Local News
Southern Manitobans invited to join national nature challenge
Whether a biologist, bird-lover, or someone who just wants to get outside, a national contest is inviting Canadians to connect with nature—right from their own backyards. The Nature Conservancy of Canada's (NCC) Big Backyard BioBlitz has returned for its fifth year and is asking southern Manitobans to photograph different plants and animals and share their findings online. Participants can do so via the iNaturalist app, which not only works for uploading pictures and audio recordings of birds and plants, but for "downloading" new information to curious minds. "When you take a picture of different birds... or plants, the app will help identify (it)," says Andrew Holland, media relations director with NCC. "Once you post it, researchers can confirm what it is that you've shared." "This is meant for everybody" Not only is BioBlitz fun to participate in, but Holland says it contributes to a scientific end. "Crowdsourced information is becoming more and more important to help track the movement of plants, the dispersal of plants, invasive species, infestations in areas where they don't belong, and where they need to be addressed," he says. "(It) also helps track migration of birds, or turtles, or different wildlife in areas where maybe we're not accustomed to seeing them." The BioBlitz began Monday and will run up to August 4. Holland says it's the first time the event has lasted an entire week and hopes different groups of people—including workplaces—will take advantage of it. "This is meant for everybody. It's meant to be fun for people, and to get people out in nature because the more they experience the outdoors and spend time in it, the more they're going to be interested in caring for it and conserving it," he says. Learn more Learning activities for younger naturalists are available on the BioBlitz website's Kids' Corner such as scavenger hunt bingo, word searches, colouring activities and more. Participants could win a prize. To learn more and register, visit backyardbioblitz.ca. Written with files from Judy Peters