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
BioBlitz Scedule
| 2026 | |||
| June | 12 | Hamilton Marsh | 9:30 AM |
| July | 9 | Little Qualicum Falls | 9:00 AM |
| August | 13 | Englishman River Estuary – Mariner Way | 1:00 PM |
| September | 10 | Top Bridge | 1:00 PM |
| October | 8 | Little Qualicum Hatchery | 10:00 AM |
| November | 12 | Enos Lake (changed) | 1:30 PM |
| December | 10 | Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park | 1:30 PM |
| 2027 | |||
| January | 14 | French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve | 1:30 PM |
| February | 11 | Moorecroft Regional Park | 2:00 PM |
| March | 11 | Beachcomber Regional Park & tide pools | 1:30 PM |
| April | 8 | Notch Hill | 9:30 AM |
| May | 13 | Malcom Community Park – Steves Loop | 9:30 AM |
| June | 10 | Summit & Loon Lakes | 9:30 AM |
Other Candidates
| Catherdral Grove |
| Cameron Lake |
| Craig Creek |
| Dudley Marsh |
| Englishman River Clay Banks trails |
| Englishman River Estuary – Shelly Road |
| Englishman River Estuary – Plummer Road trail |
| Englishman River Falls Provincial Park |
| Enos Lake |
| Grandon Creek |
| Heritage Forest |
| Little Mountain Lookout |
| Little Mountain Lower Trails |
| Little Qualicum Estuary |
| Little Qualicum River from Kinkade Road South End |
| Mulner Gardens |
| Nanoose Bay trails south of Rocking Horse Pub |
| Pheasant Glen trails |
| Qualicum Beach Civic Centre Forest |
| Spider Lake Provincial Park |
| Springwood Park/Parksville Wetlands |
| Top Bridge |
| Upper French Creek trails near Coombs |
Arrowsmith Naturalists
Mailing Address
Box 1542 Parksville, B.C. V9P 2H4
