BioBlitz
In partnership with the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region, Arrowsmith Naturalists is conducting monthly bioblitzes in the Oceanside area.
What is a Bioblitz?
- A bioblitz is a short outing to a natural spot with the aim of identifying and recording as many species as possible within a few hours. It is a citizen science initiative that yields useful scientific data on biodiversity in our area. Species observed are documented in iNaturalist.
Why do them?
- Bioblitzes contribute scientific data on biodiversity within the Biosphere Region in support of MABR
- They provide a fun opportunity for naturalists of all skill levels to practice their species ID skills and learn more about nature in our area
How do Arrowsmith Naturalists Bioblitzes work?
- We gather on the 2nd Thursday of each month at a specified site within the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region (sites vary each month)
- New participants are instructed on how to use the iNaturalist app on their phone as required
- Participants split into groups of 2-4 people and each surveys a different area of the site for the next 2-3 hours
- Opportunities will be provided for those with mobility issues to participate with shorter routes and easier walking
- For each natural species they see, participants take a photo with their phone using the iNaturalist app (which will help you ID)
- iNaturalist observations are uploaded to predefined projects established for each bioblitz
- A full record of all observations and statistics for each bioblitz will be available on iNaturalist
Upcoming Bioblitzes:
- Thursday, August 13th at the Mariner Way side of the Englishman River Estuary Nature Preserve at 1 pm (low tide)
- Thursday September 10th – location TBD
Arrowsmith Naturalists
Mailing Address
Box 1542 Parksville, B.C. V9P 2H4
