A flock of Canada Geese in Bishop’s University’s backyard. Photo by William Crooks
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is gearing up for its annual BioBlitz event, running from Aug. 1 to 5. This initiative invites local residents to participate in a large-scale biodiversity survey, collecting data on local flora and fauna using the iNaturalist platform. The event is not just an opportunity for nature enthusiasts to engage with their environment but also a vital data-gathering exercise that helps conservationists and policymakers monitor species and ecosystem health.
Jensen Edwards, NCC’s Multimedia Content Specialist, shared insights into the event’s significance in a July 25 interview. “BioBlitz is a community science initiative where people can use their camera phones to help us gather a robust snapshot of the state of nature around where they live,” Edwards explained. “This initiative not only helps in spotting common species but also plays a crucial role in identifying rare or at-risk species.”
Participants can photograph or record audio of any wildlife they encounter, uploading their observations to iNaturalist. This platform, widely used by naturalists and scientists worldwide, allows users to share their findings and receive identifications from experts. “Even if you don’t know what you’re looking at, you can upload it, and the iNaturalist community, including experts and AI tools, can help identify the species,” Edwards noted.
The event provides valuable data on local biodiversity. One of the most frequently spotted species in previous BioBlitz events has been the monarch butterfly, an endangered species. Despite its common appearance, Edwards emphasized that the presence of monarchs does not indicate a fully recovered population but rather a high level of public awareness about this iconic insect. This awareness has been bolstered by efforts to reintroduce milkweed, the plant monarchs rely on, into local habitats.
The data collected during BioBlitz events serves multiple purposes. It helps conservation organizations like the NCC and local municipalities to track the presence of both native and invasive species. For instance, observations of invasive species like Phragmites—a tall reed grass common in southern Quebec and Ontario—can prompt timely interventions to prevent their spread. Conversely, sightings of at-risk species like snapping turtles near wetlands can lead to targeted conservation efforts to protect these vulnerable populations.
Edwards also highlighted the educational aspect of the event, encouraging families and friends to participate by setting personal challenges, such as focusing on different types of organisms each day. This gamified approach not only makes the event engaging but also fosters a deeper connection with local biodiversity.
He shared a personal anecdote, mentioning a recent trip to Knowlton where he captured a quiet moment filled with birdsong. A friend identified some bird species just by hearing their calls, illustrating how both sight and sound are valuable in documenting wildlife. Edwards noted the existence of apps like Merlin, which can identify bird species from their calls, akin to a “Shazam for birds.”
Additionally, Edwards mentioned that iNaturalist also has a children’s app that doesn’t collect geolocation data, ensuring privacy and safety for younger participants. Both the main iNaturalist app and the children’s version utilize artificial intelligence for species identification, similar to how photo recognition works on smartphones.
The BioBlitz event is open to everyone. Participants can contribute to valuable scientific research while enjoying the outdoors and learning more about their natural surroundings. For more information, visit the NCC’s website or the iNaturalist platform.