Biodiversity enthusiasts, take note! The Biodiversity Institute of Ontario is again participating in the Ontario Bioblitz and we would love for you to join us for this great event. Happening May 24-25th, 2014 in the Humber Watershed, the Ontario Bioblitz is being presented by the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto Zoo, Toronto and Region and Conservation Authority, Canadian Wildlife Federation, Ontario Nature, and BIO! The event is being hosted by the McMichael Canadian Art Collection and the Kortright Centre for Conservation.
A Bioblitz is a 24 hour race against the clock, where we try to find as many species as we can in a short period of time. Just how many species are we hoping to find? “Last year’s total species count was around 1,700 species,” says Jeremy deWaard, Director of Bioinventory and Collection at BIO, and Non-Insect Invertebrate Taxon Lead for the Bioblitz. “This year we want to break the record in a big way””we hope to find at least 2,300 species!”
The Bioblitz can be a great social event for a scientist, but it is a great social event for everyone else too. Carrie Proudfoot attended the Bioblitz with her daughters last year, and they cannot wait to attend again this year. “The hike leaders were so knowledgeable and interactive, you could tell they loved the park and teaching people about nature” says Carrie. This year, the Bioblitz will have a special hands-on Guided Blitz, for those who would love to learn how to find and identify different species in nature. The Guided Blitz will take place at the Kortright Centre for Conservation.
The main Bioblitz as well as public events such as the Bioblitz Fair, an interactive display from BIO’s own BIObus, and art and nature children’s activity will all be taking place at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. Visit the website to find out more, www.ontariobioblitz.ca. You can also visit the facebook page, www.facebook.com/ontariobioblitz or follow the Bioblitz on Twitter, @OntarioBioblitz. We hope to see you there!
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