Ribbons of Blue
Ribbons of Blue is a water quality awareness program that involves schools and community groups in monitoring local water bodies. This project provides water quality testing, community education and outreach regarding water quality and catchment health and is supported by the Shire of Manjimup.
The Ribbons of Blue program is a long-running environmental education and citizen science initiative in Western Australia that engages schools and community groups in monitoring and protecting local waterways. Established in the 1980s, the project aims to raise awareness of waterway health, promote sustainable catchment management, and collect valuable water quality data across the state.
Participants learn scientific methods for testing physical, chemical, and biological indicators of water quality, including temperature, pH, salinity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and nutrient levels. Data collected helps identify pollution sources, track seasonal changes, and assess the impacts of land use on rivers, wetlands, and estuaries. The program also encourages habitat restoration, riparian planting, and community stewardship of local environments.
Through hands-on learning and collaboration, Ribbons of Blue fosters environmental responsibility and builds long-term understanding of aquatic ecosystems. It continues to play a vital role in supporting waterway conservation and connecting people with the natural landscapes of Western Australia.
Contact wendy.eiby@warrencc.org.au for more information about this project.