COCHRANE - For the fourth consecutive year, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is inviting Canadians to participate in the Big Backyard BioBlitz from Aug. 3 to 7 – a country-wide initiative that tasks citizen scientists with recording as many species as they can spot in a specified area and time.
Observations can be made in all locations, including backyards, national and provincial parks, or even on a walk around the block. According to the NCC, the BioBlitz is a family-friendly event that allows all people to participate, regardless of how much education they have in the field of nature sciences.
The NCC’s press release mentioned that observations can help scientists assess local biodiversity, as well as keep an eye on rare species or ones that may be invasive. Through the BioBlitz, the conservancy will assemble the findings that scientists and conservation planers will be able to access. This information can help them in designing restoration efforts and tactics, or determining future protections that may be necessary.
Director of Conservation, Kristie Wegener, said the BioBlitz is an opportunity for Canadians to participate in something that will help in the protection of their natural habitats.
“This is a great way to be a part of something big,” she said. “You can participate while sitting on your deck, strolling through your neighbourhood, while out paddling or on a weekend hike. By documenting the wild species that you see, including plants, birds, insects, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, lichen and fungi, you’re contributing to the protection of nature by helping conservation experts take stock of local biodiversity, track rare species and tackle invasive ones.”
Multimedia content specialist for the NCC, Jensen Edwards, said that going outside and taking a closer look at nature can foster a deeper connection to the world and the local natural environment.
Edwards emphasized the conservancy wants Canadians to recognize the abundance of nature that can be found right outside their homes.
“When you get outside and start looking at nature through a more close up lens, you might start to build more of an appreciation for what’s around you,” he said. “We’re not encouraging people to go out to the biggest national park, it’s really [just taking] a second to take in all of the variety of life that’s right outside your doorstep.”
According to the NCC’s press release, 9,100 participants took part in last year’s blitz, logging 53,000 wildlife and plant observations coats to coast. Of that, more than 5,300 species were documented.
The only technology Canadians need to participate in the BioBlitz is a smartphone, tablet, or digital camera to take photos of species or record noises that can be heard in nature. Those who wish to participate can register at backyardbioblitz.ca.
The NCC states that once registered, step-by-step instructions will be provided to participants and will include photography tips and information regarding species identification.
