By Lisa Houle | August 17, 2023
Your smartphone or camera can be a handy tool to help protect BC’s biodiversity. This Labour Day weekend – wherever you go to enjoy the great outdoors in BC – snap some photos and join us on iNaturalist for ISCBC’s End of Summer BioBlitz September 2nd – 4th!
Allison McCabe, Horticulturist and ISCBC’s Senior Lead of Outreach, is organizing this BioBlitz. She’s urging you to get outside this long weekend, spend some time in your favourite nature spots, appreciate the local flora and fauna – and keep an eye out for invasive species!
Labour Day Weekend is the last long weekend of the summer. Whether you are making the most of it by camping, boating, hiking, or sticking close to home, when you pay close attention to the plants and animals all around you, you’re taking part in community science – playing a vital role in our understanding of native biodiversity and tracking new infestations of invasive species. Protect your favourite summer spots this summer by taking photos and uploading them to our project on iNaturalist. If you see any unusual plants or weeds, be sure to also upload them to the Province’s Report Invasives App which go directly to provincial invasive species experts who will follow up as needed.
“The more people living throughout B.C. involved with reporting and observing invasive species impacting our province the better. We encourage everyone to participate!” says Allison.
What is a BioBlitz?
A BioBlitz is an event where people sign up to voluntarily observe and report as many species as possible within a chosen location and time. Just head outside and take photos of plants and animals, then share them on a project page. You don’t have to be a professional photographer or a biologist to take part – everyone is welcome to join!
Want to get involved but need a few pointers on how to start?
To prepare for the BioBlitz, register for our free eLearning courses on Invasives 101 to identify invasive plants and animals and learn Observing and Reporting techniques.
If this is your first BioBlitz and you’re unsure how to use iNaturalist, join us for a free 30-minute lunch and learn webinar on Wednesday, August 30 or watch the recorded version afterward if you’re not able to attend the main session. We’ll walk you through joining the project and give you some pointers for taking some research-grade photographs.
Or, if you just need a quick refresher, watch our short video to get you started. Then head to ISCBC’s project page on iNaturalist and sign up to take part.
Join us on September 2nd, 3rd, and 4th and show us your observations of native and invasive species. By participating in ISCBC’s End of Summer BioBlitz, you will be entered in a draw for your chance to win one of four prize packs including a bucket hat, water bottle, and a selection of our beloved Artist Series stickers. Top reporters on those days also get bragging rights! During the BioBlitz, use the hashtag #ISCBC and tell others why you choose to report.
Looking forward to seeing you – and your observations – soon!
Lisa is a Communications and Outreach Coordinator at ISCBC. She values a diverse environment and connecting with others about environmental protection. In her spare time Lisa enjoys spending time at the ocean and beach combing for sea glass. You can reach Lisa at lhoule@bcinvasives.ca
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