Wonder what it would be like to be a ‘citizen scientist’ for a day?
Find out on Thursday, November 1 at Niagara College’s fall BioBlitz – with special guests from the World Wildlife Fund.
Staff, students and the general public are all welcome to attend the event, between noon and 6 p.m. at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus. Organized by the College’s Office of Sustainability, the BioBlitz aims to help participants connect with the outdoors while identifying plants and animal species for the College’s biodiversity inventory.
“Our bi-annual BioBlitz events provide students, staff, and the community an opportunity to connect with nature on a deeper level and learn about all of the wildlife they have right in their backyards,” said Amber Schmucker, sustainability engagement officer. “It provides NC students and staff an opportunity to not only learn, but also participate in a valuable citizen science initiative that informs our biodiversity programs on campus.”
Expert scientists will lead citizen scientists on hikes around the property while identifying and cataloging the bugs, birds, amphibians, mammals and plants.
The World Wildlife Fund’s lead specialist in species conservation will be on site for the day’s activities, along with other WWF employees, focusing on the importance of species conservation on campus. They will lead a General Identification Hike and Tour of NC’s Pollinator Gardens, beginning at noon.
Keep your sneakers laced up – there plenty of more hikes to participate in. Hiking 101 will help you get acquainted with the activity with a picturesque walk along the Wetland Ridge Trail with a member of the Friends of the Bruce Trail (2-3 p.m.). They aim to encourage participant to get out and hike the Bruce Trail that runs along the Niagara Escarpment and, as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, has significant biodiversity.
Interested in learning more about birds? NC grads will help you ‘spread your wings’ with an Introduction to Birding hike (5-6 p.m.). Or turn over a new leaf and a Plant Identification Walk with the student-led NC chapter of the Society for Ecological Restoration (3-4 p.m.).
For a stepping stone to discovering outdoor activities the Niagara region has to offer, don’t miss the Ontario Access Coalition’s Climbing and Bouldering Talk (1-2 p.m.).
While the College’s main BioBlitz takes place during the spring, the mini fall BioBlitz aims to help prepare participants for the larger event.
The mini fall BioBlitz will take place rain/snow or shine.
The event is free and everyone is welcome to participate. Swing by for a single activity or for the duration of the six-hour event.
UPDATE: With rain in the forecast for BioBlitz Day, the meeting location has been changed to from the entrance to the Wetland Ridge trail to the SAC Activity room (inside the cafeteria, N002a). Indoor activities have been added to the event make your own winter bird feeder, and make your own paracord bracelet). Head to the SAC Activity room to find out more!
Students may RSVP (optional) by visiting the Get Involved Portal (getinvolved.niagaracollege.ca/actioncenter/organization/sustainability/events/calendar/details/85477)
Questions? Email Amber Schmucker at [email protected]).
Fall BioBlitz schedule
The meeting location for all activities will begin in the SAC Activity room. Indoor activities have been added as well. Swing by the SAC Activity room (room N002a inside the cafeteria).
Noon to 1 p.m. General Identification Hike & Tour of Pollinator Gardens with WWF
1-2 p.m. Ontario Access Coalition Climbing and Bouldering Talk
2-3 p.m. Hiking 101 – Introduction to hiking in Niagara and beyond with Friends of the Bruce Trail
3-4 p.m. Plant Identification Hike with the Society for Ecological Restoration
4-5 p.m. General Identification Hike
5-6 p.m. Introduction to Birding Hike
