FLAGSHIP BIOBLITZES

Bioblitz Canada 150's biggest events, by the Canadian Wildlife Federation and partner hosts in each region

VANCOUVER: Stanley Park August 12-13

This bioblitz brings together scientists, naturalists, taxonomic experts and the general public of all ages to inventory as many species as possible in Stanley Park over a 24-hour period. Surveys have been established and will start from various locations in the park. On Saturday, there will also be a festival with environmental organizations offering information and nature-exploration activities for all ages. Hosted by: Stanley Park Ecology Society, Vancouver Aquarium, Science World, Marine Life Sanctuaries Society.

REGINA: Wascana Centre June 9-10

Wascana Centre is a 930-hectare park in the heart of Regina, making it one of the largest urban parks in Canada. This event, focused in the nine-hectare conservation area, will help connect the urban community with nature found right on their doorstep. In this 24-hour event, community members will be invited to help collect data alongside the experts as they work, as well as participate in a variety of entertaining activities suitable for the entire family. Ongoing studies of Wascana’s plants, birds and reptiles will be highlighted, with a special focus on increasing understanding of the insect and fish species in the park. Hosted by: Royal Saskatchewan Museum, Wascana Centre Authority, Friends of the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, Friends of Wascana Marsh, Nature Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Science Centre, Saskatchewan Breeding Bird Atlas, Bird Studies Canada.

TORONTO: Rouge National Urban Park June 24-25

Following on the great Rouge bioblitz of 2013 (1,750 species counted), this year the focus will be on doing the first-ever intensive survey of the 17 square kilometres of land being added as a part of the Rouge National Urban Park Act. Registration is open for scientists and skilled naturalists and for folks of all ages wanting to learn more about identifying diverse species and field work. The base camp festival will feature fun family activities and entertainment on Saturday, June 24, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hosted by: Parks Canada, Rouge National Urban Park, Royal Ontario Museum, The Toronto Zoo, Toronto Region Conservation Authority, Centre for Biodiversity Genomics.

QUEBEC CITY: Centre de plein air de Beauport September 1-2

The Beauport Outdoor Centre is nestled in a protected woods just 7 km from downtown Quebec City, not far from the iconic Montmorency Falls. The bioblitz will be a fun day for rookie and experienced naturalists alike to explore and catalogue its rich ecosystem and abundant wetland. Hosted by: G3E Education and Water Monitoring Action Group, Mountain Equipment Co-op, City of Quebec, OBV Charlevoix-montmorency (the local watershed organization), Cégep de Ste-foy.

HALIFAX: check bioblitzcanada.ca for date

An event is scheduled but had not been finalized by press time. Hosted by: Ecology Action Centre, local universities, Nova Scotia Department of the Environment, naturalists and outdoors clubs, and others.