Yellow-rumped warbler, Ring-necked duck, and Eastern Phoebe were among the first-of-the-year sightings at Niagara College’s Bioblitz.
The 10th annual event welcomed a record number of nature lovers and citizen scientists – over 170 – to the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Many NC alumni from the School of Environment and Horticulture returned to help identify and catalogue species.
The milestone Bioblitz followed the launch of NC’s Sustainability Plan, A Time for Action. Aligned with the plan, the College enhanced the event with more land-based learning opportunities to support the exchange of traditional ecological knowledge.
The event also supports the biodiversity goals of the Sustainability Plan, and a way to elevate the value of biodiversity and critical ecological services.
Participants took part in a hike focused on Indigenous bird knowledge led by Creators Garden.
Indigenous Education & Transition Coordinator, Sandra Mandamin popped Manoomin by the fire for participants to enjoy, sharing teachings on its harvest, preparation and cultural significance for the Anishinaabeg people. Mandamin shared a video of her grandmother collecting wild rice from the 1960s.
Karl Dockstader, Indigenous Education, Cultural Advisor offered a teaching through the song about the passenger pigeon.
Emma Gizzarelli of Jacob & Co Designs led an Indigenous beading workshop.
Community organizations were in attendance, including Niagara Geopark, Landcare Niagara, ArborSTC and Xerces Society and local nature clubs.
Be sure to check out the NC Engage app for future Sustainability events, including an upcoming Wellness Walk in May.
