Over 700 participants survey the Watershed for a 24-hour period
Species counts are expected to be near two thousand IDs
Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation endorse and participate in the event
Mississauga, Ontario, June 11, 2016 – Today the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), along with the Biodiversity Institute of Ontario, Bird Studies Canada, the Toronto Zoo and others are hosting this weekend’s 2016 Ontario BioBlitz: Credit River Watershed. The event takes place in the Credit River watershed, from Port Credit to the Oak Ridges Moraine, from 12:00 pm on Saturday, June 11, to 12:00 pm on Sunday, June 12. Activities were launched this morning by Daily Planet’s Dan Riskin and Mississaugas of the New Credit’s Chief Stacey LaForme.
“Public participation in the scientific process is key to effective advocacy and engaged citizens,” said Dave Ireland, Managing Director, ROM Biodiversity. “The BioBlitz program provides access to science activities, and encourages people to understand and respect nature in their backyard through hands-on, experiential learning.”
About the Ontario BioBlitz
The BioBlitz consists of three parts: the Intensive Scientific survey, the Guided BioBlitz, and a Public Festival. The event brings together taxonomic experts, citizen scientists and the general public to survey all life – plants, animals, fungi, and more. During the weekend, most participants record their wildlife findings, while some groups collect specimens for later identification. Species lists are compiled and later used by the local conservation and land management organizations, including monitoring of invasive species and species at risk.
Guided Blitzes
A regular feature are the Guided BioBlitz sessions where registered participants learn field identification techniques by working directly with scientists. During the weekend, there are nearly two-dozen Guided Blitzes covering amphibians, reptiles, multiple bird sessions, and more, including an overnight Blitz surveying bats. This year’s bat session has over 60 registrants and is led by Burton Lim, ROM Assistant Curator of Mammalogy. Guided Blitzes take place at Terra Cotta Conservation Area, Rattray Marsh Conservation Area and Riverwood.
BioBlitz participants are encouraged to use the iNaturalist Canada app, which launched at the 2015 BioBlitz, to submit wildlife sightings electronically. A global team of experts validates species identification in near real-time.
Public Programs: Naturefest
The first ever NatureFest, takes place on Saturday, June 11 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm at Riverwood. Highlights of NatureFest include: a live animal display with birds of prey, courtesy of Wild Ontario; an Ontario Species Costume Contest, where adults and children are encouraged to come dressed as their favourite species for a chance to win great prizes; as well as face painting, games, walking tours, and more.
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