The free, family-friendly, 2nd annual BioBlitz will bring together more than a dozen research experts and as many as 150 public volunteers, as “citizen scientists,” to survey wetland sites in small groups in the park.
What is a BioBlitz?
A good place to start is to watch a 2 minute video produced by the Canadian Wildlife Federation about BioBlitz Canada 150.
The free, family-friendly, 2nd annual BioBlitz will bring together more than a dozen research experts and as many as 150 public volunteers, as “citizen scientists,” to survey wetland sites in small groups in the park. Data for four different types of amphibians will be observed, recorded, and uploaded. These amphibians are important indicator species of a healthy environment and part of a long term ecological integrity monitoring program. BioBlitz Basecamp “EcoKids Activities”, survey gear, leaders, refreshments and transportation to the wetlands is all provided.
For Survey Participant Registrants
You must pre-register, then sign in once you arrive at the Basecamp. You and your family or small group will team up and volunteer with scientists to survey amphibians at wetland sites in the park close to the Banff townsite. Please come well-prepared for a day outside. Survey participants must all be 10 years of age and up. We will be using the iNaturalist App and website to collect observations of amphibians in Banff. To access the iNaturalist BioBlitzBanff 2017 project, please use the following link:
http://inaturalist.ca/projects/parks-canada-bioblitz-2018-banff-bioblitz-2018-de-parcs-canada-banff
Hours: 8:45am – 4:30pm
Please download the iNaturalist App to your device and register for the project prior to the event. Feel free to practice with the app before the event!
For BioBlitz Basecamp Participants
Just show up anytime after 10:00am! Come and participate in EcoKids Activities at the Cave and Basin National Historic Site: BioBlitz in a Box, Art Jam, a mini-amphibian survey, bison interactive display, Leave No Trace activities just to name a few. Explore the upper and lower boardwalks around the hot springs, for free, and check out the Cave and Basin NHS. The entry cost into the Cave and Basin NHS $3.90 per person and free for youth 17 and under. Free entry is included with your Discovery Pass (so if you have an annual discovery pass you can come by anytime, free for up to 7 adults).
Feel free to contact the organizer with any questions:
Tina Barzo, Leader of Volunteer Engagement, Banff National Park
tina.barzo@pc.gc.ca
403-760-1329
Once you are registered you will receive confirmations and more details in regular emails right up until the event.
For other volunteer opportunities, go to: www.pc.gc.ca/banff-volunteer
Download the event info sheet or download the volunteer info sheet.