The Nature Conservancy of Canada is hosting their fourth annual Big Backyard BioBlitz until August 7th. A BioBlitz is a community-science effort to document as many species as possible within a specific area and time. 

From backyards to provincial and national parks, on lunch breaks and on vacation, participants can snap photos of the plants and animals they find around them. They then submit their observations to iNaturalist, a crowd-sourced species inventory. 

The Bioblitz provides observations to help scientists take stock of biodiversity.  

The Big Backyard BioBlitz is a family-friendly activity, no matter how much or how little people know about nature. Newbies are welcome — no expertise or biology degree required. The more we know about nature, the more we can support it. 

To join in the 2023 NCC BioBlitz, all people need is their smartphone, tablet or digital camera to take pictures and/or record the sounds of birds or other wildlife. Whether participants live in a house, apartment or condo, in a city, suburb or rural area, or simply want to go out into the forest, this event is for everyone, young and young at heart. Bioblitzers don't have to be in the wilderness to immerse themselves in nature; when we slow down and focus on the small details, even walking to the mailbox or having tea on the balcony can be an opportunity to lose ourselves in the sights and sounds of the natural world around you. 

“This is a great way to be a part of something big. You can participate while sitting on your deck, strolling through your neighbourhood, while out paddling or on a weekend hike. By documenting the wild species that you see, including plants, birds, insects, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, lichen and fungi, you’re contributing to the protection of nature by helping conservation experts take stock of local biodiversity, track rare species and tackle invasive ones,” said Kristie Wegener, director of conservation. 

You can register for the BioBlitz here.