidhiinja – Restoring Our Oyster Reefs’ exhibition. Other excursion and fieldwork activities have been included if you live too far away from an exhibition location or are unable to visit.

Teacher professional development webinar

During the session teachers will learn about the new education resources the Forgotten Reefs that have been developed through this project for primary and high school students. The webinar will provide the following:

Background on the NSW Oyster Reef Restoration and Research Project
The importance of oyster reefs
Tips on how to use the new learning packages

Forgotten Reefs webinar promotion image showing oysters cleaning water

Live webinar at 3.30pm on Thursday 7 August AEST

Find out more about the NSW Oyster Reef Restoration and Research Project

Learn more

The Forgotten Reefs learning packages were funded by the NSW Government through the Marine Estate Management Strategy, which aims to deliver a healthy coast and sea, managed for the greatest wellbeing of the community, now and into the future.

July 8, 2025July 8, 2025

Plastic Free July

Join millions of people reducing their plastic waste this July. Plastic Free July is important because it encourages people worldwide to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics, contributing to cleaner streets, oceans, and communities. By participating, individuals can make simple changes that reduces plastic waste and its harmful effects on the environment, wildlife and human health.

Tips to reduce plastic waste and to prevent ocean pollution: sustainable lifestyle, environmental protection and zero waste concept infographic — © elenabsl

Be part of Plastic Free July by pledging to refuse single-use plastics?

The website is full of great ideas to make it easy for you to make changes in all parts of your life.

One change can make a big difference

Plastic free July website

Australians are embracing sustainable living in their daily lives and want to transition to hosting a sustainable events. If you’re planning to throw a celebration that leaves a minimal environmental footprint, we’ve got you covered. In this post, we’ll guide you through the steps to put on a sustainable party.

How to host a sustainable party

Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution. By part of the change!