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.
