Yellow-spotted salamander, trumpeter swans, American coots and chorus frogs were among the interesting species identified by nature lovers at Niagara College’s eighth annual Spring Bioblitz.
The annual event drew over 120 scientists, community members and amateur enthusiasts to NC’s living lab: the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The group collaborated with students and faculty to identify and catalogue as many plant and animal specials as possible in support of biodiversity monitoring.
The program included bird and insect hikes, fly-making and fly-casting, a community clean-up, and a campfire with NC’s Indigenous Education. The family-friendly day had a variety of programming for kids too.
“All of the hikes and activities were well-attended, with one of the highlights being the campfire with Karl and Aria – it was amazing,” said Wilkinson. “Some of the interesting species we saw was a marsh wren, yellow-spotted salamander, cut-leaved toothwort, trumpeter swans, American coots, chorus frogs, mourning cloak, and many more!”
Around the campfire, Aria D’alimonte, Land Based & Events Coordinator for Indigenous Education, made cedar tea and talked about its medicinal benefits. The group also discussed sustainable foraging.
Indigenous Education and Cultural Consultant Karl Dockstader told the stories of the pigeon dance social song and robin dance social song.
“There was a time when the skies were lined with passenger pigeons – and they would even help us tell when the seasons are changing,” explained Dockstader. “Because of overhunting, this friend of ours is now extinct. We still honour the passenger pigeon with our pigeon dance social song.”
The children who attended joined Dockstader in thanking the robin through singing and dancing the robin dance social song.
“The return of our friend the robin is one of the classic signs of spring time,” said Dockstader.
Carly Sutherland, Employee Engagement & Events Coordinator in COE, was in attendance for the third time, joined by her daughter Ellia, aged six. Together, they spotted an elusive Dekay’s brown snake.
“Bioblitz is such a great way to welcome spring,” explained Sutherland, who explored the wetlands path with a nature bingo card. “We ended up seeing so much wildlife up close – turtles in our path, tiny snakes out sunning, swans, frogs, and even a muskrat… just being on the land provides such great natural opportunities for learning for kids and adults alike. The birding and photography possibilities are also incredibly plentiful out there and it was great to see folks of all ages coming out to enjoy their passions and various aspects of the day. We appreciate the efforts of the Office of Sustainability in putting together such a fantastic College and community event.”
Danny Cvetanovic and NCSAC served up barbeque treats for all those in attendance.
“Our long-standing attendees were very impressed,” said Wilkinson.
