NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO – Looking for something to do this Aug. long weekend? While out in the sun, why not participate in The Nature Conservancy of Canada’s 3rd annual National Backyard BioBlitz between July 28 to August 1.
After registering, for free, for the Big Backyard BioBlitz on the Nature Conservancy website, participants will receive a step-by-step guide on how to participate, photography tips, information about species identification, and an automatic entry to win a Big Backyard BioBlitz prize pack.
Then, whether participants are out camping or enjoying a backyard barbeque, all they have to do is grab their smartphone, tablet or camera, and then head outside to search for plants, animals and insects, snap a photo and submit then for observation on the Nature Conservancy account.
“Anyone can participate. It’s a great way for people of all ages to look at nature more closely and learn about biodiversity close to home,” said Laura Robson, Science and Stewardship Manager for NCC in Ontario. “Spending time outdoors is also beneficial for our physical and mental well-being. This is a great way to connect with nature and fellow nature lovers while contributing to our collective knowledge of plants, animals, and fungi in Canada.”
From there, the Nature Conservancy website will compile critical information on species populations and locations for scientists and conservation planners, who can use this information to plan future protection and restoration efforts across the country.
“Whether you log an invasive plant like garlic mustard or a rare bird, like the red-headed woodpecker, every entry counts,” Robson said. “It can provide valuable information such as locating species outside of their usual range or where invasive species are encroaching. This information can be used to identify important habitats for protecting at-risk species.”
More than 6,500 participants logged over 36,000 observations across Canada in last year’s event. Therefore, this year, the Nature Conservancy of Canada is hoping to see if this year’s turnout will be about the same, if not, more.
